Appena assunta come governante dalla famiglia del duca, la giovane Alice Sharpe deve imparare a controllare i suoi modi impulsivi. L’incarico di badare alla casa e ai bambini è un’opportunità unica, di quelle che capitano poche volte nella vita, e potrebbe significare vivere nell’agio per il resto dei suoi giorni. Sfortunatamente, il primo incontro con l’ospite del duca, un affascinante scienziato, dimostra che potrebbe non essere pronta per il ruolo austero di governante. Rupert Gardiner ha un obiettivo: far pubblicare dalla Royal Society il frutto dei suoi studi in botanica. È stato incaricato dal duca di catalogare tutta la flora del parco del castello. Ma le continue apparizioni di Miss Sharpe durante il lavoro sono una distrazione piuttosto fastidiosa. Almeno, questo è quello che dice a sé stesso. Mentre Alice fatica ad adattarsi al suo nuovo ruolo, non può fare a meno di ammirare l’intelligenza e la concentrazione di Rupert. Più si incontrano, più la sua ammirazione cresce. Ma un gentiluomo come lui potrebbe mai innamorarsi di una semplice governante?
Sally Britton is sixth generation Texan, received her BA in English forever ago, and reads voraciously. She started her writing journey at the tender age of fourteen on an electric typewriter, and she’s never looked back.
Sally lives in Oklahoma with her husband, four children, and their overly energetic Australian Shepherds, cat, and snake named Nancy. She loves researching, hiking, and eating too much chocolate.
Sweet, funny, and cute. Loaded with genuinely decent, kind characters. Thank goodness. After all the Regency fiction I’ve read, there’s nothing more disappointing than a malicious meddler. (Unless it’s a totally avoidable, long-drawn-out misunderstanding.) I am happy to report that neither of those plot devices had a showing here. All was sweetness and light. And I am here for it!
This is a novel where an entomologist and a governess fall in love... we’ve all seen it happen. ;) Actually, I don’t believe I’ve ever read that particular combination, and it was super fun and fresh. You will adore the entire family (plus governess).
A new series from the lovely Sally Britton, you ask. Why yes! And it starts out quite lovely if I do say so myself! I've been so excited for this one since the author first announced that she was working on it! Yay! It's been fun to read some of the background for her writing it and her inspiration for Clairvoir Castle. Go sign up for her newsletter if you're interested and like to know the background info. I love learning about those aspects of books and what brought an author to choose the story and characters and setting.
Alice Sharpe has been passed around amongst her relatives since she was little, after the passing of both of her parents. She finally is at a point where they no longer want to care for her and she sets out to work as a governess. Alice's character was very sweet. I loved watching her interactions with the family she was working with, especially the children in her role as their governess. Even her interactions with the older children who don't need a governess anymore, was very sweet. I always have hope (I know, we're years past the Regency Era but I can't help thinking what it was like) that not all governesses were treated horribly or as invisible and somebody to be ignored and belittled. I always hope that there was a good relationship for some of them and that they were respected and cared for. I know, it wasn't that way for all of them but like I said, I have hope that there were more than not.
Rupert Gardiner is an entomologist working with the Duke of Clairvoir Castle. And can I just say that his and Alice's first meeting was quite a debacle. It gave me a good chuckle. Then after the debacle their next interaction was to be paired up for dinner. Ha! Oh, the awkwardness. But like a true lady, Alice stands tall and behaves with perfect decorum.
Rupert and Alice have a sweet and gentle relationship that was so fun to watch build. There was no pretense and games. Although, Alice has some reservations that Rupert didn't understand until she explained her past and her employment. It'll make sense if you read it. I loved how they found commonalities and interests and how that led them to build a friendship that eventually lead to them falling in love.
There are a few hinderances in their relationship but I loved how those were resolved. It's just a sweet and enjoyable story. I listened to the audiobook while working around the house and it was so delightful. The narrator, Jessica Elisa Boyd, has such a soothing voice. I've listened to several audiobooks with her as narrator and I love how she brings the stories to life. She was a great pick for narrating this one.
I'm looking forward to Emma's story next. I can't wait to see how it all plays out!
Content: Clean!
I purchased my own ebook and listened to the audiobook from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Трябва да бъдеш полезен, за да искат близките и роднини ти да живееш с тях !!! Има и такова нещо. Има и такива отношения между членове на семейства! И не само на страниците на Mr. Gardiner And The Governess. За съжаление! А в тази книга много ми допадна ха описанията на градините на имението! Очарованието на лятното слънце , на миниатюрните бръмбари, пеперуди, гущерчета, жаби, гъсеници и други живинки, щъкащи измежду цветята , тревите, дърветата и във водите на имота. Природата толкова красиво участва заедно с емоциите и преживяванията на героите, че е не само фон , но е почти герой. Мило преживяване!
I found this book to be somewhat tame- definitely a gentle romance, but it was so delightful and charming that I loved it all the same! Not surprising since this author excels at bringing her interesting characters to life. Rupert comes from an affectionate and supportive family, while Alice does not. I loved seeing her blossom as a governess and as a friend to Rupert as he appreciates her artistic skills and their relationship develops quite naturally to a sweet romance. The conflict in the story is Alice's inner struggle with confidence and feeling valued, and Rupert's attention and absences challenge her trust in new ways. The family she works for is rather kind (though it comes as a surprise to Alice) and I look forward to more from this series focusing on some of them!
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
I so enjoyed this sweet gentle romance. It was such a cute story of 2 people falling in love. Mr. Gardiner is such a nice mix of gentleness and masculinity. I loved that he was so attracted to her need to protect everything. Alice was cautious and careful. It was very in character that she was so leary of him and his motives. She wanted to let herself fall in love but her life had taught her not to trust. I loved that they are so sweet together. It felt so real and just made me sigh:} This is a proper romance with a few kisses, no religion and a tiny bit of violence that gets stopped before it starts.
“Be brave, Alice.” Ever since being orphaned, Alice Sharpe has found herself from household to household, unwanted and overlooked. Now deemed old enough to find her own way, she is sent to be a governess at Clairvoir Castle to tutor the duke’s youngest children. She is used to blending in and cannot imagine why anyone would want her.
Rupert Gardiner is an entomologist and has taken up the work of cataloguing every animal or plant in the Clairvoir Castle’s immense garden. Not many would seek the company of a man constantly surrounded by insects, let alone those of the fairer sex.
That is until they meet.
Guys. This was adorable. I was kicking my feet the entire time. They were both so mature and their relationship was so sweet and healthy, I could barely put the book down. Ugh, take all the stars Sally Britton, you deserve them.
What a fun, gentle, charming novella! The author says she wrote this in the Spring of 2020 as an answer to the stress. The female AND male main characters are so sweet and perfect for each other. Their love story… 👌🏻💙
I’ve been drawn to this series for months and now I know why. When I realized this is the author of the ‘Forever After’ series. book #2, I was onboard. 👑
Only once did I find romantic thoughts a bit too syrup-y sweet. Hate to admit it but it was so good as to make me tear up a couple times.
Found the ebook on kindle unlimited and the audio on the author’s YouTube page. May be elsewhere as well.
There is nothing wrong with the writing and story. I just feel that the heroine is a bit of a ninny and she doesn't appeal to me. The author is someone I wanted to try for quite some time, so that was a bummer. Maybe I will have better luck with her other books. Fingers-crossed!
3.5 STARS I’ve been wanting to read this for ages because I loved the premise – it sounded different from the typical ballroom romances. It started strong and I really did like Mr. Gardiner. It was a sweet romance, based in friendship and mutual interests and admiration rather than insta-love (or insta-lust) and I appreciated that, though I did wish it had a bit more swoon factor. (Despite the fact there was surprisingly forward behavior such as kissing before any promises had been made!) I didn’t fully believe they were in love, somehow. Perhaps because I found Alice (the titular governess) a bit bland. I could sympathize with her backstory, and appreciate her intelligence and kindness, but she never felt fully developed. It was her job as governess to blend into the background, but there needed to be a way for her to be really vibrant elsewhere and I just didn’t feel it came across, even though I think the fact she was an unusual young woman, enjoying Mr. Gardiners etymological endeavors and lending her own artistic talents to an important project, was supposed to make her stand out. I will say that I was quite glad that a very common plot device in this type of romance could have been easily employed but, fortunately, wasn’t. How refreshing that the characters actually . I am glad I didn’t pay full price for this, but it was entertaining enough for easy reading before bed. It was my first purchase off PangoBooks and the seller was kind enough to throw in the sequel for only $2 so I will probably give that a try, though I probably won’t be rushing right out to buy any of Sally Britton’s other novels (despite overwhelmingly favorable reviews, my library doesn’t have any of hers in circulation) and would only offer a lukewarm recommendation of this if you think the premise sounds good. I must say, it wasa nice change to find our hero and heroine outside enjoying nature, discussing butterflies and wildflowers, rather than always prancing about a ballroom or sitting down to elaborate dinners – so, bonus points for some originality and I’ll give this three-and-a-half stars. It is a sweet, clean romance but there is one brief incident that could have ended quite badly for the heroine and could potentially be upsetting for some readers so I will list that here as a spoiler:
Mr. Gardiner and the Governess is one of those stories I just knew that I’d love from the moment I saw its breathtaking cover and read its premise. The best words to describe this story are lovely, charming, gentle, and delightful. Though the plot and pace were slow-moving, I still found myself thoroughly engaged, feeling as if I were being gently led along a garden stroll with each turn of the page.
The romance was at the heart of this beautiful story. Rupert and Alice come together for her to help illustrate the pictures in his entomology studies. I adored both characters; they were thoroughly likable, Rupert in particular. His gentleness and passion in entomology were not only thoroughly endearing, but created such unique and wonderful situations for his developing friendship and romance with Alice. I loved watching them come together, as well as her growth as she overcomes her inner struggles to gain confidence and find value in herself.
The writing was lovely, especially the descriptions of Clairvoir Castle and its vast gardens, which were utterly beautiful. The setting is what really caused this lovely story to stand out. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all of Sally Britton’s books and series, but so far I’m already finding this series in particular quite special. I can’t wait to read the other characters’ stories and spend more time at Clairvoir Castle watching more love stories unfold.
Mr. Gardiner and the Governess was an adorable Regency romance with endearing characters, charming friendships, and just the right amount of swoon.
The love story between Alice and Rupert was gentle and sweet - and I thought they matched each other really well. There was a light forbidden romance aspect to this story due to the expectations of Alice's role as a governess. However, I think their romance was more about their shared interests and winsome friendship, and I loved how it naturally blossomed into more.
Additionally, I enjoyed the secondary characters - the kindness, humor, and warmth of the duke's family appealed to me and made me eagerly want to return to this series. I also thought the English setting of Clairvoir Castle was enchanting and beautifully illustrated.
All in all, Mr. Gardiner and the Governess was an enjoyable, and cozy read. 3.5 stars.
it was a sweet little story; an innocent and clean romance. I can see the appeal, definitely, and there was nothing glaring that I disliked. however, I am a character-driven reader and didn't really find myself connecting with either of the main characters very much, which is generally what makes me rate a book higher. but 3 stars doesn't condemn a book in my opinion. in fact, I rather look forward to reading more from Ms. Britton. I enjoyed her writing style and would like to read the next book in this series. I can see myself reading another book like this when I just want something simple, short, and sweet.
This is the first book in this new series. I loved that it was a bit different. Yes, it is a book where the governess finds love. But it isn’t about her finding love with a member of the household. It also has her love interest being a gentleman whose interest is in bugs and plants. It is a sweet romance. Both Rupert and Alice are kind people. Even better is the kindness of the duke. I’d love to know the duke better. I’m excited for the rest of this series.
I just finished the audible book. The narrator is good. And the story just as fine. I’m ready Sally for book two. Ha Ha.
Charming and sweet come to mind when I think of Mr Gardiner and Alice.
He is a working gentleman and naturalist. Plants and fauna are his first loves. He is expected to settle down some day, but his life can be summed up with a quote from Walt Whitman: Happiness, not in another place but this place...not for another hour, but this hour. Working for the Duke of Montfort brings him joy.
Alice has a distinguished ancestry. Sadly, her parents died when she was a child, and she was bandied among family members who didn't want her. As an adult she becomes governess for the 3 youngest children of the duke. She is a quiet but well-meaning woman and is determined to make her life as a caretaker and teacher a success.
The story flows. Romantic thoughts surprise both the h and H; neither expects to find love. Instead, it sneaks up on them.
This is the first time I have read a romance by Ms. Britton, and it won't be my last.
"Kissing a woman over her compassionate behavior toward frogs would be illogical."
What a cute read! It's been a while since I've read a regency romance, and Mr. Gardiner and the Governess didn't disappoint. Although the pacing could be a little slow at times, I really enjoyed how the characters got to know each other and build trust with one another. Their interactions were sweet, and I really enjoyed witnessing the meeting of minds and hearts between two smart people who complemented each other very well.
If you are looking for a sweet regency romance, this is the perfect read for you!
Reread 04/2022 I'm rereading the series because the third installment is out! Love the writing style, the characters. The expression "gentle romance" is perfect for these books. 4,5 stars. -------------------------------- Review 01/2022 There are few books that from page one on feel just right, as if they were made for me (I often need some time to get into the story), and reading on I just hope "please please dear author don't mess this up", and until the end the author keeps going strong and stays on the beautiful path they chose. This book was one of those wonderful books. It was a joy to read. I loved Alice and was so happy she got her hea without drama, intrigues or many obstacles to overcome. This will certainly be an all time favorite for me (similarly to some of Mimi Matthews books). 5 stars.
4.5 stars. A clean Regency romance without much drama, and thankfully no serious misunderstandings to keep the main characters apart. I really liked Alice, the new governess and Rupert, the entomologist cataloging the Duke’s gardens. Their relationship was sweet and developed naturally. Alice’s hesitations were reasonable considering her background and situation. But Rupert did a great job of praising her efforts and getting her to open up. The Duke and his family were also very kind. I look forward to reading more about Lady Josephine and her friend Emma in the next book which is out now.
I listened to the audiobook version of this and it is super cute. A very different kind of Regency gentleman and a governess. So much fun! I always love a governess love story! Both characters are extremely likeable. I also loved all the side characters and can't wait for the series to continue with this lovely family.
A charming new series beginner, Mr. Gardiner and the Governess was a sweet romance by the talented Sally Britton that introduces a new place and cast of characters I am excited to read more and more about. Mr. Gardiner (his name very well-suited to his character) is a gentleman entomologist. Doing a study and creating a book for the Duke at Clairvoir Castle, he and the Duke's new governess unexpectedly meet in the castle's enchanting gardens and instantly Rupert recognizes the depth of Alice's mind and beauty. Alice is the governess though, and accustomed to avoiding being in the spotlight. When Rupert attempts to recruit her assistance, and to try and get to know her better, she resists afraid of how it will look and the risk to her employment. I enjoyed the descriptions of Rupert's work and can tell the author did a great job researching for this book and new series. The Duke's family already seems amazing and I can't wait for more of their stories. Rupert and Alice are a great match for one another and their kisses are of course delightful. A clean Regency, fans of Britton's novels are sure to love this new novel and look forward with me to more in the series. I received an advance reader copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was a surprisingly good read. I am a little baffled by that fact because there are no real villains, the duke and his family are nice, the servants are nice, Mr. Gardiner is nice and the governess is nice. I would have thought this would bore me to flinders but it didn't. WTH? There were no real miscommunications or misunderstandings. What there were of those was very minimal and were used to actually show that the MCs trusted each other despite potential evidence to the contrary.
It was enjoyable to read how Mr. Gardiner enjoyed the h's company and approached her with full intention to seriously give their growing relationship a chance. He didn't rush into anything, he wanted to give it some serious time and thought to make sure it was the right path, etc. Same with the h. Their relationship was really lovely and it was nice to see that you could have a story with nice, normal people and still be engaged.
I find myself looking to the next book in the series which deals with another side character in this book.
"Kissing a woman over her compassionate behavior toward frogs would be illogical."
Oh, how sweet! I love romances that have a bit of an intellectual twist, so Mr. Gardiner and the Governess was right up my alley. Mr. Gardiner is a gentleman with incredible work ethic...and is also very obsessed with entomology, the study of insects. Alice Sharpe is a governess with a calm head and an interest in the natural world, a heart for forgotten children, and a hope to one day have a place to call her own.
I recommend this one for readers like me who are looking for a sweet romance, beautiful setting, and characters who are truly striving to be the absolute best version of themselves. I also thought this was such a great depiction of a woman who had unique interests for the time and place, but the writing brilliantly steered clear from that dreadful "not like other girls" trope that always comes off so nasty. Bravo!
“Will you walk with me?” he asked, gesturing out into the garden. “I wish to know everything about you.”
This was a lovely, gentle romance. As we are nearing the end of 2020 (thank goodness!), it's nice to read something where the obstacles aren't insurmountable, people are (mostly) good, and everyone gets what they deserve in the end! Highly recommend for anyone looking for a low-stress read. Alice and Rupert are both very likable characters and are just perfect for each other. (Seriously, so cute together!) The supporting characters were also enjoyable and I am excited to see that this is the first in a series. I will look forward to visiting Clairvoir Castle again!
This was such a sweet and refreshing historical romance, one that I could actually see myself reading again in the future! Not only were the main characters very endearing, the side characters were incredibly likable as well. I look forward to hearing their stories as this series continues.
Possibly the best Kindle freebie ever. An absolutely lovely, believable romance between two nice people who wouldn’t normally have met but were thrown together by fate and common interests. There was No no ridiculous Big Misunderstanding. Interesting and pleasant supporting characters. I will definitely check out others in this series.
Tacco12 -per rfs . Alice Sharpe è la nuova istitutrice dei figli del duca e, come tale, da lei ci si aspetta un determinato comportamento. Ci sono infatti una serie di regole non scritte la cui inottemperanza potrebbe comportare l’allontanamento dal castello di Clairvoir. E lei ha davvero troppo bisogno di quel lavoro per voler rischiare.
Ecco perché l’incontro con l’affascinante scienziato Rupert Gardiner, incaricato dal padrone di casa di catalogare tutta la flora del parco del castello, la destabilizza un po’.
Lei è desiderosa di proteggere l’unica possibilità che ha di poter vivere nell’agio per il resto dei suoi giorni, e lui è più che intenzionato a far pubblicare dalla Royal Society il frutto dei suoi studi in botanica. Entrambi hanno tanto da perdere e poco, in apparenza, da guadagnare dalla reciproca distrazione. Ma, come si dice, il destino ha altri piani.
Molto più simili di quanto osassero pensare, tra i due scatta subito un forte interesse reciproco, che diventa brevemente una collaborazione professionale. È tutto qui? Lascio a voi il piacere il scoprirlo!
Sally Britton è stata davvero brava a descrivere i due protagonisti di questo piacevole regency romance. L’insicurezza di Alice ha profonde radici, che derivano dalla sua infanzia di bambina orfana, vista come un peso dalla sua stessa famiglia che non fa mistero del volersi liberare di lei. Da qui la conseguente paura della ragazza di rischiare la sicurezza appena trovata, ma che si contrappone al profondo desiderio di amare e di essere amata.
Che dire? È impossibile non parteggiare per questa tenera coppia, perché tra loro non esistono sotterfugi, sono assolutamente trasparenti e sinceri.
“Tutte cose vere, ma quelle non sono le uniche ragioni”. La guardò con gli occhi socchiusi. “Voi mi piacete, mia cara Alice, perché parlate con sincerità, sempre. Mi piacete perché vi prendete cura dei bambini che cadono dagli alberi. Mi piacete perché salvate le rane. Mi piacete perché i vostri occhi e le vostre parole risplendono di intelligenza. Mi piacete perché stare accanto a voi mi rende felice, e mi trovo a voler dimostrare, a voi e forse grazie a voi, che oggi sono un uomo migliore di ieri. La vostra è la miglior compagnia di cui abbia mai avuto modo di godere. Voi mi piacete, Alice, perché siete voi”.
La descrizione dei meravigliosi giardini della residenza del duca fa solo desiderare di poterci fare una bella passeggiata… sembra quasi di vederne i colori, di sentire gli odori.
Con una scrittura semplice e fluida, Sally Britton ci regala delle piacevoli ore di lettura, facendoci sentire come se fossimo in un sogno.
This was really cute! I enjoyed the characters and the story line. I especially loved the children and the relationship they had with Alice. I feel like it’s not often I read a book about a governess or teacher who all of the kids in her care like her, without having at least one mean spirited brat playing tricks on her or trying to get her in trouble all of the time. I also really liked that the dukes family was very close-knit and loved one another. Again, it’s not often that I read books with family’s in high society have good relationships.
This was somewhat slow and a little bit boring, but overall cute and I will definitely be reading more from this author!
Mr. Gardiner and the Governess is the first book I have read by Sally Britton. Jessica Elisa Boyd is the narrator, and she did a good job.
This is a sweet, slow romance. While Alice and Rupert had a lot in common, their friendship turned relationship developed naturally over time. I struggled quite a bit with this story because not much happened. It just plodded along. I had heard fabulous things about the author, but this work did not live up to that expectation. The story did get more engaging toward the end, with a little humor thrown in as well. Had the story ended differently than it did, my rating would have been lower.