Review – Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor

From the back cover:  When Heather Toulson returns to her parents’ cottage in the English countryside, she uncovers long-hidden secrets about her family history and stumbles onto the truth about a sixty-year-old murder.

Libby, a free spirit who can’t be tamed by her parents, finds solace with her neighbor Oliver, the son of Lord Croft of Ladenbrooke Manor. Libby finds herself pregnant and alone when her father kicks her out and Oliver mysteriously drowns in a nearby river. Though theories spread across the English countryside, no one is ever held responsible for Oliver’s death.

Sixty years later, Heather Toulson, returning to her family’s cottage in the shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor, is filled with mixed emotions. She’s mourning her father’s passing but can’t let go of the anger and resentment over their strained relationship. Adding to her confusion, Heather has an uneasy reunion with her first love, all while sorting through her family’s belongings left behind in the cottage. What she uncovers will change everything she thought she knew about her family’s history.

Award-winning author Melanie Dobson seamlessly weaves the past and present together, fluidly unraveling the decades-old mystery and reveals how the characters are connected in shocking ways.

Set in a charming world of thatched cottages, lush gardens, and lovely summer evenings, this romantic and historical mystery brings to light the secrets and heartaches that have divided a family for generations.

Secrets simply cannot remain secrets forever. Sixty years ago there was an unexplained death. Now Heather finds a clue that would lead her to an answer about this mystery in her family. The English countryside, history and a multi-generational story what more can you ask for? All of the characters are richly portrayed and some of them make poor choices which have major consequences through the years. Ms. Dobson shows us the need for forgiveness, especially of oneself, redemption, honesty, and reconciliation.  This book does not disappoint at all.  I enjoyed it and I am sure you will also.