Title: Dawn at Emberwilde
Author: Sarah E. Ladd
Series: Treasures of Surrey, #2
Genre: Historical Christian
Pages: 320
Price: $9 Paperback or Kindle
Published: May 1st 2016
Rating: 3.5
Source: Book Look Bloggers
Amazon Link
Synopsis:
Isabel Creston never dared to dream that love could be hers. Now, at the edge of a forest filled with dark secrets, she faces a fateful choice between love and duty.
For as long as she can remember, beautiful and free-spirited Isabel has strained against the rules and rigidity of the Fellsworth School in the rolling English countryside. No longer a student, Isabel set her sights on a steady yet unexciting role as a teacher at the school, a safe yet stifling establishment that would provide her a steady environment to care for her younger sister Lizzie, who was left in her care after her fatherss death.
The unexpected arrival of a striking stranger with news of unknown relatives turns Isabel's small, predictable world upside down, sweeping her and her young charge into a labyrinth of intrigue and hidden motives.
At her new family's invitation, Isabel and Lizzie relocate to Emberwilde, a sprawling estate adjacent to a vast, mysterious wood rife with mysterious rumors and ominous folklore along with whispers of something far more sinister. And perhaps even more startling, two handsome men begin pursuing Isabel, forcing her to learn the delicate dance between attraction, the intricate rules of courtship, and the hopes of her heart.
At Emberwilde, Isabel will discover that the key to unlocking the mystery of her past may also open the door to her future and security. But first she must find it in the depths of Emberwilde Forest.
Opinions:
First two things you should know:
That said, I *really* liked the beginning of this book because the author set up the foundation for the plot very well. When things started to happen affecting the characters, I didnt know right away what was going to happen next.
I found was able to guess the end of the book about 1/2 way through, and that was a pleasant surprise in light of the majority of Christian fiction which give away the whole ending right away. Anyone with me?
Most of the book was enjoyable for me... I spent a lot of the book trying to figure out of the aunt was on the good side or the bad side and that was lots of fun! Have a guess?
(Read the book to find out :) )
...Nonetheless, I didnt find that the end was as strong as the beginning and it began to feel drawn out towards the end. :(
I kept reflecting on the way that in one of the early scenes feature two boys who come back to their home to inform their guardian, "We saw something sketchy". Yet no one ever believes them and honestly that would have ended the book 300 pages early, for better or worse.
I also never figured out the title... was the MC (main character) originally named Dawn? Hmm....
I would recommend this book to be read in only a few sittings or on a weekend afternoon but I could easily see one losing interest after a long period of time. The beginning is very nice, and I think if one could get into it properly, it would be a very pleasant read.
Likewise, it could be a very nice gift for a friend at only $9.
There wasnt anything offensive or explicit throughout the book and it would be fine for anyone ages 12+ to read.
If you would like a copy, here is the Amazon page :)
About the Author:
Sarah E. Ladd received the 2011 Genesis Award in historical romance for The Heiress of Winterwood. She is a graduate of Ball State University and has more than ten years of marketing experience. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing family and spunky Golden Retriever. Facebook: SarahLaddAuthor Twitter: @SarahLaddAuthor - See more at: http://majesticgoldenrose.weebly.com/blog/dawn-at-emberwilde-by-sarah-e-ladd#sthash.7MtFykzG.dpuf
Author: Sarah E. Ladd
Series: Treasures of Surrey, #2
Genre: Historical Christian
Pages: 320
Price: $9 Paperback or Kindle
Published: May 1st 2016
Rating: 3.5
Source: Book Look Bloggers
Amazon Link
Synopsis:
Isabel Creston never dared to dream that love could be hers. Now, at the edge of a forest filled with dark secrets, she faces a fateful choice between love and duty.
For as long as she can remember, beautiful and free-spirited Isabel has strained against the rules and rigidity of the Fellsworth School in the rolling English countryside. No longer a student, Isabel set her sights on a steady yet unexciting role as a teacher at the school, a safe yet stifling establishment that would provide her a steady environment to care for her younger sister Lizzie, who was left in her care after her fatherss death.
The unexpected arrival of a striking stranger with news of unknown relatives turns Isabel's small, predictable world upside down, sweeping her and her young charge into a labyrinth of intrigue and hidden motives.
At her new family's invitation, Isabel and Lizzie relocate to Emberwilde, a sprawling estate adjacent to a vast, mysterious wood rife with mysterious rumors and ominous folklore along with whispers of something far more sinister. And perhaps even more startling, two handsome men begin pursuing Isabel, forcing her to learn the delicate dance between attraction, the intricate rules of courtship, and the hopes of her heart.
At Emberwilde, Isabel will discover that the key to unlocking the mystery of her past may also open the door to her future and security. But first she must find it in the depths of Emberwilde Forest.
Opinions:
First two things you should know:
- First of all, I didnt read the first book and that was not a problem at all for me. Yay!
- Its not fantasy, even though the cover gives it a fantasy feel. There is a bit of talk about "dark magic" in the woods, but nothing in your face or critical to the story. Personally, I dont like the misleading cover, but if fantasy isnt your thing, then dont let the cover turn you away.
That said, I *really* liked the beginning of this book because the author set up the foundation for the plot very well. When things started to happen affecting the characters, I didnt know right away what was going to happen next.
I found was able to guess the end of the book about 1/2 way through, and that was a pleasant surprise in light of the majority of Christian fiction which give away the whole ending right away. Anyone with me?
Most of the book was enjoyable for me... I spent a lot of the book trying to figure out of the aunt was on the good side or the bad side and that was lots of fun! Have a guess?
(Read the book to find out :) )
...Nonetheless, I didnt find that the end was as strong as the beginning and it began to feel drawn out towards the end. :(
I kept reflecting on the way that in one of the early scenes feature two boys who come back to their home to inform their guardian, "We saw something sketchy". Yet no one ever believes them and honestly that would have ended the book 300 pages early, for better or worse.
I also never figured out the title... was the MC (main character) originally named Dawn? Hmm....
I would recommend this book to be read in only a few sittings or on a weekend afternoon but I could easily see one losing interest after a long period of time. The beginning is very nice, and I think if one could get into it properly, it would be a very pleasant read.
Likewise, it could be a very nice gift for a friend at only $9.
There wasnt anything offensive or explicit throughout the book and it would be fine for anyone ages 12+ to read.
If you would like a copy, here is the Amazon page :)
About the Author:
Sarah E. Ladd received the 2011 Genesis Award in historical romance for The Heiress of Winterwood. She is a graduate of Ball State University and has more than ten years of marketing experience. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing family and spunky Golden Retriever. Facebook: SarahLaddAuthor Twitter: @SarahLaddAuthor - See more at: http://majesticgoldenrose.weebly.com/blog/dawn-at-emberwilde-by-sarah-e-ladd#sthash.7MtFykzG.dpuf
