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The Governess Bureau #1
A Governess of Great Talents
When the nobility and gentility of England are at their wits end, they send a discrete note to Miss Vivienne Clarke’s Governess Bureau. Only accepting the very best clients, their governesses are coveted by minor royalty, with every governess following three rules:
1. You must have an impeccable record.
2. You must bring a special skill to the table.
3. You must never fall in love…
When a governess of great talents is required, there is only one place the nobility of England go: The Governess Bureau.
It was why Miss Meredith Hubert had worked so hard to gain her place there. Finishing with the Earl of Marnmouth's children, she is about to be given her next assignment—a Duke called Alfred Carmichael with a political campaign to win and a half-brother who needs controlling.
Archibald is but eight years old, but already threatens to ruin the family's reputation as Alfred, the Duke, tries to maintain it. They have to be spotless as the election looms.
But Meredith has a secret to hide, and she's not the only one. Maids sent away in secret, items missing from the house, there is more than one mystery at Rochdale Abbey. When a Duke falls in love with a governess, there's only one way this can end—in scandal.
As Alfred Carmichael tries desperately to regain his family's honor in Parliament and fight his desire of Meredith, how will Meredith's Great Talents ensure a happily ever after for them all?
This full length novel is a steamy Regency romance with a happily ever after, no cliffhangers, and is part of a series that can be read in any order.
1. You must have an impeccable record.
2. You must bring a special skill to the table.
3. You must never fall in love…
When a governess of great talents is required, there is only one place the nobility of England go: The Governess Bureau.
It was why Miss Meredith Hubert had worked so hard to gain her place there. Finishing with the Earl of Marnmouth's children, she is about to be given her next assignment—a Duke called Alfred Carmichael with a political campaign to win and a half-brother who needs controlling.
Archibald is but eight years old, but already threatens to ruin the family's reputation as Alfred, the Duke, tries to maintain it. They have to be spotless as the election looms.
But Meredith has a secret to hide, and she's not the only one. Maids sent away in secret, items missing from the house, there is more than one mystery at Rochdale Abbey. When a Duke falls in love with a governess, there's only one way this can end—in scandal.
As Alfred Carmichael tries desperately to regain his family's honor in Parliament and fight his desire of Meredith, how will Meredith's Great Talents ensure a happily ever after for them all?
This full length novel is a steamy Regency romance with a happily ever after, no cliffhangers, and is part of a series that can be read in any order.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 11, 2021
436 people are currently reading
344 people want to read
About the author
Emily E.K. Murdoch
182 books278 followersEmily E.K. Murdoch is also known as Emily Murdoch.
Emily Murdoch is a medieval historian and writer. Throughout her career so far she has examined a codex and transcribed medieval sermons at the Bodleian Library in Oxford, designed part of an exhibition for the Yorkshire Museum, worked as a researcher for a BBC documentary presented by Ian Hislop, and worked at Polesden Lacey with the National Trust. She has a degree in History and English, and a Masters in Medieval Studies, both from the University of York. Emily is currently working on a new four part Regency novella series, two of which are now published.
You can follow her on twitter and instagram @emilyekmurdoch, find her on facebook at www.facebook.com/theemilyekmurdoch, and read her blog at www.emilyekmurdoch.com
Emily Murdoch is a medieval historian and writer. Throughout her career so far she has examined a codex and transcribed medieval sermons at the Bodleian Library in Oxford, designed part of an exhibition for the Yorkshire Museum, worked as a researcher for a BBC documentary presented by Ian Hislop, and worked at Polesden Lacey with the National Trust. She has a degree in History and English, and a Masters in Medieval Studies, both from the University of York. Emily is currently working on a new four part Regency novella series, two of which are now published.
You can follow her on twitter and instagram @emilyekmurdoch, find her on facebook at www.facebook.com/theemilyekmurdoch, and read her blog at www.emilyekmurdoch.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
September 30, 2022
Meredith Hubert has worked hard to leave her old life behind and earn a spot at Miss Clarke’s highly sought-after Governess Bureau. Having finished with her first students with sparkling references from her employer, she’s ready to be sent to her next placement. Without a break, Meredith begins teaching the young half-brother to Alfred Carmichael, the Duke of Rochdale, to keep the boy from disturbing the duke in his political campaigning. Young Archie must be taught some manners lest his exuberance damage the duke’s reputation and jeopardize his parliamentary re-election. Meredith is still running from a troubled past, but there are other secrets which could lead to trouble at the duke’s estate and the mutual attraction between herself and Alfred won’t help matters on the respectability front either.
This book did not work for me on so many levels I don’t even know where to begin. I’ve read this author’s work before and while I didn’t love it, I didn’t find it to be terrible. This one was a struggle for me and it’s sad because the initial plot had quite a lot of potential. The whole plot is predicated on the duke running for election to the House of Commons, which made sense when he was described as having done so before his father’s death, but not after he inherited. As many reviewers have pointed out, dukes were peers who had obligatory seats in the House of Lords, so the whole backbone of the story with the election and such just makes no sense.
Aside from that need to suspend disbelief right from the get-go, Alfred is awful. Meredith isn’t really any better, but Alfred was utterly spineless. He allowed everyone to walk all over him, even his own servants, for most of the book, then attempted to act high and mighty at other times such that his character was hard to pin down. He was proprietary over everything but didn’t actually care about anything and his woe is me attitude got very old very quickly. Alfred spent the majority of the book bemoaning his responsibilities as duke along with his lack of power to change anything, which makes no sense given that he had more power to invoke change than nearly anyone else around him. I couldn’t find any sympathy for him when he refused to man up and take responsibility for his own decisions. Alfred was spineless and didn’t get the respect commanded by a duke which just made this story even more unbelievable and frustrating as he had every right to stand up for himself and instead let him be ruled by those around him. Even more unbelievable is the lack of any basic rules of decorum common at the time, for instance, Alfred at one point walks another lady home as her chaperone, which is just wildly contrary to actual rules of propriety. This is usually not a big deal for me, but it added insult to injury here and made no sense. Meredith’s competency in all things started out interesting enough but even that got annoying and repetitive as it continued and I think you could make a good drinking game out of the number of times the phrase ‘governess of great talents’ is used.
The story was incredibly repetitive with a very predictable cycle of election shenanigans, embarrassing interactions between Meredith and Alfred, followed by unnecessary snappishness and endless self-admonishing thoughts. The few times this cycle was broken it was so Meredith could have some inner monologues about how she could never fall in love with the duke and her family’s criminal past must never come to light. I thought perhaps the latter element would provide us with some interest and intrigue but that never happened either. Not much ever happens in this paper-thin plot and I just found myself incredibly bored and slogging through just waiting for it to realize its potential only to be disappointed.
There was a weak mystery attempt with minor thefts occurring around the house, but this thread is left dangling too long to provide any suspense or even real interest. Alfred didn’t seem to have any original thoughts and his casual reference in his inner monologues to picking up women off the street to sleep with and lying to them about having feelings for them, just as he’d done with Meredith, was just one of many final straws for him. I never felt any chemistry or connection between Meredith and Alfred. I didn’t like her either, but I could not at all tell what she saw in him. Also, the entire town knew Alfred’s political opponent to be dishonorable, Meredith found undeniable proof of this, yet nothing was ever done about it and the man went on to get everything he wanted.
Overall, the romance was an incredibly low priority here, but I’m still not sure what the actual priority was. There were so many seeds planted in the beginning that could’ve been made into a nice, suspenseful, sexy story and that just didn’t happen. There was almost no steam in this one, which I don’t care for, but I think can be overcome if the relationship development is strong, which unfortunately was not the case here. Alfred is awful to Meredith and then still doesn’t really apologize even when he realizes the error of his ways, he merely announces they’ll be getting married without even attempting a proposal. I don’t like to give such a low starred review, but I can’t give this any more than one, especially having read this author before, it almost feels as if this book was ghostwritten.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book did not work for me on so many levels I don’t even know where to begin. I’ve read this author’s work before and while I didn’t love it, I didn’t find it to be terrible. This one was a struggle for me and it’s sad because the initial plot had quite a lot of potential. The whole plot is predicated on the duke running for election to the House of Commons, which made sense when he was described as having done so before his father’s death, but not after he inherited. As many reviewers have pointed out, dukes were peers who had obligatory seats in the House of Lords, so the whole backbone of the story with the election and such just makes no sense.
Aside from that need to suspend disbelief right from the get-go, Alfred is awful. Meredith isn’t really any better, but Alfred was utterly spineless. He allowed everyone to walk all over him, even his own servants, for most of the book, then attempted to act high and mighty at other times such that his character was hard to pin down. He was proprietary over everything but didn’t actually care about anything and his woe is me attitude got very old very quickly. Alfred spent the majority of the book bemoaning his responsibilities as duke along with his lack of power to change anything, which makes no sense given that he had more power to invoke change than nearly anyone else around him. I couldn’t find any sympathy for him when he refused to man up and take responsibility for his own decisions. Alfred was spineless and didn’t get the respect commanded by a duke which just made this story even more unbelievable and frustrating as he had every right to stand up for himself and instead let him be ruled by those around him. Even more unbelievable is the lack of any basic rules of decorum common at the time, for instance, Alfred at one point walks another lady home as her chaperone, which is just wildly contrary to actual rules of propriety. This is usually not a big deal for me, but it added insult to injury here and made no sense. Meredith’s competency in all things started out interesting enough but even that got annoying and repetitive as it continued and I think you could make a good drinking game out of the number of times the phrase ‘governess of great talents’ is used.
The story was incredibly repetitive with a very predictable cycle of election shenanigans, embarrassing interactions between Meredith and Alfred, followed by unnecessary snappishness and endless self-admonishing thoughts. The few times this cycle was broken it was so Meredith could have some inner monologues about how she could never fall in love with the duke and her family’s criminal past must never come to light. I thought perhaps the latter element would provide us with some interest and intrigue but that never happened either. Not much ever happens in this paper-thin plot and I just found myself incredibly bored and slogging through just waiting for it to realize its potential only to be disappointed.
There was a weak mystery attempt with minor thefts occurring around the house, but this thread is left dangling too long to provide any suspense or even real interest. Alfred didn’t seem to have any original thoughts and his casual reference in his inner monologues to picking up women off the street to sleep with and lying to them about having feelings for them, just as he’d done with Meredith, was just one of many final straws for him. I never felt any chemistry or connection between Meredith and Alfred. I didn’t like her either, but I could not at all tell what she saw in him. Also, the entire town knew Alfred’s political opponent to be dishonorable, Meredith found undeniable proof of this, yet nothing was ever done about it and the man went on to get everything he wanted.
Overall, the romance was an incredibly low priority here, but I’m still not sure what the actual priority was. There were so many seeds planted in the beginning that could’ve been made into a nice, suspenseful, sexy story and that just didn’t happen. There was almost no steam in this one, which I don’t care for, but I think can be overcome if the relationship development is strong, which unfortunately was not the case here. Alfred is awful to Meredith and then still doesn’t really apologize even when he realizes the error of his ways, he merely announces they’ll be getting married without even attempting a proposal. I don’t like to give such a low starred review, but I can’t give this any more than one, especially having read this author before, it almost feels as if this book was ghostwritten.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
dnf-too-early-to-mark-it-read
December 18, 2025What?????
Did I hear it right? Is this duke running for parliament against a random mister?
Is he running for the House of Commons? Why? He's a duke, why not just go serve his seat in the House of Lords? What is happening right now?
Also, 1812 and a Governess agency going on and on about how a Duke is no longer important nor particularly relevant because the 'future' is politicians was... wild.
This woman just skipped 150 years or so of hard fought social reform and went straight to 21st century standards.
Add to that the whinny "I dwon't want two be a powitician" duke and...
・
・
・
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
Did I hear it right? Is this duke running for parliament against a random mister?
Is he running for the House of Commons? Why? He's a duke, why not just go serve his seat in the House of Lords? What is happening right now?
Also, 1812 and a Governess agency going on and on about how a Duke is no longer important nor particularly relevant because the 'future' is politicians was... wild.
This woman just skipped 150 years or so of hard fought social reform and went straight to 21st century standards.
Add to that the whinny "I dwon't want two be a powitician" duke and...
・
・
・
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
August 22, 2021
dnf at 50%
boring, too much boring, had goo expectations.. but...
no steam scenes, nothing, only boring.
boring, too much boring, had goo expectations.. but...
no steam scenes, nothing, only boring.
December 19, 2021
One star might be too good for this sad Regency. Besides the whole premise of a Duke having to run for election in the House of Lords in 1812, and no discussion of Britain in the war, the characters were unlikable. I tried to like Ms Hubert but even she was disappointing. The author is apparently a medieval history expert… might I suggest she set her books during that time period… that might also help with her character development.
May 13, 2021
A governess with many talents, the Governess Bureau had no idea just how talented Miss Meredith Hubert is. I found this Regency romance to be sweet but very slow-moving and in some parts it almost stalled to a halt. Nevertheless, the attraction between the Duke of Rochdale and Meredith is obvious from the beginning, but the love that develops for her charge is even more endearing. I felt for the little boy who had been orphaned at a young age and even though he is surrounded by luxury, he is missing the one thing every lad needs, namely love and attention. I enjoyed Meredith's character, her insights, and understanding of human nature, and although somewhat obtuse at times, the Duke of Rochdale is a charming hero who needed Meredith's insights to understand his own obligations. I received a copy of this romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishers and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
July 13, 2021
There is no doubt the writing in this book is very good within itself. This is a lighthearted Wallpaper historical romance and does not portray peerage, servants, or life back in 1812 England as accurately as it could. A duke would have left the running of the household to his housekeeper and butler and taken no part in it or gossip. I found the H/h likeable though and the story quite entertaining on a surface level; especially Archibald. Naturally there was insta-attraction re the romance There was a big elephant in the room, however. THE ELECTION.
The whole story-line of this English historical romance is based around Alfred, (the vague and harried hero), having to campaign to be re-elected as an MP and his need for a super governess, (aka the feisty heroine), to look after his eight year old half brother whilst doing so. However, he's a DUKE! Full Stop. Therefore, according to English history, he's automatically a member of the House of Lords by birthright. 🤦♀️ Therefore, No need to be elected to the House of commons because his was a small dukedom. What is a small dukedom? What is a minor duke? Alfred slept in the backbenches? Our hero should have been a mere Mister, rather than a peer, then no issue at all.
From what I've read, Tutors were usually employed to teach older boys of the peerage for the few years before they went away to boarding school - not Governesses, so I questioned that. The women always taught the smaller children and the older girls.
Please suspend disbelief when reading this book if you like your historical novels to have some accuracy. eg - The housekeeper chastises the duke for not being home to greet the new governess. Later, Meredith asks the duke why he wasn't there to greet her. It's full of modern dialogue and attitude - not a real take on historical English 1812 life by a long shot. I'd like to point out that the name Meredith, while pretty, is a modern girl's name. It is originally a Welsh surname and was also used as a boy's first name up until the early 20th century. The summer in 1812 England was colder than normal. A simple google search told me that. Google shouldn't be my friend whilst reading.
My take on this book:- Entertaining and okay, but not realistic and if you love realism like I do in my historical romances, then you should proceed with caution. Lots of readers loved this book, so don't let my opinion sway you away from reading it. My thanks go to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in return for my opinion.
The whole story-line of this English historical romance is based around Alfred, (the vague and harried hero), having to campaign to be re-elected as an MP and his need for a super governess, (aka the feisty heroine), to look after his eight year old half brother whilst doing so. However, he's a DUKE! Full Stop. Therefore, according to English history, he's automatically a member of the House of Lords by birthright. 🤦♀️ Therefore, No need to be elected to the House of commons because his was a small dukedom. What is a small dukedom? What is a minor duke? Alfred slept in the backbenches? Our hero should have been a mere Mister, rather than a peer, then no issue at all.
From what I've read, Tutors were usually employed to teach older boys of the peerage for the few years before they went away to boarding school - not Governesses, so I questioned that. The women always taught the smaller children and the older girls.
Please suspend disbelief when reading this book if you like your historical novels to have some accuracy. eg - The housekeeper chastises the duke for not being home to greet the new governess. Later, Meredith asks the duke why he wasn't there to greet her. It's full of modern dialogue and attitude - not a real take on historical English 1812 life by a long shot. I'd like to point out that the name Meredith, while pretty, is a modern girl's name. It is originally a Welsh surname and was also used as a boy's first name up until the early 20th century. The summer in 1812 England was colder than normal. A simple google search told me that. Google shouldn't be my friend whilst reading.
My take on this book:- Entertaining and okay, but not realistic and if you love realism like I do in my historical romances, then you should proceed with caution. Lots of readers loved this book, so don't let my opinion sway you away from reading it. My thanks go to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in return for my opinion.
October 24, 2021
When the nobility and gentility of England are at their wits end, they send a discrete note to Miss Vivienne Clarke’s Governess Bureau. Only accepting the very best clients, their governesses are coveted by minor royalty, with every governess following three rules:
1. You must have an impeccable record.
2. You must bring a special skill to the table.
3. You must never fall in love…
Welcome to The Governess Bureau where you will find high a quality governess to welcome into your home, she will educate and teach your children, she will become a fixture in your daily life, but you must never fall in love.
Remember that saying about rules are meant to be broken — well the never falling in love rule is like waving a red flag at a bull, it’s going to be obliterated!! This story is full of emotions so don’t be surprised if you need to pull out the Kleenex.
There were times in this story that I wanted to smack our hero, Alfred Carmichael, Duke of Rochdale, — however he finally does gain a brain. Miss Meredith Hubert Is a complex character and one I liked from the start of the book. The passion that builds between these two is pretty hot and their love is what helps to heal both them and Archibald.
1. You must have an impeccable record.
2. You must bring a special skill to the table.
3. You must never fall in love…
Welcome to The Governess Bureau where you will find high a quality governess to welcome into your home, she will educate and teach your children, she will become a fixture in your daily life, but you must never fall in love.
Remember that saying about rules are meant to be broken — well the never falling in love rule is like waving a red flag at a bull, it’s going to be obliterated!! This story is full of emotions so don’t be surprised if you need to pull out the Kleenex.
There were times in this story that I wanted to smack our hero, Alfred Carmichael, Duke of Rochdale, — however he finally does gain a brain. Miss Meredith Hubert Is a complex character and one I liked from the start of the book. The passion that builds between these two is pretty hot and their love is what helps to heal both them and Archibald.
May 11, 2021
The Governess Bureau 1812
Meredith had completed her first assignment and now was being appointed to another for Alfred, the Duke of Rochdale's, younger brother Archibald. Her previous employer had been past fifty and in love with his wife. But she knew from her first meeting with Alfred, it would be different.
"This Duke of Rochdale was... handsome. Sparks seemed to fly between them as he slammed the door behind hem and glared, sparks, she could not see but certainly feel. Dressed in a well cut frock coat, tall riding boots.... he had that brooding, frustrated look of a man who was accustomed to getting his way and had not done so."
To say the Duke was no nonsense and seemed totally rude at their first meeting is an understatement. He with his mind on the Parliamentary election and not his half brother. He wanted to neither see nor hear her or her charge.
But as they say, what one says they want and what they truly want can be two different things because he could not stop thinking about her!
An entertaining foray into hidden secrets, trying to resist a strong attraction, and what will happen if they give in. Looking forward to more in this new series!
Meredith had completed her first assignment and now was being appointed to another for Alfred, the Duke of Rochdale's, younger brother Archibald. Her previous employer had been past fifty and in love with his wife. But she knew from her first meeting with Alfred, it would be different.
"This Duke of Rochdale was... handsome. Sparks seemed to fly between them as he slammed the door behind hem and glared, sparks, she could not see but certainly feel. Dressed in a well cut frock coat, tall riding boots.... he had that brooding, frustrated look of a man who was accustomed to getting his way and had not done so."
To say the Duke was no nonsense and seemed totally rude at their first meeting is an understatement. He with his mind on the Parliamentary election and not his half brother. He wanted to neither see nor hear her or her charge.
But as they say, what one says they want and what they truly want can be two different things because he could not stop thinking about her!
An entertaining foray into hidden secrets, trying to resist a strong attraction, and what will happen if they give in. Looking forward to more in this new series!
July 8, 2021
When the nobility and gentility of England are at their wits end, they send a discrete note to Miss Vivienne Clarke’s Governess Bureau. She only accepts the very best clients & her governesses are coveted
Miss Meredith Hubert had worked so hard to gain her place there. After leaving the Earl of Marnmouth's home with a glowing reference, she is about to be given her next assignment with Alfred Carmichael the Duke of Rochdale’s eight year old half-brother Archibald.
The start of a new series, a well written book with likeable characters. I loved Meredith who was a woman of many talents but she had secrets. I lied Alfred but found him to be a bit wishy washy, he was a Duke so could pave his own way. I adored Archibald who totally stole the book. I did love the attraction between Alfred & Meredith but I felt they never got to know each other & so lack of trust nearly scuppered their budding romance.
Miss Meredith Hubert had worked so hard to gain her place there. After leaving the Earl of Marnmouth's home with a glowing reference, she is about to be given her next assignment with Alfred Carmichael the Duke of Rochdale’s eight year old half-brother Archibald.
The start of a new series, a well written book with likeable characters. I loved Meredith who was a woman of many talents but she had secrets. I lied Alfred but found him to be a bit wishy washy, he was a Duke so could pave his own way. I adored Archibald who totally stole the book. I did love the attraction between Alfred & Meredith but I felt they never got to know each other & so lack of trust nearly scuppered their budding romance.
September 6, 2021
Rating: 2.5/5.0
The book’s concept is promising, employing the tried and true, universally enjoyed trope of governess/employer.
Read full review in the 2021 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.
The book’s concept is promising, employing the tried and true, universally enjoyed trope of governess/employer.
Read full review in the 2021 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.
May 25, 2021
I was so excited for a new series by Emily EK Murdoch, because I've really enjoyed the books I've read in her Always series.
Unfortunately, this book did not leave me wanting more.
Meredith Hubert is a governess extraordinaire! She has a criminal / scandalous past, which just doesn't come to light in this book. I wish the author would have explored this deeper. Alfred Carmichael is the Duke of Rochdale. He has a rambunctious 8 year old brother who, according to him, is ruining his chances of getting elected to parliament. So that's why the governess extraordinaire with a past is called in to save the day.
The best character here was the little boy, Archibald. He was written as wise beyond his years, though no one ever noticed before governess extraordinaire came to the rescue. I wish we had seen some of his naughty antics so we could see how he changes. So much character development was written off the page, lots of telling instead of showing.
Alfred, the Duke was a very hard character to know or like. He wanted to do the right thing for his lineage and keep his seat in parliament (more on that later.) There were way too many scenes of Alfred's advisors speaking to him about important issues and he was completely zoned out, thinking of the governess extraordinaire, of course.
The book was slow, the plot flimsy, the romance was head scratching, just what made these people attracted to each other, besides the physical? For those that care, very low steam. So now back to parliament.
I've never read any book where the Duke, who has been Duke for generations, had to campaign and go through an election to maintain a seat in Parliament. My understanding is that Dukes (at this time in 1812) were given the seat in Parliament as a courtesy. They did not campaign, like the Duke in this story (who campaigns against a neighboring mister, no less).
So I emailed the author my questions about this (she was very lovely about answering my questions and very quick to respond), wondering if she purposely created an "alt-history" for this book or if this was a true scenario that she could shed some light on to educate me.
She said that "When I created the Dukedom of Rochdale (which is a real place!) I purposefully created it to be small enough that he would have to go through an election." Soooo, I'm still confused as to if she chose to re-write the rules or is misinformed, because to my knowledge, Dukes weren't given seats based on how large or small their Dukedom was. The campaign and the election was such a huge plot point, and what was the driving motivation for the hero, it's hard not to think of this in historical terms and to suspend disbelief. Because being a Duke in historical romance has perks, and this poor Duke didn't seem to have any!
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book. The thoughts and opinions (and any historical inaccuracies) are my own and freely given.
1.5 stars
I like this author and many of her other books, but this book just wasn't my cup of tea.
Unfortunately, this book did not leave me wanting more.
Meredith Hubert is a governess extraordinaire! She has a criminal / scandalous past, which just doesn't come to light in this book. I wish the author would have explored this deeper. Alfred Carmichael is the Duke of Rochdale. He has a rambunctious 8 year old brother who, according to him, is ruining his chances of getting elected to parliament. So that's why the governess extraordinaire with a past is called in to save the day.
The best character here was the little boy, Archibald. He was written as wise beyond his years, though no one ever noticed before governess extraordinaire came to the rescue. I wish we had seen some of his naughty antics so we could see how he changes. So much character development was written off the page, lots of telling instead of showing.
Alfred, the Duke was a very hard character to know or like. He wanted to do the right thing for his lineage and keep his seat in parliament (more on that later.) There were way too many scenes of Alfred's advisors speaking to him about important issues and he was completely zoned out, thinking of the governess extraordinaire, of course.
The book was slow, the plot flimsy, the romance was head scratching, just what made these people attracted to each other, besides the physical? For those that care, very low steam. So now back to parliament.
I've never read any book where the Duke, who has been Duke for generations, had to campaign and go through an election to maintain a seat in Parliament. My understanding is that Dukes (at this time in 1812) were given the seat in Parliament as a courtesy. They did not campaign, like the Duke in this story (who campaigns against a neighboring mister, no less).
So I emailed the author my questions about this (she was very lovely about answering my questions and very quick to respond), wondering if she purposely created an "alt-history" for this book or if this was a true scenario that she could shed some light on to educate me.
She said that "When I created the Dukedom of Rochdale (which is a real place!) I purposefully created it to be small enough that he would have to go through an election." Soooo, I'm still confused as to if she chose to re-write the rules or is misinformed, because to my knowledge, Dukes weren't given seats based on how large or small their Dukedom was. The campaign and the election was such a huge plot point, and what was the driving motivation for the hero, it's hard not to think of this in historical terms and to suspend disbelief. Because being a Duke in historical romance has perks, and this poor Duke didn't seem to have any!
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book. The thoughts and opinions (and any historical inaccuracies) are my own and freely given.
1.5 stars
I like this author and many of her other books, but this book just wasn't my cup of tea.
October 14, 2021
The author did a good job of making you feel the hero’s boredom. Unfortunately boredom isn’t something you want to feel when reading a romance story.
May 11, 2021
Meredith is an excellent governess who is hiding a criminal past. Alfred is a duke who hires her to take care of his much younger brother so he can devote his time to being re-elected. They are attracted to each other, but, when tested, have trust issues. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my honest review.
May 16, 2021
Governess or Thief
MS Murdoch has written a story that has many concerns but has tied them all together to make a happy ending
MS Murdoch has written a story that has many concerns but has tied them all together to make a happy ending
May 2, 2024
This was a little dull, and so was the hero.
May 9, 2025
A Wonderful, Entertaining & Romantic Story to start the series
I enjoyed reading this book.
Meredith & Alfred were wonderful characters.
I am looking forward to reading Anne & Timothy's story in the next book in this series.
I enjoyed reading this book.
Meredith & Alfred were wonderful characters.
I am looking forward to reading Anne & Timothy's story in the next book in this series.
May 10, 2021
A Governess of Great Talents is the beginning of a new series by Emily EK Murdoch, the Governess Bureau. The Governess Bureau is the strictest of the bureaus used by the nobility to employ a governess for the offspring. Meredith Hubert was speaking to the proprietress about a new posting, as her last one had been successfully completed. Reluctantly, she was assigned to go north, to the home of the Duke of Rochdale, Albert Carmichael. His half-brother, Archibald, was rumored to be wild and difficult. She might blossom in this situation. It was not long before all of her talents were being put to use on this eight-year-old, but she was having difficulty with his brother, her master. He was just as difficult as Archie had been, but was not longer. Plus, he was the most handsome man she had ever seen. The third rule of the Governess Bureau was "You must never fall in love." This would be a problem if she were not careful. She needed this job, and the next one. She could no return to her previous life, no matter what.
Alfred was a good man, if lacking in self-control. He was in the middle of his campaign to be re-elected to represent Rochdale in parliament, but he could not focus on the meetings with his supporters. He did not really want to be in parliament. He did not like London. He did not like being away from Rochdale. But, it was his duty. Just as it was his duty to marry. He could not marry a governess: a servant. It was not done. But this woman who had come into his life for Archie moved him more than any he had ever known, not to mention what his body wanted. What a terrific story. Both of them completely reluctant, for all the right reasons. But the tow of them being in close proximity was explosive, as was the entire story. This duke did not behave like a duke, but he lived a happy life, as did his governess.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of A Governess of Great Talents by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #agovernessofgreattalents
Alfred was a good man, if lacking in self-control. He was in the middle of his campaign to be re-elected to represent Rochdale in parliament, but he could not focus on the meetings with his supporters. He did not really want to be in parliament. He did not like London. He did not like being away from Rochdale. But, it was his duty. Just as it was his duty to marry. He could not marry a governess: a servant. It was not done. But this woman who had come into his life for Archie moved him more than any he had ever known, not to mention what his body wanted. What a terrific story. Both of them completely reluctant, for all the right reasons. But the tow of them being in close proximity was explosive, as was the entire story. This duke did not behave like a duke, but he lived a happy life, as did his governess.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of A Governess of Great Talents by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #agovernessofgreattalents
May 9, 2021
📔 A Governess of Great Talents 📔
The Governess Bureau Series #1
✒️ Emily E. K. Murdoch
Release Date 05/11/2021
Publisher Dragonblade Publishing
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08YP96F3P/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
When the nobility and gentility of England are at their wits end, they send a discrete note to Miss Vivienne Clarke’s Governess Bureau. Only accepting the very best clients, their governesses are coveted, with every governess following three rules:
1.You must have an impeccable record.
2.You must bring a special skill to the table.
3.You must never fall in love…
Book 1, A Governess of Great Talents
When a governess of great talents is required, there is only one place the nobility of England go: the Governess Bureau.
It was why Miss Meredith Hubert had worked so hard to gain her place there. Finishing with the Earl of Marnmouth's children, she is about to be given her next assignment - a Duke called Alfred Carmichael with a reputation to maintain and a half-brother who needs controlling.
Archibald is but eight years old, but already threatens to ruin the family's reputation as Alfred, the Duke, tries to maintain it. They have to be spotless as there are other families who wish to take their place in society. But Meredith has a secret to hide, and she's not the only one. Maids sent away in secret, items missing from the house, there is more than one mystery at Rochdale Abbey.
When a Duke falls in love with a governess, there's only one way this can end - in scandal.
As Alfred Carmichael tries desperately to retain his family's honor and fight his desire of Meredith, how will Meredith's Great Talents ensure a happily ever after for them all?
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will their differences and her secrets keep them apart...
This is a different story than I have the habit with the author, much more on the slow-burn side with a lot of introspection. Even if for a time, it was rather repetitive, their continuing obsessive thoughts about one another.
Meredith is more, much more than the mask she presents to the world, she shaped herself to be the best governess ever with some other surprising talents on the side. And while she instantly falls her new employer, she is torn between her dreams and what she knows can’t be.
Alfred is a peer doing his duty, even if it is far from what he truly wants. But it is what he is expected too. Yet by doing so, he also neglects his much younger brother. Thus his need of a governess.
He becomes from there rather obsessed with his new employee, struggling to decide where he wants to lead their relationship. Conscious of their differences, he is torn between his wants and duties.
Both are ambivalent characters they know what they want or do not and what they could or could not have, still they can not stop themselves for trying to get a taste of the forbidden until their trust is chartered and they are left with a broken heart and their faith in the other in tatters.
I confess I would have liked a bit more groveling from Alfred, and from some side characters.
I was wondering during my reading, I am no historian but I would have thought that a Duke, even from a minor branch would have had a reserved seat at the House of Lords.
I tried to google some informations but my English history knowledge is rather limited so I just found what I already knew that the peers were automatically gifted a seat by progeny.
So why did he need to compete for a MP seat in the House of Commons, a heir of a peer or a second son would have cause to but a peer.
In all, I liked how Meredith’s personality full of ressources, a bit less her musing. Yet she is a great teacher, capturing her charge’s persona to adapt her method. Alfred lacks a bit of ducal sternness, I would have thought as a Duke, he would be more if not haughty, domineering and high-handed when it is quite the other way around.
4 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 kisses and an onscreen foreplays scene.
I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher Dragonblade Publishing, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
The Governess Bureau Series #1
✒️ Emily E. K. Murdoch
Release Date 05/11/2021
Publisher Dragonblade Publishing
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08YP96F3P/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
When the nobility and gentility of England are at their wits end, they send a discrete note to Miss Vivienne Clarke’s Governess Bureau. Only accepting the very best clients, their governesses are coveted, with every governess following three rules:
1.You must have an impeccable record.
2.You must bring a special skill to the table.
3.You must never fall in love…
Book 1, A Governess of Great Talents
When a governess of great talents is required, there is only one place the nobility of England go: the Governess Bureau.
It was why Miss Meredith Hubert had worked so hard to gain her place there. Finishing with the Earl of Marnmouth's children, she is about to be given her next assignment - a Duke called Alfred Carmichael with a reputation to maintain and a half-brother who needs controlling.
Archibald is but eight years old, but already threatens to ruin the family's reputation as Alfred, the Duke, tries to maintain it. They have to be spotless as there are other families who wish to take their place in society. But Meredith has a secret to hide, and she's not the only one. Maids sent away in secret, items missing from the house, there is more than one mystery at Rochdale Abbey.
When a Duke falls in love with a governess, there's only one way this can end - in scandal.
As Alfred Carmichael tries desperately to retain his family's honor and fight his desire of Meredith, how will Meredith's Great Talents ensure a happily ever after for them all?
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will their differences and her secrets keep them apart...
This is a different story than I have the habit with the author, much more on the slow-burn side with a lot of introspection. Even if for a time, it was rather repetitive, their continuing obsessive thoughts about one another.
Meredith is more, much more than the mask she presents to the world, she shaped herself to be the best governess ever with some other surprising talents on the side. And while she instantly falls her new employer, she is torn between her dreams and what she knows can’t be.
Alfred is a peer doing his duty, even if it is far from what he truly wants. But it is what he is expected too. Yet by doing so, he also neglects his much younger brother. Thus his need of a governess.
He becomes from there rather obsessed with his new employee, struggling to decide where he wants to lead their relationship. Conscious of their differences, he is torn between his wants and duties.
Both are ambivalent characters they know what they want or do not and what they could or could not have, still they can not stop themselves for trying to get a taste of the forbidden until their trust is chartered and they are left with a broken heart and their faith in the other in tatters.
I confess I would have liked a bit more groveling from Alfred, and from some side characters.
I was wondering during my reading, I am no historian but I would have thought that a Duke, even from a minor branch would have had a reserved seat at the House of Lords.
I tried to google some informations but my English history knowledge is rather limited so I just found what I already knew that the peers were automatically gifted a seat by progeny.
So why did he need to compete for a MP seat in the House of Commons, a heir of a peer or a second son would have cause to but a peer.
In all, I liked how Meredith’s personality full of ressources, a bit less her musing. Yet she is a great teacher, capturing her charge’s persona to adapt her method. Alfred lacks a bit of ducal sternness, I would have thought as a Duke, he would be more if not haughty, domineering and high-handed when it is quite the other way around.
4 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 kisses and an onscreen foreplays scene.
I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher Dragonblade Publishing, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
January 9, 2022
Before I start my review for this book, I just want to address some of the bad reviews. I have read a number of the books in this series and loved them all. The series does not have to be read in order and I missed a couple of the first ones.
Which is why am reviewing book one now. Maybe am different them most readers of historical love stories. I don't read them for a history lesson, I read what the book is about and if it sounds interesting to me, I give it try. This whole series is about women who are governess and more. The stories are just that stories, I read a lot and for enjoyment.
Which this book was, enjoyable. Just saying.
Being a member of the Governess Bureau ran by Miss Vivienne Clarke was the highest honor a Governess could have.
Only the best serves as Governess for her. Miss Meredith Hubert has worked hard to change her life for the better.
She works as a governess for the best agency in England and has just finished her last assignment with an Earl's family.
Her next assignment is for a Duke and his half-brother. Her hard work is paying off and she is looking forward to being out of London and in the county. She loves horses and riding more than most.
The Duke of Rochdale, Alfred Carmichael. He has been raised knowing what his life will be like from a child. A Carmichael has always been a member of Parliament as far back as many can remember. Problem is Alfred really doesn't want to be. He knows his duty and will do it out of duty. He is not good at public speaking and would much rather stay in Rochdale and help the people who need him. But a Carmichael always does what is expected. His half-brother is his ward now that both parents are dead. Archibald could be his son as there is almost twenty years between them.
Which is why he needs a Governess of Great Talents, one Miss Meredith Hubert. Who has a ton of secrets and talents.
Both the Duke and Meredith have an instant attraction to the other at the first meeting, both try hard to deny it.
This was a fun book, Alfred and Meredith both trying to do what is expected of them, Archibald added so much to the story. There are lots of twist and turns for all three of them. Wants and needs and love do not always play by the rules.
I hope you give it a try; I think most will like the story line.
Which is why am reviewing book one now. Maybe am different them most readers of historical love stories. I don't read them for a history lesson, I read what the book is about and if it sounds interesting to me, I give it try. This whole series is about women who are governess and more. The stories are just that stories, I read a lot and for enjoyment.
Which this book was, enjoyable. Just saying.
Being a member of the Governess Bureau ran by Miss Vivienne Clarke was the highest honor a Governess could have.
Only the best serves as Governess for her. Miss Meredith Hubert has worked hard to change her life for the better.
She works as a governess for the best agency in England and has just finished her last assignment with an Earl's family.
Her next assignment is for a Duke and his half-brother. Her hard work is paying off and she is looking forward to being out of London and in the county. She loves horses and riding more than most.
The Duke of Rochdale, Alfred Carmichael. He has been raised knowing what his life will be like from a child. A Carmichael has always been a member of Parliament as far back as many can remember. Problem is Alfred really doesn't want to be. He knows his duty and will do it out of duty. He is not good at public speaking and would much rather stay in Rochdale and help the people who need him. But a Carmichael always does what is expected. His half-brother is his ward now that both parents are dead. Archibald could be his son as there is almost twenty years between them.
Which is why he needs a Governess of Great Talents, one Miss Meredith Hubert. Who has a ton of secrets and talents.
Both the Duke and Meredith have an instant attraction to the other at the first meeting, both try hard to deny it.
This was a fun book, Alfred and Meredith both trying to do what is expected of them, Archibald added so much to the story. There are lots of twist and turns for all three of them. Wants and needs and love do not always play by the rules.
I hope you give it a try; I think most will like the story line.
January 9, 2025
I just.... don't know why this has such a high score.
As a massive regency addict, you can make me swallow the biggest swill with a smiling face but this one was just not it. Not worth the time to read.
Spoiler free notes: No character development on either MC or ML, maybe 60% of the book is just the ML thinking about the heroine. Like, daydreaming over and over and not really.... getting anywhere. HE but it feels like... they didn't earn it tbh.
Spoilers below:
MC and ML come in with lots of potential for development, MC has secrets to be uncovered and put to bed while ML is unhappy with his lot in life, and doesn't engage with the role placed before him.
But by the end of the book, our heroine slap-dash reveals her torrid secret (barely hinted at or relevant to the plot) of being previously in a criminal gang. The information is revealed and received with little effect on the story apart from being useful to track down a missing child. Surely, there being thefts in the house would have called for our heroines special (and specially acquired) skills but no, it remains irrelevant, EVEN when she is accused of the thefts as the MC has no inkling of her criminal past until well past the event.
ML is unhappy being expected to run for a seat in parliament, and in every meeting zones out. Literally every meeting. And just daydreams about the heroine.
By the end of the book, where a surprise upset sees him losing his election - we are left with no satisfactory future for him. He hasn't a passion outside of "his lands and people" although he barely listens to his estate manager, refuses to listen to his housekeeper about suspected thefts, ignores the dismissal of undermaids, and loses the election to a slimey opponent without real concern about what it means for him and the people of his town. He gets to kiss his lady love and that's all that matters, folks!
Blame me for coming back from rereading Pride and Prejudice to this, but even I can tell that this one just ran us in circles and expected us to be happy with the heroine and male lead kisses and makes up even when we are barely invested in their relationship.
I love governess, raising children, intrigue and heroine-with-dark-secrets as tropes but this one is not it.
As a massive regency addict, you can make me swallow the biggest swill with a smiling face but this one was just not it. Not worth the time to read.
Spoiler free notes: No character development on either MC or ML, maybe 60% of the book is just the ML thinking about the heroine. Like, daydreaming over and over and not really.... getting anywhere. HE but it feels like... they didn't earn it tbh.
Spoilers below:
MC and ML come in with lots of potential for development, MC has secrets to be uncovered and put to bed while ML is unhappy with his lot in life, and doesn't engage with the role placed before him.
But by the end of the book, our heroine slap-dash reveals her torrid secret (barely hinted at or relevant to the plot) of being previously in a criminal gang. The information is revealed and received with little effect on the story apart from being useful to track down a missing child. Surely, there being thefts in the house would have called for our heroines special (and specially acquired) skills but no, it remains irrelevant, EVEN when she is accused of the thefts as the MC has no inkling of her criminal past until well past the event.
ML is unhappy being expected to run for a seat in parliament, and in every meeting zones out. Literally every meeting. And just daydreams about the heroine.
By the end of the book, where a surprise upset sees him losing his election - we are left with no satisfactory future for him. He hasn't a passion outside of "his lands and people" although he barely listens to his estate manager, refuses to listen to his housekeeper about suspected thefts, ignores the dismissal of undermaids, and loses the election to a slimey opponent without real concern about what it means for him and the people of his town. He gets to kiss his lady love and that's all that matters, folks!
Blame me for coming back from rereading Pride and Prejudice to this, but even I can tell that this one just ran us in circles and expected us to be happy with the heroine and male lead kisses and makes up even when we are barely invested in their relationship.
I love governess, raising children, intrigue and heroine-with-dark-secrets as tropes but this one is not it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2021
This book is the first in a series of “regency” romances. It features a cis-het romance, an 8 year old half-brother, & a glaring lack of basic research.
Content warnings:
- Toxic Masculinity
- Orphans
- Wilful Ignorance
Characters of Colour?
This book is theoretically set in 1812, when chattel slavery was still rampant & legal in England. Despite this, there are no POC of any kind in this book.
Disabled characters?
None! While there are interesting conundrums the characters make for themselves, there are no characters struggling with truly debilitating circumstances.
QUILTTBAG/Queer characters?
None explicitly identified.
Worth my time?
This was a frustrating use of 4 hours.
This author has failed to do their basic research. How so? The Love Interest in this book, & the circumstance to drive the tension.
The LI is supposed to be a Duke. Duke, in the United Kingdom, is the highest-ranking hereditary title in all four peerages of the British Isles. A duke thus outranks all other holders of titles of nobility (marquess, earl, viscount and baron). All of these title-holders have seats in the House of Lords.
Yet, THIS Duke is supposedly too unimportant to have a seat in the House of Lords, so must run for the House of Commons. It takes one, surface level google search to find this information.
While things like time-accurate clothing take a little more research, it’s still very, very simple. The lack of knowledge here resulted in less frustration, but it leaves the story with a bit of an identity crisis, with generalities hinted at but no detail to anchor the timeframe of the story.
My best summation? A good idea/concept, executed poorly.
Aside from the weird things that trip me up, the narrative was solid. Characters had flaws & depth, learned from each other, & grew. The characters themselves were hugely compelling, which is why I do still rate this as a book I enjoyed. I have actually pre-ordered the next in the series - I’m just hoping there’s a good team of editors & beta readers to catch the details!
Re-read?
You know, depending on the rest of the series, if there is improvement, I may be persuaded to re-read this. I’d also happily beta-read/line edit future books, to ensure that improvement… 😇
Recommend?
To lovers of quick-read Romances with a touch of history about them, where strong women show brittle men how to bend & grow, with compassion & empathy, this book is absolutely for you.
Content warnings:
- Toxic Masculinity
- Orphans
- Wilful Ignorance
Characters of Colour?
This book is theoretically set in 1812, when chattel slavery was still rampant & legal in England. Despite this, there are no POC of any kind in this book.
Disabled characters?
None! While there are interesting conundrums the characters make for themselves, there are no characters struggling with truly debilitating circumstances.
QUILTTBAG/Queer characters?
None explicitly identified.
Worth my time?
This was a frustrating use of 4 hours.
This author has failed to do their basic research. How so? The Love Interest in this book, & the circumstance to drive the tension.
The LI is supposed to be a Duke. Duke, in the United Kingdom, is the highest-ranking hereditary title in all four peerages of the British Isles. A duke thus outranks all other holders of titles of nobility (marquess, earl, viscount and baron). All of these title-holders have seats in the House of Lords.
Yet, THIS Duke is supposedly too unimportant to have a seat in the House of Lords, so must run for the House of Commons. It takes one, surface level google search to find this information.
While things like time-accurate clothing take a little more research, it’s still very, very simple. The lack of knowledge here resulted in less frustration, but it leaves the story with a bit of an identity crisis, with generalities hinted at but no detail to anchor the timeframe of the story.
My best summation? A good idea/concept, executed poorly.
Aside from the weird things that trip me up, the narrative was solid. Characters had flaws & depth, learned from each other, & grew. The characters themselves were hugely compelling, which is why I do still rate this as a book I enjoyed. I have actually pre-ordered the next in the series - I’m just hoping there’s a good team of editors & beta readers to catch the details!
Re-read?
You know, depending on the rest of the series, if there is improvement, I may be persuaded to re-read this. I’d also happily beta-read/line edit future books, to ensure that improvement… 😇
Recommend?
To lovers of quick-read Romances with a touch of history about them, where strong women show brittle men how to bend & grow, with compassion & empathy, this book is absolutely for you.
March 11, 2022
Meredith comes from a family of thieves. She desires a new life. She reinvents herself and becomes a governess at the most prestigious governess bureau in England. She has a kind heart, is truthful and has a wicked tongue if someone needs a lashing. Although she controls it most of the time. She is witty and this book lives up to its name " A Governess of Great Talents ". Her repertoire of talents is not only in the schoolroom but extends to patience, understanding, forgiveness and love. Although the governess bureau strictly forbids the governess to get emotionally involved with their students Meredith could not help but fall in love with her charge Archibald. The Duke of Rochdale, Alfred was a sad unhappy man. He was expected to step into the shoes of his father, his father's father so on and so forth. For generations a Carmichael has sat in Parliament. But Alfred's mind and heart was not in it. In the meantime, Alfred and Meredith's attraction to each other increased. Meredith knew the other rule of the governess bureau was to never ever fall in love with your employer. But Meredith could not help it. A strange thing happened when she started working for Alfred. Valuable items in the home started going missing. At first, I thought her family had found her and was taking advantage of her well-placed situation. Alfred thought she was guilty and it broke his trust in her. He fired her. The next thing he knows Archibald goes missing. Alfred never spent much time with his 8-year-old brother. He really did not know him. So, when the household cannot find Archie, he rides to the Inn where Meredith is staying. He breaks down her room door hoping to find Archie with her. But he is not there. Meredith goes into action. Her mind is logical and begins her search. This is a wonderful story of a woman striving for a better life and a man looking for peace in his life. I highly recommend it.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read
Entertaining
Funny
Page-turner
Romantic
Unpredictable
Witty
Wonderful characters
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read
Entertaining
Funny
Page-turner
Romantic
Unpredictable
Witty
Wonderful characters
May 18, 2021
The first chapter of A Governess of Great Talents was really promising, but after that chapter, it was downhill for me (with a slight-but-short-lived bump around three quarters of the way in).
Meredith is a governess with a sketchy past. We know this because she occasionally thinks about her estranged family and vaguely worries that her past will catch up with her. It doesn't. I don't consider this fact a spoiler because it doesn't seem like the author ever intended for it to be a real issue. Instead, the main issues are the usual governess/duke "we aren't of the same social status" variety.
Alfred, said duke, is really hard to like. He is incredibly self-absorbed, though we're meant to think well of him from the occasional incidental comments about all he's done for the community in the past. He's running for Parliament, which I never knew was a thing, but he couldn't care less about winning, apart from not wanting to be the first Duke of Rochdale not to win. But because he's running and it's important to many, we get to sit through pages of political preparation. Alfred is bored, and his mind wanders... and so did mine. I skimmed those parts.
Meredith is actually all but perfect, a Mary Poppins-meets-MacGuyver type person who can do anything. It's somewhat unclear how her criminal past prepared her to be governess extraordinare, but I decided to go with it. Her charge, Archie, is also a good character.
But Alfred, ugh. Her attraction to him is a great mystery. For me, it's not enough for a book to tell me that a character is a good guy. I need to see it in the character myself. And I didn't.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks!
Meredith is a governess with a sketchy past. We know this because she occasionally thinks about her estranged family and vaguely worries that her past will catch up with her. It doesn't. I don't consider this fact a spoiler because it doesn't seem like the author ever intended for it to be a real issue. Instead, the main issues are the usual governess/duke "we aren't of the same social status" variety.
Alfred, said duke, is really hard to like. He is incredibly self-absorbed, though we're meant to think well of him from the occasional incidental comments about all he's done for the community in the past. He's running for Parliament, which I never knew was a thing, but he couldn't care less about winning, apart from not wanting to be the first Duke of Rochdale not to win. But because he's running and it's important to many, we get to sit through pages of political preparation. Alfred is bored, and his mind wanders... and so did mine. I skimmed those parts.
Meredith is actually all but perfect, a Mary Poppins-meets-MacGuyver type person who can do anything. It's somewhat unclear how her criminal past prepared her to be governess extraordinare, but I decided to go with it. Her charge, Archie, is also a good character.
But Alfred, ugh. Her attraction to him is a great mystery. For me, it's not enough for a book to tell me that a character is a good guy. I need to see it in the character myself. And I didn't.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks!
August 23, 2021
Change your life.
Meredith has worked hard in the past six years to overcome growing up in a family of thieves. She's learned diction and furthered her education, ultimately becoming a governess, a very good governess! Her first placement was behind her, her charges having outgrown their need for her. With some trepidation, she returns to learn if she'll be given another position, based on her employer's reports on her work. Meredith is very relieved to learn she's to go to the home of duke to teach his younger brother, A child who has a reputation for getting into and causing all types of problems. Since she has brought some of her previous charges to good behavior, Mrs. Clark, her boss, has chosen her for the new assignment.
The Duke of Roof dale, Alfred, has too much on his mind to spend time with his young half brother, Archibald. That may be why Archie seems to be getting into so much trouble. He's the magistrate, is running to retain his seat in parliament, and doing a dismal job of keeping up with his estate. The later being the most important task, besides his brother's well being, on his long list of responsibilities. Tied up in a re-election meeting, he returns home an hour late to greet and get to know the new governess.
After awaiting the duke in his parlor for an hour without food or drink after her last day of her journey, Meredith is doing her best to control her temper. Needless to say, this doesn't leave her at her best for meeting her new employer.
You'll thoroughly enjoy this fast paced, mostly warm and caring, with a bit of confusion thrown in, story! It's certain to give you an entertaining and relaxing time.
Meredith has worked hard in the past six years to overcome growing up in a family of thieves. She's learned diction and furthered her education, ultimately becoming a governess, a very good governess! Her first placement was behind her, her charges having outgrown their need for her. With some trepidation, she returns to learn if she'll be given another position, based on her employer's reports on her work. Meredith is very relieved to learn she's to go to the home of duke to teach his younger brother, A child who has a reputation for getting into and causing all types of problems. Since she has brought some of her previous charges to good behavior, Mrs. Clark, her boss, has chosen her for the new assignment.
The Duke of Roof dale, Alfred, has too much on his mind to spend time with his young half brother, Archibald. That may be why Archie seems to be getting into so much trouble. He's the magistrate, is running to retain his seat in parliament, and doing a dismal job of keeping up with his estate. The later being the most important task, besides his brother's well being, on his long list of responsibilities. Tied up in a re-election meeting, he returns home an hour late to greet and get to know the new governess.
After awaiting the duke in his parlor for an hour without food or drink after her last day of her journey, Meredith is doing her best to control her temper. Needless to say, this doesn't leave her at her best for meeting her new employer.
You'll thoroughly enjoy this fast paced, mostly warm and caring, with a bit of confusion thrown in, story! It's certain to give you an entertaining and relaxing time.
May 14, 2021
Sweet story with likable characters
Meredith has a bit of a scandalous past, one she endeavors to rise above by fashioning herself as a top-notch governess. Her first having gone very well, she embarks on her second assignment which leads her to Alfred, a young, somewhat reluctant duke, and his eight-year-old half-brother.
Alfred is preoccupied with a local election which will determine if he will continue representing the area in Parliament. It's an election he feels duty-bound to win, even though he personally does not wish to continue as an MP. His attraction to Meredith can only hurt his chance in the election.
Meredith is quickly proven to be a governess of "great talents" (as the characters remind us, perhaps a few too many times) and is seamlessly accepted into the household and into young Archibald's heart. Her complicated relationship with Alfred can only end in her ruin, so she attempts to keep her distance and focus on her duties.
It's impossible not to like Meredith, as she has nary a flaw in sight. Alfred, on the other hand, comes across as a bit of a jerk on more than once occasion, a misogynist typical of his day, and not as honorable as one would hope. However, he does come around in time to secure a satisfying HEA for himself and Meredith, even if the final bit of news was far too premature to be believable.
The timeline and pronoun usage could have used the help of a good editor, but those are easily overlooked in order to enjoy the escape into the story. It's a sweet story with a bit of steam, an enjoyable afternoon's read for those who love historical romances. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Meredith has a bit of a scandalous past, one she endeavors to rise above by fashioning herself as a top-notch governess. Her first having gone very well, she embarks on her second assignment which leads her to Alfred, a young, somewhat reluctant duke, and his eight-year-old half-brother.
Alfred is preoccupied with a local election which will determine if he will continue representing the area in Parliament. It's an election he feels duty-bound to win, even though he personally does not wish to continue as an MP. His attraction to Meredith can only hurt his chance in the election.
Meredith is quickly proven to be a governess of "great talents" (as the characters remind us, perhaps a few too many times) and is seamlessly accepted into the household and into young Archibald's heart. Her complicated relationship with Alfred can only end in her ruin, so she attempts to keep her distance and focus on her duties.
It's impossible not to like Meredith, as she has nary a flaw in sight. Alfred, on the other hand, comes across as a bit of a jerk on more than once occasion, a misogynist typical of his day, and not as honorable as one would hope. However, he does come around in time to secure a satisfying HEA for himself and Meredith, even if the final bit of news was far too premature to be believable.
The timeline and pronoun usage could have used the help of a good editor, but those are easily overlooked in order to enjoy the escape into the story. It's a sweet story with a bit of steam, an enjoyable afternoon's read for those who love historical romances. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
May 19, 2021
Story of a governess with exceptional talents, including some from her former criminal past, and a duke. Its a pleasant story, possibly a little slow, and I did not really take to the Duke, so even as I write this i am unsure whether its a 3 or 4 star.
There are a number of things in that story that stretched my credulity, just a few are as follows. Items of value are going missing on a regular basis, which are commented on but no one seems to do anything about for some time - really? Housekeeper is struggling because she is a maid short - I am sure the Duke would just tell her to hire one! I also expected Meredith to more with the information from the maid - like confront or make known the facts about Mr Talbot. And given she left the house in disgrace, and with the disdain of all the staff, there is nothing really about how they react when she returns, and the truth of the thefts is known. Lastly given Miss Clarke's high standards for her Agency, the meeting at the end seemed odd. At least one of the governesses had heard that Meredith had married the Duke, but Miss Clarke seemed unaware, and Meredith had to remind Miss Clarke to address her as 'Your Grace', something Miss Clarke would have surely done automatically - a little unconvincing.
To summarise, a little slow, some unconvincing bits, but if you bear this in mind I would say give it a read. The concept of this Agency and Governesses is great for a series, so I await to see how it develops
There are a number of things in that story that stretched my credulity, just a few are as follows. Items of value are going missing on a regular basis, which are commented on but no one seems to do anything about for some time - really? Housekeeper is struggling because she is a maid short - I am sure the Duke would just tell her to hire one! I also expected Meredith to more with the information from the maid - like confront or make known the facts about Mr Talbot. And given she left the house in disgrace, and with the disdain of all the staff, there is nothing really about how they react when she returns, and the truth of the thefts is known. Lastly given Miss Clarke's high standards for her Agency, the meeting at the end seemed odd. At least one of the governesses had heard that Meredith had married the Duke, but Miss Clarke seemed unaware, and Meredith had to remind Miss Clarke to address her as 'Your Grace', something Miss Clarke would have surely done automatically - a little unconvincing.
To summarise, a little slow, some unconvincing bits, but if you bear this in mind I would say give it a read. The concept of this Agency and Governesses is great for a series, so I await to see how it develops
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2021
Miss Meredith Hubert has just ended a successful employment as a governess for an Earl's family and is back in The Governess Bureau to hopefully get her next. The owner of the bureau is very strict and expects extremely high standards from the ladies she places in some of the highest households in the land.
If the woman knew just who Meredith really is, she would never represent her. Our heroine's special talents make caring for difficult children easy for her.
Alfred Carmichael the Duke of Rochdale needs someone to teach his half-brother while he concentrates on winning his seat in Parliament. As his is only a small duchy he has no automatic seat in the House of Lords.
Our hero is following a longstanding family tradition, even though the very idea of sitting in boring parliament instead of riding his grounds drives him to distraction. Keeping his mind on what he should be doing only gets harder in the coming weeks.
This is an unlikely, but very amusing story with fabulous characters. A governess is a very important part in the lives of many children and provides more than just education. If the rest of them from this new series do the same as this one, the owner of the bureau is not going to be happy.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one, and look forward to the next book.
Good fun.
If the woman knew just who Meredith really is, she would never represent her. Our heroine's special talents make caring for difficult children easy for her.
Alfred Carmichael the Duke of Rochdale needs someone to teach his half-brother while he concentrates on winning his seat in Parliament. As his is only a small duchy he has no automatic seat in the House of Lords.
Our hero is following a longstanding family tradition, even though the very idea of sitting in boring parliament instead of riding his grounds drives him to distraction. Keeping his mind on what he should be doing only gets harder in the coming weeks.
This is an unlikely, but very amusing story with fabulous characters. A governess is a very important part in the lives of many children and provides more than just education. If the rest of them from this new series do the same as this one, the owner of the bureau is not going to be happy.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one, and look forward to the next book.
Good fun.
June 16, 2021
The story was so much about the election the Duke (H) was running against a foe for Parliament. It was very repetitive and the romance was on the back burning. I've never heard of a Duke needing to run for Parliament, but I didn't research it.
The h is a Governess to the H's 1/2 brother. I enjoyed her character and her unique way to get the 8 year old to study. For some reason someone in the household didn't care for her. This was never explained and I agree with another reviewer it should have been addressed.
The H seemed like he had ADHD. I felt sorry for the people who were prepping him for the election. He never concentrated in their meeting. The man who was running against him, was not honorable. It was stated the town knew about it, but this information wasn't used in the election. Why even mention it.
There is foreplay prior to marriage. Heat level 2 out of 5. I didn't feel a connection to this couple, mainly because romance was on the back burner.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, little drama/suspense/romance, Lord's name used 3 times in vain, and a small tad of spice. (ljb)
The h is a Governess to the H's 1/2 brother. I enjoyed her character and her unique way to get the 8 year old to study. For some reason someone in the household didn't care for her. This was never explained and I agree with another reviewer it should have been addressed.
The H seemed like he had ADHD. I felt sorry for the people who were prepping him for the election. He never concentrated in their meeting. The man who was running against him, was not honorable. It was stated the town knew about it, but this information wasn't used in the election. Why even mention it.
There is foreplay prior to marriage. Heat level 2 out of 5. I didn't feel a connection to this couple, mainly because romance was on the back burner.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, little drama/suspense/romance, Lord's name used 3 times in vain, and a small tad of spice. (ljb)
June 18, 2021
No Such Thing as a Minor Duke🐺
ADULT Historical Regency Romance 💕and Adventure
Dukes🐺 don't have enemies, they have adversaries!
Meredith 💃💋is a governess for all seasons! She has had only one other job for an Earl, but when a job for a Duke's young brother👨 opens up, she is happy to take it .
Her new employer is Alfred,🐺 the Duke of Rochdale, and his much younger brother, Archibald👨, has largely been ignored by him. Meredith💃💋 will have a big job to get the smart but disinterested child engaged in life and learning.
Alfred🐺 hates the tediousness of parliament, but since his father and grandfather were members, he feels it's his duty to run for election. But the upcoming election is draining him like a vampire. He figures he is much more effective as a landlord to his tenants, than as a member of parliament. Nevertheless, it's his duty, and it is taking up all his time! This time he has an opponent, John Talbot, who seems eager to campaign.
Meredith💃💋 slowly draws out Archie,👨 with her innovative teaching, and at the same time she captures Alfred's heart💘!
This is a well written novel with a great story. Recommend!
ADULT Historical Regency Romance 💕and Adventure
Dukes🐺 don't have enemies, they have adversaries!
Meredith 💃💋is a governess for all seasons! She has had only one other job for an Earl, but when a job for a Duke's young brother👨 opens up, she is happy to take it .
Her new employer is Alfred,🐺 the Duke of Rochdale, and his much younger brother, Archibald👨, has largely been ignored by him. Meredith💃💋 will have a big job to get the smart but disinterested child engaged in life and learning.
Alfred🐺 hates the tediousness of parliament, but since his father and grandfather were members, he feels it's his duty to run for election. But the upcoming election is draining him like a vampire. He figures he is much more effective as a landlord to his tenants, than as a member of parliament. Nevertheless, it's his duty, and it is taking up all his time! This time he has an opponent, John Talbot, who seems eager to campaign.
Meredith💃💋 slowly draws out Archie,👨 with her innovative teaching, and at the same time she captures Alfred's heart💘!
This is a well written novel with a great story. Recommend!
January 4, 2025
Not for me
This book was a slog and I really don't know what the point was. Alfred the MMC is not likeable, at all. He is miserable most of the book and makes everyone else miserable too. He has this weird personality fluctuatinh between hating his life and not caring about anything, to being overbearing and controlling about the strangest things. He is running for election in parliament but doesn't want to be elected. He acts like a child about the election. His opponent is painted as sleazy yet he would be happy for him to win over him. I'm not sure what the storyline about the opponent was about since it did not factor into the main story at all.
The book is just really boring, really repetitive, with little to no action and almost no true romance. The relationship seems forced and which the FMC forgives him for his attitude and actions I will never understand.
I did like the FMC but, her mysterious past which is mentioned often, only comes up and is relevant for a handful of pages. It was quite anticlimactic. Then the MMC was like "OK that's fine."
This is just an odd book that should have been a novela.
This book was a slog and I really don't know what the point was. Alfred the MMC is not likeable, at all. He is miserable most of the book and makes everyone else miserable too. He has this weird personality fluctuatinh between hating his life and not caring about anything, to being overbearing and controlling about the strangest things. He is running for election in parliament but doesn't want to be elected. He acts like a child about the election. His opponent is painted as sleazy yet he would be happy for him to win over him. I'm not sure what the storyline about the opponent was about since it did not factor into the main story at all.
The book is just really boring, really repetitive, with little to no action and almost no true romance. The relationship seems forced and which the FMC forgives him for his attitude and actions I will never understand.
I did like the FMC but, her mysterious past which is mentioned often, only comes up and is relevant for a handful of pages. It was quite anticlimactic. Then the MMC was like "OK that's fine."
This is just an odd book that should have been a novela.
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