Getting Your Read On: The Truth about Miss Ashbourne by Joanna Barker + $25 and Book Giveaway!

Governess Juliana Ashbourne has dreams reaching far beyond the confines of her current position, hoping to someday establish her own school for girls. When she inherits a fortune from her late grandfather, she is shocked to learn that “someday” may soon be within reach. However, there is one condition: she must spend a month at the estate of Havenfield—with the very family who disowned her mother. Intent on securing the money she needs to start her school, Juliana accepts the invitation, vowing to guard her heart against those who shunned her all her life. But Havenfield is far from what she expects. She discovers a grandmother seeking forgiveness, a cold and disapproving aunt, and a painfully shy cousin. And then there is Mr. William Rowley. Though the heir to the estate is a merciless tease, Juliana finds in him a friend and confidant—and perhaps something more. As she struggles to make sense of her new place in the world, her stubborn independence clashes with a yearning to belong and the even more confusing desires of her heart.

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What a sweet regency romance! I don't think I've read anything by this author before so it was a treat to find a new author in this genre to enjoy.

While the story here is quite predictable, it is also quite regency which definitely limits how far one can divert off that beaten path. All the classic regency elements are present here from the divide in higher class and lower class, balls, gowns, proper etiquette, walking in gardens and the rare women trying to break out of the shell society has put them under (which is always my favorite part).

I kind of wish this story would have been told in third person or even a split first person point of view. William is a character I felt like I wish I had a more intimate knowledge of. He is a tease but also has a serious, loyal side. I would love to have felt more from his point of view because I think he would have stolen the show for me.

Juliana has much to recommend her though. I loved her passion for learning and teaching and how she wanted to change the way young girls were taught. The rags to riches story felt like a fairy tale and the dancing bits were of my favorites in the book.

This was a good, solid regency romance and I enjoyed it very much.

Content: kissing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.