Saturday, July 1, 2023

In the Shelter of Hollythorne House


About the Book:

Young widow Charlotte Grey faces an uncertain future . . . until a chance encounter with her first love gives her heart a second chance in this Regency romance set on the Yorkshire Moors.

England, 1817—Charlotte Grey thought she had seen the last of Anthony Welbourne. Knowing her father would never consent to his only daughter marrying a man he deemed beneath their family’s station, Charlotte bid her final farewell to Anthony and vowed to never turn back. Instead, she honored her father’s wishes by marrying the wealthy Roland Prior.

Determined to put his love for Charlotte in the past, Anthony Welbourne chose to follow his goals and immerse himself in a life full of meaning—first as a soldier fighting a war overseas, then as a member of William Walstead’s watchmen, a rugged band of men dispatched to deal with perilous situations. Fearless and persistent, he makes it his life’s focus to fight for those who can’t fight for themselves.

When Charlotte’s husband dies unexpectedly, she quickly realizes how blind she’d been to his nefarious ambitions and how many people he’d angered on his relentless quest for wealth. To protect her infant son, Henry, from those who wish them harm, she and the baby flee to Hollythorne House, her childhood home. There Charlotte comes face to face with her former love, who has been sent as one of the hired watchman to protect her and Henry until the details of her late husband’s estate are settled.

Anthony’s presence brings back feelings she never expected to feel again, and she struggles to trust Anthony’s intentions. Are Walstead’s Watchmen really looking after Charlotte as they claim—or are they looking to make trouble for Roland’s estate and heir? Despite the constant reminders of their past, Anthony must remain focused on the task he was hired to do. But when new threats emerge, danger arises, and the past collides with the present, both must decide what they are willing to risk for the chance to right past wrongs and carve out a new future . . . together.

My Review:  5/5 Stars

I love the way that Ms. Ladd writes. Her descriptions of the wild moors, the dialogue between the characters, and the portrayal of Charlotte and Anthony and the trials they face together feel like you are a part of the story.

Charlotte has the unenviable job of putting the familial run down estate back into order. She learns the truth of her newly deceased husband’s business dealings and flees back to her childhood home. I greatly admired her for her courage and determination to provide for her son , Henry, and stand up against her powerful in-laws. Her fierce love for her baby to do anything to keep him safe resonated with me.

This was such a powerful story of forgiveness and reconciliation as Charlotte and Anthony choose to put the past behind them. It has danger, mystery, and romance all wrapped up into this amazing story. I highly recommend reading this book. Once you start you may not be able to put it down.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.


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