1--What is the title of your latest release?
IN THE SHELTER OF HOLLYTHORNE HOUSE
2--What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?
When Charlotte Prior’s husband dies unexpectedly, she knows her son is in danger, so she and her son flee to Hollythorne House, her childhood home. While there, she comes face-to face with her former love, who’d been hired as one of the watchmen charged with protecting them until the details of her late husband’s estate are settled. When new threats emerge and the past collides with the present, Charlotte must decide what she is willing to risk for the chance to right past wrongs and carve out a new future.
3--How did you decide where your book was going to take place?
For me, this was easy! I write Regency novels, which means the story takes place in England between 1811-1820. There are so many great locations in England to choose from, but I chose the Yorkshire moors for this novel because they are so moody and atmospheric. They take on a personality entirely their own.
4--Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life?
Absolutely! In fact, by the time I reached the final draft of this novel, Charlotte was definitely the character that veered the most from my original plan for her character. I really enjoyed seeing how she developed and changed through the editing process.
5--What are three words that describe your protagonist?
Resourceful, determined, passionate.
6--What’s something you learned while writing this book?
In the Shelter of Hollythorne House is my 12th novel, but it’s the first romance I’ve written that was a true “second chance” romance. I was surprised how different it was to write a romance when the two main characters had a rich, deep history. In most of my books the hero and the heroine have very little knowledge of the other at the beginning, so this completely changed how I wrote the book!
7--Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done?
I usually write a book in three sections. I start by writing the first third of the book, and then I go back and edit it. Next, I write the middle, and once that’s complete, I edit the entire manuscript once more from the beginning. At the very end of the process, I write the final third of the novel.
8--What’s your favorite foodie indulgence?
Ghirardelli squares, hands down.
9--Describe your writing space/office!
My office has tons of windows and an abundance of natural light. This might seem odd, but I need a window next to me when I write. There is nothing quite like staring out of a window for inspiration!
10--Who is an author you admire?
I admire female authors who challenged the norms of the time – Jane Austen, Mary Shelley, the Brontes. They all wrote in a time when women did not traditionally publish novels, and their unique insight into the societies in which they lived is incredible.
11--Is there a book that changed your life?
The first book I remember reading and really being struck by the prose was Jane Eyre. I was young so I’m sure some of the themes were over my head, but the imagery in it and how the author used words to paint pictures really inspired me.
12--Tell us about when you got “the call.” (when you found out your book was going to be published)/Or, for indie authors, when you decided to self-publish.
I was over the moon! It was definitely a “dream come true” moment. I remember feeling quite stunned after I got off the phone with my agent—I knew I was embarking on a new adventure.
13--What’s your favorite genre to read?
Historical Romance!
14--What’s your favorite movie?
This is a hard one—the answer changes all the time! But if I could sit down RIGHT NOW and watch any movie, I would watch the 1995 version of Sense and Sensibility.
15--What is your favorite season?
Autumn, followed closely by spring.
16--How do you like to celebrate your birthday?
I love a big dinner with my family!
17--What’s a recent tv show/movie/book/podcast you highly recommend?
This show is not that recent, but when someone asks for a recommendation for a period piece to watch I always recommend the Poldark series. It’s one of my favorites!
18--What’s your favorite type of cuisine?
Italian.
19--What do you do when you have free time?
Oh goodness, there are so many things I love to do! But if I had to pick just one …. in the summer, I love to be in the garden.
20--What can readers expect from you next?
My next Regency novel is titled The Cloverton Charade. It’s the third and final book in The Houses of Yorkshire series, and it will release next fall.
The Houses of Yorkshire #2
A young widow faces an uncertain future . . . until an unexpected encounter with her first love gives her heart a second chance in this Regency romance set on the Yorkshire Moors.
England, 1817—Charlotte Grey thought she had seen the last of Anthony Welbourne. Knowing her father would never consent to his only daughter marrying a man he deemed beneath their family’s station, Charlotte bid her final farewell to Anthony and vowed never to turn back. Instead, she honored her father’s wishes by marrying the wealthy Roland Prior.
Determined to put his love for Charlotte in the past, Anthony chose to immerse himself in a life full of meaning—first as a soldier fighting a war overseas, then as a member of William Walstead’s watchmen, a rugged band of men dispatched to deal with perilous situations. Fearless and persistent, he makes it his life’s focus to fight for those who can’t fight for themselves.
When Charlotte’s husband dies unexpectedly, she quickly realizes how blind she’d been to his nefarious ambitions and how many people he’d angered on his relentless quest for wealth. To protect her infant son, Henry, from those who wish him harm, she and the baby flee to Hollythorne House, her childhood home. There Charlotte comes face-to-face with her former love, who has been sent as one of the hired watchman to protect her and Henry until the details of her late husband’s estate are settled.
Anthony’s presence brings back feelings she never expected to have again, and she struggles to trust his intentions. Are the watchmen really looking after Charlotte as they claim—or are they looking to make trouble for Roland’s estate and heir? Despite the constant reminders of their past, Anthony must remain focused on the task he was hired to do. But when new threats emerge and the past collides with the present, both must decide what they are willing to risk for the chance to right old wrongs and carve out a new future . . . together.
Romance Historical [Thomas Nelson, On Sale: July 11, 2023, e-Book, ISBN: 9780785246824 / eISBN: 9780785246824]
Sarah E. Ladd received the 2011 Genesis Award in historical romance for The Heiress of Winterwood. She is a graduate of Ball State University and has more than ten years of marketing experience. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing husband, sweet daughter, and spunky Golden Retriever.
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