THE LIGHT AT WYNDCLIFF
BY SARAH E. LADD
Publication Date: October 13, 2020
Thomas Nelson
Paperback & eBook; 352 Pages
Series: The Cornwall Novels, Book 3
Genre: Historical Romance/Regency/Christian
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.
My Review
"The Light at Wyndcliff" by Sarah E. Ladd is the perfect fall read! I could not believe how much I enjoyed it and how quickly I read it. It is the third book in Ms. Ladd’s “Cornwall” series but can easily be read as a standalone. After reading this book, I am eager to pick up the other two!
Be transported to the haunting, windswept moors and breathtaking views of Cornwall’s coast. Picture an out of the way manor house with many mysteries in a sleepy little village that does not easily give up its secrets. There are dangerous shipwrecks and possible illegal activity. This book is the epitome of atmospheric. The setting itself is like a character in the story, as is often the case in Gothic novels. I love all the ways Ms. Ladd subtly incorporates light and the absence of light in the story and the setting. It is obviously a major theme. This book has been said to be a mix of “Poldark,” Austen and Daphne du Maurier. I would also add Bronte to the list.
I love the mystery surrounding this story. There is an underlying current of danger. Shipwrecks, and all that comes along with them, play a major part in the story. I was fascinated to learn how people would deal with these tragedies. The author’s description had me there on the beach amid the chaos.
I love the main characters, William and Evelyn. William finds himself in over his head with his new life, with illegal activity possibly going on right on his own property. He must discover the plans before it is too late. Evelyn learns about forging her own path, to welcome what comes and even embrace it (even the challenges).
If you want a good fall read to cozy up with, this is the one!
Content: I would give this book a PG rating. Some examples of the content are: men are in a taproom and there is mention of alcohol and tobacco; men are drunk; there is reference to a woman’s buxom figure; reference to gambling; a person swears, but the words aren’t actually written.
Rating: I give this book 5 stars.
I want to thank Sarah E. Ladd, Thomas Nelson and Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.
About the Author
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.
Blog Tour Schedule
Tuesday, October 13
Review at Hallie Reads
Feature at Momfluenster
Wednesday, October 14
Review at McCombs on Main
Review at Gwendalyn’s Books
Review at Probably at the Library
Thursday, October 15
Review at Jessica Belmont
Friday, October 16
Review at Bitch Bookshelf
Review & Excerpt at Bookworlder
Review at View from the Birdhouse
Sunday, October 18
Review at Jorie Loves a Story
Review at WTF Are You Reading?
Monday, October 19
Review at Book Bustle
Tuesday, October 20
Review at Books and Zebras
Review at Robin Loves Reading
Review at Into the Hall of Books
Wednesday, October 21
Review at The Lit Bitch
Thursday, October 22
Review at Faery Tales Are Real
Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit
Friday, October 23
Review at Lu Reviews Books
Saturday, October 24
Review & Excerpt at Nursebookie
Monday, October 26
Review at The Caffeinated Bibliophile
Review at Chicks, Rogues, and Scandals
Tuesday, October 27
Review at Captivated Reading
Wednesday, October 28
Review at Heidi Reads
Thursday, October 29
Review at YA, it’s Lit
Friday, October 30
Review at A Darn Good Read
Review at Read Review Rejoice
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.
Direct Link: https://gleam.io/8zsbJ/the-light-at-wyndcliff
I’m a work-from-home mom of two fun and adventurous littles and we’ll soon be homeschooling. I married my hero Vince, who is my love and my polar opposite. I write, he tears it up with the red pen. I break cars and other mechanical things, he puts them back together. He’s nailed the “speak the truth” thing, and I bring the “in love” part. But the real spark to our marriage is that he does not like chocolate and I… like it a normal amount. We love and live from our little house in the woods near Lake Michigan.
