4.09.2020

The Thief of Lanwyn Manor ~ Review

The Thief of Lanwyn Manor
The Cornwall Novels #2
By Sarah E. Ladd

It is 1818 and Julia Twethewey needs a distraction for her heart's been broken and going to Cornwall, England is just she needs for a change and a chance to begin again. Unfortunately for Julia her first encounter in Cornwall is being attacked in the local pub by bandits. Coming upon the scene, Isaac Blake stops the bandits from doing more than steal the few possessions Julia has in her bag.

Isaac works hard to keep Wheal Tamsen, the mine that his brother inherited, productive and profitable but there is not enough work for all those seeking work. And with Bal Tressa shutdown indefinitely, the Lambourne family is not the most loved in the area as the mining families suffer the loss of work.  This very shutdown, in Isaac's opinion, is why Miss Twethewey was targeted. Everyone knew that the Lambournes' niece was coming for a visit.  What Isaac didn't anticipate was that Julia Twethewey was about to steal his heart.

Coming to stay with her cousin as a companion during her confinement, Julia didn't anticipate becoming the the new object of her aunt's matchmaking. And Aunt Beatrice is looking not for a match of the heart but one that will elevate Julia's social and economic standing. And in her eyes the only possible suitor worthy of her designs is Matthew Blake - Isaac's older twin brother.

Noises in the night. Missing silverware. Jewelry gone. A cousin ill. With no one else to turn to Julia finds herself confiding in Isaac. And if the answers they seek aren't discovered soon all could be lost and hearts could be broken forever.

This is the second book in Sarah E. Ladd's Cornwall series and it follows the oldest daughter as she finds her way in the world.  Julia is an interesting character who comes into her own in this book. We were introduced to Julia and the Twethewey siblings in The Governess of Penwythe Hall following the death of their father. Again there is mystery surrounding the situation and a bit of romance making for an enjoyable read. Those who have not read the first book will have no problem getting into this book as it could easily be a standalone title. An excellent read and one that would lend itself well as a book club selection.

About the Book:
In Regency England an advantageous match could set up a lady for life. 
Julia knows Matthew Blake, copper mine owner and 
very eligible bachelor, is the gentleman she should set her eyes upon. 
But why can’t she steal her gaze away from 
his younger brother, Isaac?
Cornwall, England, 1818
Julia Twethewey needs a diversion to mend her broken heart, so when her cousin invites her to Lanwyn Manor, Julia eagerly accepts. The manor is located at the heart of Cornwall’s mining industry, and as a guest Julia is swept into its intricate world. It’s not long, though, before she realizes something dark lurks within the home’s ancient halls.
As a respected mine owner’s younger son, Isaac Blake is determined to keep his late father’s legacy alive through the family business, despite his brother’s careless attitude. In order to save their livelihood—and that of the people around them—the brothers approach the master of Lanwyn Manor with plans to bolster the floundering local industry. Isaac can’t deny his attraction to the man’s charming niece, but his brother has made clear his intentions to court the lovely visitor. And Isaac knows his place.
When tragedy strikes, mysteries arise, and valuables go missing, Julia and Isaac find they are pulled together in a swirl of strange circumstances, but despite their best efforts to bow to social expectations, their hearts aren’t so keen to surrender.


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~ Blooming with Books