Cassandra Hale grew up knowing little about her parentage, and she had made peace with the fact that she never would. But Cassandra’s 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, she 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.
Praise for The Letter from Briarton Park:
“The swoon-worthy romance of Jane Austen meets the suspense of Charlotte Bronte in Sarah Ladd’s enthralling The Letter from Briarton Park. As Cassandra navigates the mystery of her own life, it is absolutely clear that family—either of blood or heart—are where she, and we, ultimately find our home.” —Joy Callaway, international bestselling author of The Fifth Avenue Artists Society and The Greenbrier Resort
Sweet Regency romance with mystery elements
The first book in the Houses of Yorkshire series, but can be read in any order
Book length: approximately 91,000 words
Sarah E. Ladd has always loved the Regency period — the clothes, the music, the literature and the art. A college trip to England and Scotland confirmed her interest in the time period and gave her idea of what life would’ve looked like in era. It wasn’t until 2010 that Ladd began writing seriously. Shortly after, Ladd released the first book in the Whispers on the Moors series. Book one of the series, The Heiress of Winterwood, was the recipient of the 2011 ACFW Genesis Award for historical romance.
‘The one thing he did know was he would never cower to the demands of an ultimatum—from anyone.’
When Sarah Ladd’s first book, The Heiress of Winterwood debuted in 2013, the cover convinced me to buy it. And I loved it and was so happy to find a new author to follow. By the way, her covers have always been great.
Ladd really does a Regency well, too. I love the depth she adds to her characters and the mystery she includes only adds to the book’s appeal. This one was especially intriguing. Well done! Recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through Net Galley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Publication Date: March 1, 2022
Length: 353 pages
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09831LP11/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i3
Simply Susan 
Excellent review, Susan! I’m looking forward to this new series.
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