Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor: A Novel

I just finished reading Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor last night. Loved it. I completely fell in love with Libby and grew a deeper appreciation for my friends that have been entrusted with and blessed to have children on the autism spectrum. I have a particular affinity to fairies and Libby seemed all about that. Melanie's writing is so beautifully creative and descriptive of the gardens - the dawn and twilight, the dew and midnight, the hues associated with each shadow and new light. I could just imagine fairies riding on the butterflies and peeking out from under the dew-laden foliage in the gardens as Libby twirled and danced in the moonlight.The way the characters lives were woven together was beautiful and reflective of some of the complexities that families face in light of our choices. Some reviews did not seem to appreciate the truth behind the multi-generational mistakes by the women in this novel - (one reviewer wrote: "I would consider this a Christian, historical fiction book; however the main characters all dealt with moral issues so I wouldn't recommend this book to young adults." My comment on that comment would be "As if Christians never deal with moral issues?! Ah...but for God's amazing grace and redemptive power! That's is part of what this story reflects! And great lessons can be learned there.) So, while that was a sad aspect of the story, I believe it was a truth reflective of how our choices can effect our generations...and God's redemptive power to break those generational strongholds. I was encouraged that by the 4th generation, Ella was making the better choices. And that, is indeed, how it can happen when one generation makes the choice to break the cycle and change history for our children and their children - when we step out in truth, take accountability and embrace God's redemptive grace!This story made me long to go to England!

I so love Melanie Dobson's time slip novels and this one no exception. I think it may just be my favorite -- stunning!

1954-1992 & present day EnglandEngaging time slip novel filled with secrets. One of the main characters, Libby, is deemed to be strange by local villagers. An interesting look at raising a child that doesn't fit the mold of "normal". Well written novel by the talented Melanie Dobson.

Melanie Dobson is the queen of time-split novels as far as I'm concerned. The main setting is a charming village I understand the author was able to explore and bring to life on the pages. So charming. The story follows the lives of three generations of women and ties them in beautifully at the end. The characters and their predicaments compelled me to keep reading to see what would happen. Of course, love and love lost played their rolls but this was so much about family and mothers and daughters. Very well written and a delight to read.

Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor by Melanie Dobson is a stand-alone novel with beautiful storytelling, a haunting mystery, and a dash of romance. Although I predicted a few of the twists, the novel is well-written and captured my attention from the start. I found myself surprised by the ending.Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor bravely addresses some serious topics. Generational patterns, deceit, and consequences play out through raw and painful situations. While reading, I sometimes found myself getting really sad. It seemed like tragedy after tragedy occurred in the characters’ lives. While I appreciate the authenticity, it made me so sad that I don’t think I would read this story again.I recommend Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor by Melanie Dobson to readers looking for a well-written, captivating mystery.

All throughout Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor I kept longing for restored relationships of one kind or another, whether it was mother-daughter, husband-wife or even the impossible reconnection of a lost love, and that longing created a poignant tension that lingered throughout the entire story. My heart hurt for Libby, for Maggie, for Heather as they each suffered through various circumstances, some of their own making, most not. The ending was moving and satisfying but a touch melancholy with the gentle reminder that rifts should be mended before they cannot. The mystery itself seemed secondary to the characters, and I found myself completely surprised by its resolution.A lovely book, and one I highly recommend.

I loved this story. I could not wait to see what the ending offered. However, when I finished the book I was sad because I did not want the story to end. It is a fantastic book. The setting, the characters, the story line is wonderful!

I’m feeling a bit pensive and sad after finishing this novel. It’s an amazing story but not everyone gets a happily ever after. Three generations of women in the same family, all repeating the same mistakes and it just hurt to see how easily history can repeat itself.It starts with Heather in present day and then flashes back in time, first to Maggie and then to Libby. Melanie Dobson is a genius at connecting the separate stories in a dual timeline novel, slowly giving her readers tiny pieces of the puzzle but not nearly enough to prevent a few earth shattering “aha” moments.So, I was captivated and compelled to non-stop listen to ‘Shadows of Ladenbrooke’ (great narration by Nancy Peterson. Highly recommend the audio book.) Family history and mystery, a second chance romance and the very real, raw, messiness of broken people doing their best. I definitely need to follow this read up with a rom/com to lighten my spirits!

very good book

I like books with a bit more action. This book plods along jumping from character to character and decade to decade. It just starts to get interesting and then jumps to another era or character. I like Melanie Dobson books but this wasn’t a favourite