The Letter from Briarton Park provides plenty of mystery and intrigue against a backdrop of Regency England.
Book Blurb
In Regency England, one letter will alter a young woman’s fate when it summons her to Briarton Park—an ancient place that holds the secrets of her past and the keys to her future.
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.
My Thoughts
I’ve read other Sarah E. Ladd books I’ve enjoyed more, but this one was still good.
Cassandra proves to be a relatable heroine with an understandable quest that goes way beyond a search for answers. And James is a great hero. I loved his relationship with his daughters and how hard he tried to take care of his younger sister. The romance between Cassandra and James was okay, but it did seem rather quick. However, their relationship was sweet and nice to see.
The plot itself provided plenty of twists and turns. I did not anticipate the ending, but it made complete sense once I began considering the clues.
There’s not much of a faith arc that I noticed, but there is mention of God’s hand working in their lives and events having a purpose.
Overall, The Letter to Briarton Park is an engaging Regency mystery with a sweet romance arc.
(I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)
Further Information
To purchase your own copy, click on the book cover image. Or you can visit your favorite book retailer.
For more on Sarah E. Ladd, check out her website or follow her on Pinterest, Twitter, and Facebook.
