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The second book in the beloved Regency romance series, The Treasures of Surrey. Isabel Creston never dared to dream that love could be hers. Now, at the edge of a forest filled with dark secrets, she faces a fateful choice between love and duty. For as long as she can remember, beautiful and free-spirited Isabel has strained against the rules and rigidity of the Fellsworth School in the rolling English countryside. No longer a student, Isabel set her sights on a steady role as a teacher at the school, a safe yet stifling establishment that would enable her to care for her younger sister Lizzie, who was left in her care after her father's death. The unexpected arrival of a stranger with news of unknown relatives turns Isabel's small, predictable world upside down, sweeping her and her young charge into a labyrinth of intrigue and hidden motives. At her new family's invitation, Isabel and Lizzie relocate to Emberwilde, a sprawling estate adjacent to a vast, mysterious wood rife with rumors and ominous folklore-along with whispers of something far more sinister. Perhaps even more startling, two handsome men begin pursuing Isabel, forcing her to learn the delicate dance between attraction, the intricate rules of courtship, and the hopes of her heart. At Emberwilde Isabel will discover that the key to unlocking the mystery of her past may also open the door to her future and security. But first she must find it-in the depths of Emberwilde Forest.… (more)
User reviews
Colin Galloway is the local magistrate for Northrup. He owns Darbenton Court (a nearby estate) and is also a lawyer. Colin is a friend of Charles Ellison (Margaret’s husband). Margaret cannot stand having him around. She feels that Colin lead Freddie (their son) to his death (died during the war). Margaret makes sure to criticize Isabel whenever she talks or looks at Colin (odd behavior from Aunt Margaret). Colin is busy investigating smuggling going on in Emberwilde Forest. Smuggling has been a serious problem lately and Colin is determined to catch the culprits. Aunt Margaret keeps pushing Mr. Bradford encouraging his interest until he proposes. But, Isabel does not trust Mr. Bradford. What happens when Isabel turns down Mr. Bradford? Why is Aunt Margaret determined to wed Isabel off to him? Who is behind the smuggling? You will have to read Dawn at Emberwilde to find out.
Dawn at Emberwilde is a lovely, Christian romance novel. I liked the characters and the setting. There seemed to be a lack of chemistry (between Colin and Isabel) for the romance portion of the book (you could tell they liked each other, but that was about it). I enjoyed the two mysteries (I cannot help that I love puzzles), but they were simple and easy to figure out (good addition to the story though). It is an easy book to read (and well written) and can be finished in a few hours. The pace is a wee bit slow (for the first 200 or so pages) and it was hard to get into this story. This is one of those books that I read and liked, but I was never fully drawn into the novel. I give Dawn at Emberwilde 4 out of 5 stars. Dawn at Emberwilde has a sweet ending (things happen quickly at the end of the book) that will make you smile (who doesn’t love a happy ending even if it is predictable). I will be reading more of Sarah E. Ladd’s books in the future.
I received a complimentary copy of Dawn at Emberwilde from NetGalley, BookLook Bloggers, and the author in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.
Dawn at Emberwilde by Sarah E. Ladd, © 2016
A Treasure of Surrey Novel, Book 2
Sarah Ladd's stories are so riveting!
Fellsworth School
Surrey, England, 1817
My name is Isabel Creston. My younger sister Lizzie and I live at the Fellsworth School. I am called one morning to Mr.
I must leave my dear friend, Mary. I discover a small package and note from her enclosed in my bag upon opening it in the bedchamber set aside for me.
"... Remember, with each new dawn seek guidance, and with each night give gratitude. For there, is a divine plan for each of our lives, and a journey, and you have started yours."
How will I ever forget her? I am sure I will not. Along with guidance, I will be missing our talks together. She has included a hand-stitched sampler:
My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord;
in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee,
and will look up.
I immediately find that my aunt and uncle have plans for me to wed advisably, but I am quite content as I am. One day, yes, I hope to marry, but only for love and not "arranged" as my cousin is betrothed. Rules and expectations are so different here. Routine so unaccustomed from what I have known.
She had expected everything to change upon coming to Emberwilde, but she had not anticipated such alterations to her heart.
--Dawn at Emberwilde, 230
Suspense, uncertainty of trust, meeting a blending of character not always apparent to those near them. Sarah Ladd has woven a story that will bring you to the brink more than once along with those wondering who and when culprits will be apprehended.
Discover Romance and Adventure in Dawn of Emberwilde. --author Sarah E. Ladd
***Thank you to TNZ Fiction Guild for including me in the book tour for Sarah E. Ladd's Dawn at Emberwilde. Her novels are so awesome! This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***
Isabel Creston has trained as a teacher following years at Fellsworth School and the death of both her parents. Charged with the guardianship of her young sister, Lizzie, Isabel is expecting a a message on her future life. But nothing prepares her for the astonishing news that family awaits her at the manor house of Emberwilde. A new life brings ease and opulence, but also danger, betrayal and a hope for love.
The setting of Dawn at Emberwilde sets the stage for mystery and intrigue. The large home harbors family secrets while the adjoining forest is feared for its storied curses. There is a definite gothic vibe going on in this novel. Main character Isabel is a quiet and seemingly compliant character, yet has an innate curiosity and a backbone developed through years of living with little money and low expectations for the future. Other characters are often not what they seem, and both Isabel and the reader must figure out just whom to trust. Fans of romance will be pleased with the love triangle that Isabel faces. A subtle faith message is woven throughout Dawn at Emberwilde — Isabel must learn to judge whom to trust based on their hearts, not on their outward appearances. I especially liked the wisdom imparted by Isabel’s friend, Mary, and hope that we will see more of her in an upcoming novel.
If you are looking for a page-turner featuring history, mystery and romance, look no further than Dawn at Emberwilde. I really liked this standalone novel, and I’m betting your will too!
Recommended.
Audience: adults.
(Thanks to Thomas Nelson and LitFuse for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Author: Sarah E. Ladd
Pages: 343
Year: 2016
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
My rating is 4 stars.
While living and working a Fellsworth School, Isabel Creston has accepted her lot in life. She is the guardian of her younger half-sister, Lizzie and hopes to soon
Once settled into their new life, Isabel begins to discover that what she thought she knew about her past may not be true. Who can she believe? Is the forest on the grounds of the estate haunted or is there something nefarious going on? She also catches the eye of two men who begin to pay her attention. She never expected to love, marry or have a family of her own. Now she has two prospects, but are they what they present themselves to be?
After a slow start, the last 100 pages or so really wrapped things up nicely. There was mystery, romance, and a few faith-filled moments to make an overall good story. I liked the details of the clothing and setting/scenery. The Regency time period is one of my favorite to read about. Isabel’s love and dedication to the care of her much younger half-sister, Lizzie, was nice to see. I liked Lizzie’s character and enjoyed her scenes in the story. As I mentioned, it took a while for me to get drawn into the story as I would have liked a little more action to take place in the first 200 pages. Isabel’s character stayed true to how God made her and didn’t change who she was or let wealth change her to be someone she was not. This book can be read as a standalone without reading the first book in the series, The Curiosity Keeper.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”