The Earl and the Governess (Harlequin Historical) [Mass Market Paperback]

Sarah Elliott (Author)

Book Description

Series: Harlequin Historical | Publication Date: January 1, 2010

Innocent governess, forbidden liaison Impoverished, alone and on the run, Isabelle Thomas needs help. So when William Stanton, Earl of Lennox, offers her a job as governess to his ward, she can’t refuse. But Isabelle soon discovers that working for tall, broad-shouldered William, with his dishevelled hair and intense green eyes, is more of a challenge than she expected! When the attraction between them culminates in a bone-melting kiss, Isabelle knows she must leave. Only the Earl has other plans for his innocent governess…

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 278 pages
• Publisher: Harlequin (January 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0373295774
• ISBN-13: 978-0373295777
• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 4.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,008,285 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #56 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Romance > Series > Harlequin Historicals

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Robin's Review, January 13, 2010

By 

Robin Ray - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Earl and the Governess (Harlequin Historical) (Mass Market Paperback)

There are elements common to many romance novels but what makes this one different is that it doesn't focus on the events of "the season" although William does attend a ball or two. Isabelle is not a person of title nor is she related to someone, she is part of the merchant class (her father was an Antiques Dealer). I liked the fact that William and Isabelle had similar elements of life and character that allowed them to relate to each other on a level they might not have otherwise. It also allowed Mary to feel she had a confidante and someone who cared because Isabelle was willing to listen. Due to several twists of fate or coincidences the three main characters are able to find happiness and peace. Like Sarah Elliot's earlier books this one is a must read and a page turner. My copy of this book is an ARC.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It all started with a newt in a teacup..., March 6, 2010

By 

Jenni Grubb "Jenni" (Virginia Beach) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Earl and the Governess (Harlequin Historical) (Mass Market Paperback)

...and the result is a sweet romance that meets the challenge of class differences and society gossip head on. When William Stanton, the Earl of Lennox's young ward, Mary, becomes troublesome and is sent home from school, he must find a governess to look after her until he can find another school that will take her. Enter Miss Isabelle Thomas... a pretty, red-headed spinster Will rescues from an attempted robbery. But Isabelle has troubles of her own and will not accept charity, so when she shows up at his doorstep, Will is eager to keep her close and keep things proper... for the time being.

I enjoyed several things about The Earl and the Governess. This story has a small cast of characters, not only preventing the plot from being bogged down by superfluous characters and subplots, but also removing the typical use of "the misunderstanding" to create conflict. This story is easy to follow, with a certain cohesiveness and easy flow. I also liked the fact that the usual seasonal societal affairs were almost non-existent, which, being an avid historical romance reader, was a breezy breath of fresh air. The author created a fresh plot, adding a dash of intrigue to this charming tale, and leaves the reader wishing there was more. Unfortunately the epilogue really added nothing of value to this story when one would have hoped for a glimpse into Will and Isabelle's future. It also would have been an excellent time to wrap up Mary's subplot, which unfortunately goes unresolved.

All in all, a delightful read, and my first Sarah Elliott book. I look forward to reading her others.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars delightful regency romance, January 8, 2010

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Earl and the Governess (Harlequin Historical) (Mass Market Paperback)

In 1822, William Stanton, Earl of Lennox, became the ward of goddaughter Mary Weston-Burke, an apparent hellion based on what the headmistress at her school told him. When he sees a woman being robbed by a boy, he gallantly rescues her. Isabelle Thomas is the daughter of a late antique dealer who was exposed as a fraud. Penniless with no home besides the street, she has no place to go; William, on the spur of the moment, offers her a position as governess to Mary, which a grateful Isabelle accepts.

Isabelle feels somewhat safe in William's home and wins over a frightened Mary. However, when her employer kisses her, she has a new fear; her deep attraction to the Earl who is of a different social class than her. Isabelle knows she must leave, but does not want to hurt Mary who needs and trusts her and besides someone wants to harm her to conceal his partnership with her late father.

Chaos theory abounds in this delightful regency romance as love blossoms all because of a newt in a teacup. Fans will root for the courageous heroine and appreciate romantic William who goes after what he wants: the love of his life regardless of her father's scandal and her social class and status. Mary enhances the tale of love between two people whose stations are as far apart as the top from the bottom of Big Ben.

Harriet Klausner