I had read the first book in this series, but when I started this book I did not realize this was part of a series. It was only when I kept thinking I had heard the name of Julia’s home (Penwythe Hall) before when I realized that I had. That being said, you can most definitely read this book without having read the first book. Although Julia’s home and her guardians (her aunt and uncle) are mentioned in this book, it is only in passing.
It has been noted that this series would appeal to fans of the TV series Poldark … I agree, although not as gritty as the TV series, there are some similarities.
As often happens with historical fiction this book led me to do a bit of research, but I have not as yet come across a definitive answer to my question …. why do some mine names begin with the word Bal, and others with the word Wheal? I did find that Bal means mine and was in use after the year 1800. Wheal, although often thought to mean mine, actually means “place of work”, and that most Cornish mines are prefixed with the word Wheal.
Another great book by Sarah E. Ladd, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series “The Light at Wyndcliff” which is supposed to come out in October 2020.
Title: The Thief of Lanwyn Manor
Series: Cornwall #2
Author: Sarah E. Ladd
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release Date: January 7, 2020
Format: Trade paperback, eBook, Audio,
Pages: 352
Cornwall, England, 1818
Julia Twethewey needs a diversion to mend her broken heart, so when her cousin invites her to Lanwyn Manor, Julia eagerly accepts. The manor is located at the heart of Cornwall’s mining industry, and as a guest Julia is swept into its intricate world. It’s not long, though, before she realizes something dark lurks within the home’s ancient halls.
As a respected mine owner’s younger son, Isaac Blake is determined to keep his late father’s legacy alive through the family business, despite his brother’s careless attitude. In order to save their livelihood—and that of the people around them—the brothers approach the master of Lanwyn Manor with plans to bolster the floundering local industry. Isaac can’t deny his attraction to the man’s charming niece, but his brother has made clear his intentions to court the lovely visitor. And Isaac knows his place.
When tragedy strikes, mysteries arise, and valuables go missing, Julia and Isaac find they are pulled together in a swirl of strange circumstances, but despite their best efforts to bow to social expectations, their hearts aren’t so keen to surrender.