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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This story is like a breath of fresh air!!! From the very beginning to the end, I found Emerson Pass a place I’d like to be.. The characters are believable and lovable and I found myself dying to eat some of Lizzies hearty stewed Chicken and potatoes or anything Lizzie makes for that matter…Or Ms Wu… This story is so well written that it pulls you in as if you are there.. It reminds me of Hallmarks When calls the heart and When Hope calls and The love come softly saga. About the beginning of Frontier Towns and the people that lived there and made them thrive.. You’ll love reading about Head School Mistress Quinn Cooper and Lord Alexander Barnes and his children and household staff that love them as well as the School Mistresses classroom children and I’m excited to read the other storylines in this series.. it’s a definite 5 Story.. Author Thompson did good… real good…
A great book. I would recommend heartily.
This story was not realistic for the time period. Not much plot and very simplistic story.
I did like the setting for the story, and wished the Author had research the history of this time period.
This was a good read but predictable. You could guess what was going to happen.
This is a wonderful book, I enjoyed it immensely.
Nice simple romance
This is the first book I have read from this author. It was entertaining and informative. The characters very likeable. I really enjoyed this book.
I loved the book. First in an excellent series
Wonderful characters with lessons for today too.
Predictable in a good way
liked it
Loved the series!
Love at first sight (Sigh!) If you ever wanted to know about how people lived and survived harsh winters and prejudice in the old west then this is the story to read. It’s also about bravery, determination, young love, past loves…a wonderful quote from the book I think sums it up quite nicely “no one ever made a difference in the world unless they were willing to face controversy”. Another great quote from the book “We can’t back away from what’s right, even if we’re frightened.” During this trying year of 2020 I think this is a wonderful thought to ponder. But this is not all that is contained in these pages. I loved the romance growing between Lord Barnes and the school teacher, Miss Cooper, which was almost instantaneous as was the love from his five children. They knew the moment they laid eyes on her that she was sent by the angels to become their mother. If for only these reasons alone this makes for a wonderful story but it is not only for these reasons that I would recommend reading this. It is well written with its own cadence and and I grew to appreciate Ms Thompson’s wonderful sense of humor. I don’t recall having read anything by Ms Thompson before but now, since I enjoyed reading this one so much it was hard for me to see it end. I will be looking out for other books written by her.
Entertaining and a quick read.
Loved this book. The people seemed real, the story is excellent, a joy to read!! No cursing and no explicit sex which is a big plus for me! Just a great book!!!
Quinn Cooper secured a job as a schoolteacher in a tiny frontier town. It was the only way to save her mother and sister from starvation in Boston. She feels uneasy about the move and job. A stray gunshot spooks the sleigh horses, casting her into the snow, and that does not help her uneasiness.. A handsome stranger, Lord Alexander Barnes, rescues her. He, a widower, does not believe any pretty young woman would willingly become a mother to his five young children. He is charmed by her easy rapport with his offspring. After his disgruntled nanny quits, his heart melts at the sight of Quinn joyfully taking over the role. Determined to prove herself in a schoolhouse and as a governess, Quinn fears her near-poverty will prevent any possible courtship with the affluent Englishman. Between their age difference and prejudicial violence in the town, Lord Barnes is certain this second chance at happiness just cannot be. – I loved Alexander and Quinn. He was caring, smart and loving. She was kind, smart and sweet. His children, three daughters and twin boys, were great characters. Their comments and conversations were entertaining. I liked the way Alexander and Quinn interacted with the children. Though wealthy, Alexander was unpretentious. He wanted the community to thrive and helped all residents in need. This is a heartwarming and uplifting story. I loved it!
The School Mistress by Tess Thompson is the first book in the Emerson Pass historical series. In Colorado, 1910, Quinn Cooper is a new teacher, securing a job in a tiny frontier town was her only option to have her family from starvation back in Boston. Lord Alexander Barnes left his land and title back home in England for the American frontier. A widower with five children, Barnes finds himself charmed by the young teacher. Her easy rapport with the children make her an easy choice as temporary replacement when the disgruntled nanny suddenly quits. But what young woman is willing to become a mother to five children? Determined to teach anyone willing to learn, Quinn must face the prejudices of many in town as well as fight her attraction to the older Alexander. The two are drawn together but fear many factors will keep them apart. Will their love go unspoken or will they take a chance on love?
The School Mistress is a cute, romantic story that plays loose with historical facts. Some of the attitudes and actions of the characters are a bit ahead of their time. And some of the language used seems to be more modern than the time period. Keeping that in mind, the book is an easy and enjoyable read. While I would normally dislike “less than accurate” historical stories; however, I enjoyed this story. I enjoyed the romance between Quinn and Alexander. It is very touching and sweet with flirty moments. I loved the children and their antics. The supporting characters were fun and played their part in the story well. The School Mistress was a fast, easy and enjoyable reed. A great read to sit back on a lazy afternoon and just enjoy. I look forward to reading the rest of the Emerson Pass historical series as well as the Emerson Pass contemporary series which features the descendants. I recommend The School Mistress.
The School Mistress is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook.
Love. Love. Love Tess Thompson!!!! I could read her books all day, every day!!!!
A wonderful view of a 1910 Colorado wilderness town with just enough romance and mystery to keep the plot moving. The theme: love can overcome prejudices and ugliness of soul. I have taken to heart the three rules in Quinn’s classroom (and may make them my own in the coming school year): Be curious. Be kind. Protect one another.
Enjoyed this story about a young school teacher, who goes to the wilder parts of the country, working for the older owner/ founder of Emmerson Pass, Alexander Barnes.
It is simply written, sweet romance between 2 different individuals. Involves several issues relating to the townsfolk, the harshness living in a remote small town, & to those close to them.