My favorite genre is historical/romance and THE GOVERNESS AT PENWYTHE HALL is a delight that did not disappoint. Set in 1808 in Cornwall, England, Robert Greythorne dies and his widow, Cordelia is blamed for his death - accused of keeping a secret and is promptly banished from Greythorne House by his hate-filled mother, Ada. As Delia attempts to board the coach for the beginning of her new life alone, she is accosted by her hysterical mother-in-law screaming at her, "Never return to Cornwall. You have betrayed my son. A curse on you. The family will never forgive you."

Three years later, Delia lives at Easten Park in Yorkshire where she is hired to be the governess to the five children Mr. and Mrs. Randall Tretheway. Death has calmed their mother and their father is fighting for his life after falling from his horse. When he dies, his will is a complete surprise and shock: the children and their governess are to live with his estranged bother Jac, at Penwythe Hall in Cornwall. Jac has been struggling to restore the estate he inherited, and he is trying to make ends meet through the apple orchards and using the cider mill. When his five nieces and nephews and Delia show up, Jac has no idea what his brother was thinking. He has no idea what to do with children and he can't stop staring at the beautiful Delia...

Sarah E. Ladd is a sterling storyteller. Our heroine, Delia has so many secrets. In addition to protecting and loving her five wards, she is coping with grief, loss, and fears of her past and fighting hard to regain her faith. She begins to talk to God like she used to do. She is also having feelings toward Jac and wonders if the attraction is affecting him too? She loves the tranquility of the country estate, but will her past catch up with her living so close to Greythorne House? When it does, she fights hard with Jac close by and resolves the fears she has been hiding for so long. Justice is served, a forever love is discovered and a future together looks rosy. I loved the book and look toward the sequel, coming soon, I hope. Great job, Ms. Ladd!