The Thief of Lanwyn Manor by Sarah E. Ladd
Julia Twewethey journeys to Lanwyn Manor in Cornwall to aid her cousin, confined to bed for her pregnancy. But when Julia arrives, she’s held up at the local inn, only to be rescued by the gallant Isaac Blake.
Isaac and his twin brother, Matthew, run their late father’s copper mine. Although Matthew inherited the mine and estate, Isaac inherited his father’s know-how, passion for mining, and concern for his workers. When Matthew sets his cap for the lovely newcomer at Lanwyn Manor, Julia’s aunt and uncle do their best to encourage the match with the dashing first-born – and to keep their niece away from the quiet second-born son.
Since Julia’s uncle has closed his own copper mine, unemployment rages in the village and tensions flare, especially after a deadly accident at the Blakes’s mine. And things aren’t well at Lanwyn Manor as items go missing and rumors of a curse threaten the family. But how can Julia and Isaac work together to solve the problems facing their village when they’re banned from seeing each other?
Sarah Ladd has penned another delightful Regency that is so much more than a romance. The tensions in the mining community and the mystery concerning the thief create intrigue and interest beyond the love story. And yet the forbidden romance between Julia and Isaac is absolutely charming. Isaac is my favorite sort of hero – unassuming, kind, hardworking, and gallant. And Julia’s compassion and strength make her an endearing heroine.
The Thief of Lanwyn Manor is the second book in the Cornwall Novels series, but it easily stands alone. See my review for the first book, The Governess of Penwythe Hall, here.
