The Headmistress of Rosemere by Sarah E. Ladd, Book review (and Giveaway Info)

• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (December 31, 2013)
• ISBN-13: 978-1401688363
• Series: Whispers On The Moors (Book 2)

• Paperback: 320 pages

SYNOPSIS:

Patience Creighton has devoted her life to running her father’s boarding school. But when the enigmatic master of the estate appears at her door, battered and unconscious, the young headmistress suddenly finds her livelihood—and her heart —in the hands of one dangerously handsome gentleman.

At twenty-five, Patience Creighton is already a spinster. The busy headmistress of Rosemere always expected a dashing man to sweep her off her feet and take her away . . . but that man never came. And since her father’s death, keeping the school running and her mother happy has been plenty to keep her occupied.

William Sterling dallied his way into financial trouble and mortal danger. When he is assaulted by his creditors’ henchmen on the road home from a tavern, he guides his horse to the doorstep of his tenant, the Rosemere School for Young Ladies. After being tended to by Patience, the wounded William rides off into the dawn—but makes a point to learn more about the lovely headmistress.

As he spends more time at Rosemere, something delicate begins to develop between William and Patience. But that will not deter William’s creditors. With little money to repay his debts, and less for the upkeep of his estate, it becomes clear that sacrificing Rosemere may be the only way to preserve his legacy. But it may also cost him his happiness.

Here are my thoughts:


Book # 2 of the Whispers On The Moor series, The Headmistress of Rosemere will bring entertainment to those Anglophile readers fond of dark English country settings, with a couple of mysteries and a whiff of scandal, a little romance, endearing heroines and dashing heroes. 
As such this latest novel by Sarah E. Ladd is the perfect novel to read at this time of the year and I felt, a notable improvement on the first book of the series!

In her previous novel 'The Heiress of Winterwood' (see review HERE) Sarah E. Ladd proved she enjoys immensely her craft as she describes picturesque plot lines and dramatic protagonists. 
In this second novel and a cover ready to draw you in, her style appears something of a cross between Jane Austen and Emile Bronte adding a dimension to her story any fan will appreciate!

However if Patience Creighton as the head of a provincial girls boarding school with her deep sense of duty coupled with loyalty seems as if she stepped out out of a Austen or Bronte novel, she is nothing like Jane Eyre and the nearby estate owner is no Mr. Rochester. 

At the age of 25 Patience believes herself destined to care for her ailing mother and in the absence of her brother runs Rosemere, their boardinghouse.  Any romantic notions therefore are seriously challenged when the dashing William Sterling finds his way on her doorstep whilst running away from danger.

With its hint of mysteries and deeper secrets, The Headmistress of Rosemere is a Christian novel guaranteed to please young and old alike! 

4 Stars!

Meet the Author:

Sarah E. Ladd has more than ten years of marketing experience. She is a graduate of Ball State University and holds degrees in public relations and marketing. The Heiress of Winterwood was the recipient of the 2011 Genesis Award for historical romance. 

More info on her website (HERE)

Interested in the GIVEAWAY/FACEBOOK Party?

Then be sure to visit the link below for all information!

Landing page: 

http://litfusegroup.com/author/sladd

I received this book free from LITFUSE as part of their blogger review program. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.