The Wishful Governess

False Rumors #2

by Laura A. Barnes

How many wishes must one make for a dream to come true?
A lady who dreamt of the impossible. A gentleman tempted by fate’s calling. Would destiny show this couple the love they hold for one another?
Grace Penrose fled to Scotland to avoid the vicious rumors circulating about her in London. Though they were false, they forced her to accept a position with an insufferable Scottish lord. When he wasn’t questioning Grace about her governess skills, he filled her thoughts with fanciful dreams of him, declaring his unrequited love. She thought he didn’t share her feelings until one rainy night under the Scottish moonlight. Did one kiss change her
Lockhart spent his days attempting to keep his siblings out of trouble. With the grand idea of a governess to keep them in line, his mother foiled his attempt by hiring a lady embroiled in her own set of conflicts. Instead of enjoying peaceful days on his estate, he spent them in one disagreement after another with the stubborn miss. Calum was unsure when the governess consumed his every thought. Soon he spent his days waiting for her smile. Could he convince Grace their love prevailed against all rumors?
One foolish incident led Grace and Calum toward a ripple effect of scandal. With his protection, Calum offered Grace security against their harmful enemies. Was their destiny within their grasp? Or was a wish just a wish?
The Wishful Governess is the second book in Laura A. Barnes’s False Rumor series. If you love governess romances, then you’ll love how Calum falls for Grace’s charms.
Treat yourself to The Wishful Governess

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical

188 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 26, 2023

About the author

International bestselling author Laura A. Barnes fell in love with writing in the second grade. After her first creative writing assignment, she dreamt of becoming an author. Many years went by with Laura filling her head full of story ideas and some funny fish songs she wrote while fishing with her family. In 2017, she made her dreams a reality. With her debut novel Rescued By the Captain, she has set out on the path of a published author.​

When not writing, Laura can be found devouring her favorite romance books. Laura is married to her own Prince Charming (who for some reason or another thinks the heroes in her books are about him) who she enjoys traveling with and binging shows on streaming services. You can usually find her spending time with her children and grandchildren. Besides her love of reading and writing, Laura loves to travel. With her passport stamped in England, Scotland, and Ireland; she hopes to add more countries to her list soon.​

While Laura isn’t very good on the social media front, she loves to hear from her readers. You can find her on the following platforms:​

Website: http://www.lauraabarnes.com

Amazon: https://amazon.com/author/lauraabarnes ​

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...​

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLauraA...​

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/labarnesaut...​

TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@labarnesauthor​

Twitter: https://twitter.com/labarnesauthor

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/laura...

Reviews

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 5 out of 5]

First thing, if I could give 10 stars I would.

I have been reading Laura A. Barnes books since 2019 and this is my 19th book by her. I can truthfully say, I have really enjoyed every book of hers that I've read. Always great characters and always great stories and some of my favorites.

I loved book 1 in this series and have been so excited to read this one. I do have to say I had no idea what this story was about before I started reading it as I do not read author’s book synopsis anymore. Truthfully, even though Book 1 was so damn good and I totally loved it, I read it in April which was over 120 books ago so until I started reading this one, I didn’t even remember what the story was about. Didn’t take me long to remember though. I love the storyline of this series. 😊 I was given this book as an ARC read in return for an honest review.

Laura has written another great read. I LOVED Grace and Calum. I loved their story, their personalities, their chemistry. Sex was freaking hot. I loved his family dynamic. Just like past books by her, I kind of get mad with myself because I read the book too fast. I mean I read fast anyway but because I love her writing and storytelling so much, I found myself reading faster to see what happens. I’m starting to realize this and during my reading I’ll just step a way for minute to then come back and enjoy the read more. I read this in a few hours. It was so DAMN GOOD! I was so glad to see there will be more in the series. I hope I don't have to wait too long. Laura, you did it again. LOVED and adding to my favorite reads list for December.

If you haven't read Laura yet, she is a must read.

[Ellie (On a break, mostly rereading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wishful Governess is the second book of Laura A Barnes False Rumours series. This is a regency romance set in 1813 Scotland (particularly Edinburgh), which I am a complete sucker for.

I've read this book as a standalone, however, I will admit now I am just about to start reading book one to see where it all started. While I was provided with enough description and context to understand what was going on, I still had questions about some of the particulars.

Grace Penrose was forced to leave London, and England, after she and her friends were embroiled in false rumours that led to them losing their positions. That's how she made it to Scotland, it was through one of her friends also involved in the scandal that she got a position for the aristocratic Lockhart family.

Callum Lockhart is the oldest son, he became the family head and inherited the family titles after the death of his father. His younger siblings are far younger than he is, four of them still children, and one brother who is only a couple years his junior. The stress makes his snappy, especially when it comes to the new governess that his mother hired.

This is a true enemies to lovers kind of book. Callum and Grace clash over just about everything. Callum is ready to send Grace packing but his mother has other plans.

I really loved the comic relief by the Lockhart matriarch and her younger children. This crazy bunch of five made me laugh out loud more than a few times while I was reading. The lady in particular is one person that does not know the meaning of no, and she enlists her more than willing children to make her vision for her oldest son's future (and happiness) a reality. The mischief of her second oldest son, Cameron, to help her mission is simply delightful.

The false rumours is an ongoing part of the series. There have been some odd happenings, some of which were solved. These elements added an interesting mystery, and some danger, that helped the couple see each other as more than just adversaries.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, as always Laura has given us a story that you can’t stop reading once you start. I loved the first book in this series and this one was even better. Grace Penrose and her friends had to flee to Scotland with ruined reputations. Grace had stood up to the Lord for his mistreatment of the household servants. Even though Governess have a higher station then others, no one is allowed to speak back to the Lord. He started rumors that ruined all their reputations. Grace is lucky to find other governess job thank to Lady Lockhart’s. She needs someone to manage her five children! Finlay and Hugh are young lads and the oldest, next is twins Geordie and Gayre with the youngest being Effie. She was very thankful till she met Calum Lockhart the new Lord. He is the most frustrating and opinionated person she has ever met. Also, the most handsome man. From day one they disagree on everything to do with the children and how she wants to teach them. Only with help from his mother, Rhona Lady Lockhart, is she able to stay. After an incident where the children and Grace end up throwing mud balls at a visiting Lady, Grace is dismissed by Calum. Unknown to both Grace and Calum the whole household is working at matchmakers. His mother, his brother and all his siblings. Grace and Calum both are attracted to the other and both try really hard not to give in to their desires. Grace has many dreams of Calum and Calum can’t stop wanting Grace with her stubbornness and charm. This is a fun read even with the mystery of who is sending offensive, mean letters to Grace. I dearly love his mother and her knowing what is best for her uptight son. This is a story I will read over again. I hope the next book is about his brother Cameron and he needs to be brought down a peg or two. Be sure and do not miss this one. The books can be read out of order just fine but much better read as a series. I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.

[Deborah Durand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remember the young women whose lives unraveled after a vicious rumor was circulated amongst the ton. A rumor stating that they were mistresses and not governesses at all. Vivian, Sara, Grace and Flora had to seek new positions. Vivian was the first to find hers in “The Fallen Governess” and then found her friends’ positions in Scotland. Grace is the subject of this story.

They locked horns over the discipline of his siblings. Calum was responsible for the welfare and education of his five younger siblings and Grace was no help at all…a complete fabrication. He just wanted the woman, gone. The scandal which surrounded her would come to fruition, if she remained in his company. Little did he know that his mother was secretly matchmaking and orchestrating his “demise” with the aid of his other brother, Cameron. The author mesmerizes us with the palpable sexual tension between Calum and Grace. And we are further delighted with the all Calum’s siblings, his mother, and a particularly odious woman, Lady Fyfe…all are captivating. The interactions with the children are endearing and picturesque. They are the best parts of the book.

Besides overcoming his arrogance and Grace’s sense of impropriety, the couple also has to contend with the unknown villain from the first novel penning threatening letters to Grace. This person is intent on thwarting each governess’s happiness.
Read how they reach their HEA. It’s a lovely romance which will hold readers interest from beginning to end. Definitely worth 5 stars 🌟
Looking forward to the next and it appears to be Flora’s story. Her mysterious employer has surfaced.
I have received an ARC from Booksprout and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace was one of four friends who were governesses about whom false rumors flew. In order to escape London, where their tarnished reputations would prohibit them from getting jobs, they sought employment in Scottland. Grace was hired by Lady Lockhart, mother of Calum, Lord Lockhart, and his six siblings. Grace was fabulous with the children, who had managed to send quite a few previous governesses packing, but she and Calum often argued over what was best for them. Despite their disagrements, Calum was fascinated by and attracted to Grace, who had also fallen hard for him, but she was a governess and he a Marquess, so marriage would be out of the question. Calum decided that Grace needed to go, as it was getting increasingly more difficult for him to keep his hands off of her, and an incident involving Grace and the children gave him the excuse to terminate her employment. What follows is a tale filled with anguish, scheming, hot kisses, steamy encounters and danger. Characterwise, the younger children are a hoot, Cameron is a flirt and Rhona is a wonder. The servants are treated as part of the family, as are the other three governesses. This story is both intense and playful, and will keep you reading into the wee hours of the night. Loved it!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rose Seals · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an exceptional book, another in this series. So much love, action, romance, intrigue, secrets, mystery with twists. Grace ia an governess who with her friends stood up to a Lord who was taking advantages of his servants. Rumors were started about them all causing them to flee to Scotland to find jobs. Grace is now the governess to a family , which Colum is now the Lord. She is there to teach his brothers and sisters per his mother's. She butts head with him from the first and then the final show down is a mud fight . Colum tries to fire Grace but his mother steps in and wants her to stay till the new tutor shows up. Trouble brews which both needs to find a fix for. Who is sending the letters to the woman, Colum and the other lords are working together to figure it out. Can't wait for the next book in this series. Always happy to have old characters return to this book. Great to read what's happening in their lives plus what is to be in the others lives. Would strongly recommend to others.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grace, the heroine, left London due to rumors that were started about herself and her friends. Luckily, she was hired on my Calum (the hero's) mother. Calums young siblings are a handful and have scared off many a governess.

Grace and Calum's ideas on child rearing aren't always aligned. Calum wishes for a more structured upbringing for his siblings and Grace has a much more relaxed view of childhood. This causes them to frequently butt heads. After Grace has a disastrous outing with Calum's siblings, in which they pelted his protentional bride with mud, as well as his growing romantic feelings for Grace- he feels it's time he finds her a new position. One that will take her to a different household then his. Calum's mother convinces him to let Grace stay as a semi guest till a new position can be found.
It was a light, enjoyable read. It wasn't overly angsty and Calum's mother was a delight.
Steam level- 3 out of 5
Violence - 1 out of 5.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace has come to Scotland to escape some nasty, and false, rumors. She is employed as governess to Callum’s siblings. The children are quite precocious and have driven away several governesses. When Grace participates in a raucous game that results in mud-covered guests, Callum dismisses her. What these two don’t know is that his mother, his siblings, and the household have a secret agenda, matchmaking. Will their schemes work? This is a delightful story with likable characters. The children are a handful, mother is a darling, Grace is intelligent, patient, and drives Callum crazy. Callum is strong, intelligent, and protective. They are attracted to each other. There is a villain, but who and why is someone threatening Grace and her friends? When Grace leaves without telling him, he chases her across Scotland. Will he catch her? Is there a happy ending for them? A little intrigue, lots of fun, and a wonderful romance!
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and voluntarily reviewed it.

[Isabel Nicholson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first book in this series and it was great fun to return to book 2. I loved the unusual start to the book and the mischievous side characters added humour and joy into the mix. I finished the book with a huge smile on my face.
The main characters are really engaging and I liked how this follows on from the first book whilst being unique and different at the same time. The mystery surrounding events is intriguing and I’m already excited to read the next book in the series as there are some fascinating loose threads of storylines still to follow.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Theresa25 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally fell in love with this story. Grace and Calum were perfect for each other, even though they fought their feelings for each other. The children in the family were such troublemakers, but they all had a heart of gold when it came to Grace, including Calum’s mother who played matchmaker. The rest of her children need to be on their guard, as momma is going to have them matched up as well. So much fun. But there is a troublemaker trying to tarnish the good names of Grace and her friends. Who is it and why are they doing this? I am so looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not wait for this book to come out after reading the previous book, and I was not disappointed. This book is about Calum and Grace. Grace ran away from London because of rumors about her. She is hired as a Governess. At first Calum seemed not to like Grace and questioned everything about her, but soon he could not get her off his mind. I always enjoy a Laura Barnes book, and this was no exception.
I received an ARC of this book, and I am leaving my honest opinion.

[Berta Greenleaf Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grace is the governess for Lord Lockhart's siblings. She is a breath of fresh air but Lord Lockhart seeks discipline for his siblings. They are attracted to each other but society forbids their union. So his family gets involved. Quite a witty and lighthearted story of love overcoming the odds. I enjoyed the story and the MCs. I highly recommend this book to all historical romance readers.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the False Rumors, Grace Penrose is hired by and Calum Lockhart to look after his siblings. They will have their ups and downs as they work toward their happy ending. The story is easy to read with a very good storyline that flowed smoothly across the pages. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Callum's story of love and romance. Grace is trying to escape the false rumours circulating about her in London. She escapes to Scotland where she gains employment as a governess who is slowly falling for her sullen employer. Can they survive the false rumours and ensuing scandal.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is wow! This book was just so good. It was an amazing story of love and romance. I thoroughly enjoyed every single page. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

What’s a couple to do when the entire household conspire to matchmaker? Why, comply immediately! Except for the vile mysterious threat on the governess and her friends, their HEA is a foregone conclusion. Love the antics by the kids and adults.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anij · Rating 3 out of 5]

"He could never promise her forever..."

I wouldn't really call this an enemies to lovers story because i never really felt a true dislike between the two main characters. I loved Grace. She was a sweet, spirited woman who clearly loved the entire Lockhart family.

Lady Lockhart, mother to all the Lockhart siblings, was amusing and very much a meddler. She made me laugh over all her manipulations and I kind of feel sorry for all her kids, especially next oldest brother, Cameron, a charming scamp and my favorite character in the book.

Calum, Lord Lockhart, really annoyed me. He was so incredibly indecisive it was ridiculous. Also, even admitting how much he cared about Grace, he initially never planned to marry her and instead pursued her for an affair, even knowing it would hurt her and potentially ruin her. I couldn't believe it when he got his feelings hurt when he realized she believed him to be a cad, since he was. If he hadn't snapped out of it and allowed his love to overcome his stupid snobbish belief that she was below him, I would have been furious with them getting together. But fortunately he did.

The love story between Grace and Callum gets a hea, but the book does end with cliffhangers. They still haven't discovered the identity of their mutual enemy. Also, there's the sudden and rather dramatic appearance of Flora's absent employer, Lord Hepburn, who clearly is no stranger to her and promises to be a fantastic new addition to the series.