Dawn at Emberwilde by Sarah Ladd

Dawn at Emberwilde by Sarah Ladd ISBN-13: 9780718011819 Trade Paperback: 320 pages Publisher: Thomas Nelson Released: May 10, 2016

Source: Review copy from the publisher through BookLook.

Book Description, Modified from Back Cover:
No longer a student, Isabel Creston works as a teacher at the safe yet stifling Fellsworth School so she can care for her younger sister Lizzie, who was left in her care after her father’s death. The unexpected arrival of a stranger with news of unknown relatives turns Isabel’s small, predictable world upside down.

At her new family’s invitation, Isabel and Lizzie relocate to Emberwilde, a sprawling estate adjacent to a mysterious forest rife with rumors and ominous folklore. 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.


My Review:
Dawn at Emberwilde is a Christian historical romance set in 1817 in England. Technically, it's the second book in a series, but it's actually a stand alone. The previous book's main characters aren't mentioned in this novel.

The romantic couple were nice people who cared about those around them. They built each other up and were better for knowing each other. I admired Isabel for resisting a marriage that she had doubts about even though it appeared to be a desirable match. It even made sense for her to be rebellious about this considering her history and recent events. The magistrate was investigating a mystery involving smuggling in the forest, which added interest and intrigue.

The historical aspect was more of a backdrop than a detailed part of the story. The Christian element was mainly a few prayers and concern shown for abandoned children. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable romance novel.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.