What do you think?
Rate this book
Brizecombe Hall
‘A young woman must value, above all else, her virtue.’
Ann Rhys, daughter of a minister, is employed by Charles Brindley, the widowed Master of Brizecombe Hall, to be governess to his two children. Her initial feelings of apprehension regarding her employer are rapidly surpassed by other emotions that are new to Ann.
Under Ann's influence, Mr Brindley takes a greater interest in his children's upbringing but does his action imply that he sees her as more than a mere governess or does his heart truly belong to Cassandra, the wealthy young woman rumoured to be the future mistress of Brizecombe Hall?
Ann Rhys, daughter of a minister, is employed by Charles Brindley, the widowed Master of Brizecombe Hall, to be governess to his two children. Her initial feelings of apprehension regarding her employer are rapidly surpassed by other emotions that are new to Ann.
Under Ann's influence, Mr Brindley takes a greater interest in his children's upbringing but does his action imply that he sees her as more than a mere governess or does his heart truly belong to Cassandra, the wealthy young woman rumoured to be the future mistress of Brizecombe Hall?
35 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 20, 2011
5 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Catherine E. Chapman
23 books41 followersI'm a writer of women's fiction and contemporary and historical romantic fiction. My longer works have been described as accessible character fiction, humour often being an important ingredient.
My seven short historical romances are available in the anthology, 'Collected Romances,' in digital and print format.
My books are available digitally from Amazon, Smashwords and their retailers (B&N, Apple, Kobo, etc). Some are also available in print and as audiobooks on Google Play.
My latest publication, 'The Knight's Falconess,' is a sensual romance set in Medieval England.
For tasters of my contemporary writing, five short stories are available to download free from Smashwords and their retailers, and four of these are available as audiobooks on Google Play.
I'd like to say a big thank you to the many readers and reviewers at Goodreads, who have taken time and care over reading, rating, reviewing and recommending my fiction. I really value feedback from readers so, if you have any comments to make on my books, please let me know.
My seven short historical romances are available in the anthology, 'Collected Romances,' in digital and print format.
My books are available digitally from Amazon, Smashwords and their retailers (B&N, Apple, Kobo, etc). Some are also available in print and as audiobooks on Google Play.
My latest publication, 'The Knight's Falconess,' is a sensual romance set in Medieval England.
For tasters of my contemporary writing, five short stories are available to download free from Smashwords and their retailers, and four of these are available as audiobooks on Google Play.
I'd like to say a big thank you to the many readers and reviewers at Goodreads, who have taken time and care over reading, rating, reviewing and recommending my fiction. I really value feedback from readers so, if you have any comments to make on my books, please let me know.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 10, 2019
This short story page homage to the classic Jane Eyre when a widowed landowner employs the local vicar's daughter to tutor his children. It is not long before both are casting longing looks at one another, but the class difference leaves Ann in doubt of Charles' intentions.
It was sweet and heartwarming, but I could have wished it to be given more pages to develop the story better.
It was sweet and heartwarming, but I could have wished it to be given more pages to develop the story better.
October 26, 2016
A nice short treasure to feel a simple sweet love, leaving a smile on your face and a warmth in your heart.
Ann the pastor's daughter becomes the governess to two motherless children. She quickly falls in love with them and tries to bring them happiness along with learning. She stands her ground against their father and earns his regards (and secret attention). She yearns for him but believes she has nothing to offer such a powerful man. But he has a secret too.....he wants her.
A well written short read...not a lot of POVing or in depth character developed but just enough to give this novella some spice and romance. The author does a good job giving you a sense of the characters thoughts and feelings without being extra wordy....leaving a nice clean read.
Ann the pastor's daughter becomes the governess to two motherless children. She quickly falls in love with them and tries to bring them happiness along with learning. She stands her ground against their father and earns his regards (and secret attention). She yearns for him but believes she has nothing to offer such a powerful man. But he has a secret too.....he wants her.
A well written short read...not a lot of POVing or in depth character developed but just enough to give this novella some spice and romance. The author does a good job giving you a sense of the characters thoughts and feelings without being extra wordy....leaving a nice clean read.
April 20, 2019
2.5 rounded up to 3 stars
This has a rainy moor and mysterious horseman as well as a broody widowed master with two small children. There's a touch of the gothic, with various nods to the Bronte sisters.
Unfortunately, the plot is very underdeveloped. It's a simple one: Ann Rhys is the daughter of a vicar and becomes governess at a neighboring estate to Christina and John, Mr. Brindley's children. She doesn't live at the estate but instead walks back and forth to work each day. Knowing how wealthy men sometimes take advantage of their servants, her father severely cautions her to avoid Mr. Brindley as much as possible. Ann does so.
Under these circumstances, I had trouble understanding how/why she comes to fall in love with him. The author never establishes a significant connection between them. When the book ends, the reader is still unclear about what Mr. Brindley had been thinking at various points in the story, including why he requested her to be a governess in the first place.
There's undeveloped potential in both the plot and the writing.
This has a rainy moor and mysterious horseman as well as a broody widowed master with two small children. There's a touch of the gothic, with various nods to the Bronte sisters.
Unfortunately, the plot is very underdeveloped. It's a simple one: Ann Rhys is the daughter of a vicar and becomes governess at a neighboring estate to Christina and John, Mr. Brindley's children. She doesn't live at the estate but instead walks back and forth to work each day. Knowing how wealthy men sometimes take advantage of their servants, her father severely cautions her to avoid Mr. Brindley as much as possible. Ann does so.
Under these circumstances, I had trouble understanding how/why she comes to fall in love with him. The author never establishes a significant connection between them. When the book ends, the reader is still unclear about what Mr. Brindley had been thinking at various points in the story, including why he requested her to be a governess in the first place.
There's undeveloped potential in both the plot and the writing.
August 25, 2014
Very short...I felt like the story was rushed... I enjoyed the characters but wish the author would have let you get to know them better. The story was enjoyable enough that I would have loved to have read more details! There was just so much of the story that I found myself thinking...hey wait...that already happened? When?How?...and I wish I could find out... etc. It did have a bit of a Jane Eyre feel about it....but much too short and vague. I want more. :) All in all I'm glad I read it though and would be interested in reading more by this author. I appreciated that it was a light and clean read!
March 24, 2014
This is the second novella I have read (the first being Kitty) and this is my favourite. The story built up more steadily as did the romance, which was good given the length.
This would be nice to be seen as a full length novel as there were some interesting characters.
Overall, a sweet story with lovely characters. A nice read for a quick story before bed or for a break out of a busy day.
This would be nice to be seen as a full length novel as there were some interesting characters.
Overall, a sweet story with lovely characters. A nice read for a quick story before bed or for a break out of a busy day.
May 16, 2019
This is a short story/novella that doesn’t really go into any depth in terms of character and plot. The story reminds me of the romance in Jane Eyre - but without Jane’s tragic childhood. The author has said that this story was inspired by the lives of the Brontës and I can see that in some of the choices made regarding the main character’s family and habits.
Brizecombe Hall is a sweet, sentimental read if you are interested in a little light romance of an evening. The story doesn’t have the time to really dive into developing the romance or building up the characters, but this is more of a read when you don’t want to invest too much of your time and energy.
Brizecombe Hall is a sweet, sentimental read if you are interested in a little light romance of an evening. The story doesn’t have the time to really dive into developing the romance or building up the characters, but this is more of a read when you don’t want to invest too much of your time and energy.
May 4, 2019
Standard “B” romance fare, but a quick read and enjoyable. Some of the writing is a bit awkward in places, something that could be remedied easily with additional proofreading and editing.
February 13, 2013
A large house at the edge of the moors, and a handsome widower in need of a governess, the perfect setting for a historical romance.
This is the second novella I have read by Catherine E. Chapman and like the first (Kitty), I found the style very easy to read, with likeable characters and a lovely story.
Its length does mean that the story is resolved quickly, and perhaps too easily. This one, more than the other I think, leaves open threads that I would like to have seen played out over the course of a longer novel. I also would have liked to have read more conversations between the hero and heroine, though their affection for each other is certainly believable.
All in all an enjoyable read for anyone who likes regency romances.
This is the second novella I have read by Catherine E. Chapman and like the first (Kitty), I found the style very easy to read, with likeable characters and a lovely story.
Its length does mean that the story is resolved quickly, and perhaps too easily. This one, more than the other I think, leaves open threads that I would like to have seen played out over the course of a longer novel. I also would have liked to have read more conversations between the hero and heroine, though their affection for each other is certainly believable.
All in all an enjoyable read for anyone who likes regency romances.
February 21, 2012
A very short and predictable love story about a governess, named "Anna" and the hero, "Mr. Brindley, Lord of Brizecombe Hall." The story which takes place in the 1800's, is the British version of, "The Sound of Music." (Minus all the children, there were only two, and war drama.)
This book, or should I just call it an "essay" at 88 pages, was so quick there was no time to get to know any of the characters...so, what was the point?
I need to stop downloading free books!!
This book, or should I just call it an "essay" at 88 pages, was so quick there was no time to get to know any of the characters...so, what was the point?
I need to stop downloading free books!!
May 2, 2019
Ann Rhys is the Reverend's daughter and she is asked to come and educate the two children at Brizecombe Hall. Her employer is Charles Brindley. She finds him handsome but cold. He likes his children quiet and it seems he has found a young beauty to wed. Ann is not in the same class as Charles but it doesn't stop her from dreaming. A quick read with a happy ending.
This is a free ebook.
This is a free ebook.
April 17, 2012
A free ebook from Smashwords.
This story reminds me of the movie 'The Sound of Music'. Strongly recommended to those who like a happy ending and want a quick read
This story reminds me of the movie 'The Sound of Music'. Strongly recommended to those who like a happy ending and want a quick read
April 23, 2012
Short and very nice.
March 5, 2019
Kinda weird. It read like a writing exercise that had potential, but fizzled a bit.
April 1, 2019
A sweet romantic story set in a bygone age.
May 18, 2019
A pleasant and short Jane Eyre inspired read that I wish had gone on a little longer.
March 23, 2014
A 32 page novella is hard to review. A "Jane Eyre" plot with solid writing is a good start. Each small chapter are little nuggets pushing the story along but unfortunately they reveal more questions than they answer. So while I really liked this story outline, I wish it had been developed before it was "published". Good characters are hard to find and they should be fully realized.
December 19, 2019
It was OK as a novella. Very short story inspired by Jane Eyre? Neither the plot, nor the characters were developed, not many emotions, feelings transmitted. I wish I had a little more. Good start, though.
July 4, 2012
Short story / novella that reminded me of Jane Eyre and The Sound of Music. Not very memorable, but it's short and sweet.
June 20, 2014
Sweet story
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews