Atmospheric, almost gothic mystery, set in Regency times.

In the Shelter of Hollythorne House Houses of Yorkshire #2) by Sarah E. Ladd         

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Charlotte Grey and Anthony Welbourne were in love. Their families are the bitterest of enemies so they met out on the moors, away from prying eyes. When Anthony purchased a commission in the army at his dead father’s bequest, he walked away from Charlotte, and towards the American Wars.

Meanwhile Charlotte has married Roland Prior, on the surface charming, underneath a controlling abusive husband. Roland was a dodgy mill owner who it turns out hasn’t paid his workers. His workers are after satisfaction.

Four years later Roland dies from apoplexy. Charlotte’s relief is short lived. Her brother-in-law Silas will have control of Henry her seven month old son, although Charlotte retains guardianship. 

However she now owns Hollythorne House, the place on Blight Moor she grew up in. The very next morning she leaves for Hollythorne House and Yorkshire, with its memory of her secret love, and of happier times, accompanied by two of Walstead’s Watchmen. Silas has insisted upon them accompanying her due to the unrest with the mill workers, and fears of Henry being kidnapped. One of the guards is Anthony, who’s now working for William Walstead.

What follows is a tale of deceit, incredible bravery, friendships betrayed, and love.

Charlotte shows her true mettle as she faces hardship, learning to do the tasks any housewife knows about but she’s never had to confront, all the while refusing to accept help from Anthony, refusing to give him any reason to have a hold over her, refusing to face the attraction she feels for him.

An enthralling second chance romance.

A Thomas Nelson ARC via NetGalley.                                              

Many thanks to the author and publisher.