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Tricky Courtships #1
The Duke's Cautious Governess
A Clean & Sweet Regency Historical Romance Book
The daughter of an Earl fallen from her status. A Duke who didn’t have to take life seriously until now.
A twist of fate and their paths cross in a way they never expected.
Following her father’s death, Agnes Hubbard is unexpectedly forced to deal with her shame of her lowly status and gain employment with the Duke of Portsmouth as a Governess in order to survive. On arriving at his home, Agnes is shocked to discover that he is much younger than she expected.
The Duke of Portsmouth, with both his parents passed away is suddenly left with a Duchy he is has no experience on how to manage and a baby sister, aged only four, to care for. When Agnes arrives, she seems to be a gift sent from God.
Their approaches to life are so wildly different, and yet they soon discover that they need one another as they start growing feelings for one another. However, as Agnes settles into her new life, she receives an unexpected anonymous letter containing a shocking revelation. Shattered by the news, she is suddenly confronted by a choice she never expected.
Can Agnes stay with the Duke of Portsmouth and allow love to take its course? Or will her love for him eventually drag his reputation down with her?
If you like engaging characters, heart- wrenching twists and turns, and lots of romance, then you’ll love “The Duke’s Cautious Governess!”
Buy “The Duke’s Cautious Governess” and unlock the exciting story of Agnes today!
The daughter of an Earl fallen from her status. A Duke who didn’t have to take life seriously until now.
A twist of fate and their paths cross in a way they never expected.
Following her father’s death, Agnes Hubbard is unexpectedly forced to deal with her shame of her lowly status and gain employment with the Duke of Portsmouth as a Governess in order to survive. On arriving at his home, Agnes is shocked to discover that he is much younger than she expected.
The Duke of Portsmouth, with both his parents passed away is suddenly left with a Duchy he is has no experience on how to manage and a baby sister, aged only four, to care for. When Agnes arrives, she seems to be a gift sent from God.
Their approaches to life are so wildly different, and yet they soon discover that they need one another as they start growing feelings for one another. However, as Agnes settles into her new life, she receives an unexpected anonymous letter containing a shocking revelation. Shattered by the news, she is suddenly confronted by a choice she never expected.
Can Agnes stay with the Duke of Portsmouth and allow love to take its course? Or will her love for him eventually drag his reputation down with her?
If you like engaging characters, heart- wrenching twists and turns, and lots of romance, then you’ll love “The Duke’s Cautious Governess!”
Buy “The Duke’s Cautious Governess” and unlock the exciting story of Agnes today!
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 23, 2018
About the author
Fanny Finch
421 books264 followersFanny Finch was born in United Kingdom but moved to Denver, Colorado when she was very young. She attended Washington University where she studied for several years and lives with her husband and their bulldog.
Upon leaving university, Fanny found a job as a proof reader for a small press. There, she honed her skills and also met and worked with author Abby Ayles, helping to polish her books to perfection.
But she is also an author in her own right and is working hard to become recognized as such as she starts to publish her own novels through her website.
Her genre is in the Historical Regency Romance category and if you like your reading material to be emotionally clean then you will be undoubtedly thrilled by the characters and scenarios Fanny develops.
When she has time to relax, Fanny enjoys listening to opera music and taking long walks in the outdoors. She writes almost every day as well and hopes to produce many more great books in the future.
Upon leaving university, Fanny found a job as a proof reader for a small press. There, she honed her skills and also met and worked with author Abby Ayles, helping to polish her books to perfection.
But she is also an author in her own right and is working hard to become recognized as such as she starts to publish her own novels through her website.
Her genre is in the Historical Regency Romance category and if you like your reading material to be emotionally clean then you will be undoubtedly thrilled by the characters and scenarios Fanny develops.
When she has time to relax, Fanny enjoys listening to opera music and taking long walks in the outdoors. She writes almost every day as well and hopes to produce many more great books in the future.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
April 17, 2022
Good premise but too many inconsistencies in both character and logic for me to continue.
October 1, 2018
The Duke's Cautious Governess is an unusual Regency romance. It is told entirely from the perspective of Agnes, the heroine. This can be a useful story telling device but in this case, it fell rather flat.
The premise was interesting - Agnes, the daughter of an Earl, has lost both her parents. When her father dies, she becomes persona non grata to the rest of her family. She has absolutely no idea why this happened. Her father was overprotective and kept her very sheltered. In order to survive, she becomes a governess to the Duke of Portsmounts' very young sister. They have also lost both their parents and are rather adrift. During her time as a governess, she comes to love the Duke and his sister. She also attempts to find out why she is so reviled by her family.
Pros: There are a few light and/or humorous moments. The Duke is a good man, if a little over-emotional. Agnes tries to stand up for herself and follow protocol as best she can. The Duke is steadfast in loving Agnes.
Cons: Agnes belabors her situation TOO MUCH. It became wearying to keep reading of her ups and downs. She would push the Duke away, then pull him back in. Also, her constant self abasement wears the reader out.
I found the Duke to be rather 'wimpy' as well. I understand the author was trying to convey how people of two very different backgrounds can find commonalities, but good grief! He acted like he didn't know anything! I felt it was an unequal pairing. Agnes was too much of a mother figure.
The book also seemed very dark to me. It is labeled as a Sweet & Clean Regency romance but it read more like a dark and brooding Gothic novel.
Technically, this book needs quite a bit of editing. There are poorly written sentences, improper use of adverbs, soooo many sentences ending in prepositions, word and sentence redundancy and some plot mis-steps. There are also quite a few of what seemed to me, modern words and phrases. All of these issues added together made for a very uneven read.
To me, this is not one of the Author's better novels. If you are expecting a light and easy read, this is not the book for you.
The premise was interesting - Agnes, the daughter of an Earl, has lost both her parents. When her father dies, she becomes persona non grata to the rest of her family. She has absolutely no idea why this happened. Her father was overprotective and kept her very sheltered. In order to survive, she becomes a governess to the Duke of Portsmounts' very young sister. They have also lost both their parents and are rather adrift. During her time as a governess, she comes to love the Duke and his sister. She also attempts to find out why she is so reviled by her family.
Pros: There are a few light and/or humorous moments. The Duke is a good man, if a little over-emotional. Agnes tries to stand up for herself and follow protocol as best she can. The Duke is steadfast in loving Agnes.
Cons: Agnes belabors her situation TOO MUCH. It became wearying to keep reading of her ups and downs. She would push the Duke away, then pull him back in. Also, her constant self abasement wears the reader out.
I found the Duke to be rather 'wimpy' as well. I understand the author was trying to convey how people of two very different backgrounds can find commonalities, but good grief! He acted like he didn't know anything! I felt it was an unequal pairing. Agnes was too much of a mother figure.
The book also seemed very dark to me. It is labeled as a Sweet & Clean Regency romance but it read more like a dark and brooding Gothic novel.
Technically, this book needs quite a bit of editing. There are poorly written sentences, improper use of adverbs, soooo many sentences ending in prepositions, word and sentence redundancy and some plot mis-steps. There are also quite a few of what seemed to me, modern words and phrases. All of these issues added together made for a very uneven read.
To me, this is not one of the Author's better novels. If you are expecting a light and easy read, this is not the book for you.
September 26, 2018
An interesting and rather unusual regency romance. The Duke of Portsmouth is a very uncommon character for a duke, and Agnes has some ethics about class status that one rarely sees in these tales. I enjoyed the story until the last part where Agnes’s angst ran on for page after page. Overall a good read.
September 27, 2018
This is another book in the series Duchess of Dorset's School.
Agnes Hubbard is a young lady who thinks she has the ideal life until her father The Earl of Kent dies.
She soon realizes that her father had been protecting her from his family who despised her and scorned her, they all reject her and finally she has no recourse but to find employment. First though Agnes and her 4 friends attend Duchess of Dorset's School to learn how to be governesses.
Agnes is sent to the Duke of Portsmouth home to care for his 4 year old sister Georgia (I really like Georgia and the Duke).
Then one day Agnes receives an anonymous letter telling her of her mother whom she thought dead but is alive. And this raises all manner of emotions in Agnes. I think Agnes was taught to bottle everything she felt inside. So she believes she is damaged goods, we read for a few pages how she feels which is understandable but its not until near the end when we see her settle down and comes to grips with herself. She comes to realize that she has worth and that she is loved and wanted for herself. So many emotions are in this book. But to understand it all you need to read t for yourself. I could see the love the Duke had for Agnes, but she was so wrapped up in what she was feeling that there was no room for him.
Agnes Hubbard is a young lady who thinks she has the ideal life until her father The Earl of Kent dies.
She soon realizes that her father had been protecting her from his family who despised her and scorned her, they all reject her and finally she has no recourse but to find employment. First though Agnes and her 4 friends attend Duchess of Dorset's School to learn how to be governesses.
Agnes is sent to the Duke of Portsmouth home to care for his 4 year old sister Georgia (I really like Georgia and the Duke).
Then one day Agnes receives an anonymous letter telling her of her mother whom she thought dead but is alive. And this raises all manner of emotions in Agnes. I think Agnes was taught to bottle everything she felt inside. So she believes she is damaged goods, we read for a few pages how she feels which is understandable but its not until near the end when we see her settle down and comes to grips with herself. She comes to realize that she has worth and that she is loved and wanted for herself. So many emotions are in this book. But to understand it all you need to read t for yourself. I could see the love the Duke had for Agnes, but she was so wrapped up in what she was feeling that there was no room for him.
July 1, 2021
Yeah, yeah, yeah. Even for an historical romance novel it is not at all convincing 😒. Waste of time.
September 27, 2018
What an emotional story. It kept me spellbound from the beginning of the book all the way to the end. It was easy to relate to the emotions the characters were experiencing. Emotions such as shock, betrayal, distain, pain, sadness, heartbreak, loneliness, hopelessness, anger, confusion and love. The lead female character, Agnes, is the daughter of an Earl. She is sheltered her whole life by her father. Her mother died when she was a baby. She knows nothing of the cruelty of the world and comports herself as the young lady she was brought up to be. When Agnes's father was lost at sea, she at nineteen going on twenty did not know what to do. She reached out to her relatives only to find herself rejected, criticized and rebuffed. She did not know why nor would anyone take her in. Due to her father's debts, her relatives squabbled over their share of Agnes's inheritance, her home, estate and the title. They took everything away from Agnes till she had nothing. With no one to care for her, look out for her or take her in, she turned to her father's close friend the Duchess of Dorset. The Duchess was able to allow Agnes the opportunity to go to the school for noble ladies that she owned. Here Agnes learned to be a governess. The Duchess also procured her a position with the Duke of Portsmouth. The lead male character is the Duke of Portsmouth or Victor. He is a twenty-six-year-old newly minted Duke. A year ago, his parents died in a carriage accident He has a four year old sister Georgia. Without parents Georgia has become undisciplined and wild. The young Duke is kind hearted and indulges Georgia. He allows her to do whatever she pleases because he feels she has suffered so much. Georgia's world is full of chaos. When Agnes arrives at the Duke's home, she realizes that there is something dreadfully wrong. She thinks ominously and assumes a lot. When the Duke and Georgia entered the room, she was surprised. She thought the Duke would be much older that he was. She then assumed Georgia was his daughter. Shortly, after a discussion, Agnes realizes how wrong she was. The rest of the story tell the tale about relationships. Agnes's relationship with her father, her relationship with her family, her relationship with her mother and her relationship with the Duke and more importantly her relationship with Georgia. The Duke has problems with his relationship with his staff, with running his estate, his relationship with Agnes and Georgia. He also has a problem with relating to nobility and society in general. Presently, Georgia's only comfort is her brother the Duke. She resists building a relationship with Agnes. So much drama and emotion. I loved reading this book. This is a must read. I highly recommend it.
January 5, 2019
Her coach driver had taken ill after something or other he ate at the inn and had been incapacitated for some time. Agnes knew better than to hire another driver who she did not know and trust them to return the Duchess of Dorset's carriage on time.
I had to read that a couple of times to make sense of it.
If she arrived late now, it was not only beyond her control, but she was entirely to blame. She says its not her fault but then its ENTIRELY her fault??? Did anyone proof read this?
She wanted to make the best first impression possible, but it was far too late for that at this point. She simply had to make a better impression once she arrived. That was something she WAS in control of.
Clunky, ponderous, repetitive writing.
And then we have the scene where Agnes meets the Duke:
Agnes dropped into a deep curtsey. "I humbly ask for forgiveness, sir. I did not know that sir was the duke himself."
"Why not?" he asked with a slight chuckle.
Agnes was not sure if she could stand yet. {SHE HAS JUST CURTSIED!!} "I suppose because Your Grace was not announced."
"You should have asked. Stand up," he said. His tone of voice suggested he was not serious, but Agnes, always adherent to etiquette, obeyed.
"I am so sorry, Your Grace," she apologised nervously, curtseying deeply.......
and at that point I stopped reading.
This is in desperate need of serious editing and proofreading. There are far too many redundancies, repetitions, clunky sentences, clumsy phrases etc. The first chapter went on and on and on .... and I had hoped it would improve, but sadly it didn't.
I had to read that a couple of times to make sense of it.
If she arrived late now, it was not only beyond her control, but she was entirely to blame. She says its not her fault but then its ENTIRELY her fault??? Did anyone proof read this?
She wanted to make the best first impression possible, but it was far too late for that at this point. She simply had to make a better impression once she arrived. That was something she WAS in control of.
Clunky, ponderous, repetitive writing.
And then we have the scene where Agnes meets the Duke:
Agnes dropped into a deep curtsey. "I humbly ask for forgiveness, sir. I did not know that sir was the duke himself."
"Why not?" he asked with a slight chuckle.
Agnes was not sure if she could stand yet. {SHE HAS JUST CURTSIED!!} "I suppose because Your Grace was not announced."
"You should have asked. Stand up," he said. His tone of voice suggested he was not serious, but Agnes, always adherent to etiquette, obeyed.
"I am so sorry, Your Grace," she apologised nervously, curtseying deeply.......
and at that point I stopped reading.
This is in desperate need of serious editing and proofreading. There are far too many redundancies, repetitions, clunky sentences, clumsy phrases etc. The first chapter went on and on and on .... and I had hoped it would improve, but sadly it didn't.
September 27, 2018
Agnes Hubbard lost her title, her wealth and was disowned by her father's family after his death.They left her destitute and disgraced because of her mother abandoning her at birth.Now she is employed by The Duke Of Portsmouth as the new Governess.The duke is also recovering from the loss of both his parents in a tragic accident along with his sweet little 4 yr old sister, Georgia. Georgia has gone into seclusion and closed herself up and hasn't spoken to anyone since her parents death.Agnes works miracles toward Georgia's progress.Even thou she feels she is a broken person who never knew her own mothers love.She shows the duke another side of her that he falls in love with. In the Regency Era time a woman's status single,married from a family with title and wealth only associated with the higher class of society.If a person is at a lower station,such as a governess, and she then associates with a duke with title and wealth.They can be become quite the subject of Gossip!Agnes was very concerned about this and the duke is so in love with her and does not care about "The Rules" This Story has a lot of emotions about these real situations.But Agnes realizes she has an opportunity to make it right.For Georgia and her future.And the dukes future with her. A Good Read and Informative to the Regency Era time .Thanks Fanny Finch always enjoy your books!!
September 28, 2018
When Agnes's father passes on she is left alone. She has been raised as a young lady should be and therefore she has no idea of what to do. Her family has rejected her. She has no one to turn to for help. They also have managed to take everything away from her. Her home, money, even the title. She turns to a friend of her father's, the Duchess of Dorset.
The Duchess owns a school and allows Agnes to attend. There she learns to be a governess. The Duchess goes even further and gets her a position. She is to work for Victor, the Duke of Portsmouth. She will be in charge of his four year old little sister.
The Duke has his problems also. His father never sat him down and taught him how to run the estate should anything happen to him. The Duke has a lot to learn.
Will Agnes be able to handle spoiled little Georgia? Will Georgia like Agnes? Will Agnes be able to get over her depression and the agony she feels? Will Victor learn to run the estate, react to the staff as he should ? Will he be able to fit in with sociery and the nobility? Will Victor and Agnes learn what love is? Come along on this rollercoaster ride. You will be glad you did. The story is very emotional, well thought out and well written. Characters are fleshed out.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.
The Duchess owns a school and allows Agnes to attend. There she learns to be a governess. The Duchess goes even further and gets her a position. She is to work for Victor, the Duke of Portsmouth. She will be in charge of his four year old little sister.
The Duke has his problems also. His father never sat him down and taught him how to run the estate should anything happen to him. The Duke has a lot to learn.
Will Agnes be able to handle spoiled little Georgia? Will Georgia like Agnes? Will Agnes be able to get over her depression and the agony she feels? Will Victor learn to run the estate, react to the staff as he should ? Will he be able to fit in with sociery and the nobility? Will Victor and Agnes learn what love is? Come along on this rollercoaster ride. You will be glad you did. The story is very emotional, well thought out and well written. Characters are fleshed out.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.
April 25, 2019
Didn't enjoy this story.
I loved the cover of this book but unfortunately not the story.
The plot had too many flaws. The central character (Governess) Agnes, was the impoverished daughter of an Earl, who had been raised very strictly by her father because of something her mother did. (The reason when revealed was far fetched) When the Earl died her family rejected her. Mention was made of her inheriting the Earldom, which would not have happened! She went to work for the Duke of Portsmouth as the Governess to his sister, Georgia. The Duke was a misfit, whose parents had died, apparently leaving him with no knowledge of how to manage the Duchy which I found very hard to believe, the heir to a Dukedom would have been inducted from an early age. but apparently his father had not been a typical Duke! Georgia was a very naughty and destructive child of 4 years and Agnes was instructed by the Duke not to discipline her! Agnes spent the book in a state of negativity and what if's and by the end I felt like giving her a good shake, even in the extended epilogue she spent her time in reflection. All in all I felt this to be a very odd story and the circumstances to be so out of the ordinary it really grated.
I loved the cover of this book but unfortunately not the story.
The plot had too many flaws. The central character (Governess) Agnes, was the impoverished daughter of an Earl, who had been raised very strictly by her father because of something her mother did. (The reason when revealed was far fetched) When the Earl died her family rejected her. Mention was made of her inheriting the Earldom, which would not have happened! She went to work for the Duke of Portsmouth as the Governess to his sister, Georgia. The Duke was a misfit, whose parents had died, apparently leaving him with no knowledge of how to manage the Duchy which I found very hard to believe, the heir to a Dukedom would have been inducted from an early age. but apparently his father had not been a typical Duke! Georgia was a very naughty and destructive child of 4 years and Agnes was instructed by the Duke not to discipline her! Agnes spent the book in a state of negativity and what if's and by the end I felt like giving her a good shake, even in the extended epilogue she spent her time in reflection. All in all I felt this to be a very odd story and the circumstances to be so out of the ordinary it really grated.
October 1, 2018
Woe is me!
Agnes is turned out by her father’s family with little to no explanation and must find her way as a governess.
She constantly worries about what her mother did as there was never an explanation of her wrongdoing.
As Agnes finds her way as a governess to a particularly difficult young girl, she finds herself drawn to her charges brother who is a Duke. After her family’s reaction to her, Agnes has little to no self worth and constantly finds herself thinking she is far less than she is. After a particularly nasty anonymous letter from a member of her family, she writes to each of them for further explanation of her mother. She receives a shocking letter from her mother which further diminishes what little self worth she still retains.
The Duke fights for her to find her way for him and for his sister.
With the Duke’s help, she finally clears her doubt and her family then wants her help which is what the biggest problem was, money.
I enjoyed the book but felt Agnes angst ran a little long. The Duke was raised unconventionally and felt his sister should also be raised that way, more as Montessori than traditional style classes.
Agnes is turned out by her father’s family with little to no explanation and must find her way as a governess.
She constantly worries about what her mother did as there was never an explanation of her wrongdoing.
As Agnes finds her way as a governess to a particularly difficult young girl, she finds herself drawn to her charges brother who is a Duke. After her family’s reaction to her, Agnes has little to no self worth and constantly finds herself thinking she is far less than she is. After a particularly nasty anonymous letter from a member of her family, she writes to each of them for further explanation of her mother. She receives a shocking letter from her mother which further diminishes what little self worth she still retains.
The Duke fights for her to find her way for him and for his sister.
With the Duke’s help, she finally clears her doubt and her family then wants her help which is what the biggest problem was, money.
I enjoyed the book but felt Agnes angst ran a little long. The Duke was raised unconventionally and felt his sister should also be raised that way, more as Montessori than traditional style classes.
September 27, 2018
The Duke's Cautious Governess by Fanny Finch is a thoroughly entertaining, fairly historically accurate Regency romance. The plot is quite good: a young Duke hires a governess for his damaged little sister. Their parents both died in an accident involving a horse, and he has quite spoiled her. It remains to be seen if Agnes Hubbard is up to the challenge of taming and training this young girl. Agnes has her own problems to deal with at the same time as she is dealing with those of her young charge.
This book is a bit wordy but the plot is excellent; one I have not read before but perfectly plausible. The characters are good: Especially Agnes and Georgia; the Duke is a little flatter but still endearing. The ending is, of course, predetermined but still welcome when it arrives.
I enjoyed this gook. I would recommend it. There are some minor historical inaccuracies but not enough to detract from the overall appeal. You will enjoy it!
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
This book is a bit wordy but the plot is excellent; one I have not read before but perfectly plausible. The characters are good: Especially Agnes and Georgia; the Duke is a little flatter but still endearing. The ending is, of course, predetermined but still welcome when it arrives.
I enjoyed this gook. I would recommend it. There are some minor historical inaccuracies but not enough to detract from the overall appeal. You will enjoy it!
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
September 28, 2018
Fanny Finch’s The Duke's Cautious Governess is indeed the promised clean and sweet Regency Romance, but that’s misleading as it’s also a very complex novel with a cast of characters who are finely crafted in terms of their backgrounds, how such backgrounds influence their present selves, and their relationships between each other and the rest of the world. Agnes Hubbard and Victor, Duke of Portsmouth may both have been orphaned at too early a point even if they were (young) adults, and Victor’s sister Georgia became an orphan as a child. It’s no wonder this impacts them. How they do deal with all of this, and how they grow in general and in their relationship with each other makes for a wonderful story when handled by someone talented, and this author is very talented indeed. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend.
September 28, 2018
I really admire the clean style of Fanny Finch novels. I am a big fan. Also this time I got enthralled in the story. The poor miss Agnes, at the age of 19, lost her dad at sea to become an orphin. Her family took what she had left and didn't help her. She was helped by a dear family friend to learn to be a governess and this kind and shrewd lady got her a job at the Duke of Porthmouth. He just inhereted an Estate and lots of responsibilities and had the sudden care of his little sister of four years old. He was nice but quite inexperienced in his tasks. Agnes had some difficulties with the little girl, but things slowly progressed and the connections with the Duke as well if you get what I mean. However something happened what complicated things, but I don't want to spoil everything. The story is clean, there are a lot of emotions involved and there is some development of the characters. Perhaps they could be a bit more exciting. Not too much though as I love the clean kind of romance.
September 26, 2018
Emotions
It was interesting to read because of the differing emotions. I wondered how much was being portrayed by the author and how much I felt was being presented. Learning of the mother’s post-partum depression, then reading elements of the character’s depression, I was curious to see where the story was leading.
I didn’t feel a real romantic connection. There were so many emotions relating to loss and grief, being coddled and sheltered, spoiled and in a way neglected, I didn’t see a healthy development of love - but that may be hard to express in a clean and sweet romance from only one point of view.
I did wonder if the age of the child was right, since I have a 4yr old and some behaviors wouldn’t match up to my daughter who won’t go down for naps, has been talking since 2, very imaginative, not yet reading, etc. For a bit, I wondered if there were elements of autism being expressed or just a result of trauma/grief and lack of discipline/structure.
It was interesting to read because of the differing emotions. I wondered how much was being portrayed by the author and how much I felt was being presented. Learning of the mother’s post-partum depression, then reading elements of the character’s depression, I was curious to see where the story was leading.
I didn’t feel a real romantic connection. There were so many emotions relating to loss and grief, being coddled and sheltered, spoiled and in a way neglected, I didn’t see a healthy development of love - but that may be hard to express in a clean and sweet romance from only one point of view.
I did wonder if the age of the child was right, since I have a 4yr old and some behaviors wouldn’t match up to my daughter who won’t go down for naps, has been talking since 2, very imaginative, not yet reading, etc. For a bit, I wondered if there were elements of autism being expressed or just a result of trauma/grief and lack of discipline/structure.
October 2, 2018
After the death of her father, Agnes Hubbard finds herself completely alone. Not able to inherit the Earldom and finding that all of her relatives literally hate her, she ends up as a governess for the Duke of Portsmouth. The young Duke is actually in need of someone to help raise his 4-year-old sister after their parents tragic death. The young girl, Elizabeth, seems to be behind on all things and Agnes is not so sure she can even help. The Duke thinks otherwise and not only helps his sister but also helps him. I found the characters of this story interesting. Unfortunately Agnes' character seems to be almost too conflicted on what's right and wrong now in her step down from society. She spends a lot of time in the book debating her worth. The storyline is well thought out and in the end it's always that HEA. I received this as an ARC for an honest review.
October 2, 2018
ONE SMOKIN READ!!!
One refreshing spin on the ton. You get all the drama, action, excitement, fear, page turning tale that captivates from the start. All the twists and turns, ups and downs, along with a few glitches here and there make for one enjoyable experience. The characters and their personalities are so realistic and believable with traits and qualities that balance out as they play off one another perfectly. The scenes are so descriptive and detailed it'seasy to picture each scenario as it plays out as the story unfolds. All tension and suspense builds throughout until the last word and makes for one explosive ending. Fanny did an excellent job bringing this read to life flawlessly. Great job Fanny, thanks for sharing this awesome read with us.
One refreshing spin on the ton. You get all the drama, action, excitement, fear, page turning tale that captivates from the start. All the twists and turns, ups and downs, along with a few glitches here and there make for one enjoyable experience. The characters and their personalities are so realistic and believable with traits and qualities that balance out as they play off one another perfectly. The scenes are so descriptive and detailed it'seasy to picture each scenario as it plays out as the story unfolds. All tension and suspense builds throughout until the last word and makes for one explosive ending. Fanny did an excellent job bringing this read to life flawlessly. Great job Fanny, thanks for sharing this awesome read with us.
October 2, 2018
“The Duke's Cautious Governess: A Clean & Sweet Regency Historical Romance Book “ by Fanny Finch is a Highly emotional ride. Although the daughter of an Earl Agnes is sorely unprepared for the world ...unaided by squabbling relatives...she reaches out to a friend whose school teaches her to be a governess and secures herself a position with the Duke of Portsmouth who has need of her services for his young sister, Georgia. But what the Duke of Portsmouth. Victor ...his sister, Georgia nor Agnes herself as yet understand is ...how much relationships mean and how intertwined lives can become ...until they begin their journey together. MUCH enjoyed. And Highly Recommended.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
January 13, 2019
A sweet romance story between a girl who lost everything and a man who had lost his family. There was a lot of character development as Agnes learned some horrible truths about her already dark past and learned to live with it and forgive herself for others transgressions. The Duke of Portsmouth lost his parents and has to raise his little sister on his own. He is the most emotional man in any romance story I have read, while Agnes is initially very emotionless. The growth as the two learn from each other and become better people is gorgeous. I wish Agnes had a little more confidence in herself but also it shows the way a women truly tend to think of themselves. A beautiful story with a happy ending.
July 28, 2019
Overcoming the stigma of her mother's character
Agnes learns that her relatives want nothing to do with her after her father dies and that he was protecting her from them while he was alive, she also learns that her mother is still alive and never wanted her. In order to support herself, Agnes becomes a governess and is sent to the home of the Duke of Portsmouth.
Victor and his four year old sister Georgie are now orphans and come to depend on Agnes to teach them. Victor on how to become a proper Duke in Society and Georgie to be educated in matters of education and learning to become a young lady.
Agnes has her own lessons to learn: she is nothing like her mother and therefore should only be judged for her own character.
Agnes learns that her relatives want nothing to do with her after her father dies and that he was protecting her from them while he was alive, she also learns that her mother is still alive and never wanted her. In order to support herself, Agnes becomes a governess and is sent to the home of the Duke of Portsmouth.
Victor and his four year old sister Georgie are now orphans and come to depend on Agnes to teach them. Victor on how to become a proper Duke in Society and Georgie to be educated in matters of education and learning to become a young lady.
Agnes has her own lessons to learn: she is nothing like her mother and therefore should only be judged for her own character.
October 29, 2018
Book was okay, but continuity was followed.
I gave it a 3* rating because it was a difficult story to follow.
The angst in the book was terribly overdone and the characters were mostly unbelievable. In a duke's residence the butler and housekeeper should know their duties and not to be given instructions, even though the previous duke and his duchess have died. It was also tough to believe the present duke was not better instructed by his father, and Agnes where was her father's will and solicitor to keep the greedy relatives at bay. So many questionable premises in this book. Reading it once was enough. It won't go in my favorites.
I gave it a 3* rating because it was a difficult story to follow.
The angst in the book was terribly overdone and the characters were mostly unbelievable. In a duke's residence the butler and housekeeper should know their duties and not to be given instructions, even though the previous duke and his duchess have died. It was also tough to believe the present duke was not better instructed by his father, and Agnes where was her father's will and solicitor to keep the greedy relatives at bay. So many questionable premises in this book. Reading it once was enough. It won't go in my favorites.
January 4, 2019
The most tedious book I’ve ever read.
This is probably the worst book I’ve ever read. I couldn’t stand the constant inner dialogue and self pity. I couldn’t stand the clingy wimpy duke. The complete lack of rules was infuriating. I rolled my eyes most of the way through this book. I always finish my books but this one was pretty difficult. I ended up skimming large chunks (without missing any information) just to get to the end and be done with it. The heroine fights the entire book to leave and to not give in to the duke for her to just give in flippantly at the end over no big thing. Just complete ridiculousness.
This is probably the worst book I’ve ever read. I couldn’t stand the constant inner dialogue and self pity. I couldn’t stand the clingy wimpy duke. The complete lack of rules was infuriating. I rolled my eyes most of the way through this book. I always finish my books but this one was pretty difficult. I ended up skimming large chunks (without missing any information) just to get to the end and be done with it. The heroine fights the entire book to leave and to not give in to the duke for her to just give in flippantly at the end over no big thing. Just complete ridiculousness.
September 26, 2018
A young girl leaves a shelter but educated life. When her father dies and his family turns vicious and takes the Late Earls title, money,home she is left with nothing. Going to the only family friend she knows she gets trained to be a governess. Her first job is with a young duke and his sister who have lost their parents. It was a lot of her not feeling worthy and whining about it. The new Duke being uneducated into what his role as a Duke entailed. It was drawn out and repetitive in places it didn’t need to be. Not my favorite book by this author Despite this I enjoyed the story.
September 28, 2018
Rollercoaster of emotions
This book is an emotional rollercoaster. In the beginning you feel for Agnes with the loss of her father, no money and no family willing to help her. She accepted a governess position from the Duke for his sister whom he spoiled. I love to read how an author would portray how it would have been back then but I feel like the Duke and Agnes was at times more formal than I wanted them to be for example she called him "sir" a lot for my opinion but it was not something that would stop me from reading it. I would and I do recommend this book.
This book is an emotional rollercoaster. In the beginning you feel for Agnes with the loss of her father, no money and no family willing to help her. She accepted a governess position from the Duke for his sister whom he spoiled. I love to read how an author would portray how it would have been back then but I feel like the Duke and Agnes was at times more formal than I wanted them to be for example she called him "sir" a lot for my opinion but it was not something that would stop me from reading it. I would and I do recommend this book.
September 28, 2018
This is another good story from Fanny Finch!
I enjoyed the story. The characters were interesting and we'll developed. Ms. Finch touched all of the emotions.
The only problem that I have with the book is that at times it was too depressing. Sometimes Agnes, the governess and main character, seemed to get stuck in her thoughts of being unworthy and it went on for pages. I believe the book would have been even better if those sections were modified.
This is a good book and I heartily recommend that you read it!
I enjoyed the story. The characters were interesting and we'll developed. Ms. Finch touched all of the emotions.
The only problem that I have with the book is that at times it was too depressing. Sometimes Agnes, the governess and main character, seemed to get stuck in her thoughts of being unworthy and it went on for pages. I believe the book would have been even better if those sections were modified.
This is a good book and I heartily recommend that you read it!
October 4, 2018
The story line was good
I loved the reaction from the Duke and his sister, Georgian. They were true to the age of both due to their circumstances. And Agnes... at first. The constant self pity Agnes had through out the story was so depressing that I had to switch to another book so I wouldn't be depressed as the Duke's household. I did finish the book. Fanny has a good imagination...but puts women out there as self pitying...helpless creatures sometimes. I love you Fanny... but cut back on this issue. Please!
I loved the reaction from the Duke and his sister, Georgian. They were true to the age of both due to their circumstances. And Agnes... at first. The constant self pity Agnes had through out the story was so depressing that I had to switch to another book so I wouldn't be depressed as the Duke's household. I did finish the book. Fanny has a good imagination...but puts women out there as self pitying...helpless creatures sometimes. I love you Fanny... but cut back on this issue. Please!
September 27, 2018
She had to leave once her father died so she got a job as a governess for a duke who is looking after his distracted his parents death. Things go well until she learns that an aunt who left the country may be her mother. What will she do? Will they find love? Will she just leave to keep him safe from scandal? See if she will
I received an advanced copy and I enjoyed it so much that I want to review
I received an advanced copy and I enjoyed it so much that I want to review
September 27, 2018
Sweet clean romance
After the death of her Father and the betrayal of her remaining family, Agnes has no choice but to go a school for noble ladies that have fallen on hard times. With her new training as a governess she is placed in the home of a very young Duke to look after his four year old sister. With differing opinions on how to educate the child, will Agnes and the Duke be able to navigate their way through a truly strange situation?
After the death of her Father and the betrayal of her remaining family, Agnes has no choice but to go a school for noble ladies that have fallen on hard times. With her new training as a governess she is placed in the home of a very young Duke to look after his four year old sister. With differing opinions on how to educate the child, will Agnes and the Duke be able to navigate their way through a truly strange situation?
September 28, 2018
The book was an excellent read. I really enjoyed the characters in the story. I liked when Agnes was expecting the Duke to be an elderly person but instead he was a young man. He was raising his sister which was an young girl. The girl Georgia really liked Agnes. Then Agnes really found out what happen to her mother who she thought was dead. To find out what happen to her mother, why Georgia called Agnes mama and why happened between her and the Duke. Read the book you will enjoy it.
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