Wow! This book has it all! Sudden death, lies, intrigue, betrayal, abduction and second chances at love. The story is set in England in 1813. Charlotte is a great character. Strong, brave and not afraid to protect what's hers. Anthony is brave, stalwart and reliable. Together they must overcome obstacles that threaten the people they love. The ending was a complete surprise and I enjoyed the other characters stories. A definite must read!
I was provided an ARC copy of this book by Net Galley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ( )

In the Shelter of Holly-Thorne House is book 2 in the Houses of Yorkshire series. The story is based in 1817 England and is full of faith, family, challenges and love. I truly enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more of this series! Good news: The books in this series are pretty much standalone stories and they can be read in any order you wish to read them in!

I received this book for free. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own. Thanks to Mrs. Ladd, Thomas Nelson Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read/review this book. ( )

An atmospheric tale of the moors of Yorkshire in 1817.
Seemingly wealthy widow Charlotte Prior is forced to flee to her childhood home, Hollythorne House, to safeguard her infant son. Her husband left debts and dangerous angry men mean to collect. Anthony Welbourne, back from the war, is tasked with protecting Charlotte and her son. They parted ways years ago before Anthony went to war since their families were at odds. They are naturally wary of each other.
Full of danger, mystery and a rekindled romance, this book pulled me in with its descriptions and well developed characters. The hero is upright and courageous. The heroine is determined and brave. The writing flowed effortlessly and the story was interesting.
I enjoyed this trip back in time.
* I won a copy of this book from Kav Rees through a Best Reads contest. All opinions are my own.* ( )

In the Shelter of Hollythorne House is set in Yorkshire, England in the early 19th century. Anthony Welbourne had survived the injuries he received fighting in America to return to England and begin a career as a thief-taker. His ultimate goal though was to save enough of his earnings to repair his late uncle's mill and get it back into production. Anthony did not allow himself the luxury of dwelling on thoughts of the beautiful woman he had walked away from when he went off to fight, especially since he learned that she had married during his absence. Charlotte Prior's father died believing he had provided for his only daughter by placing her into the loving hands of Roland Prior. Unfortunately, Roland's hands were more controlling and abusive than loving. Now that he had died unexpectedly Charlotte was totally focused on breaking ties with the Prior family and raising her son in a loving, nurturing environment far away from his uncle's influence. The same uncle hired Anthony Welbourne and his colleague to keep watch over Charlotte and her son, supposedly to insure his nephew's safety. Danger might be lurking in very unexpected places.

I truly enjoyed Charlotte and Anthony's story. It is fast paced with believable dialogue and settings that help define the mood of the story. The protagonists are relatable, and the antagonists sinister. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of In the Shelter of Hollythorne House from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. ( )

“She loved him. She did, and the idea of it was intoxicating—of a love that would challenge time and endure war itself.”

I absolutely love Sarah E. Ladd’s books! In the Shelter of Hollythorne House is another brilliantly written Regency romance that takes place on the Yorkshire moors. It’s a romantic, suspenseful, second chance love story that immediately captured my attention. The characters were endearing yet complex and I found myself yearning to know what would happen next and hoping for a happy ending.

One of the many reasons I loved this book was because the hero reminded me a bit of Aiden Turner’s Poldark. Like that hero, Anthony Welbourne leaves the woman he loves to go off to war. With several obstacles between them, neither expects to see the other again. When he returns, he takes up a position with a band of men who perform dangerous missions for hire.

Despite her love for Anthony, Charlotte Grey agrees to her father’s wishes to marry a wealthy man and now has a little seven month old boy. When her cruel, conniving husband unexpectedly dies, she finds herself in a precarious situation with her husband’s uncle wanting her son. Fearing for her and her son’s safety, she tries to flee to her childhood home, Hollythorne House, but before she can get away, she’s forced to take two guards with her. In a twist of fate, Anthony happens to be one of the guards.

What was once imagined as a happy reunion is marred by the painful years in between. Both Anthony and Charlotte have suffered and been scarred by the past. However, the feelings they once had come back full force as they interact on a daily basis. As they slowly become reacquainted, they face imminent danger from those who would harm Charlotte’s son, the sole heir to her husband’s estate.

I loved the slow build, second chance romance. There’s such delicious tension as Charlotte and Anthony try to reconnect. I enjoyed Charlotte’s desire to be independent and her fierce protection of Henry. I loved watching Anthony with the little boy as well. I loved the way both of their pasts were carefully unraveled throughout the story. The suspense was intense as it slowly builds. Charlotte doesn’t know whom to trust, especially as she becomes aware she has something someone wants in addition to Henry. With some surprising twists and turns, the mystery kept me quickly turning the pages as it builds to an exciting conclusion.

Highly recommend this clean, heartfelt, romantic suspense to Regency romance & mystery fans. Though it’s the second book in the Houses of Yorkshire series, each book is meant to be read as a standalone. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily given. 4 1/2 stars! ( )