An untested teacher. A wealthy benefactor. When their attraction becomes undeniable, will they open their hearts to each other?
Colorado, 1910. Quinn Cooper can’t help feeling uneasy. But securing a job as a schoolmarm in a tiny frontier town was the only way to save her family from starvation back in Boston. And her nerves aren’t eased by a stray gunshot that spooks the sleigh horses, casting … the sleigh horses, casting her into the snow… until she’s rescued by a handsome stranger.
Lord Alexander Barnes knows better than to believe any pretty young woman would willingly become a mother to five children. But the lonely widower finds himself charmed by the lovely newcomer and her easy rapport with his offspring. And after his disgruntled nanny quits, his heart melts at the sight of her joyfully taking over the role.
Determined to prove herself in the schoolhouse and as a governess, Quinn fears her near-poverty will prevent any possible courtship with the affluent Englishman. And between their age difference and prejudicial violence in the town, Lord Barnes is certain this second chance at happiness just cannot be.
Will their love go unspoken, or will their persistence reward them with a lasting passion?
The School Mistress is the delightful first book in the Emerson Pass Historicals sweet romance series. If you like gallant nobles, resilient heroines, and hints of mystery, then you’ll adore Tess Thompson’s Edwardian adventure in the Old West.
Buy The School Mistress to study reading, writing, and happily ever after today!
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I loved this book! I was in the mood for a story I could sink into–something sweet, and romantic, with wonderful characters, and this novel fit the bill perfectly.
Another of Tess Thompson’s wonderful books!
This is a charming, touching, feel-good historical romance with great characters and a gorgeous, compelling setting. It’s the first book in a new series which is good news for readers…there will be more like this from the author!
So this is a new series by Tess, and this is the first book. I was leery about reading this one, because it’s set back in time, but honestly, I fell in love with the characters, the kids, the town, everything about this book! So don’t be scared to try this one, you will love it and I’m looking forward to more in this series! 5 stars for this, grab it asap you will not be disappointed!
I really enjoyed this historical romance by Tess Thompson. It was very fresh and original, and the plot was full of surprises. I loved her characters–really likeable, admirable people–and a lot of heart and emotion. It was sweet, intriguing, and kept me turning pages to the very end. Highly recommend. 5 stars!
I loved this book! I don’t often read series, but I gave this one a chance and now I’m one of what I’m sure is a throng of people who can’t wait for the next ones to be released. I frequently found myself getting lost in the characters and forgetting that I was reading a book. And – those scenes in Denver were few, those bits made me nostalgic for the city I grew up in. Kudos to the author – I look forward to more of her books.
Tess Thompson always writes an amazing story! Don’t miss this one!
Author, Tess Thompson, has written a heartwarming historical romance that would melt anyones heart! When you mix a handsome widower with children, a beautiful schoolteacher, and an amazing, majestical setting of Emerson Pass together, what more could one expect but a work of art? I was drawn in from the first page and refused to stop reading until I read the ending ! A five plus read with a mixture of love, murder and little mystery thrown into the mix, I am excited to read the next book in this magical new series!
In these unpredictable days it is reassuring to pick up one of your favorite author’s books because you know you won’t be disappointed.
Opening one of Ms Thompson’s books is like curling up under a down duvet with a mug of hot chocolate – they put your soul at ease.
Borrowing elements of “Nanny McPhee” and I suspect bits of “The Sound of Music” too, we follow Quinn Cooper’s journey from her poor upbringing in Boston to the splendors of Alexander Barnes’ home in Emerson Pass, Colorado where she is to become the first schoolmistress in a town Barnes rebuilt.
I found the book to be well-written. It flows easily and takes you on a journey back in time. I especially like how social issues are touched upon in a to the point manner without becoming “preachy”.
I can’t wait to discover more of this new town Ms Thompson has introduced us to.
I received an ARC of this book from the author
In exchange for an honest review. These are my opinions
SCORE another win for Tess Thompson as she ventures into the realm of historical fiction in the beginning of the Emerson Pass series
The story is told from the perspectives of Lord Alexander Barnes a wealthy land owner in Emerson Pass and Miss Quinn Cooper who is brought to be the school teacher.
Lord Barnes is generous to those in the community while
He faces the inner struggle of raising his five motherless children. Meanwhile Miss Cooper is a poor but proud young woman determined to begin a life teaching children.
The townspeople face issues like racial prejudices as Alexander works to solve the death of his friend Samuel. Life in this cold snowy Colorado town is dangerous as they face a cold harsh winter. Yet a love story is in the making
I found Tess Thompson’s latest book very inspiring! I felt the anxiety of the young teacher as she stepped off the train for a new life, where she finds adventure, romance, danger, and much more! The author is so descriptive of Emerson Pass that I almost felt like I was there. You will not want to miss this one, if only for the many life lessons and values it teaches!
I was given this book by the author. All thoughts are my own.
I wasn’t sure if I would like this new series or not, I loved it, the characters were well-written and I cared about them. This story started out fast and continued all the way to the end. There were twists and turns throughout
I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this series.
Thank you to the author and publisher for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own
Giggles to tears, this story brought ALL of the emotions. I have a new favorite Tess Thompson! Two Thumbs Up
As with all of Tess Thompson’s books this is amazing well written. I could just feel myself stepping into Emerson Pass. Living in Colorado and having been to little towns outside of Denver (now much larger than the story), 16th St, Union Station, mining camps makes Emerson Pass all that much more real.
As much as I loved Tess Thompson’s Cliffside Bay series I’m excited for this one and to see what the future generations will make of Emerson Pass.
Thank you to the author and publisher for this advanced copy. These opinions are my own.
If you enjoy historical romance, this is an amazing book to add to your collection or start your journey into the genre. I fell in love with all the characters and Emerson’s Pass. They have some troubles but when you’re building a community as a team, it’s powerful when you come together. I honestly can’t wait for a follow up book!
Quinn Cooper is a brave young woman determined to make a difference in her position as the teacher of the first school in Emerson Pass, Colorado. She was hired to teach the children in a newly developed town. Her boss, the charismatic Lord Alexander Barnes believes in educating the children, including his own, of the community he has had a hand in rebuilding. From the start, nothing is quite like Quinn or Alexander envisioned, especially the attraction they feel for one another.
This story charms the reader as we get to know Quinn, Alexander, the precocious Barnes children, and the other residents of Emerson Pass. As I read, I envisioned the setting to be a cross between When Calls the Heart and Little House on the Prairie. Tess Thompson keeps the reader engrossed throughout with her unique way of weaving together endearing characters, romance, mystery, and tales of the hardships that come with living in this the remote location. Through it all, the characters show courage, compassion and determination to leave a positive impact on the world. I definitely recommend this story.
This was such an amazing heartwarming story! I absolutely loved every minute spent in it! The School Mistress (Emerson Pass book 1) pulls you in and won’t let you go even after you finish reading. I was fascinated with how beautifully this story is written, how believable characters are. It got me through so many kind of feelings I felt living this story, yes, living not just reading because it was like being there in that small town with all those different people of the community and breathing that air from back in history, getting enough feels to know how it was back in 1910.
Sweet love story of Quinn and Alexander, those amazing bunch of kids and their relationships and so much more! I highly recommend this saga to everyone!
I was drawn into the snowy Colorado mountains and the warm hearts of yesteryear… thank you for taking me on a great trip into the past.
Oh my Goodness! I read this book wanting to love it because I love all Tess Thompson’s books…. however….. I didn’t love it . I LOVED it! Quinn , the new school mistress, was so lovable. This book reminded me of Sound of Music, where the heroine falls for Her esteemed boss and his 5 adorable children. I read this book from cover to cover, smiling the whole time. I can’t wait for book 2 of the series!
I am not a fan of historical fiction but this was an amazing book.Tess has created a storyline and characters that draw you in from the beginning.I was reminded of Mary Poppins Sound of Music The Secret Garden and more.If the rest of the series is this riveting we are all in for a treat.