MY REVIEW:
I found Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor to be a riveting story that spanned three generations of women of one family. Although the story moved from past to present frequently, I never had a problem keeping up with the plot. I loved how the author put the story together with Heather discovering family secrets when she returned home to settle her father’s estate.
I also liked how those secrets were doled out one at a time as I learned new facts about each of the women that eventually resulted in more than one huge surprise – surprises that revealed just how closely the histories of these women were entwined and how similar their lives had evolved.
With ample drama, renewed romance, a touch of mystery, and a faith-based plot, Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor contained every element that I require in a good book. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and recommend it.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Uncover a plethora of secrets and a mystery that tie two families together in Melanie Dobson’s new book, Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor. Years ago, the body of Oliver Croft, heir of Lord Croft of Ladenbrooke Manor, was found drowned in the River Coln. Authorities searched for answers, but no one was ever held responsible for Oliver’s death.
When Heather Toulson returns to her parents’ cottage in the English countryside, she uncovers long-hidden secrets about her family history and stumbles onto the truth about a sixty-year-old murder.
Libby, a free spirit who can’t be tamed by her parents, finds solace with her neighbor Oliver, the son of Lord Croft of Ladenbrooke Manor. Libby finds herself pregnant and alone when her father kicks her out and Oliver mysteriously drowns in a nearby river. Though theories spread across the English countryside, no one is ever held responsible for Oliver’s death.
Sixty years later, Heather Toulson, returning to her family’s cottage in the shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor, is filled with mixed emotions. She’s mourning her father’s passing but can’t let go of the anger and resentment over their strained relationship. Adding to her confusion, Heather has an uneasy reunion with her first love, all while sorting through her family’s belongings left behind in the cottage. What she uncovers will change everything she thought she knew about her family’s history.
Award-winning author Melanie Dobson seamlessly weaves the past and present together, fluidly unraveling the decades-old mystery and reveals how the characters are connected in shocking ways.
Set in a charming world of thatched cottages, lush gardens, and lovely summer evenings, this romantic and historical mystery brings to light the secrets and heartaches that have divided a family for generations.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melanie Dobson is the award-winning author of thirteen historical romance, suspense, and contemporary novels. Two of her novels won Carol Awards in 2011, and “Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana” won Best Novel of Indiana in 2010. Melanie lives with her husband Jon and two daughters near Portland, Oregon.
Find out more about Melanie at http://www.melaniedobson.com.
