At the reading of her father’s will, Sophia Cavanaugh learns that she is suddenly destitute. Impoverished, grief-stricken, and alone, she sees only one course open to her – becoming a governess. With little experience and no references, securing a position proves more difficult than expected until she finds a champion in the dashing and well-connected Charles Mortimer. He quickly captures her … her heart but are the feelings mutual?
Sophia is provided a position by his meddling mother, and the two are parted, but fate thrusts them back together. Will Sophia risk her heart and confess her love?
more
The Governess of Banbury Park was a fun read. The author, Julie Matern, shows her expertise in writing by developing well-defined characters with interesting attributes and personalities. She builds drama and interest from the very beginning of the story and continues to draw the reader in with twists and turns. The story also has similar elements to historical Gothic and romance novels. It’s a well-developed romance and I look forward to reading more books by Matern. I would highly recommend reading this book as well as Matern’s first book, The Secret of Haversham House.
Please note that I received a copy of this book, however, this is my honest opinion.
This is the first book I’ve read or listened to by Julie Matern. It’s a feel good happily ever after story with a few twists and turns that made listening to the audiobook version enjoyable.
I liked the fact that this wasn’t a typical regency story. The first part of the story is very sweet as Sophia meets Charles and they get to know one another. When Sophia takes a job as the governess at Banbury Park, the story takes an ominous turn as all is not as it seems in the household. Sophia befriends the mistress of the house who is much younger than her husband, and may be in danger.
I liked Sophia’s character. She’s practical, smart thinking, and loyal to those she cares about. She’s determined to find happiness and isn’t willing to compromise to get it. Charles is lighthearted and kind. He’s a bit too cowed by his overbearing mother. However, I enjoyed how his character developed.
The audiobook version of the book was well done. It was narrated by the author and it was fun to listen to how she interpreted her own characters. She infused just the right amount of emotion and distinguished the characters well.
The story is fun and can easily be listened to in a day or two. Though at times it’s somewhat predictable, and slightly unbelievable, there were enough surprises and twists to make it enjoyable to listen to. I would definitely read this author again. I received a complimentary audiobook version of this book from Cedar Fort Publishing for my honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not required to give a positive review.
Content warning: emotional and physical spousal abuse though not graphic
My Review: 4 Stars
Although this Regency romance was slightly predictable, it was a sweet and enjoyable read. Sophia handles her tough situation fairly well and I loved watching her develop friendships and strength as she looks to her uncertain future when she finds herself left with nothing after the death of her father. Of course, a lovely connection with Charles, the man who captures her interest, proves to be charming, especially as she forges ahead with her plans to become a governess. He’s a delight and a great support to her, offering a solid friendship and a hint of forbidden romance.
The governess angle almost had a gothic feel to it, which was very interesting. Again, Sophia manifests an inner strength that anchors those around her, but may not be enough to withstand the formidable mother of Charles, along with the mystery and dominance surrounding the home she works in.
I enjoyed the endearing characters and the appeasing plot. Like I said, it was slightly predictable, but it was like coming home to a plate of comfort food, and it soothed and satisfied my soul.
Content: mild romance; mild danger/violence
With the title of this book, I was surprised that almost the first half of the book led up to Sophia becoming a governess. However, it was important to the plot that readers get to know Sophia and Charles Mortimer before that transition.
Both of these characters have faults. Sophia is sweet but also holds some anger toward her father for not providing for her. Charles is amiable and friendly but allows his mother to dictate his life. Through several circumstances, they each learn to stand firm in the midst of their situations.
There’s a bit of Jane Austen’s Bingley in Charles Mortimer with his happy nature yet Julie Matern also gives The Governess of Banbury Park a bit of a gothic twist. If you’re looking for a Regency unlike most out there, this is it.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
This book was a little different from the typical Regency Romances. Sophia’s father passes away and leaves her penniless. She doesn’t have family living in the area, she has no resources, and she doesn’t want to bring her father to shame because he didn’t provide for her. Her only option is to trust the Lord and move on to another town where she doesn’t know anyone.
She was blessed to meet a loving couple willing to take her in until she can find her way as a governess. This is where the story gets really interesting. She meets Charles, who comes from wealth and finds a position far from her new home. The problem with being a governess is that you go into an existing home not knowing the living situation of the family. She soon learns that the public face of her employers is very different from how they live in private.
One thing this book reminded me of is that women during the regency period did not enjoy a lot of rights. Many women were helpless to provide or escape from a bad situation. I liked the fact that this novel did not focus on the proper manners and balls typically found in this genre. I really enjoyed the focus of women in the story. The women were from many different parts of society.
The romance is sweet. It didn’t happen quickly but over a period of time. Mainly because of Sophia’s reduced circumstances and an ambitious mother.
This book contains spousal abuse.
Source: Kindle Unlimited.
First off, the cover is so gorgeous and reminds me so much of spring. It is also very innocent looking. This story does not overly romanticize the era in which it is written. The author excels at giving us a story that distinctly shows the division of the upper and lower classes and the prejudices that went along with that in England.
We are also treated to a little thread that is a bit gothic in nature. Also showing the complete adherence and support that women had on their fathers and husbands of the time. But what if your father made no allowance for you or your husband was a cruel manipulator? Also to add insult to injury you were considered chattel by your own family, maybe to save or gain a fortune, title, or respectability for your own mother or father’s selfish gain. And at no thought to your future happiness or good.
I really enjoyed this story and the way it was written. All the little threads that seemed to have no relation are tied neatly together at the end. I do believe this was a very realistic view of life through the eyes of a poor governess who due to her station and sex still pursued her happily ever after and to rise above her circumstances.
I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.