Bookshelf Friday - The Headmistress of Rosemere by Sarah E. Ladd

I had the pleasure of meeting Sarah Ladd last fall at our ACFW writer's conference. She is effervescent and warm, so incredibly welcoming I felt at ease the moment I was introduced--a hard accomplishment for this introvert:)

Well, this past week I finally had a chance to meet one of Sarah's books! It was as much fun as meeting her. From the moment I cracked the page, I was drawn into the world she created and whisked away to Darbury, England. Here's a blurb and we'll chat on the other side:

At twenty-five, Patience Creighton is

already a spinster. The busy headmistress of Rosemere always expected a dashing man to sweep her off her feet and take her away . . . but that man never came. And since her father’s death, keeping the school running and her mother happy

has been plenty to keep her occupied.

William Sterling dallied his way into financial trouble and mortal danger. When he is assaulted by his creditors’

henchmen on the road home from a tavern, he guides his horse to the doorstep of his tenant, the Rosemere School for Young Ladies. After being tended to by Patience, the wounded William rides off into the dawn—but makes a point to

learn more about the lovely headmistress.

As he spends more time at Rosemere,

something delicate begins to develop between William and Patience. But that will not deter William’s creditors. With little money to repay his debts, and

less for the upkeep of his estate, it becomes clear that sacrificing Rosemere may be the only way to preserve his legacy. But it may also cost him his happiness.

Sarah's writing is poetic and flows effortlessly. Her characters are intriguing with struggles we all could encounter. I have to admit, one of my favorite persons in this book was that of the secondary character Cassandra. Sarah weaves so many truths into Cassandra's words, and the don't feel forced at all.

The pacing of the story progresses in such a manner that had me turning pages, not feeling rushed and yet eagerly anticipating what would happen next. I enjoyed watching Patience and William grow in their relationship and as individuals too. And, of course, I was rewarded with a very happy ending.

If you haven't read any of Sarah's books, I highly recommend The Headmistress of Rosemere which you can purchase here. And Sarah's first book (which I'm now snapping up) The Heiress of Winterwood can be purchased here.

If you want to know a little more about Sarah, here she is:)
 

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.

You can connect with Sarah at her website www.sarahladd.com