The Letter from Briarton Park

Written by Sarah E. Ladd

Narrated by Jude Mason

In Regency England, one letter will alter a young woman’s fate when it summons her to Briarton Park—an ancient estate that holds the secrets of her past and the keys to her future.

Cassandra Hale grew up knowing little about her parentage, and she had made peace with the fact that she never would. But her world shifts when a shocking deathbed confession reveals a two-year-old letter from Mr. Clark, the master of Briarton Park, with hints to her family’s identity. Stung by betrayal, Cassandra travels to the village of Anston only to learn Mr. Clark has since passed away.

James Warrington is a widower and the new master of Briarton Park, where he lives with his two young daughters, his sister, and his mother-in-law. When Cassandra appears at his doorstep with a letter from the previous owner and then proceeds to assist his family in an unexpected way, he is honor bound to help uncover the answers she seeks.

The more time Cassandra spends in Anston, the more she begins to suspect not everything—or everyone—is as they seem. As details emerge, the danger surrounding her intensifies. Using wit and intuition, she must navigate the treacherous landscapes between truth and rumor and between loyalty and deception if she is to uncover the realities of her past and find the place her heart can finally call home.

Sarah Ladd’s latest Regency romance, first in the new Houses of Yorkshire series, combines mystery and intrigue with the best of historical storytelling.

Praise for The Letter from Briarton Park:

“The swoon-worthy romance of Jane Austen meets the suspense of Charlotte Bronte in Sarah Ladd's enthralling The Letter from Briarton Park. As Cassandra navigates the mystery of her own life, it is absolutely clear that family—either of blood or heart—are where she, and we, ultimately find our home.” —Joy Callaway, international bestselling author of The Fifth Avenue Artists Society and The Greenbrier Resort

• Sweet Regency romance with mystery elements
• The first book in the Houses of Yorkshire series, but can be read in any order
• Book length: approximately 91,000 words

• Language: English
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Release date: Mar 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9780785246787

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.  

Reviews for The Letter from Briarton Park

[ecataldi-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

There was some gothic vibes, but really this was a Regency romance that focused on uncovering family secrets and trying to find a place in the world. Cassandra Hale grew up never knowing her parents, but knowing that she was valued as a pupil and then a teacher in her girl's school. When her mentor confesses on her deathbed that she knew who her parents were and had withheld a letter with information to her past, Cassandra is incensed. How could she hide that from her?! The letter is from Briarton Park and states that the sender would like to talk about her past. When Cassandra arrives she discovers that the sender of the letter and owner of the estate has been dead for two years. But at least she knows she is closer to answers. The Vicar of the town is most attentive to her and wants to help her uncover her past, as is the current occupant of Briarton Park, a widower with two beautiful children. Is romance on the horizon and if so, with whom? A solid inspirational read.

[debs4jc · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A young woman named Cassandra is shocked when she receives a letter hinting at her true identity. She travels to an estate named Briarton Park in order to speak to the letter's author and find out the truth about her parentage. She finds few answers as the writer of the letter is deceased but she does get some clues as to people she may be able to talk to for more information. Since she is without a position she decides to stay in the area and continue her search. She also makes the acquaintance of James Warrington, the new tenant of Briarton Park as well as the local Vicar. As events unfold past mysteries and current problems come to light, romances develop, and family relationships are mended.This was a delightful read for those who enjoy Regency romance, especially if they appreciate a dash of mystery.

[debf56 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a wonderful book. I got caught up in the story as it unfolded. Cassandra is a brave, determined, and caring woman that is on a mission to find answers about her family. Will she be able to get the answers or will trouble find her first? I enjoyed the book with its mystery, emotions, wonderful characters and a little romance. I recommend this book.

[eyes92c · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Secrets can mask any things!Set in Regency England as industrialisation is overtaking the landscape. A young school teacher, Cassandra Hale, is given information about her past and handed a letter by “the woman who’d been like a mother to her”, her mentor and headmistress, Mrs Jane Denton, as she was dying. A deathbed confession if you will. Cassandra’s love for her mentor vies with a sense of betrayal. The letter is an invitation to Briarton Park in North Yorkshire from one Robert Clark where she will be given more information about her family.Cassandra had been placed in care at the Denton School for Young Ladies at the age of five. Now nineteen years later she sets out to Briarton Park, to find out more about her unknown past. That search leads her to Anston Village during the troubled times when the instalment of machinery in mills threatens workers employment. Before her quest is finally put to rest, Cassandra’s search will bring not only knowledge of who her parents were, but betrayal and death, and eventually to lead to friendship and love, and a place of belonging. Along the way two men catch her attention, or let’s just say Cassandra catches theirs. The obliging vicar Mr North and mill owner James Warrington.A pleasing and enjoyable Regency romance with an hint of gothic overtones.A Thomas Nelson ARC via NetGalley Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change

[lamb521 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Title: The Letter from Briarton Park (The Houses of Yorkshire #1)Author: Sarah LaddPages: 336Year: 2022Publisher: Thomas NelsonMy rating is 4 out of 5 stars.Cassandra Hale loses her job and her home when her employer dies. Upon her deathbed, her employer gives her some information about her family, but not very much. Cassandra has lived at the girls’ school, first as a student and then as a teacher, for several years. She is now determined to discover who her parents were or are. She has never known them, so she doesn’t know if they are dead or alive. She has a letter that asks for her to visit an estate, but when she arrives, the writer of the letter has died, and the new owner, James Warrington, doesn’t have much information for her.She realizes she needs a job to support herself, so she takes a job as governess. James has hired her as governess for his two young daughters. As a mill owner, he is experiencing increased tension between himself and his workers as he brings new machines into the workplace. The workers think the machines will take their place, so they do anything they can to thwart their arrival. Cassandra is given information that leads to new knowledge of her family, but is it true? Her only proof disappears, as well as the only person who can prove her story is murdered. Can she ever discover the truth?I haven’t read any books from this author for a few years and when I saw the announcement for this new novel, I decided to give it a try. I enjoyed the mystery aspect of the book. I also thought Cassandra was a strong female, knowing right from wrong. The story slowed down after her arrival in Anston, but once she takes the position of governess, the story picks up again. I love the time period and place where this novel takes place. This is a good read for those who enjoy the regency setting.Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.

[claudia.castenir · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Set in early 1800s England, during a period of unrest among the nation's wool mill workers, The Letter From Briarton Park tells the story of Miss Cassandra Hale, a young teacher who taught in the same boarding school as she had grown up in never knowing her own family. After the passing of her mentor and surrogate mother, Cassandra sets out to learn about her roots following some surprising deathbed confessions. Ladd has crafted an interesting story filled with deception, suspicion, and intrigue while including a healthy portion of compassion, forgiveness, and love which made for several hours of reading pleasure.I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

[dndizzle · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I was sure that I would like the book, from the blurb, but didn't realize that I would LOVE this book. This is a mystery that will have you turning page after page. Although the plot is light and somewhat predictable, I did enjoy this. My first time reading from this author, but I'm now sure it won't be the last. Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction and Net Galley for the chance to read and review this book. The opinions expressed are my own.