Dawn at Emberwilde - A Review

Published - May 2016, Thomas Nelson
Series - Treasure of Surrey Book 2
Author - Sarah E. Ladd
Title - Dawn at Emberwilde
Format - ebook, paper
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Summary from Amazon:

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.

My Thoughts:

It's been a while since I read one of Sarah Ladd's books. I've forgotten how much I enjoyed them. 

While this is book 2 in the series, it stands alone, and one does not need to have read book 1 in order to enjoy this one. I was quickly drawn into the story, and I found myself intrigued by Isabel. 

As for the two men who vie for her attention and affection, there was one I liked more than the other. I was rooting for him the entire time. 

I also enjoyed the fact that this book had a touch of mystery in it that added to the richness of the story. 

I received this book for free from BookLook Bloggers for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of: Jane Austen, Julie Klassen, Jody Hedlund

Rating - 4 stars

Heiress of Winterwood - A Review

Amelia Barrett promised her dying friend that she'd raise her newborn daughter as as her own child. With the child safely in her care, Amelia takes on a new role as mother and care-taker/guardian to the baby especially since the child's father is away at sea. When he returns, Captain Graham Sterling learns that his daughter is being raised and cared for by Amelia. When the two first meet, Amelia proposes a way that the Captain can have the best of both worlds, that is someone to care for the baby and still have his life at sea. And that way is that she and the Captain marry. For her, her motives are selfish. She would get out of an engagement where her fiancee doesn't want the baby on the property and she gets to keep Lucy. The Captain would benefit as well by becoming the Master of Winterwood, the family home that Amelia will inherit upon her marriage. Agreeing the her proposal, Graham doesn't realize that the consequences will be dire for them until Lucy is kidnapped and both Graham and Amelia must learn to trust each other and let go of whatever pride and self-reliance that they have and learn to trust that God has everything in control and will see Lucy delivered back to them.

I'd been seeing this book everywhere and being recommended by other bloggers as well as authors whose opinion I trust. I missed the opportunity to request it via Booksneeze, but was able to obtain a copy from NetGalley.

I fell in love with the cover of the book when I first saw it in a Booksneeze newsletter as an upcoming book to review. I typically don't love reading the Regency period, though I seem to read a lot of it. This book captured my attention immediately and didn't let me go. There were several nights over the past few days that I'd be up until the early hours, knowing I had to be at work the next day, because I wanted to know what was going to happen next! As far as I know, this is Sarah Ladd's debut book. But you couldn't tell it by reading it! There is enough mystery surrounding the outcome of Amelia's decisions that kept me wanting to know more. And Graham reminded me of a classic tragic hero in that he had made mistakes and was determined to overcome them and move on. I am looking forward to reading more by this author.


I received the Kindle version of the book from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Jane Austen, Downtown Abbey, Julie Klassen, Lisa Tawn Bergren, Regency Romance

Rating - 4 stars

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