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kristirose's review
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Vicar's daughter Mary Smith needs a way to earn a living while trying to save her father. Sir Nicholas Denny needs a Governess to help amuse his visiting nieces and nephews. Unexpectedly, this puts them on a collision course.
Other than Sir Nicholas's secretary, I struggled to like the characters. I feel as though Nicholas was given a character arc similar to Mr. Darcy in that he has to come to terms with his arrogance. It was a difficult sell. I just didn't find him likeable.
I also didn't enjoy how Mary excused everyone's behavior. People are responsible for their own actions. No one in this book seems to own up to that fact. Mary provides everyone with an excuse for everything.
Other than Sir Nicholas's secretary, I struggled to like the characters. I feel as though Nicholas was given a character arc similar to Mr. Darcy in that he has to come to terms with his arrogance. It was a difficult sell. I just didn't find him likeable.
I also didn't enjoy how Mary excused everyone's behavior. People are responsible for their own actions. No one in this book seems to own up to that fact. Mary provides everyone with an excuse for everything.
jessbookishlife's review against another edition
5.0
I no longer know I'm always surprised by being surprised when reading a historical romance. The authors in the genre never stop amaze me with their ideas and the characters the build and introduce to us. Catherine Tinley is one of those authors. Do I love her books? Yes, I do. Did I love this book? Of course!
Mary and Nicholas. Beautiful names. Fantastic character. They were well written. Mary was a very good character that made me cheer for her, plus she's just amazing, smart and full of determination. Nicholas... What can I say? The men in historical romances always end up wining my heart, and Catherine knows how to do that with each book she writes.
I loved the fun interactions between the characters. I loved the way their relationship was built and the development of their feelings for one another during the storyline. Plus, there were a couple of funny moments in the mix, as well as some sigh provoking ones.
I don't want to talk a lot about the plot because I don't want to spoil anything. I just want to let you know that it had a good pace, a good balance of scenes and the tone of the narrative. It was a good escape for a winter stay at out.
Overall, I absolutely loved it. Who doesn't love strong main characters?
[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Catherine Tinley for the eCopy of this book and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]
Mary and Nicholas. Beautiful names. Fantastic character. They were well written. Mary was a very good character that made me cheer for her, plus she's just amazing, smart and full of determination. Nicholas... What can I say? The men in historical romances always end up wining my heart, and Catherine knows how to do that with each book she writes.
I loved the fun interactions between the characters. I loved the way their relationship was built and the development of their feelings for one another during the storyline. Plus, there were a couple of funny moments in the mix, as well as some sigh provoking ones.
I don't want to talk a lot about the plot because I don't want to spoil anything. I just want to let you know that it had a good pace, a good balance of scenes and the tone of the narrative. It was a good escape for a winter stay at out.
Overall, I absolutely loved it. Who doesn't love strong main characters?
[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Catherine Tinley for the eCopy of this book and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]
rhirhireader's review
3.0
Miss Smith is the oldest girl at her school. She doesn't fit in, she's curious about the world, and questions her place within it. Her papa is unwell, and unable to pay further fees for her schooling, Miss Smith, Mary, starts to look for a way to make an income.
Mary finally catches a break, she is offered the role of governess for the nieces and nephews of the respected Sir Nicholas Denny over in his estate in Norfolk.
Mary tries hard not to let her true self show. People have tended not to take to her outspoken ways. But its only so long one can keep up the act. Nicholas very quickly sees through to Mary's true identity- but it is far from dislike he sees.
I enjoyed reading something set in a time so long ago. It really captures the difference in how a woman would live her life these days, compared to the 1800s.
The descriptions of the fashion they all wore really interested me, and I could visualise such grande scenes.
A great flow to the writing, old fashioned in the best way.
Im glad we are more like Miss Smith these days and say exactly what we want to say and more importantly, be respected for it.
Mary finally catches a break, she is offered the role of governess for the nieces and nephews of the respected Sir Nicholas Denny over in his estate in Norfolk.
Mary tries hard not to let her true self show. People have tended not to take to her outspoken ways. But its only so long one can keep up the act. Nicholas very quickly sees through to Mary's true identity- but it is far from dislike he sees.
I enjoyed reading something set in a time so long ago. It really captures the difference in how a woman would live her life these days, compared to the 1800s.
The descriptions of the fashion they all wore really interested me, and I could visualise such grande scenes.
A great flow to the writing, old fashioned in the best way.
Im glad we are more like Miss Smith these days and say exactly what we want to say and more importantly, be respected for it.
bookshortie's review
5.0
This was my first Harlequin Historical romance and I was not disappointed. This was a brilliant introduction to a genre that I have been considering for a while but was unsure where to start.
The main character of the book is Mary Smith, a Vicar’s daughter and the first time we meet Mary she is at the Plumpton Academy for Young Ladies. This is a place that clearly clashes with Mary’s personality. It’s easy to see from the outset that Mary is very forward thinking and her thoughts and beliefs are different from those around her. Mary is very free spirited and outspoken. She believes that women should be able to take part in society and speak their minds; however to those around her she is considered opinionated and unruly. Then Mary’s circumstances change and her father ends up in some difficulty so she has to take up a new role as a governess to Sir Nicholas Denny’s nephews and nieces. In order to take on the role Mary has to tone down who she really is; from outspoken to agreeable which means biting her tongue on several occasions. When Sir Nicholas meets Mary he initially thinks she is dull, there’s nothing about her that stands out to him and she has no opinions or a mind of her own. As Sir Nicholas gets to know Mary he realises what her true nature is, that she is intelligent, spirited and different from other women he’s met. The more he speaks to her he starts to see Mary’s mask slip and catches glimpses of who Mary really is.
I really loved this book. It was like being whisked back to the 1800s with every turn of the page. I am a big fan of the classics; Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, Sense and Sensibility so this was the perfect read for me. It also fitted perfectly into that genre seamlessly. It isn’t just a romance novel it also had another storyline running through it involving Mary’s father which I thought was actually really fascinating and very original. The characters were well written as was the storyline. It was clear to see sparks between Mary and Sir Nicholas from their very first encounter even if it did take them a little while to figure it out for themselves. This is the first book that I've read by the author and I was really impressed so I'll definitely be looking into reading some other books by the same author. If like me you've never read a Harlequin Historical novel before and would like to then I would recommend that you start with this one.
I can only describe the book as pocket sized which I really liked. It made the book different and perfect for an on the go read as it fits perfectly in a bag and takes up little space.
If you like reading books set in the 1800s with a touch of romance, drama and conspiracy I would highly recommend this book.
I received a gifted copy of this book for an honest review.
The main character of the book is Mary Smith, a Vicar’s daughter and the first time we meet Mary she is at the Plumpton Academy for Young Ladies. This is a place that clearly clashes with Mary’s personality. It’s easy to see from the outset that Mary is very forward thinking and her thoughts and beliefs are different from those around her. Mary is very free spirited and outspoken. She believes that women should be able to take part in society and speak their minds; however to those around her she is considered opinionated and unruly. Then Mary’s circumstances change and her father ends up in some difficulty so she has to take up a new role as a governess to Sir Nicholas Denny’s nephews and nieces. In order to take on the role Mary has to tone down who she really is; from outspoken to agreeable which means biting her tongue on several occasions. When Sir Nicholas meets Mary he initially thinks she is dull, there’s nothing about her that stands out to him and she has no opinions or a mind of her own. As Sir Nicholas gets to know Mary he realises what her true nature is, that she is intelligent, spirited and different from other women he’s met. The more he speaks to her he starts to see Mary’s mask slip and catches glimpses of who Mary really is.
I really loved this book. It was like being whisked back to the 1800s with every turn of the page. I am a big fan of the classics; Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, Sense and Sensibility so this was the perfect read for me. It also fitted perfectly into that genre seamlessly. It isn’t just a romance novel it also had another storyline running through it involving Mary’s father which I thought was actually really fascinating and very original. The characters were well written as was the storyline. It was clear to see sparks between Mary and Sir Nicholas from their very first encounter even if it did take them a little while to figure it out for themselves. This is the first book that I've read by the author and I was really impressed so I'll definitely be looking into reading some other books by the same author. If like me you've never read a Harlequin Historical novel before and would like to then I would recommend that you start with this one.
I can only describe the book as pocket sized which I really liked. It made the book different and perfect for an on the go read as it fits perfectly in a bag and takes up little space.
If you like reading books set in the 1800s with a touch of romance, drama and conspiracy I would highly recommend this book.
I received a gifted copy of this book for an honest review.
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