Julia Twethewey finds herself in a dangerous armed robbery where handsome mining captain Isaac Blake saves her from being shot. Strange things start to happen at Lanwyn Manor where she visits. Valuable items go missing and there is rumors the manor is cursed. Julia and Isaac have to cooperate to find what is going on with the mining community and the thefts from the manor.

The Thief of Lanwyn Manor is the second installment in The Cornwall Novels by Sarah E. Ladd, published by Thomas Nelson. The story is set in Cornwall, England 1818 and focuses on Julia Twethewey as she goes to visit her cousin in Cornwall. On arrival she finds herself in the center of an armed robbery, where mining captain Isaac Blake saves her from being shot. When Isaac’s twin brother, mine owner Matthew Blake, starts flirting with Julia, she is pretty sure he just wants to get his hands on her uncle’s mine. Silver and jewels go missing from Lanwyn Manor and something seems a miss. Julia and Isaac are forced to cooperate as strange things keep happening at the manor
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Main character Julia Twethewey is mine owner Lambourne niece. She seems quite a determined, assertive and kind but sensitive young woman who looks past wealth and status to focus more on personal character traits, like we would today. She is my favorite character of this story.

Uncle William Lambourne is the mine owner who has a collection of negative traits. I find him seriously disagreeable and unsympathetic man who seems to not have much of a heart. He is by far my least favorite character of this story, although there were a couple of other strong contenders.

I found the dramatic robbery at the start of the story was particularly well written. I could feel the danger, hairs rising on my back. I enjoyed the vivid and descriptive writing of impressive interiors of the manor and local environments, which made the story come alive.

My favorite part of the plot was the mystery about the thievery from Lanwyn Manor. It included several surprising twists and an exciting ending to the story. My least favorite part was descriptions of Matthew Blake’s personal traits and attitude. He seemed condescending and prejudiced. I felt my skin crawl.

The mining theme of the plot and the setting in Cornwall reminds me of the Poldark series, but it includes a mystery part about the manor and the sleuthing of the theft, which sets it apart from Poldark.

Julia and Isaac were drawn to each other from when he rescues her in the robbery. They meet «accidentally» in the mornings to talk and as they get to know each other better, new closeness emerges.

Fans of Sarah E. Ladd would love this story. Readers of historical romance fiction would enjoy it as well. Similar authors to explore might be Julie Klassen or Michelle Griep. All opinions in this review are completely my own.

Conclusion: This plot is exciting with a surprising end. It reminds me of the Poldark series and reads like a mystery plot with romance included. I found the character building great and the fabulous writing drew me in from the very start. I excitedly await last installment in the series. ( )

This book kept me up late a couple of evenings, saying "Just one more chapter." I liked the characters of Julia and her cousin Jane and of course, Isaac Blake. Her aunt, Beatrice, is a bit of a stereotype for society ladies of the time, but she served her purpose. I had never heard of a male midwife or accoucheur, so that was new to me. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series. ( )

The Thief of Lanwyn Manor by Sarah Ladd has Julia Twethewey traveling to Lanwyn Manor to be a companion to her cousin, Jane who is confined to bed during her latter part of her pregnancy. Julia is accosted at the Gray Owl Inn by men looking for her uncle. William Lambourne, Julia’s uncle, has closed Bal Tressa, his copper mine, which has the local miners up in arms. She is saved by Isaac Blake who helps run a local mine owned by his brother. Valuable items begin disappearing from Lanwyn Manor after Julia’s arrival, and Julia receives threatening notes encouraging her to depart. Something sinister is happening in Goldweth. Julia and Isaac team up to find answers. The Thief of Lanwyn Manor is the second installment in The Cornwall Novels. It can be read as a standalone if you have not indulged in The Governess of Penwythe Hall. I thought The Thief of Lanwyn Manor was well-written with developed characters. The point-of-view alternates between Julia and Isaac. I like that we get a male and female perspective because, let’s face it, men and women see things differently. The story moves along at a gentle pace which suits the story. I like how the pacing increases during tense moments. I enjoyed the authors vivid descriptions of Cornwall, the beautiful homes, and the fashions. There is tension in Goldweth with one mine shut down and the price of copper is low. I liked the mystery surrounding the missing items and the threats which added intrigue and suspense. I thought the author captured the time period beautifully. The Thief of Lanwyn Manor is an intriguing Regency novel with mysterious threats, hidden danger, a special romance, scared miners, and a matchmaking aunt. ( )

The Thief of Lanwyn Manor by Sarah Ladd has Julia Twethewey traveling to Lanwyn Manor to be a companion to her cousin, Jane who is confined to bed during her latter part of her pregnancy. Julia is accosted at the Gray Owl Inn by men looking for her uncle. William Lambourne, Julia’s uncle, has closed Bal Tressa, his copper mine, which has the local miners up in arms. She is saved by Isaac Blake who helps run a local mine owned by his brother. Valuable items begin disappearing from Lanwyn Manor after Julia’s arrival, and Julia receives threatening notes encouraging her to depart. Something sinister is happening in Goldweth. Julia and Isaac team up to find answers. The Thief of Lanwyn Manor is the second installment in The Cornwall Novels. It can be read as a standalone if you have not indulged in The Governess of Penwythe Hall. I thought The Thief of Lanwyn Manor was well-written with developed characters. The point-of-view alternates between Julia and Isaac. I like that we get a male and female perspective because, let’s face it, men and women see things differently. The story moves along at a gentle pace which suits the story. I like how the pacing increases during tense moments. I enjoyed the authors vivid descriptions of Cornwall, the beautiful homes, and the fashions. There is tension in Goldweth with one mine shut down and the price of copper is low. I liked the mystery surrounding the missing items and the threats which added intrigue and suspense. I thought the author captured the time period beautifully. The Thief of Lanwyn Manor is an intriguing Regency novel with mysterious threats, hidden danger, a special romance, scared miners, and a matchmaking aunt. ( )

Set in 1818, The Thief of Lanwyn Manor by Sarah E. Ladd is a sweet historical romance with a slight mystery element. Although this latest release is the second installment in the Cornwall series, it can be read as a standalone.

Suffering from a broken heart, nineteen year old Julia Twethewey is in need of a diversion. So when her cousin Jane is bedridden due to pregnancy complications, she travels to Lanwyn Manor to keep her company. The house is in a mining town that is dealing with high unemployment rates partly due to her Uncle William Lambourne closing his mine. Julia's introduction to the town is frightening but she is charmed by Isaac Blake who rescues her from a threatening situation. However, her Aunt Beatrice insists she spend time with Isaac's twin brother Matthew since he owns the neighboring estate and mine. As strange and menacing occurrences continue, Julia is uncertain whom she can trust and her heart and mind are at war as she begins to fall for Isaac. With Aunt Beatrice controlling her every move, will Julia and Isaac get the opportunity to explore their burgeoning feelings for one another?

Julia is a biddable young woman who finds it difficult to stand up to her overbearing Aunt Beatrice. She is kind, compassionate and caring but she does not trust her own judgment due to her previous relationship. Julia is not at all interested in Matthew but between her aunt's insistence he is the one for her and her unquestioning belief in local gossip, she continues to see him. Julia can never quite let go of her attraction to Isaac, but is there any chance of a future with him?

By a mere three minutes, Isaac is the younger son so Matthew inherits the family estate and profitable mine Wheal Tamsen. Isaac would like to reopen the mine he inherited but he lacks sufficient funds to accomplish his goal. Despite his disappointment, he is content to continue to work with Matthew at Wheal Tamsen. Isaac is intrigued by Julia from their very first meeting but he steps aside as soon as Matthew expresses interest in her. He is suspicious of his brother's motives for becoming involved with Julia and the Lambournes, but there is nothing he can do about the situation. The two brothers are complete opposites and although Isaac clearly sees Matthew's faults, he is extremely loyal. However, Isaac eagerly looks forward to spending as many stolen moments as possible with Julia.

The goings on at Lanwyn Manor are quite puzzling and Julia senses something is amiss. But she cannot quite figure out exactly what is making her so uneasy. Julia is stunned by a shocking accusation and she is also bewildered by some of Matthew's behavior. She has stumbled onto some confusing information, but try as she might, Julia struggles to understand what it all means.

The Thief of Lanwyn Manor is an engrossing historical romance with an interesting mystery to solve. Julia and Isaac are delightful characters who put duty over their own wishes. Aunt Beatrice is quite domineering and not very easy to like. Sarah E. Ladd brings the novel heartwarming conclusion that readers are sure to love. Old and new fans are going to enjoy this lovely addition to the Cornwall series. ( )