The Governess of Penwythe Hall (2019) + Giveaway

About the Book

Cornwall was in her blood, and Delia feared she’d never escape its hold.

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 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.

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My Thoughts

The Governess of Penwythe Hall by Sarah Ladd is a real treat! I was instantly hooked by the adventure, mystery, and romance depicted. When I had to, I struggled to put this book down. I adored the unique and vibrant characters. The settings are perfectly crafted as it felt like I was in Cornwall in 1808 with Delia, Jac, and the children. And, I am a big fan of the relationship between Delia and Jac. It progressed from two adults thrown into a delicate situation who became friends first and then, at the right time, love blossoms appropriately and sweetly. The Governess of Penwythe Hall is an all-around good story!

One of the many obstacles in Delia’s life is fear. Her past is filled with serious darkness and great sadness, and her future is completely uncertain. Delia’s past and future create a fear in her that sometimes seems paralyzing. For a brief moment, it looks like fear may win out, but Delia forces herself to overcome. I appreciate the subtle discussion about fear that is weaved throughout the narrative. Fear is definitely something I have struggled with, and from time to time I still struggle with today. In this, I felt Delia is a very relatable character. In fact, Delia’s battle with fear and how she deals with it in the story reminds me of my dad. My dad never wanted fear to rule his life, but he had fears. When my dad was right out of high school he enlisted in the Army and purposely signed up for the 82nd Airborne Division because he hated heights. He believed the best way to overcome his fear of heights was to parachute out of airplanes over enemy territory. I personally think that was insane, but I do appreciate that he refused to let fear overcome him. Both my dad and Delia remind me of Romans 8:14-15: For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father! My dad, and fictional Delia, was/is led by God’s Spirit. I believe the bravest thing anyone can do is trust God, recognize what things they fear, and then purposely take those fears on in order to be an overcomer. To me, that is authentic strength, and that is what makes Delia such an outstanding character in this story and what made my dad such an outstanding man in real life.

The Governess of Penwythe Hall is a fantastic story that I very much enjoyed reading, and highly recommend. I am sad that my time with Delia and Jac is over. If you are looking for an engaging story filled with intrigue and sweet romance then The Governess of Penwythe Hall is the book for you!

I received a copy of this novel in paperback form from the publisher, Thomas Nelson, in order to review. I also purchased an eBook copy of this novel from Amazon on May 19, 2019, to read and review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

GIVEAWAY

I am giving away ONE (1) paperback copy of The Governess of Penwythe Hall by Sarah E. Ladd. The giveaway begins today, 7-5-19 at 5:00 am (PST) and ends on Tuesday, 7-9-19 at 12:00 pm (PST). To enter, click on the Rafflecopter link below. Good luck!

Congrats to Paula S.!

You have won this giveaway. Thank you for participating. I appreciate your support!

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