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The Governess Who Stole My Heart

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The heart always knows best... Everything changes in Susan Wilton’s life, when she takes the position of nanny-governess to Elizabeth, the five-year-old daughter of the Duke of Lennox. The Duke while charming and vigorous is still suffering from the loss of his wife in giving birth to their daughter. As Susan and the Duke work together, they find they have a lot in common, and mutual fascination grows, followed by a developing romance. However, Susan, also courted by Daniel, a handsome and dashing naval captain, finds she is torn between the two men and feels she is unable to commit to either. But things are never exactly what they seem to be, and soon life-changing events begin to alter the dynamics in the two relationships as Susan begins to learn more about the two suitors. ♥ A historical romance novel full of twists that'll keep you turning the pages ♥ *The Governess Who Stole My Heart is a historical standalone story of 85,000 words (around 350 pages). No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a sweet happily ever after. Get this book for free with Kindle Unlimited!

356 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 27, 2017

569 people are currently reading
135 people want to read

About the author

Hanna Hamilton

123 books127 followers
Hanna Hamilton has been fascinated with the Regency era ever since she was a young teen, first discovering historical romance novels by famous authors such as Jane Austen and Lisa Kleypas. She believes that love was just so much more magical back then, more like a fairy tale. She always daydreamed about finding love herself that way, but since that is impossible in the twenty-first century, she decided to write about it instead!

Born in Texas, Hanna Hamilton obtained a degree in Creative Writing and has worked as a literature teacher before becoming a novelist. When she isn’t writing, Hanna likes to explore the countryside with her husband and two children, gaining inspiration from the natural world around her.

So, come on a journey into love, confusion, and redemption all within the Regency era. Hanna hopes that you will enjoy immersing yourself into her novels and that you too will find a love for old-fashioned romance, just as she has. 


Facebook page: http://facebook.com/hannahamiltonauthor

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5 stars
225 (40%)
4 stars
177 (31%)
3 stars
88 (15%)
2 stars
36 (6%)
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28 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
Profile Image for BP34.
6,281 reviews46 followers
September 30, 2017
This is a historical romance featuring Susan Wilton as the nanny to the five year old daughter of Daniel, the Duke of Lennox. After being left at the altar five years earlier, Susan had resigned herself to a life of spinsterhood. Things took a turn when she met two dashing men at a friends wedding. One was a dashing naval captain and the other was a Duke who hired her to be his daughter's nanny. Both men are attracted to her, but no spoiler here. This is a clean Regency romance with a happy ending. I received an advance copy and voluntarily chose to review it.
Profile Image for Lisa.
469 reviews38 followers
October 19, 2017
This is the first book I read from author Hanna Hamilton.... The Governess Who Stole My Heart is a cute story. What I like about Susan she is caring she loves her family she felt lucky to have them in her live. When it comes to love it seems like she has a black cloud over her. At age 20 she was left at the alter her mother on the other hand wanted to see your daughter married. Susan is a school teacher and she’s ok with that, I enjoyed the journey Susan goes through to find her happily ever after. 5 star read.

Happy Reading
Lisa






Profile Image for the_bibliophagist.
744 reviews10 followers
September 30, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed for ARC.

I have never read a historical romance before and if they are all like this I don't think I will again. They was nothing wrong with the story or how it was written, it just wasn't my kind of story,
Profile Image for Mrs Caroline Trevor.
443 reviews10 followers
May 30, 2019
I found this a good book. There was a good mix of characters and a very good plot throughout the book. It was good to have a mix of London and Bath society and also country living.
112 reviews3 followers
October 5, 2017
Hanna Hamilton is a new author for me and the description of the book intrigued me as a "clean historical romance". I think it's really refreshing to read a nice, clean romance without all the x-rated stuff thrown in just for shock value. Since I received an ARC from Ms. Hamilton, there will be SPOILERS in my review as I feel it's the best way to give my opinions of the book.

The Governess Who Stole My Heart is indeed a sweet, gentle, and smooth-reading novel. I liked the heroine, Susan as she was a strong, caring, and smart woman. Her life was pleasant enough when it came to her family and friends but she wasn't so lucky in love. Having been jilted when she was 20 years old, her mom pushed her to find a new suitor and to marry soon (given that she didn't want her daughter to be a spinster). Susan was quite content being a school teacher and living her simple yet happy life. That was, until she met her best friend's brother who instantly liked her. Then, to complicate matters, she took on a new role as nanny and governess to a Duke's young daughter only to later fall in love with him.
With two suitors in mind, her old beau who had rejected her at their almost wedding decided that he still had feelings for Susan too. What's a girl to do?!
Well, Susan seeks wise council and lets her heart decide rather than her duty to be married and provide a family. For once, she decided that she won't be provencial and just marry for the sake of having a family. She wanted love and passion and all the things that a real marriage should have.
I won't spoil the ending but Susan does get a HEA which was quite nice. I also appreciated the author writing an extended epilogue as I felt the ending was rather abrupt for Susan and her "intended".
The Governess Who Stole My Heart is a solid read, a bit slow at times but the pacing goes along well enough that I didn't feel like it was being dragged on. In fact, there were many supporting characters in the story hence I felt the ending a bit rushed.
If you like clean historical romance with a sweet story then you'll definitely enjoy reading, The Governess Who Stole My Heart.
Thank you, Hanna for a wonderful read!
Profile Image for B Whitaker,.
84 reviews
October 4, 2017
I always read a few of the reviews for any book that I review, either for pleasure or as a commitment for an ARC, just to get a handle on what type of an experience I can look forward to. Either I prepare myself with a box of tissues, or else have plenty of strong coffee on hand before I even crack the book open. With "Dragon's First Rule (Dragons of Midnight Book 1)
by Silver Milan", I knew I was in for one whale of a good time, as ever single review was firmly reviewing at a 5 star level.

Now that I have finished the book, I just want "MORE" of Jett and Ariel. It is a tribute to the author that a story of dragons, and lion shifters make you feel you are reading the most wonderful book imaginable of a love story of a man and a woman - period. He descriptive writings of the worlds to which both of these characters belong, made you feel that you were there (as a child at christmas) witnessing the sparkle and glamour of this fictional world and people. My face held the smile that Silver Milan put there a good 2 hours later after finishing the book.

I don't leave synopsis of a book, as the author's blurb does a much better job then I ever could, nor do I leave spoilers as I feel this does an injustice to subsequent readers. I am leaving my honest review voluntarily. My rating for this book = 5.0 stars (since that is the highest score I am allowed to leave).
Profile Image for Ruth Whitaker.
9 reviews1 follower
October 4, 2017
I have read and thoroughly enjoyed Hanna Hamilton's work for quite awhile now and her newest offering, "The Governess Who Stole My Heart: A Historical..." is true to form another truly wonderful read. A good author leave's you feeling glad you read any given book, but a great author leaves you waiting in anticipation and with baited breath for the next book, and the next, and the next.... Hanna's writing style fully develops every character, and every story line so much so that you are pulled right into the pages of the book. And so it was with this book. If I hadn't had to be up extremely early the following morning for surgery, I would have read straight through, cover to cover until finished. The main characters in this book, Simon, Susan and Daniel had you rooting for each. The ending was totally satisfactory and I read with a smile on my face until the last page.

I don't leave synopsis of a book, as the author's blurb does a much better job then I ever could, nor do I leave spoilers as I feel this does an injustice to subsequent readers. I am leaving this review voluntarily. My rating of 4.5 stars.
Profile Image for Kasia Burlakoff.
176 reviews16 followers
October 5, 2017
I loved this clean and romantic Regency story. All the characters are very well written, very easy to get emotionally attached to. Susan is a lovely, strong and compassionate young lady, who is struggling with a heartbreak and rejection. I admired her fortitude and her efforts to make it by herself. Being a spinster without any means of support except being a governess or a companion, was a difficult fate in Regency era.

Susan showed her full worth while taking care of a 5-year-old girl, whose mother had died giving birth to her. The child was as lonely as her father, who had been grieving the loss of his wife. The governess and the Duke started to develop friendship and then feelings for each other. I loved following the development of their relationship.

The story has some turns and twists, but mostly it is about second chances and love. When Susan started to realize she had some feelings for the Duke, she had already been admired by a naval captain. Luckily after some emotional turmoil, she found her HEA with the man of her dreams. It was so sweet.

Highly recommended.

I was given an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for The Mysterious Reader.
3,588 reviews66 followers
October 5, 2017
This is a wonderful book about two damaged hearts, Susan Wilton who was abandoned at the alter by Simon, the brother of the Duke of Lennox, and John, the Duke who lost his wife in childbirth. Then there is Susan’s best friend Katherine and Daniel, Katherine’s brother and an active (and actively pursuing) admirer of Susan, John’s five-year-old daughter Elizabeth, his aunt Aunt Clarissa, his estranged brother Simon (the cad!), and a whole slew of villagers and other supporting characters (including, of course, the obligatory snobbish noblewoman, Fitz, scheming to be the next Duchess).

Whew, just describing that whole cast is exhausting, but Hannah Hamilton does of marvelous job of using them in a beautifully layered plot that really gets going once Susan takes on the role of being Elizabeth’s governess and this becomes a disruptive force.

Wonderfully plotted and written this is a truly enjoyable rich romance, and I happily highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Sam.
28 reviews
December 14, 2017
Entertaining Story

This book was entertaining, relatively light, and has a decent ending. The characters are mature and the plot points aren't too dramatic nor necessarily from the cookie cutter.

I've read quite a few romances, and at this point consider myself a bit critical about new books I read. A three star rating is pretty good in my opinion. This style of writing reminds me of Jane Austin, where nothing in particular happens page to page but over the course of the book you realize how much organically grew out of the daily life of the characters. The style was simple and straight forward, and I appreciated the honesty each character showed to the others. I liked this book, wasn't caught up in a riveting tale, but am definitely happy I read it.

I recommend this to readers who want a clean story, mature characters and a glimpse of country life for regency aristocracy.
Profile Image for Angel.
276 reviews17 followers
January 4, 2019
I received an ARC of this story through Hidden Gems and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Once I started this book I absolutely couldn't put it down! Susan is a lovely, sweet school teacher who starts off in the book by being left at the alter by the local Duke's younger brother. The Duke, John, starts out by losing his wife during the birth of their daughter. The story picks up again about 5 years after these events and we find that Susan is still unmarried, having become wary of choosing the wrong suitor again and John is still grieving his wife and unwilling to be the father his daughter needs because she is a painful reminder. The story really starts to develop when John's aunt approaches Susan to become the governess for John's daughter. There's a host of supporting characters that each get their own story and somehow none of it detracts from the main story between Susan and John. All the characters feel well written and real.
Profile Image for Candy Briggs.
649 reviews23 followers
September 30, 2017
Miss Susan Wilton was a teacher, had been jilted, but was a kind and loving person. John Chamberlain, Duke of Lennox, had lost his wife several years ago. He also had a daughter.
What a wonderful and fulfilling story.
There is a lot going on in this tale, many twists, that have been arranged by this superb zauthor to make sense, is evenly paced and easily read. Her characters are so true to life, it is amazing and there is some fun, joy and understanding there. Elizabeth is a gift and she is so happy with Susan. I could not get over how tragedy had turned to love, forgiveness and happiness. I read this straight thru, I kept needing to know what was going to happen. I have never been disappointed by one of Ms. Hamilton's books and I still am not.
I received this ARC free and voluntarily reviewed it.
160 reviews4 followers
February 13, 2018
Susan Wilton, the daughter of a Squire was due to be married and was stood up by the second son. She moves on and decides marriage is not in her cards, but her teaching is very special to her and will continue with that. When asked by her cousin to come to London for a short visit, she jumps at the chance only to run into her intended betrothed and things did not go well. Escaping back to her countryside home, she is approached by the Aunt of the Duke of Lennox to take a position as a teacher of Governess. The draw back...he's the older brother of her once betrothed. John, the Duke of Lennox lost his wife during childbirth and has neglected his daughter. Susan intends to change his mind. She never intended for him to care for her though.
Hanna Hamilton writes with great detail and the characters come alive. A definite read.
Profile Image for Mary.
2,753 reviews23 followers
October 8, 2017
This is a dramatic and sweet story. John is captivating, he's not the usual stuffy and arrogant Duke, but he's not all warm and fuzzy either. He's mild mannered and kind, but a bit oblivious. Susan is sweet, caring, calm and naive. Years after being jilted by John's brother, Susan ends up as his daughter's nanny/teacher. She had just been reintroduced to an friends brother who wanted to court her, but he was a ships captain and would be away. She sees Daniel when he's home but is reluctant to make a commitment. She also develops feelings for John. She can't make up her mind about either, and is pathetically weak about it. It's a sweet storyline, but it lacks energy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
Profile Image for Laila Viking.
4,090 reviews30 followers
October 4, 2017
I am all in. I love the writing style of Hanna Hamilton. It is very captivating and makes me feel I am in the book with the main characters.
This book did not disappoint me. It is very well written and I like the story line and plot. It is a historical romance and the details are fantastic. I like that I feel the author has done her research before writing it.
The main character Susan has choices to make when it comes to her suitors. This story has drama, passion, twists and lots of hot chemistry. It has surprises and emotional ups and downs. A very enjoyable read.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest voluntary review.
Profile Image for Linda Levine.
4,640 reviews25 followers
October 5, 2017
Susan is a woman with some tough choices. She has dealt with the pain of being left at the altar and is trying to lead a new life. She is drawn back into the old one when the Duke needs someone for his little girl. She also has another man very interested in having her as his wife. As she is drawn to both, she has to make some tough decisions.

I very much enjoyed this historical romance. It is very well written and I really liked how the author developed the characters and allowed the relationships to grow slowly. It has a very good storyline that involves the reader and makes you feel connected to the story and the characters.

I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
967 reviews8 followers
August 14, 2019
Susan Wilton is a dedicated teacher! She meets the Duke and his Aunt Clarissa at her sisters wedding! The kindly elderly woman asks her to visit. When she does she asks her to come and be a nanny, governess to her nephew, the Dukes daughter. The poor child has been ignored by her father since his beloved wife died. She also asks her to set up a school for the workers children. Overwhelmed by the offer she finally agrees. Meanwhile she has a turbulent love life! This story is wonder, inspiring, story about family and friends, love and loss! I really enjoyed this wonderful regency country romance!
Profile Image for Dee Archer.
664 reviews4 followers
October 5, 2017
Beautiful Regency Romance! Susan has a problem. Her heart is pulled in two different directions: on one side, is the warm, dashing Naval Captain and on the other side, a handsome, charming Duke. Enjoyed how Susan went back and forth in her mind trying to figure out which man to choose. The suspense kept me hanging on because I liked both men. The journey to happiness was pleasant, adorable and entertaining with a shocking twist. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. Five stars.
Profile Image for Wendy Tavenner.
1,325 reviews12 followers
October 9, 2017
A wonderful, delightful read!

Susan is left at the church by her fiancé Simon. The Duke of Lennox who is Simons brother is appalled by him. Five years later she sees him in London and is still angry at him. Susan sees her best friend Katherine’s brother Daniel who is a Naval Captain with his own ship. He asks to court her but Susan is hesitant. The Dukes Aunt Clarissa asks Susan to be a teacher, governess to the Dukes 5yr old daughter Elizabeth. When she agrees she starts having feels for him. A wonderful book with a great ending and loved the double epilogue.
2,072 reviews13 followers
October 1, 2017
Wonderful Story, I enjoyed this book immensely. The main characters were realistic and had very strong thoughts and beliefs. The development of first their friendship, then romance was highly entertaining. The secondary characters also made an impact on the storyline. I would recommend this book to lovers of the Regency period.
I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest voluntary review.
195 reviews3 followers
October 13, 2017
This was an interesting read. There were twists and turns in this story. Some are unexpected and others are not. The Duke and Susan meet at her wedding. She has been stood up. They meet again at her sister's wedding. She runs into her old boyfriend and makes a new one. The Duke is living with his own demons and his daughter is paying for it. Susan is a teacher in her village but, desires to do more. The story is engaging. It is a worthwhile read.
Profile Image for iread.
826 reviews11 followers
October 5, 2017
I was given this book as an ARC. I'm so glad I got to read it. It's a very sweet romance. The characters develop well. I loved how the heroine learned to not judge others. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys sweet and clean Regency stories. Ms Hamilton is a very good writer and I look forward to reading more of her books.
Profile Image for Charline Bonham.
636 reviews
October 7, 2017
Susan was a teacher and planned to marry the 2nd son of a Duke. That didn't work when he doesn't show up at the wedding. She moves through several other possible suitors but how do you trust after something like that? This is a fast moving story with lots of twists. Enjoyed. I was provided an ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for Lillian Huffman.
200 reviews1 follower
October 15, 2017
Love this Book

I have been reading all of Hanna's books as they come out. I have not been disappointed one time. They are very well written and truly emtional. At times you think it may be slow but the next page surprises you and it wasn't slow it was leading where you didn't expect. I highly recommend this book and this author.
813 reviews9 followers
November 5, 2017
Beyond trite and dumb. No real romance. Current day language set Ina wanna be 18th century time zone. No sex at all. Maybe one itty bitty chaste kiss on the lips. Totally predictable. Written for a teen or even a tween. I think Twilight would havebeen spicier. Learned my lesson. Susan and the Duke John boring as all.
Profile Image for Nayari .
115 reviews7 followers
November 29, 2017
This is my third book by Hanna Hamilton and I suspect it will be my last for a while. This book did call for multiple subplots with clear character development, but it lacked in description. I also simply didn't care for the perfect heroine forsaken by love who is the object of so many affections. This likely and simply wasn't my kind of story.
Profile Image for Gina.
56 reviews
December 29, 2017
I prefer steamy romance novels but the lack of it in this book was not what disappointed me. This takes place in the 19th century, don’t think anyone would have said their mother would “have a cow” back then. Also the use of “totally” and other anachronistic sayings throughout made me roll my eyes. Editing problems also.
Profile Image for Ryanne.
276 reviews2 followers
January 19, 2018
Very disappointing read. Not sure why it has such good views. The formality of Susan, a Squires daughter and the governess to the Dukes child, and John the Duke is blurred from the very beginning. The amount of Susan's suitors takes away from the story- Daniel is not needed at all in the story and neither really is Simon.
1,097 reviews2 followers
October 4, 2017
I receive a free book and voluntarily chose to review it. Susan is my strong woman in this book. After Susan has a problem, she recovers and now teaches children. This is a new-to-me author and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I am looking forward to more of her books.
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.2k reviews8 followers
October 4, 2017
This is Susan and the two men in her life Daniel, and John and John's daughter Elizabeth and what she goes through to get her Happy ending.I enjoyed reading this book.I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily choosing to review it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews

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