A meeting of minds… But a most unsuitable match!When lady’s companion Sara Standish meets Cameron Fitzallen, he has his jacket off and he’s mending mill machinery. He is manly, capable–though it’s most improper for him to set her heart aflutter! He is a mill owner–trade–after all. They share the same aim to help impoverished children, but in the eyes of the ton, she must not mix with him. … with him. That doesn’t stop her craving his company, or his touch…
The Cinderella Spinsters
Book 1 — The Awakening of Miss Henley
Book 2 — The Tempting of the Governess
Book 3 — The Enticing of Miss Standish
“Ms. Justiss’ prose is flawless, so evocative that every emotion permeates the narrative, subtly yet powerfully.”
–Fresh Fiction on The Awakening of Miss Henley
“If, like me, you enjoy traditional Regencies, historical authenticity in details, complex and nuanced characterization, and excellent writing, this book is for you.”
–Frolic, Blog on The Awakening of Miss Henley
“Julia Justiss delivers again… and the outcome is delightful.”
–All About Romance, Book Blog on The Awakening of Miss Henley
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This was a historical romance across social classes between a lady and self-made mill owner. Sara Standish was not content to just be an idle society wife; she wanted to be involved and make a difference in the lives of others and discovers a new purpose with the mill children. Cam Fitzallen does not hide what he has overcome from workhouse orphan mill employee to successful inventor and owner. But he lets his prejudice of the upper class color his feelings towards do-gooders like Sara. If most nobles were like haughty self-important Lord Cleve I would agree with him. But despite her patron’s warnings to keep her distance from Cam, Sara can’t help but be drawn to him. They both battle a war between what their heart wants and society and question many times whether they can be together. I felt for the young mill children, forced to work to support their families, who loved Sara’s passionate storytelling. I learned a lot about mills during that time. I laughed about Sara’s enjoyment of going 20 miles an hour on a train. How much technology has changed in almost 200 years and I wonder what Cam and Sara would say if stepped into today’s world and saw all our advances.
The Enticing of Miss Standish
The Cinderella Spinsters Series #3
Julia Justiss
https://www.facebook.com/JuliaJustissAuthor/
Release date paperback 07/21/2020, ebook 08/01/2020
Publisher Harlequin Historical / Mills&Boon Historical
Blurb :
A meeting of minds… But a most unsuitable match!
When lady’s companion Sara Standish meets Cameron Fitzallen, he has his jacket off and he’s mending mill machinery. He is manly, capable—though it’s most improper for him to set her heart aflutter! He is a mill owner—trade—after all. They share the same aim to help impoverished children, but in the eyes of the ton, she must not mix with him. That doesn’t stop her craving his company, or his touch…
My review :
Will she be able to follow her calling when many remind her from she comes from …
Mrs Justiss offers us a hearty and delightful tale of seing past society’s dictates and expectations.
I at first thought it will be a romance based on preconceived ideas.
But I knew Mrs Justiss would not follow a clear path but draw her own for her characters.
Sure, it begins with Sara and Cameron having a first wrong impression upon their initial encounter but soon he must accept she is no ordinary miss willing just to occupy her idle time, while not born a gent Alan and not raised as one, Cameron is a gentle soul and both share the same plight to help at best the weakest and those left with no one to defend them.
Both have lived a lonely life, sure from each side of the fence, one with confort and the other without a farthing. Yet they have more in common than the eyes can see at first.
Both are disparaged because of their inner self, him a lowly orphan who raised himself from the gutter and she a woman seen with few attributes outside being only a female.
They have a long journey toward one another as despite their obvious chemistry and liken mind, they must face society’s scorn and decide if everything is worth the challenge and the price such-and-such option can cost.
And while at a time I was sad to see Cameron might consider giving up his burgeoning romance with Sara because of the cost it could occur for her, I cheered him up when I understood the gesture behind it.
Even if he is a commoner, he is a man thus with more opportunities and freedom than a woman from her breeding would ever be allowed, why he offers her a chance to make herself her own choices, to let decide what she wants for her future.
5 well deserved stars for a tale of finding one’s voice.
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272830/posts/660522181203623/?d=n
The Enticing of Miss Standish is the third in The Cinderella Spinsters series but can be read as a stand alone story. This is Sara and Cam’s story about finding love and facing the struggles that merging two classes will bring. Sara was raised in the ton but has not found her happiness until she starts working with the mill children and spending time with Cam. Cam grew up as an orphan in a workhouse but is now the owner of a mill and has a distrust of the upper class from forgotten promises and mistreatment. As Cam and Sara work together, their attraction and feelings grow and they will have to overcome the disparity in their ranks in order to create a loving union. This is a sweet romance with engaging characters that will entertain and delight until the very end.
I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher but all thoughts and feelings are my own.
The Enticing Of Miss Standish is a fantastic historical romance by Julia Justice. Ms. Justice has provided readers with a well-written book populated with outstanding characters. Sara takes a position as a lady’s companion in order to help poor children. She meets Cameron, an orphan that
showed promise and was educated and now owns a mill. They are drawn to each other but they both know she’s from a higher class and anything between them would be impossible. Sara and Cameron’s story is loaded with drama, humor and spice. I enjoyed reading The Enticing Of Miss Standish and look forward to reading more from Julia Justice in the future. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
I voluntarily read a copy of this book that I won from Reading Cafe. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The odds were against them in so many ways…
Despite being worlds apart in society’s eyes, Sara and Cameron share the same goals and the same views on the most important things in their lives. There is much to overcome before they get their well-deserved HEA. Lovely story, excellent characters, dialogue, settings, etc. I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to others in this series. Highly recommended.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book, and enjoyed leaving my honest and heartfelt review.
As reviewed at Roses Are Blue: https://wp.me/p3QRh4-1j1
Sara Standish and her two best friends, Emma and Olivia, believed they’d never marry, and planned to reside together, combining their finances and pursuing their individual interests. Emma and Olivia unexpectedly found love, and both have recently wed, leaving Sara at somewhat of a loss. She can’t afford a residence of her own in town, so she persuades her matchmaking aunt to allow her to become the companion / assistant to Lady Trent, a marchioness with similar causes as Sara’s. Their current project is to visit multiple factories and mills, observing and assisting with the schooling of children who are orphaned or factory workers.
Cameron Fitzallen is a workhouse orphan, who has worked at a mill since he was six years old. Now thirty-one, he is soon to become majority owner, thanks to the patronage of current owner. Mr. Hughes observed that even as a young boy, Cameron had an ability to problem solve and was a hard worker. Mr. Hughes sponsored Cameron’s education, and he has since patented several inventions. Cameron has also established a school for the children, and has done much to improve the conditions of the mill. Though he is a bit cynical about the group of “reformers” visiting the mill, he is well aware of Sara, who appeals to him immediately at the physical level. When she poses a question to him, he’s somewhat abrupt with her, believing her to be just amusing herself, with no sincere interest.
Sara is hurt by Cameron’s curtness because she believed that she saw attraction in his eyes, just as she felt for him. Determined to put the incident behind her, and move on, she finds that her path will cross again and again with Cameron. Seeing that he was mistaken in his initial judgment of Sara, Cameron soon apologizes. He then finds himself becoming her escort to other factories, using his acquaintance with the owners to pave her way. When the air has been cleared between Sara and Cameron, she boldly tells him that she is fighting an attraction to him. Cameron declares that he feels the same attraction, but they mutually decide not to pursue it, as their class difference makes a genuine relationship impossible.
Keeping their distance is not quite that easy, as Sara and Cameron become more smitten with each meeting. Not only is the physical desire strong, but their admiration for each other’s character grows, as well. Cameron can see that Sara is genuine in her desire to work for reform, while she admires the care he takes with his employees and his mill. They begin to think that maybe, just possibly, they can share a life in spite of the difference in their social standings.
I have a lot of admiration for Cameron and Sara. He’s a hard working, intelligent, self-made man. Though he did have help, he overcame the obstacles of his birth to become a wealthy and respected man. He treated Sara with care and courtesy, after their initial misunderstanding, and tried to act in the way he thought best for her. I absolutely love Sara’s honesty, particularly how she was very open in her communication with Cameron about how she felt. She did waffle, though, on her feelings about whether a relationship between them would work. When it appeared that they were going to be brave and become a true couple, “someone” steps up to break them apart. THE ENTICING OF MISS STANDISH is a lovely romance which is going to require two people to step out of their comfort zones and go against what society deems is correct. Their relationship is passionate and loving, and they truly belong together. I was rooting for them to make a go of it. There is also much interesting historical information about factory life in the 1830’s, as well as a delightful trip on a train. Julia Justiss has written a warm and engaging story which appealed to me both historically and romantically, and I highly recommend it.
I enjoyed this story. I loved how Sara was willing to be a companion so that she could continue to work on her causes. Her plans had fallen through, but this was her solution to be happy. Cameron was such a sweet man, willing to help Sara as best he could, though he felt inferior. Their attraction was strong enough to cross social lines. Both of them had wonderful dreams for the future of the children, and they worked together towards that.
I received an ARC of this story, and this is my unsolicited review.
Sara Standish had dreamed of life of independence. She planned to live with her two friends but love had changed that plan. Both had found true love and married. Now Sara is a lady’s companion. At least she is useful and can continue her work to improve the life of impoverished children. I admired Sara. Her determination to help children obtain an education is to be admired. Usually a lady of her station is not involved in this type of political work. I was glad that she wasn’t a spoiled socialite. When she meets Cameron Fitzallen, a mill owner, she’s impressed by his intelligence and progressive ideas. He’s drawn to Sara but they must keep their distance. Cameron is in trade. Our hero is a skilled inventor who accomplished so much. These two are so like minded. Their ideas to help children are well thought out and practical. I hoped that they could overcome the obstacles that keep them apart. Julia Justiss made me care for her characters. I loved their romance. Also, this story highlighted the plight of the children who worked in the mills. What a terrible existence for them! Without schooling they would never be able to better themselves. The Enticing of Miss Standish educated as well as entertained. A wonderful story.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
Good story that delves into the lives of the children forced to work in 19th century mills. Lots of interesting information. I received an arc of this book.
A fairly nice later Victorian romance. Sara Standish is a dedicated spinster and is actively involved in improving conditions for mill workers. Cameron Fitzallen is a self-made man and newly named mill owner. They are immediately attracted to each other and discover they have similar goals and values. The only problem is that Sara is from the aristocracy and Cameron was a destitute orphan.
There was excellent information about mills and mill workers of the time period. Both characters were likable. My major complaint was that there was a lot of ruminating and should-I-could-I from both characters’ point of view. This is a classic case of “too much talk and not enough action.” It really bogged down the flow of the story.
ARC provided through Netgalley.
Sara Standish had completed her Fifth Season and was twenty-three making her a spinster. She had spent a lot of time alone until she was sent to a girl’s school where she met her best friends. They were very active in politics or as much as ladies were allowed. Her two friends ended up falling in love and marrying so the plans for their house got shelved. She was disappointed but understood. She decided she would work and be a companion to Lady Trent who was also into politics. The committee from parliament to check on the mills to see if the new laws were being followed. There was one
model mill and it belonged to Mr. Hughes.
When the committee came in Cameron Fitzallen was under a machine repairing it. Mr. Hughes had seen the drive in Cameron and sent him to school and eventually to college. He had invented machines, instituted a school and tried to make life easier for his employees. He owns half the mill and has worked hard to get where he is.
Sara and Cameron met during the tour she and Lady Trent took. She was impressed with his knowledge, his looks, and how he treated people. But he was considered a merchant and was not ton. Sara’s aunt and mother wanted her to get married and settled.
Cameron came from the workhouse and was an orphan but he was a gentle soul and she enjoyed talking to him. But the difference in their status was a problem.
I enjoy reading this author’s books. She does a lot of research to make her stories realistic. The characters are wonderful and appealing. Her unusual ideas blossom into great tales. As shown with Cam and Sara. I really appreciate the amount of work that goes into her novels.
I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily reviewed. Thank you.
“If I were to capture the affections of a gentleman whose mind, heart, and purpose captivated me,…I wouldn’t be opposed to marriage.” So said Sara to her aunt and they discussed her desire to not wed and be independent, becoming a lady’s companion to Lady Trent.
She would assist the Parliamentary Committee who are to oversee the newly appointed Factory Inspectors who would be touring the factories to make sure they were in compliance. You see, that was one of Sara’s passions. To make sure conditions were safe for children.
What she never expected was to come in contact with Cameron Fitzallan, manager of the first mill they visited. There were some sparks flying there and not of the good kind!! Cam had grown up an orphan and worked in the mills. He have strived hard and moved up to manage the mill and was a strong advocate of safe conditions for children.
Julia Justiss always pens a story that brings in all the elements of an amazing historical time, and in this one you can feel you are there and the thoughts and convictions of the characters. They have a winding journey to a happy ending that will leave you with a sigh.
Crossing boundaries, breaking rules, and seeking independence are just some of Miss Standish’s crimes. Falling in love with a mill owner invites banishment from society. However, when Sara discovers a new level of fulfillment and purpose whilst working alongside Cameron Fitzallen, she becomes resolute in her determination to find a way of venturing out on her own. Cameron has had his fill of “do-gooders”, especially those who look down on the poor and only make empty promises. Jumping to conclusions he puts Sara in the same category as those women who destroyed his childhood dreams. When he sees that Sara means business, Cameron cautiously meets her halfway. This novel is more than a romance, in many ways it is also educational, giving an insight into the history of the reforms that took place in England with regard to children in the workplace. Laws that we take for granted today were hard-won by people with a conscience, many of whom were women in society who fought the battle with pen and paper. This is a well-written novel with unforgettable characters that comes to a very happy conclusion. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
The last of the trio of friends has found her match. Sara is disappointed that she doesn’t get to go live with her friends. Instead she takes off for the country to continue her work. There she meets the delightful Cameron. Cam has had to work hard for everything he has achieved. The two know that they are a mismatched pair but find it hard to stay away from each other. Sara finds her voice and her purpose with Cam as they share similar goals and eventually fall in love.
Sara Standish had planned on setting up home with her two friends but they both fell in love & married so Sara becomes the companion to Lady Trent. Sara is dedicated to making life better for the working class & she travels with Lady Trent to Derbyshire to visit cotton mills there. Where she meets Cameron Fitzallen, he has his jacket off, mending mill machinery. He is an orphan who was given a chance by Mr Hughes & is now a mill owner. They share the same aim to help impoverished children, but in the eyes of the Ton, she must not mix with him. That doesn’t stop her craving his company, or his touch.
A well written captivating read, also a lovely finale to the trio of stories. I loved both Cam & Sara both strong characters who were perfect for each other. He’d raised himself by hard work & his engineering ability to be a mill owner, I also applauded Mr Hughes for seeing his potential & giving him a chance. Sara doesn’t enjoy society & wants to help make a difference. I loved how their relationship grew from a shaky start when they both made assumptions which they both found out were totally wrong. An engrossing read which I read in two sittings as I found it very hard to put down
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
What a way to finish up the Series of The Cinderella Spinsters.
Cam and Sara’s story was Absolutely Amazing. The way the Author
wrote it you literally felt their feelings and emotions. Both characters
went through difficult childhoods yet coming from to different worlds.
As adults they still had many barriers that they needed to cross. Drive,
Determination, Compassion, Giving Back by Helping other with greater
Needs, and Love are a few things to mention you will experience.
Finding Your Soul Mate and True Partner in Life. Can’t ask for more.
Highly Recommend this Book
This book is as exciting as Miss Standish is enticing! You’ll learn about young millworkers (great history lesson), Sara’s friends/family and much, more more!
I’ve read the series and Miss Standish is by far my favorite! Maybe JJ saved the best for last (IMO anyway). I’m sorry to see it end. They were all outstanding reads!
Lady of Quality meets Self-Made Mill Owner.
Despite being on opposite ends of the social spectrum a strong attraction sizzles between Sara and Cam. An attraction both of them intend to ignore until proximity from Sara’s mission to help with the education of mill children, causes their feelings to deepen. An interesting story dealing with the start of protection for child exploitation.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Highly entertaining, emotionally thrilling and action packed journey filled with interesting and engaging charters, witty dialog, heart racing twists and undeniable passion. Was a great read from beginning to end.
I enjoyed the romance of Sara and Cam, but they seemed to be the background to the story. The Industrial Revolution, the lives of mill workers, and the class distinctions rather took over the book. It was interesting to see the class prejudices of the times, and the difficulties of breaking out of the mold.