Friday, August 4, 2023

IN THE SHELTER OF HOLLYTHORNE HOUSE by Sarah E. Ladd, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

THE HOUSES OF YORKSHIRE #1
"He was about to see Charlotte Grey again. Face-to-face. He had no idea how she'd react . . . but he did know one thing for certain: two people did not share a romance like theirs and forget a single detail of it . . . "

Except that, Charlotte Grey was Charlotte Prior now and quite without a husband to control her every move; "Roland Prior - formidable, imposing, polarizing - was dead". Desperate to protect her infant son from those who might wish the future heir harm, Charlotte makes hasty plans to move back within the shelter of Hollythorne House, her childhood home. Ironically, her brother-in-law was already one step ahead of her, arranging a security team to accompany the small entourage, for her while she was not at all sure of Silas' motives, her deceased husband had apparently left behind a number of calculating enemies. The country estate while isolated was . . . familiar . . . and peaceful . . . and hers.

To Charlotte's complete bewilderment, none other than Anthony Welbourne is leading the watchmen commissioned to protect her while the particulars surrounding the Prior estate find resolution. The one man she fought so hard to forget, showing up in her time of need, ready to protect her with his life, if necessary. And it might become . . . necessary; greed and revenge often prove to be the most formidable of adversaries.

Beautifully written with flawless word flow, a plot tailored to perfection, this story and these characters fit together like they were always meant to be . . . together. 

SEE PAULA'S REVIEW

BackCover Blurb:
A young widow faces an uncertain future . . . until an unexpected encounter with her first love gives her heart a second chance in this Regency romance set on the Yorkshire Moors.

England, 1817—Charlotte Grey thought she had seen the last of Anthony Welbourne. Knowing her father would never consent to his only daughter marrying a man he deemed beneath their family’s station, Charlotte bid her final farewell to Anthony and vowed never to turn back. Instead, she honored her father’s wishes by marrying the wealthy Roland Prior.

Determined to put his love for Charlotte in the past, Anthony chose to immerse himself in a life full of meaning—first as a soldier fighting a war overseas, then as a member of William Walstead’s watchmen, a rugged band of men dispatched to deal with perilous situations. Fearless and persistent, he makes it his life’s focus to fight for those who can’t fight for themselves.

When Charlotte’s husband dies unexpectedly, she quickly realizes how blind she’d been to his nefarious ambitions and how many people he’d angered on his relentless quest for wealth. To protect her infant son, Henry, from those who wish him harm, she and the baby flee to Hollythorne House, her childhood home. There Charlotte comes face-to-face with her former love, who has been sent as one of the hired watchman to protect her and Henry until the details of her late husband’s estate are settled.

Anthony’s presence brings back feelings she never expected to have again, and she struggles to trust his intentions. Are the watchmen really looking after Charlotte as they claim—or are they looking to make trouble for Roland’s estate and heir? Despite the constant reminders of their past, Anthony must remain focused on the task he was hired to do. But when new threats emerge and the past collides with the present, both must decide what they are willing to risk for the chance to right old wrongs and carve out a new future . . . together.

Thomas Nelson Publishing, July 2023
Available in digital ebook, paperback, library binding, and audiobook

 

 

 

 

 

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