The Headmistress of Rosemere (Whispers on the Moors, #2) by Sarah E. Ladd

Dec 19, 2013 Rachelle Rea rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

I finished this book last night, pleasantly surprised that I had not been able to predict the ending after all. When I read the first page, I thought I knew how things would play out, but Sarah Ladd stumped almost from the beginning with the twists and secrets played out on the pages of
The Headmistress of Rosemere.

Patience I liked from the first line. Still mourning her father, desperately worried about her mother's health and broken spirit, Patience picks up the pieces left by her absent broth...more

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Jan 08, 2014 Jalynn Patterson rated it 5 of 5 stars

About the Book:

Patience Creighton will finally find the peace she lost years ago--if she can open her heart and forgive the man who loves her.

Bright, sensible Patience knows what is expected of her. At twenty-five, her opportunity for a family of her own has passed, so she finds contentment teaching at her father's school for girls. When her father dies suddenly and her brother moves away to London, she is determined to keep her father's dream alive.

Confirmed bachelor William Sterling also knows...more About the Book:

Patience Creighton will finally find the peace she lost years ago--if she can open her heart and forgive the man who loves her.

Bright, sensible Patience knows what is expected of her. At twenty-five, her opportunity for a family of her own has passed, so she finds contentment teaching at her father's school for girls. When her father dies suddenly and her brother moves away to London, she is determined to keep her father's dream alive.

Confirmed bachelor William Sterling also knows what is expected of him, but mistake after mistake has left him teetering on ruin's edge. As master of Eastmore Hall he owns a great deal of land but possesses little money to manage the upkeep. He is desperate to find a new source of income, including the sacrifice of land connected to Rosemere.

When her brother returns with a new wife to take over management of the school, Patience is heartbroken to no longer be responsible for her beloved school and is forced to reassess God's purpose for her life. After her sister-in-law's matchmaking brings Patience and William together, they both learn new truths about their character and find a common goal in restoring Eastmore's legacy.

About the Author:

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.

My Review:

Patience has had a bad taste in her mouth since her brother went to London and after her father's death, leaving her in charge of Rosemere School for Young Ladies. She has always dreamed of that knight in shining armor to come and whisk her away from the mundane life of being the headmistress of Rosemere, but it's looking like a dream that was never meant to be. Because of all she has to do there and all of her obligations she seems stuck there. But like the old adage, stop looking for true love and then it will find you. And find her it does in the form of William.

William owes some important people big and if he doesn't pay up soon his life will be given in return for the amount owed. Soon William gets the idea to look to an old friend for help but once he gets there he hears terrible news about his friend and in turn now doesn't know what he is going to do. William instantly thinks Patience is very attractive but her beauty isn't going to help him and the fix he is in, or will it?

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Litfuse Publicity.(less)

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Dec 24, 2013 Tammy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Oh!My! This is a great read! Funny, poignant and romantic . . . reminds of a Jane Austen story.
Patience feels that she already a spinster at the ripe young age of 25! But her name fits her well for she is a kind and patient lady.
Now William Sterling, a bachelor, seemingly with a penchant for making wrong decisions especially financial mistakes must make a decision that could bring him out of his financial depression but there's a slight problem that involves the property of the land connected...more

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Jan 17, 2014 Titanic Buff rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: an-array-of-books-i, rated-and-reviewed

Her burdens are heavy, but Patience Creighton is a survivor and will do what she can to preserve her father’s dream while supporting her mother. Life was not always so harsh. Before her father died, Patience had her brother Rowan and mother to lean on. But all that has changed now. Rowan has deserted the family and Patience has given him up for gone while her grieving mother continues to dote on him. It wouldn’t be SO bad except her mother also refuses to see that Patience has kept their girl’s...more Her burdens are heavy, but Patience Creighton is a survivor and will do what she can to preserve her father’s dream while supporting her mother. Life was not always so harsh. Before her father died, Patience had her brother Rowan and mother to lean on. But all that has changed now. Rowan has deserted the family and Patience has given him up for gone while her grieving mother continues to dote on him. It wouldn’t be SO bad except her mother also refuses to see that Patience has kept their girl’s school afloat. Instead Mrs. Creighton talks incessantly about her dear boy and how when Rowan comes home he will set things right. Patience is not amused. While dealing with frustration and stress Patience also sees to the care and schooling of her 20+ charges. Distraction comes in the form of William Sterling, her landlord. When he turns up in their barn suffering from injuries Patience is immediately intrigued. But William is not keen on sharing the details.

William has a reputation and not a good one. He knows that, but rather than face up to responsibility he blames his misfortune on a past heartbreak. Now he’s so far in debt it’s doubtful he’ll ever fight his way out of it. Then one night the Creightons’ barn burns down. Suspicions run high, but he can prove nothing. Is someone trying to send him a message at the risk of putting Patience Creighton and her students in danger? After all one of his creditors had been so brash as to sic henchman on him once before. As his long list of woes continue to grow William is tossed together with headmistress Patience Creighton who has her own battles to fight.

Not bad, not bad. I first became acquainted with the work of Sarah E. Ladd a few months ago through The Heiress of Winterwood (predecessor of The Headmistress of Rosemere). Personally the THoW was a more favorable read (it had ships, donchyaknow), but THoR wasn’t too shabby. Ms. Ladd is in a class of her own when it comes to Regency fiction. Her stories are rather simple but still rich. Details come alive in a new way which makes up for the lack of mystery in the plot. The descriptions of the scenes that surround the characters are truly colorful.

I wouldn’t call the book a page-turner, although I did read THoR in one sitting, but it isn’t boring either. There isn’t too much scandal which is something I appreciated. Action is limited but the stories are more character driven as both William and Patience fight their personal battles. Overall it’s a recommended read.

DISCLAIMER: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” we would like to note that we received an electronic copy of “The Headmistress of Rosemere” from BookSneeze.com provided by the publishers, Thomas Nelson, in exchange for our honest review.

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Feb 06, 2014 Ruth Hill rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2014-reads, e-books, christian, historical, romance

This book was quite a pleasant surprise for me. As I commenced my reading, I was pretty sure this would be a mediocre book at best. There was nothing too remarkable, and I believed this would be the typical historical Christian romance.

However, as the story went along, the author threw in some clever elements that endeared me to the characters and the story. I honestly was not certain how things would end. I enjoyed the love story between Patience and William, and although I had not read the fir...more

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Jan 21, 2014 Donna rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-read-in-2014

Running her father's boarding school was something Patience Creighton never thought she would do. But, after his death, the rest of the family "checked out," leaving her to make it work. Can Patience rally the staff and students to save the school? What will happen when she finds out that her family doesn't own the school or the land; that it is leased?

Patience loved her family, but after her father died, her brother took off and her mother became deeply depressed. Rosemere needs a leader and P...more

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Jan 15, 2014 Maureen Timerman rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2014

I really enjoyed reading this book, and wanted more at the end. Having read the first book, I knew of Williams problems. William has been living a descending life toward Hell. We now find him having to start paying for his sins, and wonder if he will still be alive by the end of the book?
A tenant on Williams property is The Rosemere School, and since the death of her father, Patience has been Headmistress of the school. She has been trying to find her brother Rawdon, my opinion of him was not go...more

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Jan 15, 2014 Barbara Shelton rated it 5 of 5 stars

If I had been shopping in a bookstore, the beautiful enticing cover of The Headmistress of Rosemere would have caught my eye and my hand would have reached for it quickly with curiosity. Sarah E. Ladd caught my attention immediately with the vivid description of darkness and danger in the night. William Sterling sensed he was being followed. He was, and what happened from there lead the reader to the Rosemere School for Girls where we meet Patience Creighton before dawn, coming unexpectedly face...more If I had been shopping in a bookstore, the beautiful enticing cover of The Headmistress of Rosemere would have caught my eye and my hand would have reached for it quickly with curiosity. Sarah E. Ladd caught my attention immediately with the vivid description of darkness and danger in the night. William Sterling sensed he was being followed. He was, and what happened from there lead the reader to the Rosemere School for Girls where we meet Patience Creighton before dawn, coming unexpectedly face to unconscious face with William Sterling to tend his wounds. There is a tinge of possible romance developing– at least from the imagination of Patience.

Having not read Sarah Ladd’s writings previously, or realizing this book is the second in the series, “Whispers on the Moors,” The Headmistress of Rosemere stands second to none in excellent story quality and clear Christian morality. I consider it a stand-alone story. However, it is my intention to read The Heiress of Winterwood, the first novel in this series. It is not my tendency to draw out details of the events and interactions of the characters in my reviews, at the risk of spoiling the read for others. My purpose is to draw the reader’s interest as a possible read depending on their own taste and expectation.

However, I will introduce the major characters who Sarah Ladd has casted so appropriately in her story. Lovely in appearance and a credit to her name, raven haired Patience Creighton is the Headmistress of Rosemere since the passing of her beloved father, leaving her mother Margaret grief-stricken and inconsolable. Rawdon, older brother of Patience, disappeared, neglecting his inherited duties at Rosemere, abandoning his lady love, causing all the women vexation and disillusionment. Handsome William Sterling inherited Eastmore and his father’s holdings, including Rosemere. An impractical and fast living man, whose drinking and gambling are causing him insurmountable problems. William is in dire financial straits, risking the loss of everything. Raising race horses appeals to William as an answer to solving his financial difficulties, but will it? Emma Simmons, one of the little girls at Rosemere is one of Patience’s favorites. How does a child so small and innocent figure such prominence in Ms. Ladd’s plot? Cassandra, a teacher at Rosemere, is the best friend of Patience and in love with Rawdon. Who are Lydia, Isabel, George, Lewis, Captain Rafertee, Ewan O’Connell and Angus? Each character and others essential to this setting are refined to perfection and mixed well with the era to bring about Ms. Ladd’s fascinating and curious story. Enjoyment of the unexpected mysterious twists amidst this Regency romance appealed to my liking.

The accentuated weight of surmounting strife is effectively calmed through forgiveness, redemption, Christian love and salvation, proving God works all things together for good for those that love Him. Indeed, God’s grace falls on the words originating from Sarah E. Ladd’s pen covering this wonderful story. Thank you, Ms. Ladd for giving me several hours of “getting away from it all” and finding myself in the nineteenth century.

This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Litfuse Publicity.
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Feb 11, 2014 Kristen rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: clean-read, regency-period, romance

2.5 stars...

I really enjoyed the beginning, and the middle. But the end just didn't sit well with me. (view spoiler)...more

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Jan 26, 2014 Jennifer Smith rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-christian-fiction

This was certainly a case where a book could be judged by its attractive cover. I loved how the story started strong and only got better. The plot thickened unexpectedly several times, and by the end of the 300+ beautifully-written pages, all loose ends were neatly tied.

One thing I found impressive was the expert crafting of the moorland setting. I’m not a fan of a lot of description, so by this I don’t mean that whole paragraphs were devoted to detailing the landscape. Instead, the biting wind,...more

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Feb 20, 2014 Leah rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own, read-in-2014

A very pleasant read!

I enjoyed The Heiress of Winterwood very much. I was excited to read more from this author and I am happy to say that I enjoyed The Headmistress of Rosemere just as much as the first book in the Whispers on the Moors series.

At 25, Patience Creighton considers herself a spinster. After her father passed away, her brother abandoned her and her mother, leaving Patience to be the headmistress of Rosemere at the school for girl’s her father started.
One night, the landlord of Ros...more

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Jan 20, 2014 Brooke (i blog 4 books) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2014

Review originally posted on i blog 4 books: http://iblog4books.blogspot.com/2014/...

Wow oh wow! The Headmistress of Rosemere is another beautiful story from Sarah Ladd! This review will most likely come across as gushing ... but I don't know how else to write it!

I was blown away by Sarah's debut (The Heiress of Winterwood) last year, but I think her latest offering is even better! The story is rich and came alive to me. It's not often that a historical novel becomes real to the point where I ca...more

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Feb 22, 2014 Erica rated it 4 of 5 stars

Sweet, clean Regency romance. Plot moved along quickly enough to keep me interested, but not so fast as to feel rushed or forced. Patience is sweet and kind, acting as headmistress after her father's passing and her brothers extended trip to London. Her first contact with William is rather unexpected and sparks a small flame of interest that grows. I felt bad that even though her family was so close, they weren't very supportive of her until the latter end of the book. I admired that William was...more

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Feb 20, 2014 Sally rated it 4 of 5 stars

At age twenty-five, Patience Creighton is considered a spinster, but it has never bothered her until…now. With her father’s death, brother leaving home and her mother just simply existing, Patience knew what her course in life was to be and that was to take care of the young girls of Rosemere. She was content, feeling it was God’s purpose for her, until the landlord, William Sterling, showed up in her stable severely beaten. Her brother suddenly returns to Rosemere with wife in tow and her ex-bo...more

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Feb 07, 2014 Lisa Johnson rated it 4 of 5 stars

Title: The Headmistress of Rosemere (Whispers on the Moors #2)
Author: Sarah E. Ladd
Pages: 307
Year: 2013
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
This is a lovely romance set in Darbury, England, in the year 1816. The two main characters are Patience Creighton, the headmistress at Rosemere, and William Sterling, landlord and owner of Rosemere and nearby Eastmore Hall. Readers first met William Sterling in the first book of this series, The Heiress of Winterwood.
Patience Creighton is 25 years old and considered by...more Title: The Headmistress of Rosemere (Whispers on the Moors #2)
Author: Sarah E. Ladd
Pages: 307
Year: 2013
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
This is a lovely romance set in Darbury, England, in the year 1816. The two main characters are Patience Creighton, the headmistress at Rosemere, and William Sterling, landlord and owner of Rosemere and nearby Eastmore Hall. Readers first met William Sterling in the first book of this series, The Heiress of Winterwood.
Patience Creighton is 25 years old and considered by most to be a spinster. She has been running the girls’ school at Rosemere for the past six months after the death of her father and her brother’s abandonment for life in London. She is pressured with the demands of running a school with 29 students who attend and live at the school as well as her mother’s melancholy. Patience has put her heart and a great deal of effort into teaching her students and cares for them as more than a teacher. She guides their morals as well. One morning very early she is told of a man discovered unconscious in the Rosemere stable. It turns out to be the absentee landlord, Mr. Sterling, who has recently returned home from London. He has been beaten, but refuses her care. Soon thereafter a fire to the stable puts the two in contact again. Patience finds William attractive, but she has heard rumors about his past. Are they true? Why has he really returned home? Is he here to stay?
William Sterling has lived the past eight years in an alcohol-induced fog. He has made many poor decisions. He now is in debt and must find a way to pay it off or he will lose his ancestral home. He has no money for a staff or improvements to his home. He places his future in a new career of horse breeding, but that will take time. He has met the intriguing headmistress at Rosemere and finds he can’t stop thinking about her and makes any excuse he can to go to Rosemere to see her. Could she possibly be interested in someone like him, with his past?
This book starts off slowly, but keep reading as the romance will take hold of the heart and keep readers entertained. There was not a lot of talk about God, but both main characters had a parent they remembered teaching them spiritual truths as children that they now remember and lean on. There is a hint of Jane Austen type flavor and maybe even a touch of gothic with the big, drafty, old manor house and the desolate moors. A third book in the series titled, A Lady at Willowgrove Hall, is due to be released in the fall of 2014. I recommend this book and am looking forward to the next one in the series.
My rating is 4 stars.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspo... . Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson...
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Feb 06, 2014 Heather rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: book-reviews

My Thoughts:
Patience has stepped in for her father, continuing his dream of running Rosemere Girls School, after he dies and her brother disappears to London. However, is being the Headmistress of Rosemere all that Patience wants? Is it all that she is meant to do? Or does Patience need to have a little patience that her story is not over, it's simply beginning. That God has a plan for her even if it has yet to be revealed?

The feeling of impatience is one that many know. You have a plan for your...more

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Feb 23, 2014 Loraine rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: cfd-book-of-the-month-challenge-201, finish-series-2014, historical-fiction, library-2014, phd-tbr-2014, romance

SUMMARY: Patience Creighton has devoted her
life to running her father’s boarding school. But when the enigmatic master of
the estate appears at her door, battered and unconscious, the young headmistress
suddenly finds her livelihood—and her heart —in the hands of one dangerously
handsome gentleman. 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...more

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Feb 03, 2014 Vera Godley rated it 5 of 5 stars

After reading Sarah E. Ladd's first book in the Whispers on the Moors series, The Heiress of Winterwood, I was anticipating highly the release of The Headmistress of Rosemere. From the initial foray into "Rosemere," I was not disappointed. The characters have deep layers to discover as they are woven in and out of the actions in the unfolding story. Rosemere is another estate similar to Winterwood. The residents of Rosemere survive by hosting an academy on the premises founded by the father of P...more After reading Sarah E. Ladd's first book in the Whispers on the Moors series, The Heiress of Winterwood, I was anticipating highly the release of The Headmistress of Rosemere. From the initial foray into "Rosemere," I was not disappointed. The characters have deep layers to discover as they are woven in and out of the actions in the unfolding story. Rosemere is another estate similar to Winterwood. The residents of Rosemere survive by hosting an academy on the premises founded by the father of Patience. But Patience's father has died and her brother William has left the estate for London. This leaves the running of the academy to Patience.

Nearby is the estate of William who lives at Eastmore Hall and is land rich and money poor. William also has enemies - those to whom he is indebted. These are dangerous people. As William acquaints himself with Patience, he realizes she is in danger because of him and his past associates.

I found The Headmistress of Rosemere" to be an entertaining and captivating read. The romance that develops between William and Patience is somewhat predictable but it is sweet and fills a need in the overall scope of the story. You can depend on Sarah E. Ladd to write a clean book and not worry about undesirable scenes and foul language.

GIVEAWAY: One of Chat With Vera's readers has the opportunity to get a free copy of The Headmistress of Winterwood by simply using the Rafflecopter entry form below. Open to continental USA addresses only. Begins January 23 & ENDS February 13 @ 12:91 a.m. ET. http://chatwithvera.blogspot.com/2014...

About the author: Sarah E. Ladd has more than ten years of marketing experience. She is a graduate of Ball State University and holds degrees in public relations and marketing. The Heiress of Winterwood was the recipient of the 2011 Genesis Award for historical romance.

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy of The Headmistress of Rosemere by the Publicist on behalf of the author and Thomas Nelson Publishing in exchange for this honest review. Opinions expressed are solely my own. No compensation was received for this review. The giveaway is also provided by the same source and will be shipped directly to the randomly chosen winner. (less)

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Jan 30, 2014 Beckie Burnham rated it 4 of 5 stars

Do you love Regency fiction, Jane Austen or the Brontes? Then look no farther than Sarah Ladd’s second novel, The Headmistress of Rosemere. Filled with period details and a story that shares the message of second chances, this novel is perfect for anyone looking to satisfy their Regency craving.

This standalone novel revisits the environs of Ladd’s first book, The Heiress of Winterwood. William Stirling is the landlord of the school Patience Creighton has endeavored to head since her father’s dea...more

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Feb 08, 2014 Victor Gentile rated it 5 of 5 stars

Sarah E. Ladd in her new book “The Headmistress of Rosemere” Book Two in the Whispers On The Moors Series published by Thomas Nelson takes us into the life of Patience Creighton.

Darbury, England, 1816

From the back cover: Patience Creighton has devoted her life to running her father’s boarding school. But when the enigmatic master of the estate appears at her door, battered and unconscious, the young headmistress suddenly finds her livelihood—and her heart —in the hands of one dangerously handsom...more Sarah E. Ladd in her new book “The Headmistress of Rosemere” Book Two in the Whispers On The Moors Series published by Thomas Nelson takes us into the life of Patience Creighton.

Darbury, England, 1816

From the back cover: Patience Creighton has devoted her life to running her father’s boarding school. But when the enigmatic master of the estate appears at her door, battered and unconscious, the young headmistress suddenly finds her livelihood—and her heart —in the hands of one dangerously handsome gentleman.

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.

William is a character. He has led a life on a downhill path and now, it seems, all his debts are catching up to him. He has a past and he has his secrets and they almost get him killed. But Patience gets to take care of him as she takes care of Rosemere Hall for the children. Now the dreams of both of them are put to the test as they have to learn to trust each other to forge ahead. And on top of everything this is a romance. I think Ms. Ladd has done a great job with this story. Yes, there are moments when it seems a bit slow however we do need time to sit back and breathe a little before the story takes back off again. Great characters, great plot with plenty of twists and turns equals a great read.

You can find “The Headmistress of Rosemere” at a discount at http://www.deepershopping.com/item/la...

If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”(less)

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Jan 24, 2014 Madilyn rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book was wonderful! The Headmistress Of Rosemere is the second book in Whispers On The Moors series by Sarah E. Ladd (the first book being The Heiress Of Winterwood, see my review for book one here). I read the first book in this series a few months ago, and I simply fell in love with it. I was so excited when I was able to get book two. Sarah E. Ladd possesses a natural talent for storytelling, and she makes each and every page hold my attention. Granted, it took me a bit longer to finish...more This book was wonderful! The Headmistress Of Rosemere is the second book in Whispers On The Moors series by Sarah E. Ladd (the first book being The Heiress Of Winterwood, see my review for book one here). I read the first book in this series a few months ago, and I simply fell in love with it. I was so excited when I was able to get book two. Sarah E. Ladd possesses a natural talent for storytelling, and she makes each and every page hold my attention. Granted, it took me a bit longer to finish this book than the first one, but I blame that on the busy holiday season, because it certainly had nothing to do with the quality of the book! Speaking of the book's quality, take a gander at that cover! Isn't it just the prettiest thing that you have ever seen? When this novel came in the mail I was astonished at how well the cover turned out, and I am a sucker for a pretty book. (I know what you're thinking, "Don't judge a book by it's cover!". While that may be a worthwhile sentiment, I do find it so much easier to read a book if it looks pretty). And it's not just the outside that's pretty! Everything about this book is simply marvelous! I would like to say I feel that way because I can relate to the characters and their lot in life, but I can't. Patience is practically a Saint, and she is always putting others before herself. So though I can't easily relate to this angelic lead role, I can respect her. She does her best to instill Christian ethics and morals into the girls that are put in her care, and she works even harder to teach them these things by being an example to them. The male lead role, William, however, is no Saint, and he has a tainted past. Of course, he's reformed and become almost as angelic as Miss Patience Creighton by the time our story picks up on his life. Even with such . . . morally sound people taking up the portion of the book, the author still somehow managed to incorporate action, suspense, danger and a little dab of mystery. I couldn't put it down! I would get so aggravated if someone bothered me while I was reading this diamond in the ruff, and I'm sure that my family thought I was having a few more issues than normal due to my dedication to finishing this novel ;) . I don't know if Sarah E. Ladd has written other books, or if these are the only two that she has released, but I intend to find out. I would be willing to try just about anything by this author! I would encourage anyone with a love of historical fiction to give this bad boy a go.(less)

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Feb 04, 2014 Courtney Clark rated it 4 of 5 stars

Patience Creighton, filling the role of headmistress out of necessity, is a responsible spinster and sister, very capable of handling the school on her own. Her mother’s continual depression over her father’s death has not improved with her brother, Rawdon’s, absence. When she meets Eastmore estate owner William Sterling, her monotonous routine abruptly changes. Through a few peculiar and trying occurrences, hope for a different future springs forth and her faith in God begins to reawaken.

Charac...more

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Jan 27, 2014 Annette rated it 4 of 5 stars

Source: Free copy from Litfuse Publicity Group and Thomas Nelson.
Setting~Rosemere School for Young Ladies, Darbury, England 1816.
Patience Creighton is a young women who's been left to manage the Rosemere School for Young Ladies, after her father's recent death and her brother's absence. Her brother Rawdon is to be in charge of the school; but departed for London shortly after the funeral. Patience's mother has taken to bed, her willful and defiant behavior is taxing for Patience. Patience fulfi...more Source: Free copy from Litfuse Publicity Group and Thomas Nelson.
Setting~Rosemere School for Young Ladies, Darbury, England 1816.
Patience Creighton is a young women who's been left to manage the Rosemere School for Young Ladies, after her father's recent death and her brother's absence. Her brother Rawdon is to be in charge of the school; but departed for London shortly after the funeral. Patience's mother has taken to bed, her willful and defiant behavior is taxing for Patience. Patience fulfills all the responsibilities as a headmistress, but without the title. The landlord of Rosemere is William Sterling. When the story begins William had business dealings with shady characters who pay him a visit. William is left wounded and stumbles to Rosemere where he is found and his wounds are treated by Patience. Patience makes an impression on William, her soothing and gentle demeanor, not to mention her beauty captivates him.

Pros:
1. Patience is an admirable character. A series of hardships have not dampened her resolve to remain faithful. Her outward appearance is beautiful; however, she is a person of humility. In anger she does not ridicule or lash out at others.
2. I felt society standards of early 1800s are well-written. Patience is working as headmistress; but because her brother is a man and in charge she must answer to him. Women were expected to marry and have children, not run a business.
3. The story depicts the various affects of grieving after a loved ones death. Each member of Patience's family deals or does not deal with the father's death. Patience pours herself in to work and being busy. Patience's mother stays in bed or in seclusion most of the time. Patience's brother Rawdon leaves immediately after the death with the reason, "he must take care of business in London."
4. I liked hearing Patience's thoughts about her fears, anxieties, dreams, distress.

Cons:
1. I felt William Sterling's serious problems were fixed too easily. The story begins with a strong emphasis on William's under-handed dealings and addiction. If there is a book three, possibly there will be a re-visiting of Willam's problems? (less)

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Jan 21, 2014 Jasmine Ko rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, received-from-publisher, christian-fiction

If you are a fan of Jane Austen, Downton Abbey, Jane Eyre, and anything Regency romance, you don't want to miss this book. I have to confess that while reading Austen and Jane Eyre, I struggled through the language and even though I enjoyed the stories, I am ashamed to admit that I had to watch the movies to help to clarify many things to me that I didn't completely comprehend through the robust language. However, even though The Headmistress of Rosemere is very similar to Austen, I am happy to...more If you are a fan of Jane Austen, Downton Abbey, Jane Eyre, and anything Regency romance, you don't want to miss this book. I have to confess that while reading Austen and Jane Eyre, I struggled through the language and even though I enjoyed the stories, I am ashamed to admit that I had to watch the movies to help to clarify many things to me that I didn't completely comprehend through the robust language. However, even though The Headmistress of Rosemere is very similar to Austen, I am happy to say that it is a much easier read, but just as enjoyable with lots of family drama, interwoven with romance here and there.

I missed out on Ladd's first book, The Heiress of Winterwood, when it came out last year, but I definitely want to read it as soon as I can now that I've finished this one. This book can stand alone though, so it's not necessary to have read the first book in Whisper on the Moors.

This book grabbed me from the first chapter and it was definitely a page-turner for me. The story goes back and forth between Patience Creighton's and William Sterling's perspectives. It was interesting to really hear what was going on in both character's minds. I've grown to really enjoy stories told this way. In some ways, the side characters were just as enjoyable and their characterization really added dimension to the story. I love the way Ladd uses words to put you right into the story.

What I loved about this book was Patience and William's relationship. I felt very connected to Patience, maybe because I am an teacher and can understand her strong sense of duty and responsibility. She's been through so much with the death of her father, abandonment and betrayal of her brother and lack of love from her mother. She's a prime example of how much God can do through us even when we are beat up and broken down, and that He always has a plan. William undergoes such a compelling change from beginning to the end of the story that just screams REDEMPTION! I loved the interactions between these two and how they grew to love each other amidst all circumstances.

The twists and turns kept the pages turning and even though I thought I knew what was going to happen at the end, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that I was wrong.

I am looking forward to Ladd's next book this fall!(less)

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Jan 21, 2014 Amy Bradsher rated it 4 of 5 stars

What would you do if your entire world was crashing down around you? That's what this book ultimately was about to me. Patience is a stellar lead who's strong, capable, and determined, but she secretly longs for love. Reading about her struggles to maintain the integrity of the school in face of danger, as well as hide her missing brother's absence and care for her depressed mother was fascinating. A strong character, one who will push on with wisdom and integrity in the face of adversity, is my...more

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Jan 20, 2014 Marianne rated it 5 of 5 stars

Those readers who have ever felt like their hard work has been slighted, not taken seriously or even ignored, will relate well with Patience, the acting headmistress of Rosemere. And having a novel start with the hero being followed is a sure way of creating suspense. Sarah Ladd's novel tugged at my emotions from the very first line and kept me turning pages until the very end.
While reading this novel, I felt I was in the school, enjoying the many antics, frustrations and exuberance of the youn...more

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Jan 19, 2014 Naomi Rawlings rated it 4 of 5 stars

A gentleman fighting to keep his lands and pay off his debts, a teacher fighting to keep her school open and her family from falling apart, and a series of rather unfortunate incidents that could mean the ruin of all involved . . .

There’s lots of tension in this novel as William struggles to keep his land while also repay an exorbitant gambling debt, and Patience fights first to keep Rosemere and running and then to carve out a new place for herself at the school once its circumstances begin to...more

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Jan 18, 2014 Gayle rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 1800-s, 4-stars, christian-fiction, faith, fiction, inspiration, novel, romance

REVIEW

SETTING: England, early 1800's

Patience Creighton has grown up at Rosemere which her parents owned, but after her father died, her entire life changes. At the young age of 25, being considered a spinster, she becomes the perfect person for the job of

Headmistress of Rosemere. Every English school girl would love to have a headmistress like her. Patience Creighton is patient, loving, tolerant and has her students best interests at heart. The school was started by Patience's father and Patien...more REVIEW

SETTING: England, early 1800's

Patience Creighton has grown up at Rosemere which her parents owned, but after her father died, her entire life changes. At the young age of 25, being considered a spinster, she becomes the perfect person for the job of

Headmistress of Rosemere. Every English school girl would love to have a headmistress like her. Patience Creighton is patient, loving, tolerant and has her students best interests at heart. The school was started by Patience's father and Patience is the overseer of the school. With the help of her teachers and staff, she manages everything from morning to night and sometimes during the night. Patience has dealt with all the burdens by herself for years and she is now restless. She not only has all the girls at the school to overlook, but she has a brother who fled to London and hasn't been heard from in 6 months and a mother who is deeply depressed. Patience is fearful of her mother's sanity. She is basically alone at Rosemere.

The landlord of Rosemere is William Sterling. He isn't proud of the way he has squandered his life away. His estate, Eastmoor Hall, in which his heart lies is in trouble. He has no money. He has to make some very important decisions, but will he be able to keep his property?

He is working hard to straighten out his life and keep Eastmoor Hall.

The author, Ms. Ladd wrote an enjoyable book that has characters that are so real you can relate to them. You feel like you are at Rosemere with Patience and her girls. She has written with such descriptions that you can picture the settings as though you are directly looking at then.

You can picture everyone trying to put out the fire when the barn was burning. William pulled a little girl from the blaze and the relationship between William and the headmistress began to bloom. They struggle through the coming months but through faith in God they face the struggles head on together.

I would give this book 4 ROSES.

I received a complimentary copy of THE HEADMISTRESS IF ROSEMERE by Sarah E. Ladd from Thomas Nelson Publishers and Litfuse Publicity for my honest opinion. I received no other compensation.

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Jan 25, 2014 Martha rated it 5 of 5 stars

In this sequel to The Heiress of Winterwood, Sarah Ladd does not disappoint. She continues on the tradition of a novel that is in keeping with the era and the helps you feel that way.

I struggled with some of the decisions that it seemed her brother made on her behalf, but realized that it was much in keeping with the time period. Patience finds her life is uprooted by her brother’s decisions though, William is figuring out secrets that he did not even know were there, and you will want to keep r...more

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Jan 20, 2014 Sally rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction, historical-fiction, proverbial-reads-review, regency, romance

Sarah Ladd’s Whispers on the Moors series continues with The Headmistress of Rosemere, featuring William Sterling, the irresponsible brother of Graham from The Heiress of Winterwood. The bachelor about town is at long last realizing the error of his ways, due in large part to a beating he receives at the hands of his creditor’s thugs. Thankfully for readers the attack is brief and not very detailed. He manages to make his way to Rosemere where he meets his tenant, Patience, for the first time. S...more

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The Headmistress of Rosemere (Whispers on the Moors #2)

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