Publisher: Cedar Fort
Publication date: April 14, 2020
Source: Kindle Unlimted
Rating: 4 of 5 stars
At the reading of her father's will, Sophia Cavanaugh learns that she is suddenly destitute. Impoverished, grief-stricken and alone, she sees only one course open to her - becoming a governess. With little experience and no references, securing a position proves more difficult than expected until she finds a champion in the dashing and well-connected Charles Mortimer. he quickly captures her heart but are the feelings mutual? Sophia is provided a position by his meddling mother and the two are parted, but fate thrusts them back together. Will Sophia risk her heart and confess her love?
My thoughts: This book was a little different from the typical Regency Romances. Sophia's father passes away and leaves her penniless. She doesn't have family living in the area, she has no resources, and she doesn't want to bring her father to shame because he didn't provide for her. Her only option is to trust the Lord and move on to another town where she doesn't know anyone.
She was blessed to meet a loving couple willing to take her in until she can find her way as a governess. This is where the story gets really interesting. She meets Charles, who comes from wealth and finds a position far from her new home. The problem with being a governess is that you go into an existing home not knowing the living situation of the family. She soon learns that the public face of her employers is very different from how they live in private.
One thing this book reminded me of is that women during the regency period did not enjoy a lot of rights. Many women were helpless to provide or escape from a bad situation. I liked the fact that this novel did not focus on the proper manners and balls typically found in this genre. I really enjoyed the focus of women in the story. The women were from many different parts of society.
The romance is sweet. It didn't happen quickly but over a period of time. Mainly because of Sophia's reduced circumstances and an ambitious mother.
This book contains spousal abuse.
Source: Kindle Unlimited.
About the Author
Snippet
On the final day, the whole company, including Sophia and Emily, was taking a walk around the estate after lunch when the redoubtable Mrs. Mortimer hung back. Sophia viewed her approach with dread and slowed her own progress, but Mrs. Mortimer, it appeared, was determined and stopped completely, waiting for Sophia to draw near.“You appear happy here, Miss Cavanaugh,” she began, touching her perfectly coiffed hair. “You must be most indebted to our family for finding you such an agreeable situation.”
Sophia feared a verbal trap was being sprung and simply nodded.
“Is it not then a poor show of appreciation to dally with my son’s affections?” she glowered.
Sophia was caught off guard by such a direct reproach. Usually the gentry were much more discreet in their conversations. She must be absolutely furious. “I . . .” she began.
“Do not deny it!” Mrs. Mortimer spat out, eyes narrowed to slits. “Let me explain how the world works for you. There are distinct social principles that divide the classes. Under no circumstances should these be crossed!” Sophia stepped back. “Charles is destined for great things, and as my only son, certain conduct is expected of him. My grandchildren must be the progeny of both a mother and father of the highest bloodline to honor our family’s good name and standing in society. The children of a governess will not do! Do I make myself clear?” She waited for no response before ploughing on.
“Charles is weak when it comes to matters of the heart, and you are a distraction. He does not know his own mind and is easily persuaded by a pretty face. It is his duty to marry a woman of fortune and title, and therefore his history must not be besmirched by a dalliance with a servant. If you care for him at all, you must relinquish him.” She stopped and planted herself directly in front of Sophia. “Do I have your promise to give him up?”
Righteous indignation had swelled during this scolding and now rose like a genie from a bottle within Sophia, knowing as she did the heritage of the woman berating her. She was torn between calling Mrs. Mortimer out as the worst of hypocrites, which would cause Charles more grief, or agreeing with her to smooth his path. Though she felt the flame of shame burning on her cheeks, her discomfort did not deter the woman or appeal to her sympathies. Rather, Charles’s mother bore down with all the authority she could muster to pressure her into compliance. The challenge merely emboldened Sophia, though she decided that she would keep her counsel on Mrs. Mortimer’s ancestry for Charles’s sake.
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I liked the review, sounds good.
ReplyDeleteLisa you must be an early bird posting your review at 5:30 AM Great insight on the book
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