Book Review and Giveaway - The Light at Wyndcliff by Sarah E. Ladd

My Review

The Light at Wyndcliff is a historical novel set in Regency period Cornwall.  It is the story of Evelyn Bray, who grew up at Wyndcliff, where her grandfather worked as steward for the estate.  When Liam Twetheway arrives with the announcement that he has inherited the estate, Evelyn's life suddenly changes. As well as uncertainty about her future, there are mysterious shipwrecks just off the property, and a young mother and daughter who are shipwrecked take refuge at Wyndcliff. This novel is both a mystery and a love story as Evelyn and Liam slowly grow closer together.

I wanted to read this novel because of the Cornwall setting. I loved the PBS series Poldark and found the book description and setting very appealing.

This is the third book in Sarah E. Ladd's Cornwall series. I have not read the previous books in the series, but had no problem enjoying The Light at Wyndcliff as a standalone read. (Of course, I now would like to read the first two novels too.)

The Light at Wyndcliff was a lovely, engrossing read.  The author does an especially good job at describing the setting, both Cornwall, and the estate of Wyndcliff.  I could picture both in my mind from the vivid descriptions in the book. There were passages like:

"This was what he’d waited for. Planned for. Now he was here in the master’s chamber, where he assumed every master had laid his head since the building was constructed well over a century past. As he loosened his neckcloth and began to unbutton his waistcoat, he moved to the window and looked down at the stable courtyard. An inky midnight mist obscured the cobbles and shrouded the grounds. With the exception of the occasional pop from the fire and the angry wind whistling through the window cracks, all was silent. The silence and solitude were surprisingly unwelcome." (Kindle location 370).

Evelyn is a very sympathetic protagonist.  She feels lonely and isolated in her life at Wyndcliff and this makes her growing connection with Liam even more compelling.  I loved the spark and slow building romance between Evelyn and Liam. He is also a wonderful romantic hero.  I will admit I stayed up late at night reading because I wanted to see what would happen between these two.

The mystery was also well done, with the strange lights at night and the shipwrecks.  This storyline was even more interesting because the shipwrecked woman and child were in such a perilous situation.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Light at Wyndcliff and recommend it for fans of historical fiction - especially for readers who enjoy Cornish settings and a fascinating mix of mystery and romance.

Book Synopsis

Set in 1820s Cornwall, this Regency romance evokes the captivating worlds and delicious dramas of Jane Austen, Daphne DuMaurier, and Winston Graham.

Raised on the sprawling and rugged Wyndcliff Estate near the dangerous coast of South Cornwall, Evelyn Bray lives with her grandfather, a once-wealthy man reduced to the post of steward. Evelyn is still grieving her father’s death and her mother’s abandonment when a passing ship is dashed against the rocks. The only survivors, a little girl and her injured mother, are rescued and brought to Wyndcliff Hall.

Liam Twethewey is just twenty-two when he inherits Wyndcliff Estate from his great uncle. His optimistic plans to open a china clay pit to employ the estate’s tenants meets unexpected resistance, and the rumors of smuggling and illegal activity challenge his new-found authority. Though wise beyond his years, young Liam quickly finds himself out of his depth in this land where long-held secrets and high-stakes agendas make no room for newcomers.

Brought together by troubling questions surrounding the shipwreck, Evelyn and Liam uncover even darker mysteries shrouding the estate. But as they untangle truths from deceptions, their loyalties separate them—and their budding love might not be strong enough to overcome the distance.

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Author Bio

Sarah E. Ladd 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 gave her idea of what life would’ve looked like in era. It wasn’t until 2010 that Ladd began writing seriously. Shortly after, Ladd released the first book in the Whispers on the Moors series. Book one of the series, The Heiress of Winterwood, was the recipient of the 2011 ACFW Genesis Award for historical romance. Ladd also has more than ten years of marketing experience. She holds degrees in public relations and marketing and lives in Indiana with her family and spunky Golden Retriever.

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Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away 5 copies of The Light at Wyndcliff! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

The giveaway is open to US residents only and ends on October 30th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

The Light at Wyndcliff