The Governess of Penwythe Hall

The Cornwall Novels, Book 1

By: Sarah E. Ladd

Narrated by: Jude Mason

Perfect for fans of Poldark and Bridgerton, this Regency romance is rich with family secrets, lingering danger, and the captivating allure of new love, all taking place on the Cornish coast.

Cornwall, England, 1811: Blamed for her husband’s death, Cordelia Greythorne fled Cornwall and accepted a governess position to begin a new life. Years later, her employer’s unexpected death and his last request for her to watch over his five children force her to reevaluate. She can’t abandon the children now that they’ve lost both parents, but their new guardian lives at the timeworn Penwythe Hall...back on the Cornish coast she’s tried desperately to forget.

Jac Twethewey is determined to revive Penwythe Hall’s once-flourishing apple orchards, and he’ll stop at nothing to see his struggling estate profitable again. He hasn’t heard from his brother in years, so when his nieces, nephews, and their governess arrive unannounced, he battles both grief at his brother’s death and bewilderment over this sudden responsibility. Jac’s priorities shift as the children take up residence in the ancient halls, but their secretive governess - and the mystery shrouding her past - proves to be a disruption to his carefully laid plans.

Praise for The Governess of Penwythe Hall:

"Brimming with dangerous secrets, rich characters, and the hauntingly beautiful descriptions Sarah Ladd handles so well, 1800s Cornwall is brought vividly to life in this well-crafted tale that kept me glued to the pages. What a brilliant start to a new series!" (Abigail Wilson, author of Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey)

"Absolutely captivating! Once I started reading, I couldn’t put down The Governess of Penwythe Hall. This blend of Jane Eyre, Jane Austen, and Jamaica Inn has it all. Intrigue. Danger. Poignant moments. And best of all a sweet, sweet love story. This is by far my favorite Sarah Ladd book. Don’t hesitate to snatch up this title!" (Michelle Griep, Christy Award-winning author)

"The Governess of Penwythe Hall is a delightful and emotionally gripping tale that will tick all the boxes for any Regency lover: romance, history, and enough unpredictable intrigue to keep you up past your bedtime." (Kristi Ann Hunter, author of A Defense of Honor)

"Lovers of sweet and Christian romance alike will fall in love with Delia’s strength amid the haunting backdrop of her tragic past and the Cornish coast. Throw in a handsome leading man willing to turn his life upside down for the children in Delia’s charge, and you have a story you can’t put down." (Josi S. Kilpack, Whitney Award-winning author)

• Sweet, full-length Regency romance
• First book in the Cornwall novels (The Governess of Penwythe Hall, The Thief of Lanwyn Manor, and The Light at Wyndcliff), but can be listened to as a stand-alone story
• Book length: 94,000 words
• Includes discussion questions for book clubs

©2019 Sarah E. Ladd (P)2019 Thomas Nelson

Critic reviews

“Brimming with dangerous secrets, rich characters, and the hauntingly beautiful descriptions Sarah Ladd handles so well, 1800s Cornwall is brought vividly to life in this well-crafted tale that kept me glued to the pages. What a brilliant start to a new series!” (Abigail Wilson, author of In the Shadow of Croft Towers)

“The Governess of Penwythe Hall is a delightful and emotionally gripping tale that will tick all the boxes for any Regency lover: romance, history, and enough unpredictable intrigue to keep you up past your bedtime.” (Kristi Ann Hunter, author of A Defense of Honor)

“Lovers of sweet and Christian romance alike will fall in love with Delia’s strength amid the haunting backdrop of her tragic past and the Cornish coast. Throw in a handsome leading man willing to turn his life upside down for the children in Delia’s charge, and you have a story you can’t put down.” (Josi S. Kilpack, Whiney Award-winning author of the Mayfield Family series)

Sooo good

What a wonderful clean wholesome suspense and romance book. I enjoyed this story so much as I have loved all of this Authors books I have read so far. Thank you!

Delightful

The story was wonderful and I thoughtfully loved listening to it. The characters are intriguing and each one has their own characteristics. Great read.

Penwythe-

It was worth the listen, great narrative voice, Jude Mason. a bit too wordy at times.

Luscious Scenic Novel

The Governess of Penwythe Hall, book one of the Cornwall series, is a thrilling and mysterious novel! Centering on the ties of family and the enchantment of the Cornish coast, this clean novel will draw you in with its first word and hold onto your until its last!

It's been three years since Delia Graythorne's husband tragically passed away. Fleeing the coast of Cornwall for the smoggy London air, Delia is happy as a governess to five children; however, after the sudden death of their father, Delia's biggest fear is about to come true. Torn between the danger that will come if she returns to her homeland and the love she has for the children who have captured her heart, Delia navigates her new life at Penwythe Hall on her tip-toes. Nevertheless, her past lurks in the shadows, drawing closer by the day, along with growing romantic feelings for the children's guardian, Jac Tretheway.

How far will you go to protect your family? Is a dark secret worth the life of the innocent?

The Governess of Penwythe Hall is a captivating novel. It was so refreshing to listen to a clean historical fiction narrative. I know there are many like it, but I thoroughly enjoyed Sarah E. Ladd’s writing style and her portrayal of Cornwall. The characters were relatable, and each chapter left me wanting more! The next book of the series is already in my library, and I can't wait to begin!

Looking for home and love. Great love story and mystery!

I love historical romances and this is one of the best authors. It is clean but, also romantic. Very hard to put down!!!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and recommend it

could hardly put this book down. I'm excited to read the others in the series.

A story full of satisfaction!

I love stories that include childrens thoughts as well as the adults. Love it, always.

Loved this story! Balance of romance and intrigue ❤️

I love a story that has a mix of romance, mystery, historical information, and characters at the center who hold deep values. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and found myself listening, whenever I could- such a delight!

Excellent!

Thoroughly enjoyed this book, I lost sleep, because I could not stop hearing the story. I look forward to hearing the series.

excitement story and the reader isn't annoying!

I really enjoyed the story. overall it took a lot of twists and turns and although you could kind of see where it was going, it had a lot of surprises along the way. I love that it was family friendly so I could listen to it in the car while driving with my children and didn't have to worry about any dirty scenes.