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    The Governess of Penwythe Hall
    The Governess of Penwythe Hall
    The Governess of Penwythe Hall
    Audiobook9 hours

    The Governess of Penwythe Hall

    Written by Sarah E. Ladd

    Narrated by Jude Mason

    4.5/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    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 romance
    • First 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 story
    • Book length: 94,000 words
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherThomas Nelson
    Release dateApr 16, 2019
    ISBN9780785223948
    The Governess of Penwythe Hall
    Author

    Sarah E. Ladd

    Sarah E. Ladd is an award-winning, bestselling author who 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 she began seriously writing in 2010. Since then, she has released several novels set during the Regency era. Sarah is a graduate of Ball State University and holds degrees in public relations and marketing. She lives in Indiana with her family. Visit Sarah online at SarahLadd.com; Instagram: @sarahladdauthor; Facebook: @SarahLaddAuthor; Twitter: @SarahLaddAuthor; Pinterest: @SarahLaddAuthor.  

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    Reviews for The Governess of Penwythe Hall

    4.5/5

    96 ratings19 reviews

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    • 3/5
      Great book and amazing Sarah Ladd story BUT SO MANY HOLES in the recording during impactful moments!!
    • 3/5
      It was fine. I didn't feel an attachment to the characters and didn't get a feel of attachment from the characters to each other. I felt the main female cared more about her dead husband than the main male. There was nothing objectionable and I did finish listening to it while I worked. It's not one that I would have spent time reading though. I did appreciate the author's descriptions were not the usual wording so many regency period books use.
    • 5/5
      Great plot. Well written! Descriptive portions that should go into how to write textbooks. Terrific-couldn’t-be-better reader!
    • 4/5
      4.5 stars.

      The first release in the Cornwall series, The Governess of Penwythe Hall by Sarah E. Ladd is a heartwarming Christian romance that also features a suspense element.

      Cordelia "Delia" Greythorne is a twenty-six year old widow who is governess to five children ranging in age from 6 to 14 years. The children have recently been orphaned after their father Randall Trethewey's death following a riding accident.  Randall's estranged brother Jac is now the children's guardian, which means Delia, tutor Hugh Simon and the kids must relocate from Yorkshire to Cornwall. Delia is somewhat dismayed because she will now be much too close to her former in-laws whom she has avoided in the three years since her husband's death. What will happen to Delia once the Greythorne's realize she is now close at hand? Will the children in her care adjust to their new life with their uncle Jac? And will the tender emotions that catch Delia and Jac off guard have the opportunity to flourish?

      Delia is a gentle young woman who has emerged from her own losses with a surprising independence. Despite the shocking circumstances surrounding her husband's death, the memories of his love for her are quite soothing. Taking care of the children has also been an unexpected balm on her heart and soul. Following their father's death, Delia helps the children deal with their grief as they settle into Jac's care. Although incredibly frightened of her in-laws, Delia refuses to compromise her principles until they force her hand.

      Jac deeply regrets the rift that led to the estrangement between him and his brother. Although stunned by Randall's shocking decision to name him as guardian, Jac quickly warms to his nieces and nephews. Although the children are naturally hesitant to accept him into their lives, he gradually gains their trust.  It does not take long for him to realize that nothing is more than important family, and Jac will do anything to protect the children and Delia.  Although Delia is less than forthcoming about her past, Jac respects her privacy until she has no choice but to tell him what she is hiding.

      The Governess of Penwythe Hall is an endearing romance with a gentle undercurrent of faith.  The characters are richly developed and very easy to like. The suspense aspect is well-executed but a little predictable. The romance between Delia and Jac is understated and grows naturally as they care for his nieces and nephews. Sarah E. Ladd's Cornwall series is off to a splendid beginning and readers will be impatiently awaiting future installments.
    • 5/5
      This is a beautiful story of a young woman who has lived through difficult circumstances. It reminds me that life is what you make of it, even when it doesn't go as planned.Cordelia is a governess to some adorable children who have suffered through the loss of both of their parents. She is the rock that holds the children together and she excels in her role. She has experienced heartache of her own but continues to focus and serve the children rather than get lost in her own grief.This book had me involved with the plot and characters right from the beginning. I loved the outpouring of acceptance and responsibility the adults showed to the children. They were the heroes with the love they gave the children when they needed it the most. Of course, this story is not all about the children. It is also a slow-moving love story. The timing of events and the progression of the story were perfect. It moved at a perfect pace for me.Sarah E. Ladd captured the majesty of the sea and I could see myself on the shore with the children discovering the beauty and wonder of seeing it for the first time. She described the joys and frustration of farming and starting a new orchard. From the beginning, I knew that there was a problem between Cordelia and her in-laws. They did not part on good terms. There was a mystery surrounding her husband's death. I really liked how the story was revealed a little at a time and came to a climax that was very interesting. I was invested from the beginning to the end.This story contains Christian themes and non-graphic violence.Source: I requested a copy from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
    • 4/5
      What a super start to Sarah E. Ladd's new Cornwall Novels series. It's 1808 Georgian England and this story has all the charm and chaste sweetness of a good regency romance with a thriller touch. The pace is quite relaxed for two thirds of the book and then it picks up sharply as the end nears. I eagerly await the next book in the series, "The Thief of Lanwyn Manor" which regrettably won't be out until some time in 2020. Sigh...Synopsis (from book's back cover):Cornwall was in her blood, and Delia feared she’d never escape its hold.Cornwall, England, 1811Blamed 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 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 she tries desperately to forget.Jac Trethewey 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 brother in years, so when his nieces, nephews, and their governess arrive unannounced at Penwythe Hall, he battles both grief of this 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 mystery shrouding her past—proves to be a disruption to his carefully laid plans.Rich with family secrets, lingering danger, and the captivating allure of new love, this first book in the Cornwall Novels series introduces us to the Twethewey family and their search for peace, justice, and love on the Cornish coast.
    • 5/5
      Take a trip to historical Cornwall in Sarah E. Ladd’s latest novel, The Governess of Penwythe Hall. Amidst a complicated family situation, there’s intrigue, danger, and romance aplenty—sure to please the historical-romance reader.After losing her husband and child, Cordelia Greythorne becomes the governess for the Trethewey children. When the death of their father sends them to Penwythe Hall and their estranged uncle, Jac Trethewey, Delia must confront the past she tried to escape and with Jac, determine how to proceed into the future.With the Regency charm I now expect from Ladd, The Governess of Penwythe Hall is a delight to read. I enjoyed every minute I spent within this story and look forward to continuing the series when the next book releases.I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
    • 5/5
      Wonderful. I love all the characters. I love the adults and the children. All of these people learn to live together after a lot of adversity. Each character must learn to find happiness in their own way. I look forward to many more books in this series. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
    • 5/5
      Timing is everything. Sarah E. Ladd’s Governess of Penwythe Hall has an orchard-setting cover, filled with soft spring colors. This beautiful book with nature’s long-awaited colors of olive, grass green, lilac, rose, and pink releases during blossom time here where fruit trees are abundant. Score for Thomas Nelson publishing.This was the first novel I had read by Sarah Ladd. Ladd is quite the anglophile and quickly makes the reader want to visit the moors and marshes, or at least the craggy seacoast. I do wish mightily for a map, which may be included in the final copy.This story had all the ingredients I needed for a very enjoyable tale. A young, attractive governess; a passel of children who depend on her and whom she loves; a rather unwilling, handsome guardian; and enough secondary characters to help steer the tale into interesting and dangerous waters.Besides Delia and Jac, Jac’s aunt is my favorite character. She is very insightful. She seems to understand Delia’s struggles, she loves the Lord, and she understands the importance of relationships over things or business.In short, The Governess of Penwythe Hall is a great choice if you are looking for a Regency novel of faith, fear, learning to open one’s heart to others, and facing down the giants from the past that would threaten the future. Delia especially has to figure out which relationships to build and which to cut off and how.Notable quotables:“Time reveals all, heals all. Don’t lose heart. God’s ways are not our ways.”“Sometimes, whether we like it or not, things do not happen the way we think they should.” How true. We must then rise to the occasion in maturity.“...walls alone do not make children feel safe. People do.” “People,ah,people. That’s where the real success lies.” “Fear knew no bounds and came in so many forms...”“Fear is a bitter, vile enemy. It will rob you of today’s joys and steal your strength to fight for your own purpose.”I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher through Celebrate Lit. This in no way affects my opinions, for which I am solely responsible.
    • 4/5
      The first book of a brand-new series by Sarah E. Ladd. It a story that takes you into the life of Cordelia "Delia" Greythorne. She becomes the governess to five children after their father passed away. She moves into their uncle's estate. Living in harsh conditions Cordelia has to become a very strong-willed individual. She doesn't trust people much and lives in fear always looking over her shoulder. She can't get past what had happened to her in the past. Delia runs into Jac Trethway who cares about the land he has inherited. The apple orchard may be at risk, but when he meets the governess, a tutor, and give children to arrive at his home, he becomes overwhelmed with many emotions. This is a wonderful inspirational historical fiction. The book contains many relatable topics such as suspicion, grief, romance, family and not feeling like you have a place in this world. I found this book to be a page-turner. Every page had great vivid descriptions to take you into the gardens of Penwythe to the Cornish Cliffs. The one problem I did have with this book was it was predictable. There wasn't many twists and turns to the story. Don't get me wrong, it still is a really good book, I just wish it wasn't so predictable. Maybe it is because it is book one of the series and Ladd just wanted to introduce the characters and twist and turns will happen in the next few books. I look forward to reading the next book in the series to see what happens.
    • 4/5
      I was immediately swept up in Sarah E. Ladd’s latest Regency-era romance, The Governess of Penwythe Hall. Ladd has long been a favorite of mine with her beautifully written tales of love and intrigue set in England of the early 1800s, but I think this book has got to be my all-time favorite. Why? I loved the caring young governess who fights fear to protect those she loves. Cordelia Delia Greythorne has lost so much, yet remains steadfast in her faith and loyal to her young charges. She is more than just a governess to the five Twethewey orphans. I also loved hunky hero, Jac Twethewey! He opens his home and his heart in ways that made him a true savior of his nieces and nephews. The wild Cornish coast and its environs as described by Ladd captured my imagination. The sea breezes and crashing waves, and the secretive smuggling that set it apart were vividly portrayed. The setting and storyline could have been enough for a good historical romance, but Ladd adds a faith thread that is relevant to modern readers. The destructive nature of fear and the triumph of faith are explored in The Governess of Penwythe Hall. One minor character had a great impact on main character Delia (and this reader) when she stated Faith is why I don’t fear tomorrow or the next day. I read that line at just the right time. Isn’t it cool how that works out! God’s sovereignty in the midst of the unknown was also a strong theme in the novel. The novel was very fast-paced, and at the end I couldn’t turn the pages quickly enough as the main characters faced danger with stalwart hearts.For adventure, intrigue, history, and, of course, romance, The Governess of Penwythe Hall cannot be beat! Add a timely and timeless inspirational message, and this novel is a real winner!Recommended.Audience: adults.(Thanks to Thomas Nelson for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
    • 5/5
      This book was one I found very intriguing from the beautiful landscapes to the danger and greed that brought a family pain and sorrow. It is not everyday that you meet a person who is as elegant and compassionate as Cordelia . She leaves her home after a tragic loss and amid rumors and finds a place that she will fit into. I loved how the children took to her and how at peace she seemed once she was at Penwythe Hall. The children are captivating and long for someone to want them. We can't overlook the heartbreak they have gone through. I think the connection Cordelia had with the children was one of longing to be accepted and loved. Her love for the children is evident as she protects them and surrounds them with love. Jac has taken on a big responsibility when he finds himself the caretaker of his brother's children and along with them their governess. I could just imagine the look on his face as they marched into his rather quiet place. He is already concerned about his apple orchard and now he has little children running around and a woman he knows very little about. It was interesting to see him gradually start to become attached to the children, because he didn't seem like the type who wanted children around. He is a bit unsure of Cordelia and wonders if she can be trusted. The story is surrounded by rumors of Cordelia's past and how worried she is if Jac believes them. I loved the secrets, danger and how hard it was to know who to trust. There are several surprises in the story that give it a twist. The author does a great job of keeping the suspense at a nice level and how easy it is to fall prey to well meaning people. The ending is action packed and well worth waiting for. The book is a great start to a new series and I look forward to the next installment in an enchanting series that grabs your attention right away.I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
    • 3/5
      Betrayals and love!As stories go concerning smugglers in Cornwall, a governess with a heavy secret, and a struggling landowner who finds himself suddenly a guardian to five children, this should have been a solid gratifying read.Cordelia Greythorne leaves Cornwall after her husband's death, threatened by her powerful smuggling-in-laws because she won't give them the information they desire. As she left her mother-in-law spat out, "If you’ve any sense in you, you’ll ne’er return to Cornwall. You’ve betrayed the Greythornes, and none will forget.”Cordelia spends three years away, only to find herself back in Cornwall, a mere twenty miles away from the wicked clan, continuing as a governess to honor a dying father's request.Of course the brutal family finds out about Cordelia's return. Of course she steps into danger. And then there's her developing relationship with the children's uncle and guardian, Jac Twethewey. A relationship cemented with unspoken, restrained moments of yearning and wishful glances.I did like the children, their genuine suffering, and Liam as the eldest trying to shoulder burdens beyond his experience. I also enjoyed watching his growing relationship with Jac.So after all these fine tropes coming together, I'm genuinely puzzled as to why I didn't find the story near as absorbing as the chain of events would suggest.Individually I liked all the characters. But it seems there were too many times when the narrative fell flat. I struggled with enjoyment of specific action moments and the unexceptionable inbetweens.I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
    • 4/5
      The Governess of Penwythe Hall by Sarah E. LaddLabeled a Christian book I almost set it aside as this is not my favorite genre of book. That said, I am glad I did read this story as it was well worth reading. Cordelia is a widow who finds herself working as a governess far from where she grew up. When the last of the parents of the five children in her and the tutor’s care dies they are sent back to Cornwall to live with one of their charge’s relatives. It is not an easy adjustment and much transpires between the first and last page of the book. Some of the characters that seem nice enough prove to be just the opposite and at times there are tragic and even fearsome events that occur. There is a romance that is slow growing and a delight to watch, bad people that get their comeuppance while others get away with quite a bit and an eventual happily ever after for Cordelia and the man who makes her happy. Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the ARC – This is my honest review. 4 Stars
    • 4/5
      The Governess of Penwythe Hall is a beautifully crafted novel. Cordelia “Delia” Greythorne is a strong woman who starts over after the death of her husband. She is afraid of her in-laws and she hopes that they never find her. Unfortunately, circumstances put her back in Cornwall and the inevitable happens. Delia is a likeable character who is loyal, hardworking, intelligent, and loving. You can tell she loves her young charges and wants to keep them safe. Delia is raising them to be thoughtful, caring individuals with faith in God. Jac Twethewey is a dashing man who is working hard to restore Penwythe Hall. He is not the type to make plans and order others to do the work. He is out working in the orchards every day. The arrival of more people puts a burden on his already strained finances. Sarah Ladd brought Cornwall alive for me with her writing. I could smell the sea air and see the craggy cliffs, the dangerous moors, and the beautiful Cornish coastline. Ms. Ladd gave readers lavish descriptions of this beautiful area. The romance is the type that progresses slowly (goes with the time period). We must remember that people did not express their feelings the way we do now, nor did couples get the opportunity to be alone together (that could ruin a lady’s reputation). Christian elements are woven in with the story. Jac’s Aunt Charlotte is a woman of strong faith and she was a charming addition to The Governess of Penwythe Hall. The children provide touching situation and humor especially Sophy. The mystery enhanced the story. I loved the addition of the secret and the smugglers. I could just imagine the boats bringing in their ill gotten booty onto the beach to hide in secret places along the Cornish coastline. The ending was a little rushed, but I did appreciate the epilogue. It was also interesting to learn more about apple presses and how they worked. My favorite phrase from The Governess of Penwythe Hall is “we are promised that when we rely on Him for strength, we will have what we need to face our challenges”. The Governess of Penwythe Hall has intrigue, romance, family, friendship, grief, faith and humor. This is my favorite book by Sarah E. Ladd to date. I am eager to read the next installment in The Cornwall Novels.
    • 4/5
      I enjoyed this read, but we are dealing life’s hardest facts, the loss of loved ones.Surprises happen here that I really didn’t see coming, and our Governess is a strong character who has suffered a lot of hard knocks in her life.The owner of the manor is about to receive one of the biggest surprises of his life, when his brother’s children arrive to live with him. Considering the hard feelings between the men, he is now a parent to five children.Through the author I could smell the salt air around me, and picture the sea side cliffs, that I soon felt myself stumbling over.From beginning to end this one is a page turner, you have to know how things turn out!I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review.
    • 4/5
      A slowly unfolding Regency tale of loyalty, love, and ghosts of the past, “The Governess of Penwythe Hall” contains a smattering of elements to satisfy a variety of readers. From the shadowy prologue, Sarah Ladd creates a story that is starkly somber and yet infused with surprisingly delightful moments and emotions. Echoes of “Jane Eyre” resonate throughout, highlighting the subdued tone. All things considered, I think that the cover should reflect this a bit more rather than being so bright and vibrant, but that is it is just my personal opinion, and as it is, the book jacket is nonetheless beautiful. “The Governess of Penwythe Hall” is a book that does not over-romanticize life in early nineteenth century England. Tragedies abound and affect all of the characters, from the wealthy to the working class. Death is a frequent, albeit unwelcome, visitor, leaving upheaval in its wake. To the characters’ credit, they adapt to change admirably despite the normal setbacks that occur along the way. As Charlotte Angrove, former mistress of Penwythe Hall, sagely notes, “Time reveals all, heals all. Don’t lose heart. God’s ways are not ours.” Bearing that in mind, the five children were a high point of the story for me. Ladd did well in handling their grief and the subsequent concerns and insecurities that they feel, especially as they apply to the oldest child, Liam. The uncle under whose care they find themselves, Jac Twethewey, is a landowner who works alongside his employees on the grounds, a man thrust into guardianship just as he tries to bring his plans for financially stabilizing his estate to fruition. Meanwhile, governess Cordelia (Delia) Greythorne’s mysterious past unravels one thread at a time, ultimately leading to the story’s climax. While this book is not necessarily a suspenseful page turner, it demonstrates its strength in other ways. Although the setting is a little over 200 years ago, the issues remain germane to contemporary society. Grief, loss, shifting and uncertain living arrangements, and custody disputes all continue to affect families today, and readers can learn a bit about how to minister to the children involved through Delia’s example in this story. The inescapable consequences of the past also figure prominently in the narrative, as does that common, unsettling emotion, anxiety: “Fear seemed to be the dictating force in her life, especially since the loss of her family.” After a cloudy, stormy forecast, “The Governess of Penwythe Hall” concludes as the sun finally breaks through thanks to something that Delia has learned, that we need to put our faith not in other people or in ourselves, but in God, who works all things together for good. I received a complimentary copy of this book through CelebrateLit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
    • 5/5
      What a lovely introduction to the new Cornwall series. Cordelia Greythorne is a young widow who has also buried her only child. Leaving Cornwall and all those memories behind, she takes on the position of governess in Yorkshire. What follows is a story of guardianship, embezzlement, mystery, kidnapping and even smuggling. Where there should be loyalty, questionable actions occur. Her sister says 'Faith is how you get past it'. Is it even possible to find love and forgiveness in all of this? An ARC of this wonderful book was shared with me by CelebrateLit and NetGalley. All impressions and opinions are my own.
    • 4/5
      Cordelia became a governess for a new life after her husband died. When her employer dies, she goes with her charges back to the Cornish coast. Will her past destroy her present, or will love overcome all?I loved the details of this novel! not only about the smuggling at the time but also that concerning orchards. Both made the story more interesting and I felt like I had learned something about the Cornish area.Cordelia was a relatable character. She kept her secret and it was revealed slowly, keeping me guessing. Her fear was understandable, but I did expect more suspense given the plot threads.Opposite her was Jac (and I have no idea how to pronounce his last name). His interactions with his nieces and nephews were sweet, and I really enjoyed how he wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty. Without question, he was my favorite.The plot was steady and well-developed. jac's nieces and nephews were adorable. I look forward to what else this author has for this series.I would recommend this to any reader of Regency novels. I received a free copy through NetGalley for reviewing purposes.