Customer Reviews

The Earl and the Governess (Harlequin Historical)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

...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.

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

This has to be one of the silliest and most irritating period novels I ever read. What is the point of locating a romance in the past if all characters fail to behave and think as the period would have them ? Apart from the clothes, the surroundings, the servants and the occasional "my lord", there is nothing in this novel that remotely fits historical fiction.

Some examples ? Gifting the hero with modern, familiar speech and thoughts, for a start. Calling him persistently "Will" instead of "William". Having the hero (an earl!)visit the kitchen and make tea himself. Having the hero greet visitors himself at the door of his mansion, when he has a butler. And how on earth could the heroin magically find social acceptance at the end, after having been so thoroughly compromised ?

A silly read and a total waste of time. You can save your money!

To start off, let me just say that I consider myself a pretty cynical historical romance reader. I have read hundreds, possibly thousands of books in this genre, and I expect a lot from these books, even if many consider them "fluff". I adored this story very much and loved both characters. At some moments, I felt Isabelle maybe have been too stubborn and a stickler to the rules for her own good, but in the end, I think it ended up paying off and made the story more endearing, because William is a wonderfully dreamy man who knows what/who he wants. I would highly recommend this book and look forward to Sarah Elliott's next one :)

I really liked this book from the page one till the last. I wished it would've been longer, although I finished reading it in one day. The plot synopsis is well developed by the prior posting of Harriet's so no need to add anything else. I was impressed by the professionalism of the author's ability to craft and ilustrate the strong love between Isabelle and William within the entire story. This is one love that every one wishes in his/her life. Good job Sarah Elliot.

I enjoyed this short story. Even though it was a short story, the author did a very good job at making the hero and hero realistically fall in love. Actually, it was love at first sight. He saw her and her had to have her. The hero (Will) was a perfect gentleman throughout the whole story. Isabelle's (heroine) character was a perfect match. I love a story where the hero and heroine get to spend a lot of time alone throughout the story and eventually fall in love.

The Earl and the Governess by Sarah Elliott was a fun quick read. I really like historical romances.