The Letter from Briarton Park

The Houses of Yorkshire Series, Book 1

By: Sarah E. Ladd

Narrated by: Jude Mason

Length: 9 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's Summary

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 listened to in any order
• Book length: approximately 91,000 words

©2022 Sarah E. Ladd (P)2022 Thomas Nelson

Tedious

This book is completely predictable. The author doesn’t trust the reader to pick up on foreshadowing or any nuances, so she is repetitious. It is very heavy handed. Also, characters that are difficult and abrasive throughout the story suddenly do an about face, becoming all sweetness and understanding at the end. maybe this would be okay for a young teen who did not have a lot of reading experience

Intriguing, mysterious, and romantic

I’ve yet to read a book by Sarah E. Ladd that was not incredible. The characters were so well drawn and the atmosphere was thoroughly developed. This was an intriguing story with so much depth. So many intriguing characters, both good and bad. A mystery that was indecipherable till very near the end. Cassandra and James were both lovely characters, each strengthened by previous losses and trials. I also thoroughly enjoyed both Rachel and Betsy! I should also indicate that the audible narration was extremely well done. This was easily a five star book for me.

Great Story, Perfectly Suited for Fall Evenings

Firstly, the narration is superb. Ms. Mason (the narrator) did an excellent job. And if you're an audio book fan you know poor narration can really sink a story. Thankfully this is not the case in Letter to Briarton Park.
Secondly, kudos to the author for making a realistic heroine, warts and all. Cassandra has a past, a past I believe at times makes her apprehensive and suspicious of others. Even when such individuals show no evidence of harm towards her. And that's what makes her a realistic heroine because we've all been stung by someone in our past, making it challenging for future personal relationships.
And lastly our hero Mr. Warrington is everything most women want in a man. Let's just say whenever I come across the aroma of sandalwood, wood smoke, and horses I'll think of him. Please enjoy this book.

Not much romance

After 7 hours, I finally gave up. Two hours and 40 min remaining. The story is otherwise entertaining but if you are looking for romance, this isn’t it.

Romance Murder Mystery

This is mostly a coming of age romance with a murder mystery taking over the plot line the last few chapters. Overall a pleasant story but I didn’t become attached to the characters perhaps it would suit a younger listener.

Great Book-I love Sarah Ladd

I love books by Sarah e Ladd. She writes such beautiful stories. I love that her romance books have more story-line and depth than just the love story. She adds so much depth to her characters as they interact to solve a problem. This book is one of her best. The narrator is also amazing.

really entertaining story

great clean romance. it was refreshing for a change that the guy wasn't a Duke or something. just a country gentleman and I loved it. the heroine was a really likeable character. I really liked her backstory and how it shaped who she was.

even though it's a romance and we know certain things will happen, the story still managed to surprise me in many pleasant ways. and it did enough things to feel different than every other romance novel out there. and I've read a ton! really refreshing book.

it was a really fun one. I couldn't stop listening to it!!! at so many points, i literally got butterflies in my stomach. the narration was also really good.

it struck a good balance between being realistic and also sensitive to modern audiences without taking you out of the story.

just get it already!! you won't regret it

Great story & Excellent Narrator!

I had a hard time turning off the audiobook. Loved the story & the narrator really brought the characters to life!

Great book (as usual!)

I always enjoy listening to Sarah Ladd's books and I thought Jude Mason did an excellent job narrating it.

easy listen

enjoyable enough, a mix between drama, romance and a bit of mystery

excellent voice performance