A charming clean regency romantic mystery. The Cloverton Charade by Sarah E. Ladd ~ a book review

 

This was a delight to read. It is a charming “whodunit” set in the Regency era, early 1800’s. It begins when our main characters are youngsters.  Their fathers had been business partners but had a falling out and become rivals in the antiquities trade.  By the time Olivia and Lucas are young adults, they are both considered experts in the field. However, the customs of the era prohibit Olivia from devoting her time completely to her job. She is expected to marry well and have children.  Lucas is trying to salvage his father’s reputation after some bad business dealings.

Mr. Wainbridge, the current owner of Cloverton Hall has asked Lucas to catalog, appraise and sell all of his uncle’s collections.  His aunt, Mrs. Milton, the former owner and widow of George Milton, is vehemently opposed to the sale. She asks Olivia to pose as her companion in order for her to appraise her secret personal collection without her nephew finding out.  Unfortunately, at a house party held by Mr. Wainbridge and hosted by Mrs. Wilton, Lucas recognizes her. In the process of examining the uncle’s collection, several forgeries are found.  Lucas and Olivia decide to join forces to solve the mystery of the forgeries. Will Lucas expose her? Will they discover who is behind the forgeries? Who can they trust?

This is a clean romance. The dialog flows well and is engaging.  The author does a wonderful job describing the fashions and settings. She draws the reader into the story.

Read an excerpt HERE

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from the publisher the via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed  are my own.

The Ladies of Ivy Cottage by Julie Klassen

This is the second book in the Tales From Ivy Hill series.  As with most series, it is useful to have read the preceding books. Some books in a series can be enjoyed as stand alone books, but I think I would have enjoyed this one more if I had read the first one.  There are numerous characters to keep track of and trying to remember them all proved very distracting.  In the first paragraph alone there are seven characters mentioned. I think it would have been easier had I become acquainted with some of them in the first book.  It also would have been easier to follow the multiple story lines had I had a background from the first book.  The author does include a map of the area which makes it very easy to follow the characters movements.

There is an occasional mention of faith but not enough for me to consider this a Christian novel.  I would call it a clean, historical novel instead.

This is from the publisher’s website:

“Return to Ivy Hill as friendships deepen, romances blossom, and mysteries unfold . . .

A gentlewoman in reduced circumstances, Miss Rachel Ashford lives as a guest in Ivy Cottage. With her meager funds rapidly depleting, she is determined to earn her own livelihood . . . somehow. Her friend Jane Bell and the other village women encourage her to open a circulating library with the many books she's inherited from her father. As villagers donate additional books and Rachel begins sorting through the volumes, she discovers mysteries hidden among them. A man who once broke her heart helps her search for clues, but both find more than they bargained for.

Rachel's hostess, Mercy Grove, has given up thoughts of suitors and finds fulfillment in managing her girls school. So when several men take an interest in Ivy Cottage, she assumes pretty Miss Ashford is the cause. Exactly what--or whom--has captured each man's attention? The truth may surprise them all.”

There are a couple of mysteries that the characters encounter, which add to the appeal of the story and keeps you interested but they are not the ‘keep you on the edge of your seat’ kind of mysteries.

This was not my favorite book by Julie Klassen, but if you like long novels and are a Jane Austin and a regency novel fan, this is a book you would likely enjoy. Use the keywords on the right side of this page and click on Julie Klassen's name to read my review of another of her books, that I really liked.

Go HERE to read an excerpt.

Go Here to read more about Julie Klassen and her books. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House and Baker
Publishing Group through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”