Title: The Letter from Briarton Park
Author: Sarah E. Ladd
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Copyright: March 1, 2022
ISBN: 978-0785246725
ASIN: B09831LP11
Format: E-Book, 336 Pages
Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Historical Fiction, Christian Historical Romance
Summary
In Regency England, one letter will alter a young woman’s fate when it summons her to Briarton Park—an ancient estate that holds the secrets of her past and the keys to her future.
Cassandra Hale grew up knowing little about her parentage, and she had made peace with the fact that she never would. But her world shifts when a shocking deathbed confession reveals a two-year-old letter from Mr. Clark, the master of Briarton Park, with hints to her family’s identity. Stung by betrayal, Cassandra travels to the village of Anston only to learn Mr. Clark has since passed away.
James Warrington is a widower and the new master of Briarton Park, where he lives with his two young daughters, his sister, and his mother-in-law. When Cassandra appears at his doorstep with a letter from the previous owner and then proceeds to assist his family in an unexpected way, he is honor bound to help uncover the answers she seeks.
The more time Cassandra spends in Anston, the more she begins to suspect not everything—or everyone—is as they seem. As details emerge, the danger surrounding her intensifies. Using wit and intuition, she must navigate the treacherous landscapes between truth and rumor and between loyalty and deception if she is to uncover the realities of her past and find the place her heart can finally call home.
Sarah Ladd’s latest Regency romance, first in the new Houses of Yorkshire series, combines mystery and intrigue with the best of historical storytelling.
Review
In 1811 England, Cassandra Hale is a strong young woman whose past is shrouded in mystery. As Mrs. Denton, the woman who raised her, lies dying, she gives her a letter written by a Mr. Clark. The cryptic letter, which was written two years before, instructs her to come to Briarton Park if she wants to learn more about her family. Suddenly, it feels as if her entire life has been a lie. Not long after, Cassandra travels north to Yorkshire, to a village called Anston, where she hopes to discover who Mr. Clark is and to have her questions answered. When she arrives, she learns that Mr. Clark has died and that the new owner of Briarton Park is Mr. James Warrington. Cassandra faces no end of mystery and danger from the moment she shows up in the village. The more they interact, the more Cassandra and James feel drawn to each other. Eventually, he agrees to help protect her from the dangers that lurk around each corner.
Sarah E. Ladd’s novels are just the right combination of romance, mystery, intrigue, and faith. The Letter from Briarton Park is no exception. In Cassandra Hale we have a capable young woman who has been forced by necessity to be strong. James Warrington is a grieving widower who lost his beloved wife and now lives with his mother-in-law and sister. When Cassandra and James come together, their chemistry is palpable. I particularly enjoyed their characterization and the romance that blossoms between them. Like Ladd’s other novels, this book is beautifully written, and the characters have such realism and depth. Another character I was fond of was James’s younger sister, Rachel, who was spirited and naive at times. This book has a great balance between romance and mystery which kept me engaged from beginning to end.
Originally featured on the History Novel Society website.
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