A beautiful story of an adopted child and her mother. A plot twist and a love story make this book complete! A must read! ( )

The Heiress of Winterwood is an enchanting debut novel. It has a slow start, but once the action starts, everything comes together beautifully. Amelia and Graham really began to click for me as they came together to save Lucy.

Full review: https://rebeccasreadingcorner.blog/review-sarah-e-ladd-the-heiress-of-winterwood... ( )

This is the author’s debut novel and she is already writing like a pro. I was captivated by this book right away and could hardly put it down. I really have nothing bad to say about this novel and I can’t wait for the sequel.
Immediately you are drawn into the storyline, set in Darbury, England in February 1814. Amelia Barrett had befriended Katherine Sterling whose husband, Captain Graham Sterling was away on his ship. Katherine gives birth to a beautiful baby girl, Lucy, but the birth was too difficult and she dies. But before she dies, she makes Amelia promise to always care for Lucy. And that promise was one she intended to keep, no matter what.
Amelia, the heiress of Winterwood Manor, must marry before she turns 24 (just a few months away) or her inheritance will go to her next of kin. Her Uncle has made arrangements for her to marry Edward Littleton. At first she thought he was a wonderful man and she thought she loved him and he loved her. But as time grew near the wedding date she started finding out the true nature of her fiance. He refused her to keep the toddler, Lucy. And that was one thing that Amelia was not going to go along with. And then in steps Captain Graham Sterling, back from the war waiting for ship repairs, he comes to visit his daughter that he has yet to meet. From here the story gets exciting and dangerous. You’ll just have to get the book to read more and I promise that you won’t be disappointed. If you love a good historical, Christian romance with some suspense mixed in, then you’ll love this book. ( )

When Winterwood heiress Amelia Barratt’s friend dies in childbirth, she feels compelled to propose to the baby’s father, Captain Graham Sterling. He refuses her proposal. Danger follows. The baby Lucy is taken hostage and a large sum of money is demanded for her release. Amelia and Graham must work together to find the culprit and free the baby.

The Heiress of Winterwood is the first installment in the Whispers on the Moors series by Sarah E.. Ladd, published by Thomas Nelson. The story is set in Darbury, England 1814 and is about heiress Amelia Barratt who takes care of baby Lucy following her friend’s death in childbirth. The baby’s father Graham Sterling has never met Amelia, but on his arrival to pick up the baby, she proposes a marriage of convenience, even though she is already engaged. Captain Sterling is surprised and overwhelmed and refuses the proposal initially. When Amelia ends her engagement and reveals her plan to marry Captain Sterling instead, her family is livid. Baby Lucy disappears and a ransom note is presented. Plenty of people have motives for the abduction. Frantic with worry, Graham and Amelia work together to get the baby released find the culprit and try to get real about their feelings for each other.

Main character heiress Amelia Barrett is an opinionated and assertive character, but also in the hold of her selfish and greedy family. She seemed to show her strength in the wrong places while letting people trample all over her in others. She is my favorite as she seemed a realistic character with noticeable strengths and weaknesses.

Supporting character Edward Littleton is Amelia’s fiancée who seems a reasonable match, but he shows his real colors pretty soon. He is my least favorite character because he has no intention at all of being a good husband to Amelia and only goes after her money.

The writing of The Heiress of Winterwood is beautiful and vivid with great dialogue and amusing parts. The Downton Abby-like vibe of the story was complete with descriptions of opulent environments, interiors and lifestyle which for me were the best part. The family’s reaction to Amelia going against their wishes when proposing to Captain Sterling was the worst part for me, but it added and excellent dramatic element to the plot.

The relationship between Amelia and Graham develops when they get opportunity share some secret moments alone. As they get to know each other more, they both become pleasantly surprised by the other and feelings seem to deepen.

I enjoyed reading about how Amanda kept her Bible and book of psalms close to feel guided and comforted even when she had doubts and needed help to trust and believe. Graham was lead to God by a trusted fellow sailor and father figure in his life.

Conclusion: this is story with a Downton Abbey-like vibe which centers on the drama of rescuing a kidnapped baby and the added elements of romance and faith. I can’t wait to read the next installment already in place on my Kindle.

Anyone who enjoys a historical romance plot with a spiritual and drama element would love this story. Similar authors to explore might be Julie Klassen or Carrie Turansky.
All opinions in this review are completely my own.

My rating: 4 stars / 5
Main reasons: great mixture between romance and drama, great character building, ( )

fun, quick read ( )