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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Well, this book is absolutely delightful! The Truth about Miss Ashbourne provides such a fun reading experience. Juliana is a dynamic character, perhaps a bit ahead of her time with her goals and dreams, but still realistic in this reader’s opinion. I enjoyed getting to know her. I also appreciated the romance in this novel. It’s just so swoony and tender. There are complications, but they all feel genuine and are not based on a big misunderstanding or a lack of communicating with one another as so often happens – at least not until closer toward the end.
And am I the only reader who adores a pursuit? As in the hero pursues the heroine? Especially in those times in history where damage to a woman’s reputation was much more problematic than it would be for a man, and in this case, when Juliana’s livelihood depended on certain things in a way that William, as an heir, would not have to worry about. I’m keeping this vague because I don’t want spoilers, but I adore when the hero pursues the heroine of his own volition, not in a way that it is easy or convenient for him. Something about that just gets me every time – happy sigh!
I will be working my way through Joanna Barker’s books for sure (already read her upcoming Otherwise Engaged, which I recommend as well – but read this one first). I’m excited to have discovered this new-to-me author.
This is the kind of book I save my 5 starts for. I enjoyed this story so much. It captured my interest right away and I did not want to put it down. There are stories that just don’t need any added elements to make them interesting. They are just true to life and tell a story about real life in a way that holds you captive. Jane Austen had that ability and many other authors do to. I think Mrs. Barker is also one of those:} I just really loved the way the story unfolded, I loved the characters and all there flaws. This is a proper regency romance with no talk of religion, and no violence and a couple awesome kisses.
I read this book in one day, and then had to read it again over the next two days. The book truly transported me back to Regency England. Loved it!
This book had a similar style to some of my favorite authors. It was beautifully written with lush detail of the countryside around Havenfield in the English countryside and the character detail. It is a clean romance with no foul language and sex scenes so you can focus on the story and the characters.
Juliana Ashbourne was a governess working in the home of the Seymour family. She loved her wards, Charlotte and Daniel but there mother was unbearable and the father was lecherous. Finally the drama in the house came to a head and Juliana was dismissed from her position. She had just learned of a great inheritance left to her by her estranged grandfather, Sir Charles Rowley with one condition. The condition was that she would visit her family estate, Havenfield for 30 days before she would receive her inheritance. She was resistant but in need of the funds so she could start her own school for girls. She assumed the visit would be torcherous but tolerable for 30 days and then she would leave and never return. What she hadn’t expected was that she would fall in love with her grandmother, her cousin, Eliza and the others who were at Havenfield.
Havenfield was an entailed property that went to the closest mail relative upon her grandfather’s passing. William Rowley was a handsome man who loved to “banter” with Juliana. Even though she was determined to remain distant, she couldn’t resist the pull towards William and his handsome face with the teasing smile. When she was about to receive all the wonderful things she had only ever dreamed of, she was presented with an impossible decision; leave her family and love behind and never return in order to protect herself and them from possible ruin. Would she be able to turn her back on such a wonderful dream or would she fight for what she wanted regardless of the consequences?
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my enthusiastic positive review. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who likes the works of Jane Austen, Sarah Eden, Heather Moore and others. I look forward to reading other books by this wonderful author.
LOVED this book. The storyline is compelling, the characters have a lot of depth, and the romance is nothing but SWOONY. So much good banter. Go grab yourself a copy, you will not regret it!