I was given an advanced reader’s copy of A Stranger at Fellsworth in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are solely mine, and I was not compensated in any way for positive feedback.
I have become a fan of author Sarah Ladd over the last two years. It is often hard to find Christian Fiction that isn’t overly cheesy or too preachy, but Ladd has somehow managed to write multiple books that could appeal to anyone, not just fans of this genre. A Stranger at Fellsworth continues this trend.
Although I enjoy Regency-era literature, I don’t always find myself initially captivated by the plot, and the same can be said for this novel. However, as the story unfolded, I was intrigued by the main character’s predicament. Annabelle, while a likable character, isn’t incredibly thrilling to read about. Owen, however, was a well-written and enjoyable character. He is the first male character in a Regency-period book that I felt was relatable and genuine. I loved that he worked as a gamekeeper and wasn’t a lord over an estate. I also liked that he had a murky past. This gave him more depth than I expected, and proved for a pleasant reading experience.
Ladd also masters the art of describing places so that I feel as if I am actually there. I could hear the leaves crunch as I walked the forest with Owen, feel the warm, crackling fire in the cottage, and see the sweeping tall grass at Kirtley Meadows. I read to lose myself in another world, so I enjoy books with vivid details. This book is perfection in that regard.
As stated previously, it took me some time to become engaged with the characters, and while I was interested in the story, this wasn’t a book that I “needed” to finish immediately. At some points, the action and plot development waned, but it wasn’t so much so that I was completely turned off. I could take a break and easily pick right back up where I left off.
Overall, I did enjoy this novel. It was one that I could take at my own pace: slow and steady. I don’t recommend this for those who prefer constant action or adventure, but if you like a little mystery and romance with your afternoon cup of coffee or tea, this book could be the one for you!