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The Heiress of Winterwood
The Heiress of Winterwood
The Heiress of Winterwood
Audiobook11 hours

The Heiress of Winterwood

Written by Sarah E. Ladd

Narrated by Jackie Schlicher

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

4/5

()

About this audiobook

In this sweet Regency romance, Amelia Barret will risk everything to keep her word—even to the point of proposing to a sea captain she’s never met.

Amelia Barrett, heiress to an estate nestled in the English moors, defies family expectations and promises to raise her dying friend’s baby. But she knows she can’t do it alone and finds herself in the surprising position of asking Graham, the child’s father—a man she’s never met before—to marry her.

When the baby vanishes with little more than an ominous ransom note hinting at her whereabouts, Amelia and Graham are driven to test the boundaries of their love for this little one.

Amelia’s detailed plans would normally see her through any trial, but now, desperate and shaken, she’s forced to examine her soul and face her one weakness: pride.

Graham’s strength and self-control have served him well and earned him much respect, but chasing perfection has kept him a prisoner of his own discipline. And away from the family he has sworn to love and protect.

To save the child they’ve both come to love—and any hopes of preserving their fledgling love—both must learn to relinquish control so they can embrace the future ahead of them.

Praise for The Heiress of Winterwood

“My kind of book! [It] grabbed my attention from the first lines and I eagerly returned to its pages.” —Julie Klassen, bestselling, award-winning author

“A one-of-a-kind regency that kept me sighing with joy, laughing, crying, and even biting my nails when the occasion called for it!” —MaryLu Tyndall, bestselling author

“A timeless regency that rises to the ranks of Heyer and Klassen” —Julie Lessman, award-winning author

  • The first book in the Whispers on the Moors series (The Headmistress of Rosemere is second and A Lady at Willowgrove Hall is third)
  • Books can be read out of order
  • A full-length novel at 90,000 words
  • A happily ever after clean romance
LanguageEnglish
PublisherThomas Nelson
Release dateApr 8, 2013
ISBN9781401689964
The Heiress of Winterwood
Author

Sarah E. Ladd

Sarah E. Ladd is an award-winning, bestselling author who has always loved the Regency period--the clothes, the music, the literature, and the art. A college trip to England and Scotland confirmed her interest in the time period, and she began seriously writing in 2010. Since then, she has released several novels set during the Regency era. Sarah is a graduate of Ball State University and holds degrees in public relations and marketing. She lives in Indiana with her family. Visit Sarah online at SarahLadd.com; Instagram: @sarahladdauthor; Facebook: @SarahLaddAuthor; Twitter: @SarahLaddAuthor; Pinterest: @SarahLaddAuthor.  

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Reviews for The Heiress of Winterwood

Rating: 3.853773628301887 out of 5 stars
4/5

106 ratings19 reviews

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  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Great plot! Got hooked from the first chapter. Excellent narration!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Satisfying ending, took a while to get there though, and the FMC suffered a little from "Too Dumb To Live" syndrome towards the end. Characters are well developed and interesting.
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    Phew. That was BORING. The story began well enough, but I kept waiting for it to really start. There was always tragic and action and not one quiet, nice moment one could enjoy without being reminded of all the awful things that were constantly going on with the characters. The romance was poorly developed and so were the questions and the concept of faith that the characters had. Also there wasn't a satisfying answer given to those questions in the end. I'm sorry, but this author is certainly not my style at all.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This is the author’s debut novel and she is already writing like a pro. I was captivated by this book right away and could hardly put it down. I really have nothing bad to say about this novel and I can’t wait for the sequel.Immediately you are drawn into the storyline, set in Darbury, England in February 1814. Amelia Barrett had befriended Katherine Sterling whose husband, Captain Graham Sterling was away on his ship. Katherine gives birth to a beautiful baby girl, Lucy, but the birth was too difficult and she dies. But before she dies, she makes Amelia promise to always care for Lucy. And that promise was one she intended to keep, no matter what.Amelia, the heiress of Winterwood Manor, must marry before she turns 24 (just a few months away) or her inheritance will go to her next of kin. Her Uncle has made arrangements for her to marry Edward Littleton. At first she thought he was a wonderful man and she thought she loved him and he loved her. But as time grew near the wedding date she started finding out the true nature of her fiance. He refused her to keep the toddler, Lucy. And that was one thing that Amelia was not going to go along with. And then in steps Captain Graham Sterling, back from the war waiting for ship repairs, he comes to visit his daughter that he has yet to meet. From here the story gets exciting and dangerous. You’ll just have to get the book to read more and I promise that you won’t be disappointed. If you love a good historical, Christian romance with some suspense mixed in, then you’ll love this book.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    When Winterwood heiress Amelia Barratt’s friend dies in childbirth, she feels compelled to propose to the baby’s father, Captain Graham Sterling. He refuses her proposal. Danger follows. The baby Lucy is taken hostage and a large sum of money is demanded for her release. Amelia and Graham must work together to find the culprit and free the baby.The Heiress of Winterwood is the first installment in the Whispers on the Moors series by Sarah E.. Ladd, published by Thomas Nelson. The story is set in Darbury, England 1814 and is about heiress Amelia Barratt who takes care of baby Lucy following her friend’s death in childbirth. The baby’s father Graham Sterling has never met Amelia, but on his arrival to pick up the baby, she proposes a marriage of convenience, even though she is already engaged. Captain Sterling is surprised and overwhelmed and refuses the proposal initially. When Amelia ends her engagement and reveals her plan to marry Captain Sterling instead, her family is livid. Baby Lucy disappears and a ransom note is presented. Plenty of people have motives for the abduction. Frantic with worry, Graham and Amelia work together to get the baby released find the culprit and try to get real about their feelings for each other.Main character heiress Amelia Barrett is an opinionated and assertive character, but also in the hold of her selfish and greedy family. She seemed to show her strength in the wrong places while letting people trample all over her in others. She is my favorite as she seemed a realistic character with noticeable strengths and weaknesses.Supporting character Edward Littleton is Amelia’s fiancée who seems a reasonable match, but he shows his real colors pretty soon. He is my least favorite character because he has no intention at all of being a good husband to Amelia and only goes after her money.The writing of The Heiress of Winterwood is beautiful and vivid with great dialogue and amusing parts. The Downton Abby-like vibe of the story was complete with descriptions of opulent environments, interiors and lifestyle which for me were the best part. The family’s reaction to Amelia going against their wishes when proposing to Captain Sterling was the worst part for me, but it added and excellent dramatic element to the plot. The relationship between Amelia and Graham develops when they get opportunity share some secret moments alone. As they get to know each other more, they both become pleasantly surprised by the other and feelings seem to deepen.I enjoyed reading about how Amanda kept her Bible and book of psalms close to feel guided and comforted even when she had doubts and needed help to trust and believe. Graham was lead to God by a trusted fellow sailor and father figure in his life.Conclusion: this is story with a Downton Abbey-like vibe which centers on the drama of rescuing a kidnapped baby and the added elements of romance and faith. I can’t wait to read the next installment already in place on my Kindle.Anyone who enjoys a historical romance plot with a spiritual and drama element would love this story. Similar authors to explore might be Julie Klassen or Carrie Turansky.All opinions in this review are completely my own.My rating: 4 stars / 5Main reasons: great mixture between romance and drama, great character building,
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    The Heiress of Winterwood was for me the best of all the forays into the Christian Regency genre I have made in a while. So many novels like this seem to be taken up with the characters kissing, wanting to kiss, or thinking about kissing, that to have one which isn’t presents a welcome change. The main protagonists’ arrangement is one of practicality at first- and things actually happen.
    There’s a fairly strong central storylinr, well drawn characters, an element of mystery, generally tasteful romance, adventure and the theme of redemption. The culmination of the Romance really only comes at the end- after the protagonists come close to losing each other.

    Also, unlike some other regencies, the depiction of the upper classes didn’t seem to be based on prejudices against them- but altogether seemed to be a more realistic and objective view of the period and society. Emelia was a woman who simply wanted to keep a promise to a friend, and realised her betrothed (whom she chose- forced marriage having been illegal in England since the time of Canute) was not all he seemed. Not an anachronistic libertine rebelling against the perceived ‘injustice’ or ‘inequality’ of society. Also, Graham Stirling the hero is a captain in the Navy and the year is 1813 there’s no Brit Bashing or blaming them for the war of 1812.

    The names of the characters seem fitting for the time. Graham, Emelia, William, Edward and Helena- ordinary perhaps but not reflecting modern naming trends more than those of the 19th century- like Chase or Tanner.
    My only complaints were that the narrator of the audiobook edition didn’t voice the respective characters very well, though she tried her best. Also, I think an American narrator wasn’t an exceptionally good choice, as a ‘British’ accent seemed challenging for her too- especially if the character had a regional accent of some kind. It may be just a personal view, but I think a British narrator would have been better- though I believe the sequel audiobook does have one.

    Also, there were perhaps too many clandestine unchaperoned and often nocturnal meetings between Emelia and Graham for my liking, and to be plausible. Not that these were for any morally dubious purpose, usually to discuss important matters, but such actions could be considered morally questionable and compromising by the standards of the time- and I don’t think it’s generally wise for a woman to be wondering around on her own at night generally.
    Too easy for Emelia to get in and out unnoticed , and too little regard for her own reputation I felt. There was one scene in which Graham’s brother forces a kiss on Emilia (and might have gone further) which could be considered inappropriate, but not too much so, and the plot was a little predictable in places.

    Aside from the above, I would certainly recommend this work, and would love to read more by her and will almost certainly be keeping the audiobook - unless I can get the paperback anyway!
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    I just couldn't suspend my disbelief and cynicism enough to enjoy this. Amelia, a one dimensional goody two shoes of a character, assumes care of her dead friend's baby. Her fiance won't let her keep the child so she decides to marry the child's father when he returns from a sea voyage despite the fact that she doesn't even know him. Even he is skeptical of her crazy ways. The villainous fiance kidnaps the baby, the blessed couple fall in love, add a sprinkling of God, and of course a happy ending. On the plus side it was a quick read but it's doubtful that I will remember having done so six months from now.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This book, in its entirety, was a pleasure to read, and has made it to the coveted will read again spot on my bookshelf. It's not every day you get the chance to meet your new favorite author! It's easy to see why The Heiress of Winterwood was the winner of the 2011 Genesis Award ~ Ms. Ladd did an excellent job.

    Selfishness, red herrings and intrigue, engagements, true love and not-so-true love, all these abound in this wonderful novel and make it a time-stealer.

    Amelia Barrett is a woman who knows what she wants. And that's to keep baby Lucy, not only because she promised the baby's dying mother to do so, but because she loves her as her own. Enter Edward Littleton, the man whom she's engaged to marry in just a few short weeks and has no wish nor promise to keep the baby. When all seems lost and it's evident the baby must leave, an answer comes in the form of Captain Sterling.

    These characters were excellently rounded and full of life.The good, the bad, and the downright ugly was brought out by an artist with a fabulous talent for painting word pictures that come to life in your mind.

    Ms. Ladd has made it to my favorite author's list and I will be reading more of her work. I do so love finding a new fabulous author with a penchant for telling fantastic stories.

    *My thanks to the publisher, Thomas Nelson, who provided this book in exchange for my honest opinions. They were in no wise required to be favorable. It was just that good!*
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This book was a little slow in the beginning but once I got a couple of chapters into the book I didn't want to put it down. I loved the characters and I loved how the author made me feel like I was there in the scene with the characters. There were a few times that I didn't agree with the characters but that is just part of reading a book. The author does a great job of making the reader understand how the characters are feeling and what they are going through.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    This was an emotionally compelling story, but lacking in physical romance. The plot possessed substance and a good deal of depth; if sexual chemistry had been added to the mix this story has the potential to have been a 5 kiss historical romance. Nevertheless, Sarah Ladd is skilled at crafting a thrilling world of suspense and questions. While the sexual component was severely lacking, and the Christian references a bit overt for my taste, I was still drawn to finish the story and get to the happily ever after.The bond that Amelia formed with Lucy was heart-achingly beautiful and made me yearn for that type of unquenchable love. That she would find even more love in a partner for life made the story all the more poignant. Overall this was a pleasant read that kept me guessing until the end and at points had me gripping the nook barely able to wait for the next sentence, let alone the next page. A solid read for those looking for a touching emotional story of unbreakable bonds and an intricate plot tipped with tension and suspense.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I knew nothing of the Thomas Nelson publishing Company when I started to read this book. I was immediately engaged in the plot which revolves around a deathbed promise from a young lady to her friend that she will care for her baby. About fifty pages or so into the book there is a whole lot of talk about the Bible and God and so I look Thomas Nelson up on the internet and find it is the world's largest Christian publishing company. I generally don't read Christian fiction because I find it was too preachy but this book was more story centered rather than religion centered and the story was quite good and well written even if the final outcome of the book in my opinion was not much in doubt. So, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This book was a page turner! It grabbed me from the beginning and wouldn't let me go. I loved how succinct the writing was. The author didn't include any unnecessary descriptions. She included just enough characterizations for me to care about the characters, but not enough to overwhelm. The back story was easily incorporated into the story as a whole. Loved it!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Review: The Heiress of Winterwood
    Book One of Whispers on the Moors

    From cover to content, author Sarah Ladd’s debut novel impresses. A Regency novel, complete with gowns, estates and luxury, fans of the era will be intrigued with more than setting. Ms Ladd has adeptly captured the sentiments of our protagonists, Amelia Barrett and Cptn Graham Sterling, individually and as they take a relational journey from introduction through to interest. Flawed characters that had me pleasantly surprised one moment and frustrated the next. Amelia’s headstrong ways got her in more hot water than she expected. Grateful Ms Ladd revealed the costs of her misjudgements and used them as learning experiences in the development of Amelia’s character. The entire cast of characters was realistic and played their roles remarkably. Aunt Augusta was a definite replica of Mrs Bennet of Pride and Prejudice fame, her voice echoing with clarity whenever she appeared on the scene. Captain Sterling was pictured every bit as sterling as his name, keeping my interest tapped to the final lush closing moment...

    The relationships throughout the story were well developed with authentic characters and reactions. The storyline itself grabbed me even as I first received it as a book review option. An intriguing twist mounts the plot’s intensity to a feverish race to the finish. Definitely not a book to put down easily!

    A satisfying story of redemption on many fronts, I look forward to hearing more from Sarah Ladd. Soon!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    The Heiress of Winterwood (Whispers On The Moors) Sarah LaddBook Summary: Amelia Barrett gave her word. Keeping it could cost her everything.Darbury, England, 1814Amelia Barrett, heiress to an estate nestled in the English moors, defies family expectations and promises to raise her dying friend’s baby. She'll risk everything to keep her word—even to the point of proposing to the child’s father—a sea captain she’s never met. When the child vanishes with little more than an ominous ransom note hinting to her whereabouts, Amelia and Graham are driven to test the boundaries of their love for this little one. Amelia’s detailed plans would normally see her through any trial, but now, desperate and shaken, she’s forced to examine her soul and face her one weakness: pride. Graham’s strength and self-control have served him well and earned him much respect, but chasing perfection has kept him a prisoner of his own discipline. And away from the family he has sworn to love and protect. Both must learn to accept God’s sovereignty and relinquish control so they can grasp the future He has for planned for them.Review: I really enjoyed this book. This is my first book written by Sarah Ladd but it will not be my last. The entire story was captivating. I loved Amelia and Graham they were great and very realistic. Many of the events were realistic but also not difficult to predict. The dialog and secondary characters were unknown which easily made everyone suspect. All of which merged perfectly with events as they unfolded for the characters. It was not difficult to figure out who was the kidnapper but the extent that this person went to acquire money was startling. I liked the resolution to events that were very realistic and yet the very end left so many more questions than answers. I felt let down because there were some loose ends that I wanted to see resolved. I am hoping that some of these things get resolved in the next book in this series………. Over all this was a thrilling read with dynamic characters. I would like to thank Book Sneeze and Thomas Nelson for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Amelia Barrett is in a bit of a predicament. In order to keep her large inheritance, she must marry. However, she has sworn to watch the baby daughter of her dear friend who died soon after childbirth. Amelia is engaged, but her intended refuses to even think about keeping the young baby. So Amelia comes up with a new plan, one that will free her from her current entanglements and allow her to keep the child- marry the child's father, Captain Graham Sterling. Captain Sterling isn't too fond of this plan, but he keep an open mind. He too soon sees the advantages of this plan, so they go forward with immediate marriage plans. Everything changes when the baby girl is kidnapped though, and Amelia and Captain Sterling learn that life can throw you curve balls in interesting ways.I love historical novels, so I looked forward to reading this. I thought the pacing of the book was fantastic. There wasn't really time in the story for a lot of mooning about by the main characters, and that made me exceptionally happy. I also loved that the basic premise of the story allowed for a strong female characters within the confines of the time period. No matter how strong a female was, there was only so much she could do on her own. Amelia was dependent on finding someone to marry to keep her place as the heiress of her family estate. Seeing as her choice of marriage partner was the only thing she could control some, it was natural that she rebelled against what her family sought for her. While she was looking for love, more than anything she was looking for a situation she could live with on her terms. I found this to be realistic and yet still make for an enjoyable romance.There were a few loose ends left hanging, and I'm very intrigued by some of those. I think mostly I just really liked seeing Amelia value her promise to a dying friend and a young child's life more than anything. I really believed that she would give up everything for them. This book has a bit of peril too. Just enough to keep it interesting, but not enough to make you worry too much. One thing I will say is because moved fairly quickly, I didn't feel like I got to know the Captain as much as I would have liked. I know there was background given, but I just wanted a smidge more. I guess there's always room for that in the next book.Book provided for review.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I savored this book, and it read so fast. You feel like you were with Amelia Barrett and living in Winterwood. England is at War with America and it is the year 1812.Captain Graham Sterling is home, while his ship is being repaired, and has made his way to Winterwood for the first glimpse of his daughter Lucy. His wife died right after her birth, and Amelia promised to take care of the little one. She will do anything to keep her promise. Going as far as breaking her engagement to Edward, and proposing to Graham.You get the feeling that God is in control here, and the things that happen are not accidents. Although, it will keep you page turning, and put your heart in your throat. How can there be such a ruthless man?Who will Amelia end up with? She needs to marry or lose her estate to some distant cousin. I did have some unanswered questions at the end of this book. Her relationship with her Aunt and Uncle, and cousin Helena has been damaged, and I wondered if they can repair it...of course with God's help all is possible.I received this book through Litfuse Publicity Group, and was not required to give a positive review.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    A friend dies giving birth to her daughter. The father is at sea. Amelia Barrett takes the child to care for until her father’s return. Life gets complicated as her fiancé refuses to let her keep the child. His refusal is a small look into the soul of who is soon to be her husband, and she doesn’t like what she sees. Taking a chance, she asks the baby’s father to marry her. By doing so, she inherits a fortune, evades a bad marriage, keeps the little girl she has fallen in love it, and her husband will rarely be around. It all seems so perfect until everything starts to fall apart including the abduction of the baby.This was a wonderfully well-written book that had me wanting to finish in one sitting. It wasn’t too fast paced but not too slow, either. The plot was laid out well. Though I could see many of the next moves in the story, they were told with descriptive brilliance that had me enjoying it all. The characters were great and full of depth. Even the ones you’ll love to hate are well-done and not one dimensional.This is a ‘soft’ Christian fiction book in that it is not preachy. Amelia finds herself praying for guidance and returning to her faith as she moves forward to protect the child she loves and herself. I completely loved it and can’t wait for the sequel to come out.Note: I received this book from participating in a book tour with no expectation of a positive review.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    The Heiress of Winterwood for me was a pretty good book but it did not blow me away. It was one the books I was talking about in my Musing Monday post though with the formatting issues so that did make it a bit harder for me to read and sit back and enjoy. I may visit it again when it is officially released to see if I can enjoy it more.

    That said the story itself was pretty good. I liked the plot and it was not one that I had not read before. Amelia is a strong and independent of a sweet nature with a huge heart. You can not help but love a woman who would take on the responsibility that she did and take it to such a point that she would think to marry a man she did not even know just so she could keep a promise. The child vanishing without a single trace..well that adds a whole bunch of trouble into the characters lives. The ups and downs were enjoyable in this read and while I could not finish it with this read through I will give it another shot later on because I enjoyed what I could read.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Amelia Barrett is approaching the birthday when she will either lose her ancestral home and fortune or be married to a man she is increasingly beginning to believe is only after her fortune. She also sees a side of him that terrifies her. She is raising her dear friend Katherine's child, 9 month old Lucy. As Katherine lay dying, she begs Amelia to take care of her child until her seafaring captain husband returns home. Amelia agrees and adores the child. However, her intended has made it clear he will not tolerate Amelia keeping Lucy once they are married.Amelia does the only thing she can think of that will allow her to keep her promise to her friend. She proposes to the sea captain GRaham Sterling. Who immediately turns her down.Amelia has always managed life on her own and Graham has always been in charge. Will these two individuals allow God to show them how He will handle their lives if given a chance?Don't miss this book. I've found an author whose books I'll buy without even reading the synopsis. Yay!