A long-held family feud reignites when two rival antiquities brokers arrive at the same house party in Regency England.
Olivia Brannon knows her goals are unconventional. As a young woman in Regency England, her best bet—according to society—is to marry well and secure a steady future for herself. But Olivia has never been interested in convention. She’d prefer to follow in her deceased father’s footsteps and journey to foreign lands in search of rare and valuable antiquities.
Eager to make a name for herself in the antiquities world, Olivia jumps at an invitation to join a wealthy widow at the famed Cloverton Hall to evaluate her private antiquities collection. Secrecy of the task is vital, and in order to conceal her efforts Olivia must pretend to be a house party guest to avoid suspicion and to explain her presence.
Lucas Avery, whose father was a rival of Olivia’s father, has also arrived at the Cloverton Hall house party, hired by the new master of Cloverton Hall—the widow’s nephew—to appraise the renowned Cloverton Hall collection. When Lucas discovers Olivia masquerading as a party guest while covertly conducting her own assessment, he’s keen to renew the family rivalry. But as their paths frequently cross, he’s unprepared for the effect the refreshingly honest—and beautiful—Olivia has on him.
Yet all is not as it seems. Both Olivia and Lucas are shocked by the astonishing discovery of counterfeit pieces, and when the unexpected occurs, everyone is a suspect . . . and Olivia and Lucas both must choose whom they will trust. Only the hidden treasure will allow Louisa and her sister to gain their freedom.
Download and start listening now!
"In the third Houses of Yorkshire Regency romance, Ladd (IN THE SHELTER OF HOLLYTHORNE HOUSE) serves up a riveting mystery centered on two antique brokers who are thrust back into each other's lives years after a family feud forced them apart . . . Ladd seamlessly weaves in details about the feud between the Brannons and the Averys as the narrative surges forward, adding depth and intrigue to Olivia and Lucas's budding relationship. It's a pitch-perfect blend of suspense and sweetness."
—
A sweet Regency romance about grief, forgiveness, and being true to one's gifts. Ladd is a master of the genre, and she shines in this tale filled with intrigue, gentle manners, and lots of heart.
Sarah Ladd deftly weaves her charming, rivals-to-lovers romance with antiques-filled intrigue, wonderful Regency-era detail, and an intelligent heroine who beautifully comes into her own strength. Add in a house party set in atmospheric Yorkshire and THE CLOVERTON CHARADE is a gentle Regency romance that's an absolute delight to read.
The protagonists are a pair of likeable and sensible characters, and both the mystery and the enemies-to-lovers trope are satisfyingly handled. What distinguishes this romance from most, however, are the insights into the aristocracy in Regency England.
Be the first to write a review about this audiobook!
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.
Jude Mason is a voice talent and audiobook narrator.