The Governess of Penwythe Hall
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- USD 11.99
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- USD 11.99
Publisher Description
A governess must return to the Cornish coast amid the insidious rumors of murder that forced her away in this Regency romance. Set in the same time period as Poldark and Bridgerton, The Governess of Penwythe Hall is rich with family secrets, lingering danger, and the captivating allure of new love.
Cornwall, England, 1811: Blamed for her husband’s death, Cordelia Greythorne fled Cornwall and accepted a governess position to begin a new life. Years later her employer’s unexpected death and his last request for Delia to watch over his five children force her to reevaluate. She can’t abandon the children now that they’ve lost both parents, but their new guardian lives at the timeworn Penwythe Hall . . . back on the Cornish coast where she’s been warned never to return.
Bachelor Jac Twethewey is determined to revive Penwythe Hall’s once-flourishing apple orchards, and he’ll stop at nothing to see his struggling estate profitable again. He hasn’t heard from his elder brother in years, so when his nieces, nephews, and their governess arrive unannounced, he battles both grief at his brother’s death and bewilderment over this sudden responsibility.
Jac’s priorities shift as the children take up residence in the ancient halls, but their secretive governess—and the sinister mysteries shrouding her past—might be the end to both Jac and Delia’s carefully laid plans.
Praise for The Governess of Penwythe Hall:
“Brimming with dangerous secrets, rich characters, and the hauntingly beautiful descriptions Sarah Ladd handles so well, 1800s Cornwall is brought vividly to life in this well-crafted tale that kept me glued to the pages. What a brilliant start to a new series!”—Abigail Wilson, author of Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey
“Absolutely captivating! Once I started reading, I couldn’t put down The Governess of Penwythe Hall. This blend of Jane Eyre, Jane Austen, and Jamaica Inn has it all. Intrigue. Danger. Poignant moments. And best of all a sweet, sweet love story. This is by far my favorite Sarah Ladd book. Don’t hesitate to snatch up this title!”—Michelle Griep, Christy Award–winning author
Full-length Regency romanceFirst book in the Cornwall novels (The Governess of Penwythe Hall, The Thief of Lanwyn Manor, and The Light at Wyndcliff), but can be read as a stand-alone storyBook length: 94,000 wordsIncludes discussion questions for book clubs
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
A governess must return to her hometown and the insidious rumors that forced her away in this thrilling first installment to the Regency-era Cornwall series from Ladd (The Weaver's Daughter). After Delia Greyhorne's husband is killed while smuggling stolen goods into Morisea, England, her powerful mother-in-law starts to question Delia's loyalty and runs her out of town. Frightened by her mother-in-law's warnings to never return, Delia prays for guidance and takes a position as a governess to five children in faraway Yorkshire. However, things change drastically when the children are suddenly orphaned after their father, Randall Twethewey, is killed in a horse riding accident. To the surprise of all, Randall's will hands them over to his estranged brother, Jac Twethewey. Delia does her best to ease the children into life at Penwythe Hall (which is uncomfortably close to Cornwall) and proves to be a fine teacher, particularly regarding the children's religious education. But Jac's risky investments in apple orchards make the transition difficult, even as Delia and Jac become closer. Then, just as Delia begins to enjoy her new life, her in-laws learn she is again living nearby, forcing her to confront her past and right her reputation. The rousing plot and organic faith elements elevate this enjoyable inspirational romance above similar Regency fare.
