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Glass Slipper Brides #2
The Baron's Governess Bride
Lord Steadwell's three motherless daughters were heartbroken when their last governess ran off to elope. In her dowdy cap and spectacles, Grace Ellerby seems an ideal replacement—a nurturing, intelligent woman uninterested in marriage. No wonder Rupert doesn't recognize Grace as the golden-haired vision at a masked ball, who slips away before midnight….Frightened by the unwanted attentions of previous employers, Grace resolved to hide her beauty…and her growing feelings for Rupert. One enchanted evening—and a sweet, breathtaking kiss—changes everything. For with Grace's three adorable charges playing fairy godmother, Rupert may discover his happy ending is closer than he thinks.
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
July 30, 2018
The series “The Glass Slipper Chronicles” is a four-book series that tells the story of five different governesses. One of those stories, “The Baron’s Governess Bride,” was originally published on 6/5/12 and includes the story of one of the five governesses mentioned above. Evidently, to include the stories of all five governesses within “The Glass Slipper Chronicles” series, this story was added as an addendum to the first book of the series thus allowing the stories of all five governesses within five books.
“The Baron’s Governess Bride” is a lovely, clean book set in the Regency period and is the story of Grace Ellerby and Rupert Kendrick, Lord Steadwell. The few very obvious mistakes that a novice editor should have easily discovered were not significant distractions. Christian themes were present, but not dominant. The story is somewhat unique in that, due to events in the past, Grace goes to great lengths to hide her physical attractiveness. For those seeking sneak peeks into the storyline, I recommend reading other reviewers. However, I heartily endorse Deborah Hale as an author of Regency Romance that is well worth reading.
“The Baron’s Governess Bride” is a lovely, clean book set in the Regency period and is the story of Grace Ellerby and Rupert Kendrick, Lord Steadwell. The few very obvious mistakes that a novice editor should have easily discovered were not significant distractions. Christian themes were present, but not dominant. The story is somewhat unique in that, due to events in the past, Grace goes to great lengths to hide her physical attractiveness. For those seeking sneak peeks into the storyline, I recommend reading other reviewers. However, I heartily endorse Deborah Hale as an author of Regency Romance that is well worth reading.
January 16, 2023
This was a nice story where heroine Grace's beauty is a problem for her as it draws unwanted attention from men.She takes up a governess job in the house of Baron Rupert after hiding her looks under a cap and glasses,basically making herself appear unattractive and plain. She shines with the 3 daughters of the hero who soon finds her real beauty but keep it a secret The hero Rupert wants to remarry in order to provide a heir and mother for his daughters and chooses a neighbor who is a widow but his daughters doesn't approve. One Grace and Rupert meet in a masked ball and get attracted to one another ,but Grace gets scared and disappears leaving Rupert furious and deciding to propose his neighbor. Grace has only one way to stop him and reveals her true face and explains the reason behind it.Rupert realizes he can't marry for convenience but only for Love and that he has always been in love with Grace's inner beauty. Finally all ends well with the 3 daughters happily accepting Grace as their mother
I really liked the narrative especially the description of the country side and the various history about Rupert 's family Looking forward to reading more books by this author.
I really liked the narrative especially the description of the country side and the various history about Rupert 's family Looking forward to reading more books by this author.
June 22, 2012
You guys, I was expecting a steamy read filled with lots of heartbreaking romance, and while it wasn’t all that I expected, I did get the tear-inducing tension that I wanted, so I’m VERY happy!
I’m not gonna lie, I enjoy the romance along with the passion, but what makes one stand out from the other for me are the characters and their individual voices and the chemistry they have together. And while The Baron’s Governess Bride was completely void of any physical intimacies, it was SO good!
Seriously, these two don’t even kiss till the very last page and it’s not one of those kisses that I expect from my historical romance novels, but a very chaste one. But you guys, The Baron’s Governess Bride reminded me of the romance that can be found in novels by Jane Austen and Charlotte Brontë and all of those classics! It’s got all the chemistry and the getting to know one another without the smooching added in, so it’s perfect if that’s not your cup of tea and for the younger crowd to read! It was just an incredibly sweet story of two people who were kinda perfect for each other!
I do have to add that I found myself rolling my eyes a bit at Grace ‘disguising’ her beauty and everyone just going oh well, she’s plain. Because she wore a hideous dress, spectacles and covered her hair with something ugly. I mean, really? REALLY? I was glad Rupert in the end knew himself well enough that he’d probably been fooling himself and not looking hard enough to recognize that she was in fact a pretty woman. Goes to show how far first impressions go!
I loved Rupert’s three daughters! They were all very much their own person and though not all were equally endearing from the start, I came to care for them very much! I loved that Rupert was such a good father to them and that Grace genuinely cared for them! I thought it was really sweet that their affection grew from their mutual love for those three girls.
But mostly, I just really enjoyed how they grew towards each other, there’s zero insta-love and just them getting to know each other and falling in love in a way that seems believable and natural. The way to were both agonizing over the other not returning their feelings brought tears to my eyes and it stayed that way for most of the last 50 pages of The Baron’s Governess Bride. I just ate it all up! Though I would have liked to see that kiss that left them breathless that I was promised in the summary...
I enjoyed this clean historical romance so much more than I’d expected to! I love it when I get surprised by a book like this and I’d recommend it to anyone wanting to spend an afternoon with a true gentleman and a sweet lovestory!
My rating: 4,5 stars
I’m not gonna lie, I enjoy the romance along with the passion, but what makes one stand out from the other for me are the characters and their individual voices and the chemistry they have together. And while The Baron’s Governess Bride was completely void of any physical intimacies, it was SO good!
Seriously, these two don’t even kiss till the very last page and it’s not one of those kisses that I expect from my historical romance novels, but a very chaste one. But you guys, The Baron’s Governess Bride reminded me of the romance that can be found in novels by Jane Austen and Charlotte Brontë and all of those classics! It’s got all the chemistry and the getting to know one another without the smooching added in, so it’s perfect if that’s not your cup of tea and for the younger crowd to read! It was just an incredibly sweet story of two people who were kinda perfect for each other!
I do have to add that I found myself rolling my eyes a bit at Grace ‘disguising’ her beauty and everyone just going oh well, she’s plain. Because she wore a hideous dress, spectacles and covered her hair with something ugly. I mean, really? REALLY? I was glad Rupert in the end knew himself well enough that he’d probably been fooling himself and not looking hard enough to recognize that she was in fact a pretty woman. Goes to show how far first impressions go!
I loved Rupert’s three daughters! They were all very much their own person and though not all were equally endearing from the start, I came to care for them very much! I loved that Rupert was such a good father to them and that Grace genuinely cared for them! I thought it was really sweet that their affection grew from their mutual love for those three girls.
But mostly, I just really enjoyed how they grew towards each other, there’s zero insta-love and just them getting to know each other and falling in love in a way that seems believable and natural. The way to were both agonizing over the other not returning their feelings brought tears to my eyes and it stayed that way for most of the last 50 pages of The Baron’s Governess Bride. I just ate it all up! Though I would have liked to see that kiss that left them breathless that I was promised in the summary...
I enjoyed this clean historical romance so much more than I’d expected to! I love it when I get surprised by a book like this and I’d recommend it to anyone wanting to spend an afternoon with a true gentleman and a sweet lovestory!
My rating: 4,5 stars
March 4, 2016
This was a cute story, however I did get frustrated with the constant mention of the heroine's beauty and how she had to hide it...it just got annoying at one point.
Still, I loved the daughters and the Cinderella feel to this story. So fun and I will hopefully read more of this series one day. :)
*I received a complimentary eBook copy via NetGalley for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
Still, I loved the daughters and the Cinderella feel to this story. So fun and I will hopefully read more of this series one day. :)
*I received a complimentary eBook copy via NetGalley for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
December 26, 2018
2.5 stars
Not exceptional, but okay.
Grace and Rupert were both a little strange. She too caught up in what had happened to her in her previous positions. And he too hasty and always jumping to conclusions.
Not exceptional, but okay.
Grace and Rupert were both a little strange. She too caught up in what had happened to her in her previous positions. And he too hasty and always jumping to conclusions.
May 19, 2014
I started this book and then put it down to read other books. I finished this book last night and while I've enjoyed Deborah Hale's fantasy books, this one left much to be desired. While I like books that are more chaste and focus on the romance, I still like to see at least some spark of attraction. In this book, I felt like there was no chemistry between the hero and the heroine at all.
The book's focus on beauty and appearance (it is an inspirational romance I found from other reviews) felt forced and usually jarred me out of the story.
Our heroine (Grace Ellerby) is a beauty who is tired of being accosted by men of the household where she is employed as a governess. Therefore, on her new job, she disguises herself as dowdy. However, out hero (Rupert Kendrick, a baron), is a grieving widow who is honorable and would never do anything to harm our heroine. She comes to realize this and places trust in him. I see this development of trust, but the love part is where this story falls short.
The Rupert has three young daughters for Grace to look after. I did enjoy seeing the development of the bond between Grace and Rupert's daughters, but I thought it was inappropriate how Grace interfered with Rupert's marital plans with another widower, regardless of Grace's past experience. It demonstrated a lack of loyalty and respect for Rupert from his daughters and a woman in his employ. With that said, Rupert was a little slow and almost stupid with the way he approached the care of his daughters which was disappointing also (the woman he considered marriageable was not all that nice).
The shift in the story takes place during a masquerade ball when Grace's beauty is revealed. Only then is there supposedly romance that develops between the characters. Even though the book tries to say that physical appearance doesn't matter, the fact that no romantic feelings between the characters exist until after this point suggests otherwise which bothered me to no end. This book would have been better served by the characters developing a close, romantic relationship without a masquerade ball or her beauty being discussed until after the two admitted some sparks were there (there is only one scene where Grace and Rupert have a heart to heart and it is to discuss his dead wife! Not really a great way to demonstrate the development of a new loving relationship!). Otherwise, it seems to be that physical beauty is what drives the relationship.
This book told a better story about a governess coming to love her pupils (and vice versa), but as a romance, it left much to be desired. 2.5 stars.
The book's focus on beauty and appearance (it is an inspirational romance I found from other reviews) felt forced and usually jarred me out of the story.
Our heroine (Grace Ellerby) is a beauty who is tired of being accosted by men of the household where she is employed as a governess. Therefore, on her new job, she disguises herself as dowdy. However, out hero (Rupert Kendrick, a baron), is a grieving widow who is honorable and would never do anything to harm our heroine. She comes to realize this and places trust in him. I see this development of trust, but the love part is where this story falls short.
The Rupert has three young daughters for Grace to look after. I did enjoy seeing the development of the bond between Grace and Rupert's daughters, but I thought it was inappropriate how Grace interfered with Rupert's marital plans with another widower, regardless of Grace's past experience. It demonstrated a lack of loyalty and respect for Rupert from his daughters and a woman in his employ. With that said, Rupert was a little slow and almost stupid with the way he approached the care of his daughters which was disappointing also (the woman he considered marriageable was not all that nice).
The shift in the story takes place during a masquerade ball when Grace's beauty is revealed. Only then is there supposedly romance that develops between the characters. Even though the book tries to say that physical appearance doesn't matter, the fact that no romantic feelings between the characters exist until after this point suggests otherwise which bothered me to no end. This book would have been better served by the characters developing a close, romantic relationship without a masquerade ball or her beauty being discussed until after the two admitted some sparks were there (there is only one scene where Grace and Rupert have a heart to heart and it is to discuss his dead wife! Not really a great way to demonstrate the development of a new loving relationship!). Otherwise, it seems to be that physical beauty is what drives the relationship.
This book told a better story about a governess coming to love her pupils (and vice versa), but as a romance, it left much to be desired. 2.5 stars.
June 2, 2012
Cinderella with a touch of Jane Eyre - Loved It!
First of all I need to admit that this was my first Harlequin Love Inspired Historical title. I was expecting something different, something heavier, preachier… What a pleasant surprise.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Harlequin for the review copy of this title.
My spoiler free plot summery -
Grace Ellerby is a beautiful woman. What most plain girls would give anything for has been Grace’s curse. Older girls at school teased her, teachers distrusted her abilities, and dishonorable men chased her.
Poor Grace. She’s at the end of her luck when she accepts a job with Lord Steadwell. She is to look after his three children. His main objective is to find a plain, dowdy governess to care for his girls. He wants a simple lady because his last hire ran off and got married. It was too soon after his wife’s death and the young girls were devastated over another loss. So this time, his choice will be a somewhat homely female.
A wonderful love story! This book was very well written. It has rich scenery and detailed characters. I mention that it seemed to have a touch of Jane Eyre to it. I’ve read that title at least five times. It’s one of my favorites. Of course The Barons Governess Bride doesn’t have a female locked away in the attic. What it does have is a character who has wandered most of her life looking for a home. She wants to feel truly loved for who she is and not outward appearances. Ms. Hale captured this theme so well. I loved it.
We also visit the fairy tale, Cinderella. Again, the author gave me a fun and beautiful interpretation of this storyline.
My favorite part to this book were the three daughters. Each had a distinct personality and I enjoyed reading their actions and dialog. So well done. If I had one complaint it is that all Harlequin books need more side characters. This title is a shining example of why they need to be there.
I highly recommend this title to readers who want to read a heartfelt, beautiful love story.
First of all I need to admit that this was my first Harlequin Love Inspired Historical title. I was expecting something different, something heavier, preachier… What a pleasant surprise.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Harlequin for the review copy of this title.
My spoiler free plot summery -
Grace Ellerby is a beautiful woman. What most plain girls would give anything for has been Grace’s curse. Older girls at school teased her, teachers distrusted her abilities, and dishonorable men chased her.
Poor Grace. She’s at the end of her luck when she accepts a job with Lord Steadwell. She is to look after his three children. His main objective is to find a plain, dowdy governess to care for his girls. He wants a simple lady because his last hire ran off and got married. It was too soon after his wife’s death and the young girls were devastated over another loss. So this time, his choice will be a somewhat homely female.
A wonderful love story! This book was very well written. It has rich scenery and detailed characters. I mention that it seemed to have a touch of Jane Eyre to it. I’ve read that title at least five times. It’s one of my favorites. Of course The Barons Governess Bride doesn’t have a female locked away in the attic. What it does have is a character who has wandered most of her life looking for a home. She wants to feel truly loved for who she is and not outward appearances. Ms. Hale captured this theme so well. I loved it.
We also visit the fairy tale, Cinderella. Again, the author gave me a fun and beautiful interpretation of this storyline.
My favorite part to this book were the three daughters. Each had a distinct personality and I enjoyed reading their actions and dialog. So well done. If I had one complaint it is that all Harlequin books need more side characters. This title is a shining example of why they need to be there.
I highly recommend this title to readers who want to read a heartfelt, beautiful love story.
July 14, 2012
Thank to Haliquin and Netgalley for my review copy.
This is a good story. We see Grace wanting a job but at the same time hiding her beauty under clothes, glasses and a cap. She has had issues in previous jobs with unwanted advances. She has an interview for a new job as governess with Lord Steadwell. Rupert is looking for a plain governess for his girls as he wants her to stay till the girls grow up. This is a different take on Cinderella here we have a beautiful lady inside and out who is hiding her looks. We also have the Lords three girls who are not looking for a step mother and after reading a Cinderella story see step mothers are evil. I love the interaction with the girls. Grace has to work hard to gain the children's respect. I also like that Rupert isn't the normal aristocrat, he cares about his lands and government and is not comfortable doing the normal social events. This is the type of book I much prefer. This book deals with preconceived opinions practically if a girl is beautiful they are fair game and will use there beauty to get ahead and if they are born plain they will be safer to hire as no one will want to marry them. I loved how this book shows this issue up. Good read and its changed my opinion of all regency books.
This is a good story. We see Grace wanting a job but at the same time hiding her beauty under clothes, glasses and a cap. She has had issues in previous jobs with unwanted advances. She has an interview for a new job as governess with Lord Steadwell. Rupert is looking for a plain governess for his girls as he wants her to stay till the girls grow up. This is a different take on Cinderella here we have a beautiful lady inside and out who is hiding her looks. We also have the Lords three girls who are not looking for a step mother and after reading a Cinderella story see step mothers are evil. I love the interaction with the girls. Grace has to work hard to gain the children's respect. I also like that Rupert isn't the normal aristocrat, he cares about his lands and government and is not comfortable doing the normal social events. This is the type of book I much prefer. This book deals with preconceived opinions practically if a girl is beautiful they are fair game and will use there beauty to get ahead and if they are born plain they will be safer to hire as no one will want to marry them. I loved how this book shows this issue up. Good read and its changed my opinion of all regency books.
June 2, 2012
Historical romance can connect to the universal problems of the modern world. Readers will relate to the latest heroine in Deborah Hale’s Glass Slipper Brides books. In her series, Hale has shown a gift for weaving a tale of great emotional depth and romance that takes the reader back in time and yet teaches a faith lesson applicable to the present. “The Baron’s Governess Bride” is no different.
A true beauty who is alone in the world, Grace Ellerby has had enough of her looks making her a target of her employers’ evil intentions. She loves children and needs to make a living. Seeking a safe place of employment, she disguises her physical charms from her handsome employer, Lord Steadwell. He has vowed to keep his daughters’ world from turning upside down yet again. He wants a plain governess but soon sees her inner beauty she cannot hide. How these two discover the true nature of each other and heal the emotionally scarred daughters of Lord Steadwell is truly marvelous. The reader will close the book with a sigh.
A true beauty who is alone in the world, Grace Ellerby has had enough of her looks making her a target of her employers’ evil intentions. She loves children and needs to make a living. Seeking a safe place of employment, she disguises her physical charms from her handsome employer, Lord Steadwell. He has vowed to keep his daughters’ world from turning upside down yet again. He wants a plain governess but soon sees her inner beauty she cannot hide. How these two discover the true nature of each other and heal the emotionally scarred daughters of Lord Steadwell is truly marvelous. The reader will close the book with a sigh.
August 22, 2012
*I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review of this book*
This and other reviews can be found on my blog: (un)Conventional Bookviews.
This was a very sweet and innocent historical romance. A quick read, a little predictable, but still very enjoyable.
This and other reviews can be found on my blog: (un)Conventional Bookviews.
This was a very sweet and innocent historical romance. A quick read, a little predictable, but still very enjoyable.
May 7, 2013
3.5
This was an entertaining regency with a whisper of Cinderella. The reason it wasn't a 4 star for me was because, some of the spots were a tad lengthy. But overall, it kept my interest and I was entertained. (Loved the masquerade.)
Moral Note: Talk of her running from men trying to put her in compromising situations. Mild talk of abusive school setting.
This was an entertaining regency with a whisper of Cinderella. The reason it wasn't a 4 star for me was because, some of the spots were a tad lengthy. But overall, it kept my interest and I was entertained. (Loved the masquerade.)
Moral Note: Talk of her running from men trying to put her in compromising situations. Mild talk of abusive school setting.
February 22, 2020
The blurb lies. The ball doesn't happen until 3/4 of the way through the book, and there is no kiss. They don't kiss until the second to last paragraph of the book, after they're married, and it's not 'breathtaking'. I just can't stand it when blurbs outright lie to me. It's a small thing, but it's the principle. It's false advertising.
Also, a stunningly beautiful woman becomes someone that every person who sees her identifies as extremely plain and homely just by wearing bad glasses, unflattering clothes, and a bonnet. Beauty doesn't work that way. This was particularly taken too far when they called her dressing in an unflattering way deceptive or "false pretenses". Come on. Also, the idea that she could live her life for months while wearing very high prescription glasses (when she has perfect vision herself) is a total non-starter. She'd either be constantly looking over her glasses (which people would notice) or she'd never be able to see well enough to function and have chronic headaches. Prescription glasses are not an aesthetic choice. The author addresses the bad vision/headache problem in the opening scene--then never brings it up again.
This book did keep me entertained. I didn't skim it, which for this type of book is a win. I liked all the characters well enough (the ones we were supposed to like, anyway). It had a reasonably satisfying ending and all. I liked that it was "Christian romance" in the sense that both characters are Christians and it's just accepted as part of their life and part of who they are, rather than trying to shoehorn in an awkward conversion of one of them over the course of the story (as some Christian romances do). So I'd say it was worth the read, if you're in the mood for this type of story. But for the reasons explained above, I don't really think I'd ever want to keep this book around or re-read it. There are just too many things fundamental to the story which flat out don't work the way they're portrayed. And the false advertising annoys me (I know that's the publisher's fault, not the author's; doesn't change my opinion).
(Note: I see by looking on Amazon that it appears the author got her rights back to this book and has published it in a book called "The Nobleman's Governess Bride", which appears to include this book and the prequel novella about the other couple who appear briefly in this book. The cover is much better, though the new blurb does mention "a midnight kiss at a masked ball". I wonder if she changed the book to actually have them kiss this time.)
Also, a stunningly beautiful woman becomes someone that every person who sees her identifies as extremely plain and homely just by wearing bad glasses, unflattering clothes, and a bonnet. Beauty doesn't work that way. This was particularly taken too far when they called her dressing in an unflattering way deceptive or "false pretenses". Come on. Also, the idea that she could live her life for months while wearing very high prescription glasses (when she has perfect vision herself) is a total non-starter. She'd either be constantly looking over her glasses (which people would notice) or she'd never be able to see well enough to function and have chronic headaches. Prescription glasses are not an aesthetic choice. The author addresses the bad vision/headache problem in the opening scene--then never brings it up again.
This book did keep me entertained. I didn't skim it, which for this type of book is a win. I liked all the characters well enough (the ones we were supposed to like, anyway). It had a reasonably satisfying ending and all. I liked that it was "Christian romance" in the sense that both characters are Christians and it's just accepted as part of their life and part of who they are, rather than trying to shoehorn in an awkward conversion of one of them over the course of the story (as some Christian romances do). So I'd say it was worth the read, if you're in the mood for this type of story. But for the reasons explained above, I don't really think I'd ever want to keep this book around or re-read it. There are just too many things fundamental to the story which flat out don't work the way they're portrayed. And the false advertising annoys me (I know that's the publisher's fault, not the author's; doesn't change my opinion).
(Note: I see by looking on Amazon that it appears the author got her rights back to this book and has published it in a book called "The Nobleman's Governess Bride", which appears to include this book and the prequel novella about the other couple who appear briefly in this book. The cover is much better, though the new blurb does mention "a midnight kiss at a masked ball". I wonder if she changed the book to actually have them kiss this time.)
October 20, 2023
Un’istitutrice per il Barone è un dolce e romantico romanzo storico con tutti quegli elementi che mi piacciono sempre tantissimo. Adoro le storie che hanno come protagoniste delle istitutrici o governanti e quando ci sono di mezzo dei bambini le possibilità che il libro mi piaccia sono molto alte e questo libro è stato davvero godibile. I due protagonisti, Rupert e Grace mi sono piaciuti e mi hanno convinto.
Il personaggio di Grace è davvero molto bello, la sua storia personale mi ha commosso e il suo modo di comportarsi con le piccole e con Rupert è molto dolce e leale.
Anche Rupert mi è piaciuto tantissimo, è un gentiluomo, un padre attento e amorevole e, soprattutto, è una persona buona e molto onesta. Ho adorato il suo modo di comportarsi sia con le figlie sia con Grace.
La storia d’amore tra Rupert e Grace è uno slow burn in piena regola, un po’ come tutti i romanzi storici dovrebbero essere. I due imparano a conoscersi nel corso delle settimane e i momenti che trascorrono insieme rappresentano sempre una tappa importante per il loro rapporto.
La narrazione è in terza persona e il Pov risulta comunque alternato; la psicologia dei due protagonisti mi è piaciuta molto, penso che l’autrice sia riuscita a dare loro il giusto spessore e la giusta profondità.
La trama ha una buona evoluzione anche se il ritmo è tranquillo. Per tutta la durata del romanzo si respira un’aria molto domestica che mi ha favorevolmente impressionato.
Non è il primo romanzo di Deborah Hale che leggo e penso che questo sia uno dei migliori, soprattutto perché la storia, anche se può sembrare banale, ha una certa originalità e anche perché i due protagonisti mi sono piaciuti molto.
I dialoghi tra di loro sono molto belli e possiedono una certa vivacità, forse i momenti riflessivi sono abbastanza frequenti e spesso non portano niente di nuovo alla storia; tuttavia, l’aspetto romantico e dolce mi ha trasmesso quello che cerco da questo genere di letture, per questo sono pronta a “perdonare” quelli che considero dei difetti, come i momenti riflessivi fini a loro stessi o un finale un po’ troppo sbrigativo. L’epilogo, però, è molto romantico e mi è piaciuto.
Recensione completa:
https://virtualkaty.blogspot.com/2023...
Il personaggio di Grace è davvero molto bello, la sua storia personale mi ha commosso e il suo modo di comportarsi con le piccole e con Rupert è molto dolce e leale.
Anche Rupert mi è piaciuto tantissimo, è un gentiluomo, un padre attento e amorevole e, soprattutto, è una persona buona e molto onesta. Ho adorato il suo modo di comportarsi sia con le figlie sia con Grace.
La storia d’amore tra Rupert e Grace è uno slow burn in piena regola, un po’ come tutti i romanzi storici dovrebbero essere. I due imparano a conoscersi nel corso delle settimane e i momenti che trascorrono insieme rappresentano sempre una tappa importante per il loro rapporto.
La narrazione è in terza persona e il Pov risulta comunque alternato; la psicologia dei due protagonisti mi è piaciuta molto, penso che l’autrice sia riuscita a dare loro il giusto spessore e la giusta profondità.
La trama ha una buona evoluzione anche se il ritmo è tranquillo. Per tutta la durata del romanzo si respira un’aria molto domestica che mi ha favorevolmente impressionato.
Non è il primo romanzo di Deborah Hale che leggo e penso che questo sia uno dei migliori, soprattutto perché la storia, anche se può sembrare banale, ha una certa originalità e anche perché i due protagonisti mi sono piaciuti molto.
I dialoghi tra di loro sono molto belli e possiedono una certa vivacità, forse i momenti riflessivi sono abbastanza frequenti e spesso non portano niente di nuovo alla storia; tuttavia, l’aspetto romantico e dolce mi ha trasmesso quello che cerco da questo genere di letture, per questo sono pronta a “perdonare” quelli che considero dei difetti, come i momenti riflessivi fini a loro stessi o un finale un po’ troppo sbrigativo. L’epilogo, però, è molto romantico e mi è piaciuto.
Recensione completa:
https://virtualkaty.blogspot.com/2023...
July 18, 2024
Un’istitutrice per il barone è il secondo volume della serie historical romance Le cronache della scarpetta di cristallo. In questa serie le protagoniste sono amiche e tutte istitutrici che s’innamorano del loro rispettivo datore di lavoro.
In questo volume, conosceremo Grace Ellerby, una ragazza che per la sua bellezza è finita sempre oggetto di sgradevoli attenzioni da parte di ospiti o parenti dei suoi datori di lavoro, costringendola così a cambiare spesso impiego. Un bel giorno risponde all’annuncio di Lord Steadwell che dopo la fuga d’amore dell’ultima istitutrice, ha deciso che la prossima sarebbe stata poco avvenente. Grace, stufa di essere costretta a scappare di nuovo, decide di farsi passare per una donna insignificante e quindi con un travestimento nasconde la sua bellezza. Tra i due nasce qualcosa ma Lord Steawell, dopo aver perso la moglie non sembra più interessato a un matrimonio d’amore mentre Grace ha paura della reazione dell’uomo quando scoprirà il suo stratagemma…
Il tropo del genitore vedovo che s’innamora dell’istitutrice mi affascina sempre, così quando ho visto questo ebook, l’ho voluto subito leggere.
La storia è carina, non rientrerà tra le mie preferite, ma ha un buon ritmo (forse il finale risulta un tantino frettoloso) ed è perfetta se cercate una lettura leggera.
La trama è un po’ scontata ma si fa leggere. Inizialmente il romanzo si concentra sul rapporto figlie del nobiluomo e l’istitutrice. Le bambine erano molto legate alla vecchia istitutrice quindi fanno un po’ fatica ad accettare Grace ma con pazienza e perseveranza, la donna riuscirà alla fine a conquistare i loro cuori. Successivamente, ci sposteremo sul rapporto datore di lavoro/istitutrice.
I due protagonisti mi sono piaciuti e per chi ha letto anche il libro precedente, in questo faranno una breve apparizione i due protagonisti. Per quanto riguarda il livello di sensualità, questo romanzo è quello che viene definito Clean Romance (casti baci e nient’altro).
Proverò a leggere anche gli altri della serie.
In questo volume, conosceremo Grace Ellerby, una ragazza che per la sua bellezza è finita sempre oggetto di sgradevoli attenzioni da parte di ospiti o parenti dei suoi datori di lavoro, costringendola così a cambiare spesso impiego. Un bel giorno risponde all’annuncio di Lord Steadwell che dopo la fuga d’amore dell’ultima istitutrice, ha deciso che la prossima sarebbe stata poco avvenente. Grace, stufa di essere costretta a scappare di nuovo, decide di farsi passare per una donna insignificante e quindi con un travestimento nasconde la sua bellezza. Tra i due nasce qualcosa ma Lord Steawell, dopo aver perso la moglie non sembra più interessato a un matrimonio d’amore mentre Grace ha paura della reazione dell’uomo quando scoprirà il suo stratagemma…
Il tropo del genitore vedovo che s’innamora dell’istitutrice mi affascina sempre, così quando ho visto questo ebook, l’ho voluto subito leggere.
La storia è carina, non rientrerà tra le mie preferite, ma ha un buon ritmo (forse il finale risulta un tantino frettoloso) ed è perfetta se cercate una lettura leggera.
La trama è un po’ scontata ma si fa leggere. Inizialmente il romanzo si concentra sul rapporto figlie del nobiluomo e l’istitutrice. Le bambine erano molto legate alla vecchia istitutrice quindi fanno un po’ fatica ad accettare Grace ma con pazienza e perseveranza, la donna riuscirà alla fine a conquistare i loro cuori. Successivamente, ci sposteremo sul rapporto datore di lavoro/istitutrice.
I due protagonisti mi sono piaciuti e per chi ha letto anche il libro precedente, in questo faranno una breve apparizione i due protagonisti. Per quanto riguarda il livello di sensualità, questo romanzo è quello che viene definito Clean Romance (casti baci e nient’altro).
Proverò a leggere anche gli altri della serie.
January 4, 2018
"The Baron's Governess Bride" by Deborah Hale 2012.
(This is a Love Inspired Historical) 2nd Book in the Glass slipper Bride's Series.
Grace Ellerby had been beautiful all her life. When her father died and her step-mother sent her to the terrible Pendergast School, she was tormented because of her looks. When she became a governess, she had more problems with single men in the houses where she stayed. Thus she felt her only recourse was to disguise herself. She went to her next interview with her disguise in place.
Lord Rupert Steadwell had three motherless daughters. Their last governess had run off to be married. Rupert didn't want that to happen again so he chose Miss Ellerby because she was so plain and unmarriageable.
Grace came to love the girls but was still skittish around Lord Steadwell. The girls discovered her disguise and wanted Grace to go to a mask ball to stop their father from remarrying.
Can Grace put aside her fears and go to the ball? Does Rupert see through her plain disguise?
Lots more to the story. No detailed sex in this one.
Happy Reading!
(This is a Love Inspired Historical) 2nd Book in the Glass slipper Bride's Series.
Grace Ellerby had been beautiful all her life. When her father died and her step-mother sent her to the terrible Pendergast School, she was tormented because of her looks. When she became a governess, she had more problems with single men in the houses where she stayed. Thus she felt her only recourse was to disguise herself. She went to her next interview with her disguise in place.
Lord Rupert Steadwell had three motherless daughters. Their last governess had run off to be married. Rupert didn't want that to happen again so he chose Miss Ellerby because she was so plain and unmarriageable.
Grace came to love the girls but was still skittish around Lord Steadwell. The girls discovered her disguise and wanted Grace to go to a mask ball to stop their father from remarrying.
Can Grace put aside her fears and go to the ball? Does Rupert see through her plain disguise?
Lots more to the story. No detailed sex in this one.
Happy Reading!
August 12, 2021
Grace was so afraid to let her new boss see her true identity. He was the father of 3 beautiful girls, a widow and Lord Stratford was really a surprise to Grace. Her life would never be the same upon accepting this new job. Would she take it, would she win the trust of these three young girls, would she ever put her guard down and get to know Lord Stratford? This second book in the series is as good as the first. Read it, enjoy.
March 12, 2023
A very sweet tale of a beautiful young lady, who finding out the hard way that her looks inspire men to lust, disguises herself in order to attain a governess post. Falling in love with her employer who she has deceived is a cross she must bear….
Read in Kindle Unlimited.
Read in Kindle Unlimited.
February 2, 2018
Sweet romance :)
March 19, 2019
Excellent, wonderful and fabulous. This novella had a different storyline than I was typically used to and I enjoyed the uniqueness. Change, especially with a well known plot, is always a good thing.
February 26, 2020
Very cute story
March 3, 2021
I enjoyed reading this book. A clean read with a happy ending.
May 21, 2023
This is a good choice for a regency romance. I loved the position of governess and getting married. Well written and a very good story.
Read
July 29, 2012Setting: Nethercross estate in Berkshire, England 1815 -
Theme:
Class, love, children/family, faith in a better tomorrow, risking one’s heart
Characters:
Grace Ellerby (from Lancashire) – very beautiful, blonde, vicar’s daughter, horrid stepmother who sent her to Pendagrast school for girls when her father died – a school for vicar’s children – and older girls and especially teachers treated her meanly as she was so pretty; she made 3 very good friends in school; she taught a year at the school, and then had 3 governess positions – all which ended badly when the wrong man took a fancy to her … so for this interview/job she disguises herself, wearing loose, ugly clothes, her father’s glasses, and a bonnet that covers all of her hair. One position especially soured her on love… she thought she was in love with the brother of her boss, but disillusioned when he offered to buy her a house and make her his mistress. Governess a difficult position because not family yet not servant, and if kids complain parents blame governess.
Lord Rupert Steadwell – deeply in love with his wife, who has been dead 4 years; loves living on his estate and seeing to its needs but attends Parliament to do his duty; most recent governess left when she married and his children are saddened; he decides it is time for a governess that will stay till the youngest is grown, and to get a 2nd wife to mother his children and produce a son/heir; he offers job to Grace because she is homely and not likely to be marriageable – and she does seem to like children.
Charlotte -13 years old, interested in running household, cares for youngest, is most snooty to Grace (until she catches Grace without her cap, and gets the true story of Grace).
Phoebe – 10 years old, loves her horse and time in stable, curious, stands up for Grace from the beginning (and vice versa – Grace molds Rupert to offer his daughter small freedoms with larger freedoms as she proves herself worthy – ie, visiting her horse before going to bed – with a maid in attendance).
Sophie – 6 years old, imaginative, likes exploring… clings to Charlotte – until has a nightmare one night, and Grace eases her back to sleep.
Summary:
Rupert is supportive of Grace, taking her side against the children when called for – and listening to her suggestions… Grace, though still disguised, starts to enjoy her time with Rupert… and as with Cinderella, with the help of children, goes to a masque ball (wearing one of the ancestor’s dresses) to interfere with his proposing to the wrong woman… he comes to her defense when a man gets too frisky… she recognizes him of course, but though she’s familiar to him, he does not recognize her… they spend time talking of love and marriage and philosophy, but at midnight’s display of fireworks, she runs off…
And when he invites the neighbor to propose, she reveals herself to him… though at first angry, he listens and understands her motivation and accepts her apology for not telling him the truth when she did come to trust him… and he keeps his distance, thinking that’s what she wants… but they finally admit their love for one another, and get married… ahhhh
Memorable scenes:
Guides sophie back to sleep by telling her to redirect her dream – step back in, but change it – and she helps her imagine the door to the conservatory, and her father is waiting for her and gladly opens the door for her and they play the piano together…
Theme:
Class, love, children/family, faith in a better tomorrow, risking one’s heart
Characters:
Grace Ellerby (from Lancashire) – very beautiful, blonde, vicar’s daughter, horrid stepmother who sent her to Pendagrast school for girls when her father died – a school for vicar’s children – and older girls and especially teachers treated her meanly as she was so pretty; she made 3 very good friends in school; she taught a year at the school, and then had 3 governess positions – all which ended badly when the wrong man took a fancy to her … so for this interview/job she disguises herself, wearing loose, ugly clothes, her father’s glasses, and a bonnet that covers all of her hair. One position especially soured her on love… she thought she was in love with the brother of her boss, but disillusioned when he offered to buy her a house and make her his mistress. Governess a difficult position because not family yet not servant, and if kids complain parents blame governess.
Lord Rupert Steadwell – deeply in love with his wife, who has been dead 4 years; loves living on his estate and seeing to its needs but attends Parliament to do his duty; most recent governess left when she married and his children are saddened; he decides it is time for a governess that will stay till the youngest is grown, and to get a 2nd wife to mother his children and produce a son/heir; he offers job to Grace because she is homely and not likely to be marriageable – and she does seem to like children.
Charlotte -13 years old, interested in running household, cares for youngest, is most snooty to Grace (until she catches Grace without her cap, and gets the true story of Grace).
Phoebe – 10 years old, loves her horse and time in stable, curious, stands up for Grace from the beginning (and vice versa – Grace molds Rupert to offer his daughter small freedoms with larger freedoms as she proves herself worthy – ie, visiting her horse before going to bed – with a maid in attendance).
Sophie – 6 years old, imaginative, likes exploring… clings to Charlotte – until has a nightmare one night, and Grace eases her back to sleep.
Summary:
Rupert is supportive of Grace, taking her side against the children when called for – and listening to her suggestions… Grace, though still disguised, starts to enjoy her time with Rupert… and as with Cinderella, with the help of children, goes to a masque ball (wearing one of the ancestor’s dresses) to interfere with his proposing to the wrong woman… he comes to her defense when a man gets too frisky… she recognizes him of course, but though she’s familiar to him, he does not recognize her… they spend time talking of love and marriage and philosophy, but at midnight’s display of fireworks, she runs off…
And when he invites the neighbor to propose, she reveals herself to him… though at first angry, he listens and understands her motivation and accepts her apology for not telling him the truth when she did come to trust him… and he keeps his distance, thinking that’s what she wants… but they finally admit their love for one another, and get married… ahhhh
Memorable scenes:
Guides sophie back to sleep by telling her to redirect her dream – step back in, but change it – and she helps her imagine the door to the conservatory, and her father is waiting for her and gladly opens the door for her and they play the piano together…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2012
This review also appears on my blog at http://www.thegoldenruleof666.blogspo...
Not as good as I hoped it would be...
The Baron's Governess Bride seems to try to show that beauty isn't all it's cracked up to be, but it ended up overestimating how important beauty is . It made the entire book seem shallow and superficial. I know what the author meant to do, but I don't think she achieved it.
First off, Grace seemed a little over paranoid. I know that her looks have gotten her unwanted attention and it was smart of her to downplay them in her next job. But what I didn't get was why she treated her beauty as some sort of secret. And this bleeds over to Rupert as well. When he found out how she really looked, he acted as if she was hiding a criminal past. She just hid her looks to avoid some creep coming on to her! Why was her beauty considered such a scandalous secret? It's just how she looks! This is what I mean when I say the author overstretched the importance of beauty. I really don't think hiding her looks was so offensive, like the characters in the book seem to think. I just didn't understand why the whole issue was so overblown.
Rupert seemed...less than intelligent at times. For one thing, when he was going to marry this widow who lived nearby. His daughters were crying to him to not go through with it and he just says: oh, they'll get over it. Do you not see how upset your daughters are about it?! And to complete his unobservant streak, he didn't recognize Grace at the masquerade. The masquerade doesn't happen until about 2/3 into the book, after Grace had already been working for Rupert for months. I mean, couldn't you at least recognize her voice, if not her looks? You've known her for months. If the ball had happened earlier, before Grace and Rupert got to know each other well, I would have understood the lack of recognition. But as far as it was, no, I couldn't believe it. The last problem was the fact that Rupert didn't realize his love for Grace until after she showed him how she really looked. It made the whole romance seem very shallow and superficial. They didn't really talk, there wasn't much building of their relationship. But after Grace shows that she's actually pretty, he suddenly realizes that he loves her. Doesn't that seem shallow to you? Maybe it's just me, because I know that other people who read this enjoyed it.
The saving grace of the book is the girls. Rupert's daughters were wonderful. I loved them and I loved how their relationship developed with Grace. It was really sweet, and it kept me from completely hating the book.
I really hate to be negative about a book, but I just didn't like The Baron's Governess Bride. The concept was great but the execution ruined it for me.
2/5
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy!
Not as good as I hoped it would be...
The Baron's Governess Bride seems to try to show that beauty isn't all it's cracked up to be, but it ended up overestimating how important beauty is . It made the entire book seem shallow and superficial. I know what the author meant to do, but I don't think she achieved it.
First off, Grace seemed a little over paranoid. I know that her looks have gotten her unwanted attention and it was smart of her to downplay them in her next job. But what I didn't get was why she treated her beauty as some sort of secret. And this bleeds over to Rupert as well. When he found out how she really looked, he acted as if she was hiding a criminal past. She just hid her looks to avoid some creep coming on to her! Why was her beauty considered such a scandalous secret? It's just how she looks! This is what I mean when I say the author overstretched the importance of beauty. I really don't think hiding her looks was so offensive, like the characters in the book seem to think. I just didn't understand why the whole issue was so overblown.
Rupert seemed...less than intelligent at times. For one thing, when he was going to marry this widow who lived nearby. His daughters were crying to him to not go through with it and he just says: oh, they'll get over it. Do you not see how upset your daughters are about it?! And to complete his unobservant streak, he didn't recognize Grace at the masquerade. The masquerade doesn't happen until about 2/3 into the book, after Grace had already been working for Rupert for months. I mean, couldn't you at least recognize her voice, if not her looks? You've known her for months. If the ball had happened earlier, before Grace and Rupert got to know each other well, I would have understood the lack of recognition. But as far as it was, no, I couldn't believe it. The last problem was the fact that Rupert didn't realize his love for Grace until after she showed him how she really looked. It made the whole romance seem very shallow and superficial. They didn't really talk, there wasn't much building of their relationship. But after Grace shows that she's actually pretty, he suddenly realizes that he loves her. Doesn't that seem shallow to you? Maybe it's just me, because I know that other people who read this enjoyed it.
The saving grace of the book is the girls. Rupert's daughters were wonderful. I loved them and I loved how their relationship developed with Grace. It was really sweet, and it kept me from completely hating the book.
I really hate to be negative about a book, but I just didn't like The Baron's Governess Bride. The concept was great but the execution ruined it for me.
2/5
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy!
June 26, 2012
Oh my! This novel had all the romance, struggle and drama one could expect from a Jane Austen book! It was the story of Cinderella, yet quite different as well, and I could safely say that I loved every single bit of it.
I must be honest though and say that I approached "The Baron's Governess Bride" with caution. I wasn't sure whether I'd find in it what I'd expected, and indeed I didn't. I'd expected something average, but it turned out to be superior.
I'm a sucker for quality romance of the historical genre, and Ms. Hale's story completely won me over. From the very beginning, I was acquainted with both leading characters. I got to see their reasoning, their feelings, their fears. I felt sad and outraged because of their hurt and trials. And I respected them for their desire to fight for their happiness. Could you believe it if I said that I even cried a little at one point? That's how touched I felt!
The fact that both Lord Steadwell and Ms. Grace Ellerby were amiable characters with realistic personalities, made me want to cherish this story as much as I do "Pride and Prejudice".
Now more about the characters themselves:
*Grace was a young woman who had never felt good in her own skin due to the constant pestering of people who envied her beauty. She ended up hating her looks, because they only brought her trouble. She was smart, educated in everything (and perhaps beyond) that a self-respecting young woman should know, and yet very humble. I loved her personality because of its complexity. Grace just felt real, like a friend I'd known my whole life. It was nice to read her fairy tale.
*Rupert, Lord Steadwell - as his name suggests is a man of steady heart. He'd spent the past 4 years mourning his late wife, whom he'd loved dearly. I'm pretty sure he would've spent 4 more years in grief had he not met Grace and fallen for the charms of her personality. I was pleasantly surprised by how honorable Rupert was. Even in his anger he rarely raised his voice. It was obvious that he was not a person of conflict, that he'd rather settle everything quietly, with understanding. And he was just. In more than one occasion he could've been harsher with Grace, but he was kind and understanding. Also, the fact that other noblemen respected him and his political opinions was a great advantage - a clever man is always a good asset.
*Rupert's daughters were such amiable creatures! I loved all three of them. Sure, Charlotte, the eldest, was a tough nut to crack, but once she was won over, she was Grace's firmest ally. Little, sweet Sophie could stir anyone's heart, and Phoebe's quick with and bright character were a nice addition to the family.
If you love nice historical romance, if you are a Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte sort of reader, this book would be just right for you. It was just right for me.
I must be honest though and say that I approached "The Baron's Governess Bride" with caution. I wasn't sure whether I'd find in it what I'd expected, and indeed I didn't. I'd expected something average, but it turned out to be superior.
I'm a sucker for quality romance of the historical genre, and Ms. Hale's story completely won me over. From the very beginning, I was acquainted with both leading characters. I got to see their reasoning, their feelings, their fears. I felt sad and outraged because of their hurt and trials. And I respected them for their desire to fight for their happiness. Could you believe it if I said that I even cried a little at one point? That's how touched I felt!
The fact that both Lord Steadwell and Ms. Grace Ellerby were amiable characters with realistic personalities, made me want to cherish this story as much as I do "Pride and Prejudice".
Now more about the characters themselves:
*Grace was a young woman who had never felt good in her own skin due to the constant pestering of people who envied her beauty. She ended up hating her looks, because they only brought her trouble. She was smart, educated in everything (and perhaps beyond) that a self-respecting young woman should know, and yet very humble. I loved her personality because of its complexity. Grace just felt real, like a friend I'd known my whole life. It was nice to read her fairy tale.
*Rupert, Lord Steadwell - as his name suggests is a man of steady heart. He'd spent the past 4 years mourning his late wife, whom he'd loved dearly. I'm pretty sure he would've spent 4 more years in grief had he not met Grace and fallen for the charms of her personality. I was pleasantly surprised by how honorable Rupert was. Even in his anger he rarely raised his voice. It was obvious that he was not a person of conflict, that he'd rather settle everything quietly, with understanding. And he was just. In more than one occasion he could've been harsher with Grace, but he was kind and understanding. Also, the fact that other noblemen respected him and his political opinions was a great advantage - a clever man is always a good asset.
*Rupert's daughters were such amiable creatures! I loved all three of them. Sure, Charlotte, the eldest, was a tough nut to crack, but once she was won over, she was Grace's firmest ally. Little, sweet Sophie could stir anyone's heart, and Phoebe's quick with and bright character were a nice addition to the family.
If you love nice historical romance, if you are a Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte sort of reader, this book would be just right for you. It was just right for me.
June 23, 2012
For Grace Ellerby, beauty is a burden. Her father, a vicar, died when she was eight, and her stepmother, who had no fondness for the orphaned child, sent her to school. Only the presence of two close friends saved Grace from a loveless existence. Her beauty inspired jealousy and meanness in her fellow students and her teachers.
In the manner of many a vicar’s daughter before her, Grace became a governess, and again her beauty brought unhappiness. She was forced to change positions repeatedly to escape the unwanted attentions of her employers’ male guests who saw her as fair game. When Lord Rupert Steadwell advertises for a governess for his three daughters, Grace is granted an interview. But before meeting her prospective employer, she makes herself as unattractive as possible, hiding her beauty by donning her father’s old glasses, covering her hair with a cap, and wearing the ugliest, least revealing clothes she can find.
Rupert Steadwell is forced to hire a new governess because his daughters’ former governess, a pretty French woman, eloped with a neighbor’s son. Steadwell is determined that his next governess will be so plain that she has no hope of marriage and will remain with his daughters until they no longer need her. He thinks Charlotte (13), Phoebe (10), and Sophie (6) have suffered too much loss already: first, the death of their mother and then the marriage of their governess. Since Miss Ellerby appears to be exactly what he is looking for, he hires her, disregarding some suspicious behavior.
Grace quickly earns the loyalty of the horse-loving, forthright Phoebe. It takes a bit longer to win the affection of the imaginative Sophie, but she almost despairs of gaining the respect of the resentful Charlotte. Eventually, however, all three girls come to admire and love Grace. All seems well until Steadwell, certain his daughters need a mother and that he needs a son to inherit the estate, begins courting a widowed neighbor. She seems appropriate, and he never expects to love another woman as he did his beloved wife. Grace has developed tender feelings for her employer as well as his children, and the girls are adamant against the entry of an evil stepmother into their lives. But can they really stop the marriage?
This is a sweet story with elements of the Cinderella tale woven into a conventional governess/employer story. It’s part of a series, but I had no problems reading it as a standalone. There’s nothing revolutionary or even significantly different to make this book stand out from similar stories, but it is an easy, pleasant read. Although it’s not a book that those who require sizzle in their romances will appreciate, readers who are satisfied with kisses only—and limited and mild at that—should find it entertaining.
In the manner of many a vicar’s daughter before her, Grace became a governess, and again her beauty brought unhappiness. She was forced to change positions repeatedly to escape the unwanted attentions of her employers’ male guests who saw her as fair game. When Lord Rupert Steadwell advertises for a governess for his three daughters, Grace is granted an interview. But before meeting her prospective employer, she makes herself as unattractive as possible, hiding her beauty by donning her father’s old glasses, covering her hair with a cap, and wearing the ugliest, least revealing clothes she can find.
Rupert Steadwell is forced to hire a new governess because his daughters’ former governess, a pretty French woman, eloped with a neighbor’s son. Steadwell is determined that his next governess will be so plain that she has no hope of marriage and will remain with his daughters until they no longer need her. He thinks Charlotte (13), Phoebe (10), and Sophie (6) have suffered too much loss already: first, the death of their mother and then the marriage of their governess. Since Miss Ellerby appears to be exactly what he is looking for, he hires her, disregarding some suspicious behavior.
Grace quickly earns the loyalty of the horse-loving, forthright Phoebe. It takes a bit longer to win the affection of the imaginative Sophie, but she almost despairs of gaining the respect of the resentful Charlotte. Eventually, however, all three girls come to admire and love Grace. All seems well until Steadwell, certain his daughters need a mother and that he needs a son to inherit the estate, begins courting a widowed neighbor. She seems appropriate, and he never expects to love another woman as he did his beloved wife. Grace has developed tender feelings for her employer as well as his children, and the girls are adamant against the entry of an evil stepmother into their lives. But can they really stop the marriage?
This is a sweet story with elements of the Cinderella tale woven into a conventional governess/employer story. It’s part of a series, but I had no problems reading it as a standalone. There’s nothing revolutionary or even significantly different to make this book stand out from similar stories, but it is an easy, pleasant read. Although it’s not a book that those who require sizzle in their romances will appreciate, readers who are satisfied with kisses only—and limited and mild at that—should find it entertaining.
April 12, 2022
First, this is another 'Luvv Inspired', but rest assured there's nothing more to that than a verse about beauty at the beginning and a couple of vague 'God' references.
The book is a re-telling of the Cinderella story: girl's father doted on her, died, stepmother sent her to a foundling home, she's mistreated until she lands as a governess at Baron's country home, where she sneaks away one night to a masquerade ball where she whisks away at midnight from the Baron, leaving him to wonder who the beautiful woman was - surely never thinking it could be his starched, pruny, plain governess.
The book left a LOT to be desired. First, we're told that Grace uses her father's spectacles for her disguise, and that they distort her vision so badly that she gets a horrible migraine and can't make out anything thru them. BUT... she wears them constantly in her position as governess. There's simply no way. She never stumbles once, or has difficulty reading or teaching... It's ridiculous.
At one point she has Sophie (daughter being taught) say that she'd LOVE to see the world, and later it's Charlotte (her older sister) who is the one who said she wanted to see the world.
There were language issues, too. Deborah Hale wrote it in the 21st century vernacular, saying 'outside' instead of the 'out of doors' that a proper English nanny would've used. The language throughout was just lacking, although the description was fairly well done.
A previous reviewer captured my thoughts exactly when she said that Deborah Hale tried to show that "beauty isn't all it's cracked up to be, but it ended up overestimating how important beauty is . It made the entire book seem shallow and superficial. I know what the author meant to do, but I don't think she achieved it." I concur wholeheartedly. This book was VERY much about appearance.
Another thing Hale did that drove me BATTY was referring to Sophie's Mother Goose book as the source of fairy tales. Mother Goose is a book of rhymes, NOT fairy tales. It was badly done.
And there was no chemistry between the characters. In fact, the way the Baron treated Mrs. Cadmore was abominable. On top of that, the secondary characters were never developed at all - you have this nucleus of a family, and anyone outside of that - even his valet - were nothing more than shadows.
Not a great read.
The book is a re-telling of the Cinderella story: girl's father doted on her, died, stepmother sent her to a foundling home, she's mistreated until she lands as a governess at Baron's country home, where she sneaks away one night to a masquerade ball where she whisks away at midnight from the Baron, leaving him to wonder who the beautiful woman was - surely never thinking it could be his starched, pruny, plain governess.
The book left a LOT to be desired. First, we're told that Grace uses her father's spectacles for her disguise, and that they distort her vision so badly that she gets a horrible migraine and can't make out anything thru them. BUT... she wears them constantly in her position as governess. There's simply no way. She never stumbles once, or has difficulty reading or teaching... It's ridiculous.
At one point she has Sophie (daughter being taught) say that she'd LOVE to see the world, and later it's Charlotte (her older sister) who is the one who said she wanted to see the world.
There were language issues, too. Deborah Hale wrote it in the 21st century vernacular, saying 'outside' instead of the 'out of doors' that a proper English nanny would've used. The language throughout was just lacking, although the description was fairly well done.
A previous reviewer captured my thoughts exactly when she said that Deborah Hale tried to show that "beauty isn't all it's cracked up to be, but it ended up overestimating how important beauty is . It made the entire book seem shallow and superficial. I know what the author meant to do, but I don't think she achieved it." I concur wholeheartedly. This book was VERY much about appearance.
Another thing Hale did that drove me BATTY was referring to Sophie's Mother Goose book as the source of fairy tales. Mother Goose is a book of rhymes, NOT fairy tales. It was badly done.
And there was no chemistry between the characters. In fact, the way the Baron treated Mrs. Cadmore was abominable. On top of that, the secondary characters were never developed at all - you have this nucleus of a family, and anyone outside of that - even his valet - were nothing more than shadows.
Not a great read.
May 31, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012Review:The Barons Governess Bride by Deborah Hale
5 STARS I listened to this book on my kindle and it was really enjoyable. I hate to admit this today I realize right away it was a new twist on cinderella but it was along ways into the book before I realized the Name. Sometimes I need a wack on the head. I had to put the book down a few times when unexpected company came to visit. Then my daughter wrote her first email to me from the MTC where she is training for her mission. She has now been out a week. Grace Ellerby is a nanny but she has had three previous jobs and because of her beauty had attracted the wrong men so she had to leave. Grace decided for this next job she would play down her beauty by wearing ugly cap that hid all her hair. Her late fathers glasses. Lord Steadwell is having to find a new nanny for his three daughters after the last one eloped with a neighbor. So he plans to hire the most plainest nanny so she will stay untill his daughters no longer need her. Grace's father was a minaster and he remarried after his wife died. Then he died and her stepmother sent her away at 8 to a school for minsters children. Her stepmother treated her badly so did the teachers at her school because of how pretty she was. Charlotte age 13, Phoebe age 10 and Sophie age 6. It takes a while but the two youngest warm up to her the fastest. Soon they are all getting to know each other pretty well. Then Lord Steadwell decides that he needs to marry and does not want to fall in love again. So he plans to wed a neighbor widow who has just come out of mourning and has one son. I like the characters especially the children. I can just see where Grace is coming from where she has not known love expect for school friends since she was 8. No wonder she is afraid of how a new stepmother for her charges when their was no love between them. This book just hit the spot today. was fun to read and picture the scenes in my mind. I was given this ebook to read in exchange of honest review from Netgalley. Thier are no warnings about content of this book. 06/05/2012 PUB Harlequin Harlequin Love Inspired Historical
5 STARS I listened to this book on my kindle and it was really enjoyable. I hate to admit this today I realize right away it was a new twist on cinderella but it was along ways into the book before I realized the Name. Sometimes I need a wack on the head. I had to put the book down a few times when unexpected company came to visit. Then my daughter wrote her first email to me from the MTC where she is training for her mission. She has now been out a week. Grace Ellerby is a nanny but she has had three previous jobs and because of her beauty had attracted the wrong men so she had to leave. Grace decided for this next job she would play down her beauty by wearing ugly cap that hid all her hair. Her late fathers glasses. Lord Steadwell is having to find a new nanny for his three daughters after the last one eloped with a neighbor. So he plans to hire the most plainest nanny so she will stay untill his daughters no longer need her. Grace's father was a minaster and he remarried after his wife died. Then he died and her stepmother sent her away at 8 to a school for minsters children. Her stepmother treated her badly so did the teachers at her school because of how pretty she was. Charlotte age 13, Phoebe age 10 and Sophie age 6. It takes a while but the two youngest warm up to her the fastest. Soon they are all getting to know each other pretty well. Then Lord Steadwell decides that he needs to marry and does not want to fall in love again. So he plans to wed a neighbor widow who has just come out of mourning and has one son. I like the characters especially the children. I can just see where Grace is coming from where she has not known love expect for school friends since she was 8. No wonder she is afraid of how a new stepmother for her charges when their was no love between them. This book just hit the spot today. was fun to read and picture the scenes in my mind. I was given this ebook to read in exchange of honest review from Netgalley. Thier are no warnings about content of this book. 06/05/2012 PUB Harlequin Harlequin Love Inspired Historical
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