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Nicola's Virtue
From the author of the Kitty McKenzie series and The Slum Angel. A sweeping Australian historical. In 1867 Nicola Douglas attends a London lecture given by Miss Maria Rye, the founder of the Female Middle Class Emigration Society, which inspires her to change her life. With no family, but a good education, she boards a ship to Australia with high hopes of a fresh start in a new country as a governess. But Sydney is full of young women with similar hopes and equally poor prospects. When Nicola is at her lowest ebb, a benefactor appears, Mr Belfroy, whose past has made him sympathetic to women struggling to survive. She also meets Frances West, an activist from a privileged background, and her attractive but distant brother, Nathaniel. However hard she tries to resist, Nicola's attraction to Nathaniel West grows. Yet, her achievements at the Governess Home are vital to her. Can she have both?
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 7, 2013
191 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
AnneMarie Brear
64 books286 followersAustralian born AnneMarie Brear writes historical novels and modern romances and sometimes the odd short story, too. Her passions, apart from writing, are travelling, reading, researching historical eras and looking for inspiration for her next book.
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http://www.annemaribrear.com
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 20, 2025
In 1867, Nicola Douglas departed London for Australia, determined to use her good education as a governess in the colonies. Her arrival in Sydney rocked her courage as the mass of people, the rough and tumble of the place, all worked to make her feel uncomfortable. It wasn't long before she was starving and destitute with no job on the horizon and many others in the same boat. When Mr Belfroy appeared at her side and took her under his wing, she learned he was a kind man who helped women who struggled to survive, and it wasn't long before the Governess Home was open.
Frances West was also a kind woman, determined to help those in need and when Nicola met her they soon became fast friends. Her brother, Nathaniel, was another story altogether. Aloof and arrogant, Nicola wanted nothing to do with him. As Nicola and Governess Home became successful in their own right, it wasn't long before it had benefactors, and money wasn't a problem. But her feelings for Nathaniel were...
Nicola's Virtue by Aussie author AnneMarie Brear is another exceptional read by this author. She does the old days very well, with genuine characters who become friends while we're reading. Nicola is an extraordinary person, kind and generous, and it was her authentic manner which drew people in. Highly recommended.
Frances West was also a kind woman, determined to help those in need and when Nicola met her they soon became fast friends. Her brother, Nathaniel, was another story altogether. Aloof and arrogant, Nicola wanted nothing to do with him. As Nicola and Governess Home became successful in their own right, it wasn't long before it had benefactors, and money wasn't a problem. But her feelings for Nathaniel were...
Nicola's Virtue by Aussie author AnneMarie Brear is another exceptional read by this author. She does the old days very well, with genuine characters who become friends while we're reading. Nicola is an extraordinary person, kind and generous, and it was her authentic manner which drew people in. Highly recommended.
February 16, 2022
Nicola’s Virtue is an enthralling story of powerful love, determination, self-fulfilment and accomplishment. It also offers a unique message in that sometimes certain ties of family must be broken to move forward.
Our lead character, Nicola, emigrates from England to Australia in 1867 in hopes of finding a job as a governess after being inspired by Miss Maria Rye, the founder of the Female Middle Class Emigration Society. Nicola does not have an easy introduction to Australia upon her arrival but she is soon rescued by an older gentleman, Mr Belfroy, who offers her more opportunity than she could have envisioned. He is truly kind and caring and has great concern for the women who arrive from overseas seeking jobs and a new life. He does his best to help all those in need through providing a special Home where they can heal, find forgiveness, and launch new careers and lives.
Nicola meets and becomes best friends with Frances West, a woman from a privileged background but who is an activist and driven to help the poor. She has a brother, Nathaniel, who means everything to her. The two are very close and Nathaniel makes sure his sister is well cared for. Nicola meets him and a surprise burning love catches fire in her heart but she is not sure what she thinks of his character. For this daring, handsome, business man wears a coat of many shades. He has led a somewhat wild and interesting life. And in some of her encounters with him, he has been less than courteous. His negative reactions and actions trouble Nicola. Eventually she realises these come from wounds inflicted upon him from his childhood caused by his frightfully wicked mother. We get to see first-hand more of the damage this older woman can cause when she unexpectedly lands on the shores of Australia. Has she come to make amends with her grown children or is she there to cause more injury for personal gain? We learn the truth through Nicola’s experiences with her and there are some mad unexpected plot twists and interesting surprises.
This is my fourth book by AnneMarie I have read and I have truly enjoyed them all. She writes some intriguing historical sagas and romances. She has a gift for detail that transports the reader swiftly to various Australian and English settings. Her writing offers enlightenment in how it might have been for women living during these times in history. And even more she makes you feel the characters’ emotions and experiences. I look forward to catching up on the full catalogue of her wonderful stories! I certainly recommend Nicola's Virtue for it is well delivered and it will truly lift and spark your heart. Also due to the author's extensive research, a Brear novel is guaranteed to teach you something new of a past era. 5 Stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Our lead character, Nicola, emigrates from England to Australia in 1867 in hopes of finding a job as a governess after being inspired by Miss Maria Rye, the founder of the Female Middle Class Emigration Society. Nicola does not have an easy introduction to Australia upon her arrival but she is soon rescued by an older gentleman, Mr Belfroy, who offers her more opportunity than she could have envisioned. He is truly kind and caring and has great concern for the women who arrive from overseas seeking jobs and a new life. He does his best to help all those in need through providing a special Home where they can heal, find forgiveness, and launch new careers and lives.
Nicola meets and becomes best friends with Frances West, a woman from a privileged background but who is an activist and driven to help the poor. She has a brother, Nathaniel, who means everything to her. The two are very close and Nathaniel makes sure his sister is well cared for. Nicola meets him and a surprise burning love catches fire in her heart but she is not sure what she thinks of his character. For this daring, handsome, business man wears a coat of many shades. He has led a somewhat wild and interesting life. And in some of her encounters with him, he has been less than courteous. His negative reactions and actions trouble Nicola. Eventually she realises these come from wounds inflicted upon him from his childhood caused by his frightfully wicked mother. We get to see first-hand more of the damage this older woman can cause when she unexpectedly lands on the shores of Australia. Has she come to make amends with her grown children or is she there to cause more injury for personal gain? We learn the truth through Nicola’s experiences with her and there are some mad unexpected plot twists and interesting surprises.
This is my fourth book by AnneMarie I have read and I have truly enjoyed them all. She writes some intriguing historical sagas and romances. She has a gift for detail that transports the reader swiftly to various Australian and English settings. Her writing offers enlightenment in how it might have been for women living during these times in history. And even more she makes you feel the characters’ emotions and experiences. I look forward to catching up on the full catalogue of her wonderful stories! I certainly recommend Nicola's Virtue for it is well delivered and it will truly lift and spark your heart. Also due to the author's extensive research, a Brear novel is guaranteed to teach you something new of a past era. 5 Stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 9, 2024
Key take-aways
Key take-aways:
- Certain behaviors and impressions can be a cover up of the hurt one has faced in their life. Nat had "boorish manners and used "cutting words" frequently. It was his way of putting on a face of confidence and dealing with rejection when in fact he was still suffering from his cold upbringing. Unfortunately, this deterred the woman he wanted, away from him.
- It takes great wisdom for someone to recognise what their partner needs from them and to be able to give it in the correct manner without losing anything themselves. Nicola only agreed to marry Nat if he allowed her to continue working in the job that meant so much to her and Nicola was also direct in her refusal to accept any other mistress as was common at the time. However, when this was given Nicola was sincere in her love. Nicola gave Nat the reassurance of her love knowing he lacked self- confidence in her affections for him. She also knew exactly what to say and how to comfort her husband when the plot around his mother thickened, almost crushing him.
- The right partner can transform a person's life and outlook for the better. Nat became a huge supporter of Nicola's work in providing shelter and work for governesses as well as the safety and schooling for orphans. This was in contrast to the beginning of the book where he didn't hold this work in such high esteem as his sister and Nicola did. Nat also changed in his mannerisms, behaviors and actions. This shows that in a relationship, each partner can become a better person IF they want to be. Nat wanted to change for Nicola. And Nicola knew what Nat needed in the relationship to keep him in love with her.
I really wanted to give this book 5 stars but I feel that the first half of the book was not as realistic as romantic as it was. However, I really liked the second half of the book which portrayed the above points really well.
Key take-aways:
- Certain behaviors and impressions can be a cover up of the hurt one has faced in their life. Nat had "boorish manners and used "cutting words" frequently. It was his way of putting on a face of confidence and dealing with rejection when in fact he was still suffering from his cold upbringing. Unfortunately, this deterred the woman he wanted, away from him.
- It takes great wisdom for someone to recognise what their partner needs from them and to be able to give it in the correct manner without losing anything themselves. Nicola only agreed to marry Nat if he allowed her to continue working in the job that meant so much to her and Nicola was also direct in her refusal to accept any other mistress as was common at the time. However, when this was given Nicola was sincere in her love. Nicola gave Nat the reassurance of her love knowing he lacked self- confidence in her affections for him. She also knew exactly what to say and how to comfort her husband when the plot around his mother thickened, almost crushing him.
- The right partner can transform a person's life and outlook for the better. Nat became a huge supporter of Nicola's work in providing shelter and work for governesses as well as the safety and schooling for orphans. This was in contrast to the beginning of the book where he didn't hold this work in such high esteem as his sister and Nicola did. Nat also changed in his mannerisms, behaviors and actions. This shows that in a relationship, each partner can become a better person IF they want to be. Nat wanted to change for Nicola. And Nicola knew what Nat needed in the relationship to keep him in love with her.
I really wanted to give this book 5 stars but I feel that the first half of the book was not as realistic as romantic as it was. However, I really liked the second half of the book which portrayed the above points really well.
December 27, 2018
One must recognize that the genre lends itself to serendipitous coincidences and good fortune, and to happy endings, so this book is no surprise in itself. At about 80%, I had convinced myself I knew what form the plot twist would take, so I was pleasantly surprised it was slightly different. Still, one reads these for a warm feeling inside, and not for great literature.
As with many of the Kindle books I read for free, this one could use a good proofreader, but it is nowhere near as bad as most.
It is also quite pleasant to read of females in the 1870s who are independent and willing to stand for themselves all the time, not only when they've hit their breaking point. I did enjoy Nicola's character, and Frances'. Others - even major characters - aren't exceptionally well-developed, but they'll do.
A pleasant read.
As with many of the Kindle books I read for free, this one could use a good proofreader, but it is nowhere near as bad as most.
It is also quite pleasant to read of females in the 1870s who are independent and willing to stand for themselves all the time, not only when they've hit their breaking point. I did enjoy Nicola's character, and Frances'. Others - even major characters - aren't exceptionally well-developed, but they'll do.
A pleasant read.
April 16, 2020
Another compelling and beautiful book by this superb author,a wonderfully good read as usual.Now to move on to my next Anne Marie Brear story.
Which I know will be as warm,historically correct and intriguing as all the previous books that I have read by this author.
Which I know will be as warm,historically correct and intriguing as all the previous books that I have read by this author.
June 4, 2023
Captivating story!
Excellent writer! I have enjoyed reading all of her books. They captivate and hold the attention. Her descriptive writing takes the reader to New Zealand to follow the character down on her luck in a page turning journey .
Excellent writer! I have enjoyed reading all of her books. They captivate and hold the attention. Her descriptive writing takes the reader to New Zealand to follow the character down on her luck in a page turning journey .
December 19, 2024
powerful read
A beautiful novel packed with emotions of every kind. Ann Marie is an excellent writer. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. For those liking historical fiction, I thoroughly recommend it.
A beautiful novel packed with emotions of every kind. Ann Marie is an excellent writer. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. For those liking historical fiction, I thoroughly recommend it.
February 13, 2020
Another wonderful, book by this author
I have read many of AnneMaries books and enjoyed them all, this one in particular, I would recommend them all.
I have read many of AnneMaries books and enjoyed them all, this one in particular, I would recommend them all.
June 17, 2023
Lovely
Lovely read always enjoy. Full of twists and turns that you can never predict. I'm addicted to her novels. X
Lovely read always enjoy. Full of twists and turns that you can never predict. I'm addicted to her novels. X
July 25, 2025
Another superb book from Anne Marie Brear. Looking forward to reading another book.
November 6, 2025
excellent read
I couldn’t put this book down. Believe characters and story. One of the best by AnneMarie Brear. On to the next .
I couldn’t put this book down. Believe characters and story. One of the best by AnneMarie Brear. On to the next .
May 23, 2013
With the death of her parents, English governess Nicola Douglas finds herself alone with no prospects. She makes the decision to start anew in the distant of Australia, but what she finds is that there are far too many young women with the same dream for the scant few jobs available. Her life takes a unexpected turn when she meets wealthy benefactor, Mr. Belfroy. He offers her safe haven and eventually a job managing the women's shelter for those in need. Determined to be the master of her own destiny, she puts all of her efforts into making The Governess Home a success. To complicate her life further, she meets wealthy Nathaniel West and as much as she would like to ignore the arrogant and frustrating young man, her attraction to him grows, but will she abandon her the much needed work for her own happiness?
The character of Nicola Douglas is well-developed and speaks to the plight of young women of the 1860s without family or benefactors to protect them. It was a cruel world and I could feel her desperation and dogged determination to make a life for herself in spite of all odds against her. My favorite character was her friend Meg, a carefree spirit, who adds worry and unexpected joy to Nicola's life. I am a fan of Ms. Brear who does a great job of spinning a story that is captivating and will keep readers intrigued and turning the pages to find out the fate of Miss Nicola Douglas. Fans of historical romance will find this a delightful story of duty, compassion, joy and love. Recommended.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The character of Nicola Douglas is well-developed and speaks to the plight of young women of the 1860s without family or benefactors to protect them. It was a cruel world and I could feel her desperation and dogged determination to make a life for herself in spite of all odds against her. My favorite character was her friend Meg, a carefree spirit, who adds worry and unexpected joy to Nicola's life. I am a fan of Ms. Brear who does a great job of spinning a story that is captivating and will keep readers intrigued and turning the pages to find out the fate of Miss Nicola Douglas. Fans of historical romance will find this a delightful story of duty, compassion, joy and love. Recommended.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
December 4, 2016
Another terrific tale of Victorian life from a writer who always delivers. Her heroines are always so strong with a good head on their shoulders. But they face a cruel world. A story to tug at the emotions. Nicola Douglas is a feisty woman facing hardship in Australia in 1860 while setting up a home for governesses. All the characters are very well drawn. Captivating and intriguing.
June 22, 2013
RHL Classifications:
Victorian Romance/saga
Heat Level: 1
Rating: 5 stars/Top Pick
Reviewed by Maggi at:
http://romantichistoricallovers.wordp...
Victorian Romance/saga
Heat Level: 1
Rating: 5 stars/Top Pick
Reviewed by Maggi at:
http://romantichistoricallovers.wordp...
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews