Dawn at Emberwilde by Sarah E. Ladd

About the Book
Isabel Creston never dared to dream that love could be hers. Now, at the edge of a forest filled with dark secrets, she faces a fateful choice between love and duty.
For as long as she can remember, beautiful and free-spirited Isabel has strained against the rules and rigidity of the Fellsworth School in the rolling English countryside. No longer a student, Isabel set her sights on a steady role as a teacher at the school, a safe yet stifling establishment that would enable her to care for her younger sister Lizzie, who was left in her care after her father’s death.
The unexpected arrival of a stranger with news of unknown relatives turns Isabel’s small, predictable world upside down, sweeping her and her young charge into a labyrinth of intrigue and hidden motives.
At her new family’s invitation, Isabel and Lizzie relocate to Emberwilde, a sprawling estate adjacent to a vast, mysterious wood rife with rumors and ominous folklore—along with whispers of something far more sinister. Perhaps even more startling, two handsome men begin pursuing Isabel, forcing her to learn the delicate dance between attraction, the intricate rules of courtship, and the hopes of her heart.

At Emberwilde Isabel will discover that the key to unlocking the mystery of her past may also open the door to her future and security. But first she must find it—in the depths of Emberwilde Forest.

My Thoughts
As a general rule regency era novels aren't my go to favorites but there are a few authors in this genre that I enjoy and Sarah E. Ladd is definitely one of them! From the moment I picked up her debut I have been a fan and this book has to be one of my favorites!
Isabel was a wonderful heroine, she had a heart that truly cared for all those around her, and while she had a free-spirit, she was respectful of others. I also really liked Colin, he was an honest man determined to do his job well and to uphold justice, and he was very kind. They were a well paired couple and I enjoyed their journey to love.
There were many pieces of mystery throughout the book and it was interesting to see them all fit together at the end. I had guessed some things but not all so it was fun to watch it unfold and it kept my attention until the very end!
In short I loved this book and while it is the second in the series there is very little connecting them so this is able to be read as a standalone!

Meet 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.

I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.