“Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor” by Melanie Dobson
This book went back and forth between chapters telling Maggie’s story in the 1950s which took place in England; and Heather’s story taking place 60 years later. Heather returns to England after her fathers death to clean out his cottage, and discovers dark family secrets that were meant to be kept secret.
I enjoyed reading this book, however I did find it somewhat depressing and emotional. The characters all experienced betrayal, heart ache, deceit and lost loves. There were some happy parts of the book when Heather started piecing together family secrets and reunited with a long time friend.
I would consider this a Christian, historical fiction book; however the main characters all dealt with moral issues so I wouldn’t recommend this book to young adults.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review on my blog and social media-all opinions are my own.
About the book:
Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor (Howard, June 2015)
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.
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.
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