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Falling for the Hartfield Ladies #1
Falling for the Governess
Introducing the "Falling for the Governess" Novel - Discover NOW The New Historical Regency Romance Book by Abby Ayles!
Isabella Watts’ life of privilege is about to come crashing down.
Her wealthy lifestyle, as the daughter of the adventurous Baron Leinster, is swept away when her father is unexpectedly killed, leaving her with a debt she cannot possibly overcome.
Not only that, but her father has turned the estate over to the vile Mr. Smith, a man whose advances Isabella has already once refused and who is now out for revenge.
Fleeing from the repugnant Smith and his desire to humiliate her, Isabella finds work as the governess of a young ward at Wintercrest Manor.
There she meets the Marquess of Bellfourd, recently returned from the navy to take his place by his father’s side following the death of his elder brother.
But there are deep and possibly irreconcilable rifts at Wintercrest Manor. Wounds so deep they may never be healed.
Can Isabella help the family to overcome their woes while staying out of reach of the clutches of her nemesis? Or will her past catch up with her even there?
"Falling for the Governess" is a historical regency romance novel of approximately 90,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
Page Count: around 520+ pages
Get This Book FREE With Kindle Unlimited!
Enjoy!
Isabella Watts’ life of privilege is about to come crashing down.
Her wealthy lifestyle, as the daughter of the adventurous Baron Leinster, is swept away when her father is unexpectedly killed, leaving her with a debt she cannot possibly overcome.
Not only that, but her father has turned the estate over to the vile Mr. Smith, a man whose advances Isabella has already once refused and who is now out for revenge.
Fleeing from the repugnant Smith and his desire to humiliate her, Isabella finds work as the governess of a young ward at Wintercrest Manor.
There she meets the Marquess of Bellfourd, recently returned from the navy to take his place by his father’s side following the death of his elder brother.
But there are deep and possibly irreconcilable rifts at Wintercrest Manor. Wounds so deep they may never be healed.
Can Isabella help the family to overcome their woes while staying out of reach of the clutches of her nemesis? Or will her past catch up with her even there?
"Falling for the Governess" is a historical regency romance novel of approximately 90,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
Page Count: around 520+ pages
Get This Book FREE With Kindle Unlimited!
Enjoy!
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 10, 2018
1073 people are currently reading
376 people want to read
About the author
Abby Ayles
141 books704 followersAbby Ayles was born in the northern city of Manchester, England, but currently lives in Charleston, South Carolina, with her husband and their three cats. She holds a Master’s degree in History and Arts and worked as a history teacher in middle school.
Her greatest interest lies in the era of Regency and Victorian England and Abby shares her love and knowledge of these periods with many readers in her newsletter.
In addition to this she has also written her first romantic novel, The Duke's Secrets, which is set in the era and is available for free on her website. As one reader commented – ‘Abby’s writing makes you travel back in time…’
When she has time to herself, Abby enjoys going to the theatre, reading and watching documentaries about Regency and Victorian England.
Her greatest interest lies in the era of Regency and Victorian England and Abby shares her love and knowledge of these periods with many readers in her newsletter.
In addition to this she has also written her first romantic novel, The Duke's Secrets, which is set in the era and is available for free on her website. As one reader commented – ‘Abby’s writing makes you travel back in time…’
When she has time to herself, Abby enjoys going to the theatre, reading and watching documentaries about Regency and Victorian England.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 126 reviews
March 8, 2018
I've been on a winning streak lately ! The previous 4 novels I've read have all been enjoyable and this one is also added to the list. This novel has a central theme that's very similar to A Governess for the Brooding Duke, but this one is a lot better.
The heroine Isabella, is the daughter of a Baron who dies while at sea and leaves her at the mercy of his repugnant and lecherous partner Mr. Smith. Isabella is a ravishing 20 yr old beauty who has already had a couple of London Seasons and is best friends with the daughter of an Earl. After her dad dies, Mr. Smith propositions Isabella but the heroine is nauseated at the mere thought of being anywhere near him. Mr. Smith is gross ! He is described as having poor hygiene, rotting teeth, leathery skin and the top of his head is totally bald. The dumbass idiot doesn't shave his entire head bald; he lets the scraggly bits grow out along the sides and bottom of his head and he actually ties those stringy pieces back with a ribbon. He also hates Isabella because he had asked her to marry him when she turned 17 and she had been so revolted and shocked that she had blurted out that he was so old !
Mr. Smith cheats her out of her home and her money and she's forced to look for a job. Her best friend Louisa suggests she seek employment as a governess and Isabella gets a job teaching the illegitimate 6 yr old granddaughter of the ailing Duke of Wintercrest. When she arrives at the duke's estate, no one is there to meet her at the stage coach depot so she has to pull her trunk all the way by herself. She is fortunate to see a tall, sexy guy walking along the road and she mistakes him for a footman. It was dusk so I suppose she couldn't see if he was wearing the sort of livery that a footman would wear. This guy is the H, the Marquess of Bellfourd. His name's Christian Grant and he's the second son of the duke and the uncle of the little girl. Christian had been a Captain in the Royal Navy because his older brother James had been the heir. However, James' untimely death had put an end to Christian's life of adventure on the open seas.
Christian is a wonderful H. He's sweet, funny, smart, chivalrous and kind. He's more of a beta H but I loved him. He and Isabella are drawn to each from the beginning but they maintain a friendly distance because of the difference in the social positions. Christian is not snobbish and treats the heroine like a lady rather than an employee. His mother and his sister are also kind to her but there's a bitch ass housekeeper called Mrs. Peterson, who dislikes and insults Isabella. There is no sex in this novel and the MC's do not even kiss until almost the end but the story was still engrossing. Isabella was a fabulous heroine and the little girl Jacqueline was a cute, mischievous and lovable imp. Both MC's are going through a difficult trial period in their respective lives. Isabella has to deal with the downward social transition to paid employment and Christian has to adapt to the new demands and expectations of his elite title as Marquess. The H had never particularly cared much for the social expectations of the Ton because he had been just the "spare" rather than the heir.
There's a horrible wannable OW called Lady Lydia who also happens to be a former classmate of Isabella's from Mrs. Mason's School For Exceptional Young Ladies. Lydia is jealous of Isabella's beauty and had hated the heroine's academic superiority while they were both students. Lydia takes every opportunity to demean the heroine but the H often steps in and saves Isabella whenever he is around to overhear. The OW's biggest act of malice comes at a time when the MC's are finally growing closer. The OW wants the H to propose marriage to her and she's jealously aware of his interest in the heroine. The villain Mr. Smith has also been doing his share of evil. He starts writing nasty, threatening letters to Isabella and when she refuses to respond, he places an ad in the London newspaper accusing her of jewellery theft. Poor Isabella gets a copy of the ad in the mail, from her late dad's lawyer and she posts the locket to Mr. Smith.
This doesn't end her problems because Lydia has also seen the ad and the vindictive OW uses it to blackmail Isabella in avoiding Christian. It's a new depressing stage in the heroine's life, because she's in love with Christian yet she's afraid to confide in him. Things worsen for Isabella when the old duke dies and the dowager duchess receives a copy of the ad from Lydia's mother. The dowager is kind to Isabella but she also wants her son ( who's now the new duke ) to marry Lydia, so she asks the heroine to leave. Christian is appalled when he discovers what his mother has done and I admired the way he handled the old lady. He tells her categorically that he loves Isabella and will not even consider marrying another woman. Meanwhile, Isabella is in London at the home of her best friend Louisa. Christian works hard to find a solution for dealing with the problem of Mr. Smith. After he is successful in neutralizing that odious villain, he turns up at Louisa's home and proposes marriage ( for the 3rd time ! ) to Isabella. It was splendidly romantic and old fashioned.
There are 2 lovely epilogues. The first one deals with a lavish engagement ball at the Wintercrest townhouse and it was marvellous to see the jealous Lydia frothing with envy. The extended epilogue is set 2 years after their marriage and Isabella is heavily pregnant. She eventually gives birth to twins: a plump baby boy named James and a tiny girl called Elizabeth.
The heroine Isabella, is the daughter of a Baron who dies while at sea and leaves her at the mercy of his repugnant and lecherous partner Mr. Smith. Isabella is a ravishing 20 yr old beauty who has already had a couple of London Seasons and is best friends with the daughter of an Earl. After her dad dies, Mr. Smith propositions Isabella but the heroine is nauseated at the mere thought of being anywhere near him. Mr. Smith is gross ! He is described as having poor hygiene, rotting teeth, leathery skin and the top of his head is totally bald. The dumbass idiot doesn't shave his entire head bald; he lets the scraggly bits grow out along the sides and bottom of his head and he actually ties those stringy pieces back with a ribbon. He also hates Isabella because he had asked her to marry him when she turned 17 and she had been so revolted and shocked that she had blurted out that he was so old !
Mr. Smith cheats her out of her home and her money and she's forced to look for a job. Her best friend Louisa suggests she seek employment as a governess and Isabella gets a job teaching the illegitimate 6 yr old granddaughter of the ailing Duke of Wintercrest. When she arrives at the duke's estate, no one is there to meet her at the stage coach depot so she has to pull her trunk all the way by herself. She is fortunate to see a tall, sexy guy walking along the road and she mistakes him for a footman. It was dusk so I suppose she couldn't see if he was wearing the sort of livery that a footman would wear. This guy is the H, the Marquess of Bellfourd. His name's Christian Grant and he's the second son of the duke and the uncle of the little girl. Christian had been a Captain in the Royal Navy because his older brother James had been the heir. However, James' untimely death had put an end to Christian's life of adventure on the open seas.
Christian is a wonderful H. He's sweet, funny, smart, chivalrous and kind. He's more of a beta H but I loved him. He and Isabella are drawn to each from the beginning but they maintain a friendly distance because of the difference in the social positions. Christian is not snobbish and treats the heroine like a lady rather than an employee. His mother and his sister are also kind to her but there's a bitch ass housekeeper called Mrs. Peterson, who dislikes and insults Isabella. There is no sex in this novel and the MC's do not even kiss until almost the end but the story was still engrossing. Isabella was a fabulous heroine and the little girl Jacqueline was a cute, mischievous and lovable imp. Both MC's are going through a difficult trial period in their respective lives. Isabella has to deal with the downward social transition to paid employment and Christian has to adapt to the new demands and expectations of his elite title as Marquess. The H had never particularly cared much for the social expectations of the Ton because he had been just the "spare" rather than the heir.
There's a horrible wannable OW called Lady Lydia who also happens to be a former classmate of Isabella's from Mrs. Mason's School For Exceptional Young Ladies. Lydia is jealous of Isabella's beauty and had hated the heroine's academic superiority while they were both students. Lydia takes every opportunity to demean the heroine but the H often steps in and saves Isabella whenever he is around to overhear. The OW's biggest act of malice comes at a time when the MC's are finally growing closer. The OW wants the H to propose marriage to her and she's jealously aware of his interest in the heroine. The villain Mr. Smith has also been doing his share of evil. He starts writing nasty, threatening letters to Isabella and when she refuses to respond, he places an ad in the London newspaper accusing her of jewellery theft. Poor Isabella gets a copy of the ad in the mail, from her late dad's lawyer and she posts the locket to Mr. Smith.
This doesn't end her problems because Lydia has also seen the ad and the vindictive OW uses it to blackmail Isabella in avoiding Christian. It's a new depressing stage in the heroine's life, because she's in love with Christian yet she's afraid to confide in him. Things worsen for Isabella when the old duke dies and the dowager duchess receives a copy of the ad from Lydia's mother. The dowager is kind to Isabella but she also wants her son ( who's now the new duke ) to marry Lydia, so she asks the heroine to leave. Christian is appalled when he discovers what his mother has done and I admired the way he handled the old lady. He tells her categorically that he loves Isabella and will not even consider marrying another woman. Meanwhile, Isabella is in London at the home of her best friend Louisa. Christian works hard to find a solution for dealing with the problem of Mr. Smith. After he is successful in neutralizing that odious villain, he turns up at Louisa's home and proposes marriage ( for the 3rd time ! ) to Isabella. It was splendidly romantic and old fashioned.
There are 2 lovely epilogues. The first one deals with a lavish engagement ball at the Wintercrest townhouse and it was marvellous to see the jealous Lydia frothing with envy. The extended epilogue is set 2 years after their marriage and Isabella is heavily pregnant. She eventually gives birth to twins: a plump baby boy named James and a tiny girl called Elizabeth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2020
Nice enjoyable story.
Isabelle has everything taken from her by her father’s partner. Worse, he had lecherous intentions and to avoid that, Isabelle takes up the job as a governess in a far away place in a Duke’s palace.
In the new place also there are some hitches. But there things begin to change as Isabelle sees the Duke’s son.
The story has a lot of things going for it, as Isabelle finds the courage to help herself in times like these. The writing is great and the characters and their interactions with each other also brought a smile.
The historical fiction was a nice, quick, simple read. Liked it.
Isabelle has everything taken from her by her father’s partner. Worse, he had lecherous intentions and to avoid that, Isabelle takes up the job as a governess in a far away place in a Duke’s palace.
In the new place also there are some hitches. But there things begin to change as Isabelle sees the Duke’s son.
The story has a lot of things going for it, as Isabelle finds the courage to help herself in times like these. The writing is great and the characters and their interactions with each other also brought a smile.
The historical fiction was a nice, quick, simple read. Liked it.
September 13, 2018
Wonderful Story
I loved this book! The heroines father dies and leaves her destitute. His partner, a toad of a man, has lecherous intent and she turns him down. He took everything including her home, her clothes, her jewelry, everything and kicked her onto the strees. Luckily her Dads lawyer finds her a job as a governess really far away and off she goes. She takes one locket with her because it had a lock of her Mom's hair and her Dad had given it to her. It wasn't worth a lot either but it was all she had left of her family. She ends up at the Duke's house and immediately falls in love with the family. There is a mean, vile housekeeper who puts her in the attic and is just cruel to her. She ends up falling in love with the Dukes son and he with her but there is a class distinction, a wannabe titled debutante, and the evil Mr. Smith, her Dads old partner. He puts an ad in the paper accusing her of stealing from him, but basically He wants her for nefarious reasons and the lawyer warns her about him because he knows he is a bad man. It gets even worse and my heart was breaking for her. I cried through many parts of this story. There are a lot of other subplots which were wonderful too. So much to like in this book.
I loved this book! The heroines father dies and leaves her destitute. His partner, a toad of a man, has lecherous intent and she turns him down. He took everything including her home, her clothes, her jewelry, everything and kicked her onto the strees. Luckily her Dads lawyer finds her a job as a governess really far away and off she goes. She takes one locket with her because it had a lock of her Mom's hair and her Dad had given it to her. It wasn't worth a lot either but it was all she had left of her family. She ends up at the Duke's house and immediately falls in love with the family. There is a mean, vile housekeeper who puts her in the attic and is just cruel to her. She ends up falling in love with the Dukes son and he with her but there is a class distinction, a wannabe titled debutante, and the evil Mr. Smith, her Dads old partner. He puts an ad in the paper accusing her of stealing from him, but basically He wants her for nefarious reasons and the lawyer warns her about him because he knows he is a bad man. It gets even worse and my heart was breaking for her. I cried through many parts of this story. There are a lot of other subplots which were wonderful too. So much to like in this book.
February 17, 2018
A tale of unexpected changes in life and learning to deal with them while hope springs eternal! Isabella has grown up protected and with a good life. With the passing of her father, all of that changes and she is left to take care of herself. Fleeing from an unwelcome suitor she takes a job as a governess to a ward at Wintercrest Manor. Christian, the Marquess of Bellfourd has returned from the navy to take his place with his father after his older brother perishes. What Isabella finds is turmoil underneath the facade of the family and with Isabella's presence she brings some joy to the family. A friendship forms between Christina an Isabella, but it turns to much more. This is a sweet story of the struggles and emotions that come with the different stations in life during this time period. Love always finds a way and you need to read to be immersed in the joy of this story.
September 24, 2019
AN ABSOLUTE MUST READ!!!
An amazing, easy to follow, well paced read that will keep you captivated and frozen to the edge of your seat. You're drawn in from the first page to the very last word as the tale unfolds. With world's colliding and fears riding high this read keeps your attention as the characters personalities come together with twists and turns that will keep you frozen to the edge of your seat. Abby shows just how deep her creative talent goes as she brings this tale to life.
An amazing, easy to follow, well paced read that will keep you captivated and frozen to the edge of your seat. You're drawn in from the first page to the very last word as the tale unfolds. With world's colliding and fears riding high this read keeps your attention as the characters personalities come together with twists and turns that will keep you frozen to the edge of your seat. Abby shows just how deep her creative talent goes as she brings this tale to life.
February 27, 2018
I liked the story line but the writing was a little flat and the characters could have been better developed. Seems like a lost opportunity for a great book.
June 21, 2021
Another great regency romance! I'm becoming very addicted to this genre of story. I loved Isabella's spunk and determination. She remained kind and decent in the face of unspeakable adversity. Between Lady Lydia and Mr. Smith, I couldn't believe how horrid they were and what they did to poor Isabella. They almost ruined everything. And I'm so glad that Christian put them in their place and fixed everything. Also Mr. Jenkins and Lousia and her family were incredibly gracious to stand by Isabella's side. I'm so glad that everything was fixed. And I adored that extended epilogue! Twins for the Duke And Duchess!!!! So excited. I hope we see more of them in the next story
February 13, 2018
I absolutely love Abby’s books. Her stories are clean, sweet, romantic and altogether charming!
This is the story of Captain Christian Grant of the Royal Navy whose older brother passes leaving him Heir to the title. He is a very kind and loving man who is forced to leave his commission to come home and take over the duties for his ailing father. Needing a Governess for his granddaughter, the Duke of Wintercrest hires Isabella. Isabella is the daughter of a Baron who died at sea. Having no male Heir, his business and all assets go to his business partner Mr. Smith. Mr. Smith is an evil spiteful man who wants nothing more than to seek revenge on Isabella for refusing his proposal 4 years earlier when she was just barely 17. She finds herself penniless and homeless and in need of a job unless she is willing to finally bend to Mr. Smith’s will. Her father‘s lawyer Mr. Jenkins offers to help her find a position and shortly sends her to the Duke of Wintercrest to be their new Governess. Mrs. Peterson is in charge of the servants and doesn’t like Isabella from the beginning. She makes things very difficult for her and soon Isabellas past also catches up with her. It is through her faith, kindness, resilience and close friendship with Christian that she finds her way through it. It’s a story that leaves you feeling good in the end and wanting more.
This is the story of Captain Christian Grant of the Royal Navy whose older brother passes leaving him Heir to the title. He is a very kind and loving man who is forced to leave his commission to come home and take over the duties for his ailing father. Needing a Governess for his granddaughter, the Duke of Wintercrest hires Isabella. Isabella is the daughter of a Baron who died at sea. Having no male Heir, his business and all assets go to his business partner Mr. Smith. Mr. Smith is an evil spiteful man who wants nothing more than to seek revenge on Isabella for refusing his proposal 4 years earlier when she was just barely 17. She finds herself penniless and homeless and in need of a job unless she is willing to finally bend to Mr. Smith’s will. Her father‘s lawyer Mr. Jenkins offers to help her find a position and shortly sends her to the Duke of Wintercrest to be their new Governess. Mrs. Peterson is in charge of the servants and doesn’t like Isabella from the beginning. She makes things very difficult for her and soon Isabellas past also catches up with her. It is through her faith, kindness, resilience and close friendship with Christian that she finds her way through it. It’s a story that leaves you feeling good in the end and wanting more.
February 16, 2018
A must read!
I enjoyed reading this book! It’s a sweet romance that will keep your attention and a wonderfully written story!
I enjoyed reading this book! It’s a sweet romance that will keep your attention and a wonderfully written story!
February 16, 2018
As with any historical romance book written by Abby Ayles, I am always impressed with the way she portrays her characters. Be they major or minor, Abby's characters are well developed and each of them has their own trials and tribulations to get through. In Falling for the Governess, Abby once again delights me with the way she writes the heroine - a lady who is kind and intelligent yet has vulnerabilities that are so endearingly written.
Isabella Watts, the beautiful heroine in this story is left almost destitute after her father passes away on his own ship and her without any other family member. Without a title or means, Isabella is at wit's end on what to do. Having an excellent education however, Isabella has no choice but to work as a governess for the new Duke of Wintercrest when her life and stature are threatened by a jealous old family friend.
Things go somewhat smoothly for Isabella as she acquaints herself with her young charge, a delightful and adorable little girl who is the niece of the new Duke. But things aren't always as they seem and perhaps even more deceptive with the noble. Isabella soon learns that life as a "working class" isn't so wonderful but she works hard with patience and her kindness.
She and the Duke slowly grow a friendship and with trust and a true bond, they fall in love.
The Duke is dashing ,brave, and sweet. Having lived a somewhat uncomplicated life as a Captain of the seas (much like Isabella's father), he was thrust into his new role as the Duke. But with Isabella by his side and helping him along, he soon grows into Dukedom quite well.
But alas, everlasting love is never easy as the main villain tries to ruin Isabella thus putting her and her new home at Wintercrest at risk.
Does it end well with Isabella and the Duke? Well, you'd have to read the book to find out.
Thank you to Abby for the ARC!
Isabella Watts, the beautiful heroine in this story is left almost destitute after her father passes away on his own ship and her without any other family member. Without a title or means, Isabella is at wit's end on what to do. Having an excellent education however, Isabella has no choice but to work as a governess for the new Duke of Wintercrest when her life and stature are threatened by a jealous old family friend.
Things go somewhat smoothly for Isabella as she acquaints herself with her young charge, a delightful and adorable little girl who is the niece of the new Duke. But things aren't always as they seem and perhaps even more deceptive with the noble. Isabella soon learns that life as a "working class" isn't so wonderful but she works hard with patience and her kindness.
She and the Duke slowly grow a friendship and with trust and a true bond, they fall in love.
The Duke is dashing ,brave, and sweet. Having lived a somewhat uncomplicated life as a Captain of the seas (much like Isabella's father), he was thrust into his new role as the Duke. But with Isabella by his side and helping him along, he soon grows into Dukedom quite well.
But alas, everlasting love is never easy as the main villain tries to ruin Isabella thus putting her and her new home at Wintercrest at risk.
Does it end well with Isabella and the Duke? Well, you'd have to read the book to find out.
Thank you to Abby for the ARC!
February 16, 2018
I have been given ARCs of the last three Abby Ayles books to read for unbiased reviews. I can honestly say this is, without a doubt, my favorite. Written in an evocative style, it draws the reader in as a participant in the action. You feel Isabella's sadness when she learns she is orphaned, and experience her quiet desperation as she learns she is turned out and destitute, determined to escape the clutches of the smarmy Mr Smith, her late father's partner, who she embarrassed when she previously spurned his proposal. He is, in modern vernacular, a greasy low-life. He is determined that she will come crawling to him, begging him for his protection, to be his wife. To cover his own debts, he brands her as a thief, going so far as to have the courts do so. She is equally determined that that is not going to happen, no matter if she has to give up everyone and everything she cherishes once again.
I hope you enjoy reading the book and the extended epilogue as much as I did. I look forward to Abby's next book.
I hope you enjoy reading the book and the extended epilogue as much as I did. I look forward to Abby's next book.
March 21, 2019
This story was one of a young impoverished woman raised as a lady then forced to take employment as a governess because of a man bent on revenge for a slight to his ego.
Isabella Watts’ is not your average English miss in the fact that she has the ability to recreate herself only partly due to circumstances out of her control and at the same time also manages to overcome the very strictures of a society hellbent on keeping women like her in their place.
Isabella perseveres despite opposition of a most onerous sort in the form of two people in particular, her father's ex-partner in business and one of her ex-classmates who for their own reasons wish her to fail.
The author has penned a tale that has it's expected ups and downs along with some twists that one sees ahead of time but nevertheless enjoys as they unfold.
Isabella Watts’ is not your average English miss in the fact that she has the ability to recreate herself only partly due to circumstances out of her control and at the same time also manages to overcome the very strictures of a society hellbent on keeping women like her in their place.
Isabella perseveres despite opposition of a most onerous sort in the form of two people in particular, her father's ex-partner in business and one of her ex-classmates who for their own reasons wish her to fail.
The author has penned a tale that has it's expected ups and downs along with some twists that one sees ahead of time but nevertheless enjoys as they unfold.
February 16, 2018
When Isabella's father passes aways she is left with nothing. Her home, money and the business all goes to her father's business partner, Mr. Smith. He sees this as a way to get even with Isabella for turning down his proposal four years earlier. She goes to work as the governess at Wintercrest Manor. She worries Mr. Smith will find her. Isabella and the new Duke fall in love. Will they marry? When Isabella's past catches up with her will the Duke help her or will he turn his back to her? This is a well written and thought out clean story with twists and turns. It flows well. Characters are fleshed out. I highly recommend it.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.
February 16, 2018
Simply WOW!!! This was so incredibly heart breaking and so sweet. Isabella is a truly beautiful character. She is tender, sweet, and remains so after adversity. She keeps her head held high and works hard, always putting everyone else before herself. The love that she feels for her young pupil, an illegitimate child of the late son of a Duke, is so amazingly sweet. The entire cast of characters is well developed and well written. The story has a gorgeous flow to it. You may need tissues, more than once, near the end. This is definitely Abby Ayles's best work yet, and I cannot wait until the next book from her.
February 17, 2018
Sweet, Romantic, Perfect, CLEAN Historical Romance that doesn’t disappoint!
Abby Ayles has outdone herself yet again with her latest historical romance novel, which I dare say is her best yet! I’m absolutely in love with the story of Isabella and her Duke, Christian! Fantastic story, well developed characters, and a clean romance that will leave you dreaming of balls, dark blue silk, and a certain handsome Duke. I just can’t get enough!😍
Abby Ayles has outdone herself yet again with her latest historical romance novel, which I dare say is her best yet! I’m absolutely in love with the story of Isabella and her Duke, Christian! Fantastic story, well developed characters, and a clean romance that will leave you dreaming of balls, dark blue silk, and a certain handsome Duke. I just can’t get enough!😍
February 16, 2018
Breathtaking!💕
Voluntarily review
💖A sweet breathtaking read! Amazing descriptive historical detail to make you feel as if you are there seeing and witnessing the story as it unfolds! Warm and engaging to lull you in and keep the pages turning! Heartbreaking emotions to send you pummeling to tears! Laughs to pick you back up and make you smile! Tensions rise, emotions flow, but in the end, love endures with a beautiful heartwarming ending! An Outstandingly Written Must Read!👍👍👍👍👍
Voluntarily review
💖A sweet breathtaking read! Amazing descriptive historical detail to make you feel as if you are there seeing and witnessing the story as it unfolds! Warm and engaging to lull you in and keep the pages turning! Heartbreaking emotions to send you pummeling to tears! Laughs to pick you back up and make you smile! Tensions rise, emotions flow, but in the end, love endures with a beautiful heartwarming ending! An Outstandingly Written Must Read!👍👍👍👍👍
February 16, 2018
another wonderful book by Abby Ayles, I love her interesting characters. After her father dies, Isabella is hired to take care of the niece of the Duke, who was a sea captain and thrust into the role of Duke. Abby's father was a seaman also. You will enjoy this story with its twists and turns. Love the extended epilogue. Thank you to Abby for the ARC!
February 16, 2018
Great read and great story. This book holds your attention from the very beginning until the very end. There is some humor, romance and suspense. I couldn't wait to see what happened. Loved the characters. I think Jackie stole the show. She is adorable child. This book is very well written. I would highly recommend this book.
February 17, 2018
I enjoyed this book. It was difficult to put down. It's well-written and has developed characters. I really liked little Jaqueline. I was transported to their world and enjoyed experiencing their story with them. I look forward to this author's next book. I volunteered to read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
February 17, 2018
The title tells you what is going to happen but,oh my, HOW it happens is the story! You’ll laugh and you’ll cry and you’ll keep anxiously turning pages to find out how it will all end. Isabella and Christian are honorable, lovable, intelligent and troubled. Wonderful writing with unexpected plot twists. This is Abby Ayles at her best!
February 24, 2018
Excellent
I have become a fan of this author. Her stories are always wonderfully romantic, with a healthy respect of the Recency period. This book did not disappoint. Loved it from cover to cover.
I have become a fan of this author. Her stories are always wonderfully romantic, with a healthy respect of the Recency period. This book did not disappoint. Loved it from cover to cover.
October 20, 2018
Good
I found this a good book. I liked the relationship between Isabella and Christian. They had mutual respect from the start. I liked the 2 villains in the book they weren't over done just enough to move the book forward.
I found this a good book. I liked the relationship between Isabella and Christian. They had mutual respect from the start. I liked the 2 villains in the book they weren't over done just enough to move the book forward.
February 15, 2018
A governess’s fairytale
The book itself is well written, with very few, if any, grammatical errors. I really enjoyed this story. The characters are relatable, the relationships and experiences are not only believable, but they draw you in and give you reason to take the journey with them. Also, I would recommend this book to anyone, of any age, who would enjoy a happily ever after!
The book itself is well written, with very few, if any, grammatical errors. I really enjoyed this story. The characters are relatable, the relationships and experiences are not only believable, but they draw you in and give you reason to take the journey with them. Also, I would recommend this book to anyone, of any age, who would enjoy a happily ever after!
May 26, 2018
Ich bin nicht ganz warm geworden mit dem Schreibstil, aber die Geschichte ist nett.
September 10, 2021
Nice 😉. A bit longish perhaps but still a nice story
February 14, 2018
Great Read!
Abby Ayles has written a wonderful book about a young lady who must endure many trials. Isabella looses her father and her home to a scoundrel, who also seeks to destroy her reputation. She must leave all she has known to become a governess. The twists are surprising and keeps the reader intrigued till the end. I loved this book.
Abby Ayles has written a wonderful book about a young lady who must endure many trials. Isabella looses her father and her home to a scoundrel, who also seeks to destroy her reputation. She must leave all she has known to become a governess. The twists are surprising and keeps the reader intrigued till the end. I loved this book.
February 14, 2018
Absolutely wonderful read!
This had an engrossing storyline that kept me enthralled. Christian and Isabella were such a delightful characters and immediately likable. It had plenty of drama and a villain as well. A pleasure to read. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book and I would highly recommend it.
This had an engrossing storyline that kept me enthralled. Christian and Isabella were such a delightful characters and immediately likable. It had plenty of drama and a villain as well. A pleasure to read. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book and I would highly recommend it.
February 16, 2018
I am truly enjoying Abby's tales and this book is no exception,can't wait for the next book in the series
February 17, 2018
A good story.
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