Review: Wonderful historical romance - novella
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 09 19, 2013
The beginning a series of novella's about women who want to control their own lives without having others dictating what they can and can't do.  Claire's story is enjoyable and I look forward to getting to know each of these women in their upcoming books.Louisa, Bonnie, Claire and Sara are all governesses who want more in life.  They meet each month,  coming from different backgrounds but wanting basically the same things, they talk of pooling their money over several years to buy their own place, where they can pick and choose who they want to tutor and teach.Claire Bannister had a nice life at one time, then five years ago her father died, she had to give up her dreams and her home, Ridgestone, but vows that someday she will get it back.Jacob Knightly is a new tutor at the house she is currently working at, but he is not like any tutor she has ever met.  He is arrogant, worldly and seems above the others in employment here and Claire does not like him at first.  Actually he is the current Earl of Rimmel but his brother is soon to have a child and if it is male he will lose his place.  He is hiding from his father and London society, as the second son his father does not have much to do with him, so he has acted out and now wants to lay low.Everything comes out when Claire is fired because of her growing relationship with Jacob and his identity is revealed causing her hurt and humiliation.  Jacob has falling in love and wants to make amends, is it too late?A wonderful start to the series as we find out about these strong women.  I enjoyed meeting all of them and look forward to their stories.  Claire and Jacob and good together, I did not feel the heat of their relationship in the beginning, as I had a hard time liking Jacob.  But he eventually grew on me and I like the two together.The novella is short and an enjoyable read as the plot progression works well.  I like the ending and enjoy how Ridgestone will be the connection for the next books in the series.  All in all a wonderful historical romance by a great new author.Copy received from publisher through Edelweiss for an honest review