Classic Julia Justiss! A strong heroine, a delicious hero and a touching conflict. A beautifully written story of love healing the wounds of the past. Loved the first book in this series too, so I can’t wait to read the third one!
Author
jttcwt
2 years ago
Miss Olivia Overton is a young lady who cannot understand how the trustees of her inheritance made such bad investments. She now has no money and her life will never be the same. She had big plans with that money and she even has to vacate the house she has lived in all her life. Olivia now has to find some way to support herself. The only position she is remotely qualified for is a Governess.
She takes a position at Somers Abbey, two little girls who have been orphaned and now living with a soldier recently returned from India.
Colonel Hugh Glendenning, late of his Majesty’s Second Imperial Foot has inherited a rundown estate and is now is the guardian of his cousin’s two children. Hugh lost his wife and young son in India and has never recovered from the loss of his son. He has no intention of keeping the young girls with him and turns them over to the housekeeper until he can find relatives who would want to raise the little girls. In the meantime, he has hired a governess for the girls.
When Olivia arrives at the Abbey she is shocked to see how the little girls have been treated. The housekeeper is a mean bitch who wants nothing to do with the girls. They are in a drafty nursery with one thin blanket and the clothes that they wore in St. Kitts which were totally unsuitable for the weather in England. The younger girl has not spoken since they arrived. Olivia is outraged and confronts the Colonel about the treatment of the girls. Hugh cannot believe he is hearing the governess scolding him. He cannot wait for a relative to take the girls so he can fire the sassy governess, or will she find her way into his heart?
Julia writes such beautiful emotional stories. Hugh is a man tortured by his guilt for he feels he is responsible for the death of his son. Julia brings the reader into his pain and suffering and you feel his despair. I admit that I cried more than once. Olivia is perfect for him.
I highly recommend this book and every book that Julia has written. I love her love stories.
Author
lorip123
2 years ago
The Tempting of the Governess by Julia Justiss is the second book in The Cinderella Spinsters and definitely worth reading if you love historical romances with headstrong heroines and the heroes who love them.
Olivia Overton has found out her living circumstances have changed and now she must do the only thing that she can in order to survive and that is to seek employment. So she takes a position as a governess for two young girls who were recently orphaned and taken in by her employer.
Colonel Hugh Glendenning thought he was okay with his life. He makes sure that he keeps everyone at arms length since losing his wife and son, but Olivia and the girls have pushed their way not only into his life, but his heart as well.
I’m looking forward to reading more books in this series in the future!
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
Author
pinn4139
2 years ago
Another sweet story by Julia Justiss. Both Hugh and Olivia are mourning for different reasons. Hugh has decided not to face his demons and instead bury himself in work and melancholy. Olivia has decided that she will take on her challenges head on and make the most of life. The story chronicles the journey as Olivia uses her fierce attitude to pull Hugh back into the world of the living. She is the force that saves two little orphan girls from despair and heals a broken family.
Author
sandi
2 years ago
A thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining second installment in the Cinderella Spinster series featuring “managing woman” Olivia who is in need of a fairy godmother. It was fun to follow her road to her happy ever after.
This book was sent to me as an ARC in return for an unbiased review, which this is.
Author
margaret
2 years ago
A story of pain, loss, despair and ultimately love, this novel pulls at the heartstrings, drawing the reader into the lives of the characters. Colonel Hugh Glendenning is struggling not only with the loss of his son and wife but also a destitute estate as a result of his brother’s debts. Added to his woes, the arrival of two little orphaned nieces complicates his life further. Olivia Overton, on the other hand, is grieving the loss of her mother, when she discovers that her trustees have lost all her money in an unwise investment. Without funds and nowhere to live, she takes on the post of governess to two little girls who desperately need love and assurance. Arriving at the desolate estate, Olivia discovers a worn-out man, a residence desperately in need of cleaning and two terrified little girls. Calling on reserves she never thought she had, Olivia sets about bringing order into chaos. Her managing ways both irritate and amuse Hugh, especially when she calls him to account for the welfare of his nieces. The story is sorrowful to start with, but as the lives of the characters become intertwined, they find in each other strength and even enjoyment. The course of true love never did run smoothly as Olivia discovers, but despite hiccoughs along the way, the story does comes to a delightful close. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Author
julieannford
2 years ago
The Tempting of the Governess is a story of surviving not only the loss of a beloved family member but the lifestyle to which you are accustom. Julia Justiss tells a story that is filled with charm, grace, love, and a touch of sorrow to draw you in. This is Olivia and Hugh’s story. Olivia has not only lost her mother, she has been informed that the trustees in charge of her inheritance have lost everything on a risky venture and she must now enter the work force. Hugh was a colonel in the army in India who lost his wife and young son and now has returned home after the death of his brother to an estate that is in need of serious repair physically and financially. He is also suddenly responsible for his cousin’s two young daughters that are dropped off on his doorstep. Hugh hires Olivia as governess and soon realizes that his whole world is about to change for the better. The story that follows is entertaining, enjoyable and will make it hard to put down until the very end. Although this is the second in the series, it can be read as a stand alone.
I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher but all thoughts and feelings are my own.
Author
rmkrejsa42
2 years ago
Colonel Hugh Glendenning is shocked and dismayed when 2 young girls are brought to him. He finds that he’s the guardian of his late cousin’s daughters. He’s angry that they were sent from their home by their stepmother and afraid that he won’t be up to the challenge. My heart hurt for these frightened children and for this broken man who lost his child and his wife. Both pain and guilt overwhelmed the Colonel. I was glad that Olivia Overton came to be the girls governess. She’s a strong, fierce protector. She may have lost her inheritance and her place in society but she hasn’t lost her compassion. I liked that she has the ability to accept her situation and move forward. I was glad that Hugh appreciated her spirited and stubborn nature. I was even happier when their spark of attraction grew. I wanted them to become a family. They belong together. However, the course of true love didn’t run smoothly, but I was confident that there would be a happy ending. Julia Justiss wrote an emotional story that wouldn’t let me go. I cared about these characters. The Cinderella Spinsters is an unforgettable series.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
Author
iread
2 years ago
The Tempting of the Governess is book two in The Cinderella Spinsters series by Julia Justiss. I enjoyed this book. Justiss tackles the difficult subject of grief, which after losing my child, I understand all too well. She does an amazing job portraying someone who has lost a child. The waves of grief and the physical trauma that a parent experiences at times with little prompting are all masterfully captured in this story. The hero Colonel Hugh Glendenning is the broken man that our heroine Miss Olivia Overton comes to serve in the role of governess. I liked the slow build of their romance. Normally I don’t like children in romances. I read to escape. But Justiss creates two darling girls that have also endured great loss. I couldn’t help but feel drawn to them. My only complaint is that I wish she had made the villain more of a threat. Overall a great book. I can’t wait to read more in this series. I was given a copy of this book.
Author
janet
2 years ago
4.5 Stars
Colonel Hugh Glendenning has returned from serving in India after his brother’s death & is working hard to restore the family’s finances & estate. Then a couple arrive with two little girls, Elizabeth & Sophie, the daughters of his cousin who recently died. Whilst Hugh is the girls guardian what he didn’t expect was for their stepmother to send them across the ocean to live with him. He needs a governess. Miss Olivia Overton has recently lost her mother & then finds the trustees of her money have invested in a scheme that has failed & now Olivia has no home & no money. She could marry an aging lord but that’s not an option so she becomes a governess. Olivia is no shrinking violet & soon turns Hugh’s household on its head.
I loved how Hugh & Olivia clashed at every meeting neither willing to back down but on reflection they both saw the truth behind their arguments & there were lots of apologises. A slow burn romance where attraction grew as did love. Hugh had hidden himself away after suffering tragedy but gradually Olivia knocked down his defences & he started to live again. Olivia is a strong woman whose glass was definitely half full, she faced up to her situation & saw the positive, she was managing but also loyal & loving. A well written engrossing read that once started I found hard to put down & read in teo sittings. I look forward to Sara’s story
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Author
heyerfan
2 years ago
Olivia copes with the loss of her former life with grace and courage. Where once she moved in Society’s highest circles and pursued her passion for political reform, now she is a lowly governess to two orphaned girls in a quiet backwater. However she chooses to be happy and as she is of a managing disposition she determines that she will improve the lives of both her charges and their guardian. What she doesn’t expect is to fall in love with her new employer whose heart has been scarred by loss and tragedy. Highly recommended – all the characters were well formed, the story flowed well and was engaging. Can be read as a standalone.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Author
magicblur
2 years ago
I’m a fan of her books so I might be a bit biased but I love that the so called “plain” ladies come out smelling like the roses that they are; that there are men (even back then) who valued a strong woman.
Worth a read in my opinion and I look forward to more!
Olivia Overton has her life planned out, and is eager to begin establishing her own home with her friend, Sara, and to become an active supporter of political reform. Olivia’s dreams for her future fade away as she learns that the trustees of her money have poorly invested and lost all of it except for a pittance. In addition, due to her mother’s recent death, her family home now reverts to a distant relative who plans to immediately take possession. Refusing to accept charity, Olivia decides to remain independent, and begins to seek a position as governess.
Colonel Hugh Glendenning is back in England after several years spent in India. He has inherited Somers Abbey from his cousin, and has spent the last year and a half trying to restore the run down estate. Hugh is glad for the hard work and the location away from town, as he has his own heartbreak and guilt to deal with. While in India, Hugh lost his young son, then shortly after, his wife, and he feels that the blame rests squarely on him. Hugh had agreed to act as guardian to his cousin’s two young daughters in the event of his cousin’s death, but he is shocked to find them turn up on his doorstep. It seems their stepmother has no desire to have the girls in her household, and is only too happy to turn them over to Hugh. The two terrified young ladies should have touched Hugh’s heart, but all he can feel is the memories of his beloved little boy, brought even more to the forefront by his cousin’s children. He needs to hire a governess immediately, one who’ll care for the girls, and keep them out of his sight.
Olivia arrives to find the girls, who had been left in the care of a witch of a housekeeper, scared, cold, lonely, and hungry. Under Olivia’s supervision, the girls begin to flourish, though they’re still very leery of their guardian, who seems determined to avoid them at all costs. Once Olivia, who is not shy, has badgered Hugh into providing additional funds for dressing and providing for the girls, she begins to work on having him become a part of their lives and give them some attention and affection.
Hugh is truly not a bad man at all, just one who has let his past cause him to close his heart to love – both romantic and familial. His avoidance of the girls helps him block the pain of the loss of his son. Olivia, however, is a force to be reckoned with, and ever so slowly, she begins to integrate the girls into Hugh’s life. As he thaws toward the girls, he begins to heat up for Olivia, whose care and boldness attract him and make him feel alive for the first time since the early days of his marriage. Hugh begins to envision a future of them as a family, though he’ll be sure to let Olivia know that he has no love left in him to give. When the opportunity comes for a family member to take the girls off his hands, Hugh has to make a decision about whether he chooses to be safe, or to risk the possible pain that is part of the package of having a family.
In reading, I’m usually definitely hero-centric, but in this case, Olivia steals the show for me. She has had to deal with so many misfortunes in her own life, yet she’s so strong in her resolve and determination. In no way does this make her hard, as she has love and compassion in abundance. Even when she gets her heart broken one more time, she picks herself up, and makes a plan. I totally adore her. That’s not to say that I didn’t like and understand Hugh – I did. His grief and guilt was strong, and his only desire was to protect himself from ever feeling such hurt again. As Olivia chipped away at his walls, I could see the loving and caring man that he once had been. Hugh’s and Olivia’s journey to finally finding love was filled with longing for each other that jumped off the pages. THE TEMPTING OF THE GOVERNESS is a beautifully written and emotional romance, which showcases the healing power of a strong love.
Author
elodie
2 years ago
The Tempting of the Governess
The Cinderella Spinsters Series #2
Julia Justiss
Release date 03/01/2030
Publisher Harlequin Historical / Mills&Boon Historical
Infuriating, impertinent…just some of the words Colonel Hugh Glendenning could use to describe Miss Olivia Overton! She’s insisting he spend time with his orphaned wards—which has forced him to admit he’s been keeping the world at arm’s length since losing his wife and baby son. That’s not all that’s disturbing him. It’s the new temptation Olivia’s sparking in Hugh to enjoy life again—with her!
My Review
When circumstances bring two hurt persons together, will they look forward to follow the same path…
What a lovely slow burn romance Mrs Julia Justiss offers us here. With her characters walking on tiptoes around the other, Olivia a managing woman not very afraid to offend her employer as she is willing to shake him a bit and Hugh who fights his attraction but also his past pain as he slowly falls for his charge.
Both are battling what haunts their nights and thoughts.
He as he buries himself in work to forget all he had lost prior to his return from India.
She as she takes control of her life now she has no other prospect than working for her living.
A tale of longing as each of the main characters must let go of their previous pain and heal their wounds. He by letting the walls surrounding his heart slowly fall, begins to see a potential new future with her but he refrains to fully give his desire as he does not believe he can love again.
And she as despite her efficient and assured self she doubts her appearance can compete with his late wife’s and she does not want a life of half measures.
Mrs Julia Justiss sketchs a lovely tale of acceptance and given time, of healing to celebrate a second chance at love.
5 stars
I did not want to put this story down! Olivia was a wonderful, caring person. Her only real fault was not actually believing she was pretty enough for someone to want. I loved how she had trouble curbing her natural tendencies to be outspoken and upfront. Hugh had trouble seeing beyond his own pain and circumstances. With the tenderness and brashness of Olivia, he found his path to happiness. I highly recommend this story. A must read!
I received an ARC as a gift, and this is my unsolicited review.
Author
candy
2 years ago
Miss Olivia Overton’s mother had just died. She went to her solicitor and was told there was no money left. She could not believe it. She had a decision to make. Was she going to become a Governess/ Campanion or look for a husband?
Colonel Hugh Glendenning has returned from India after the death of his older brother. His wife and son died three years ago and he was having a hard time. His brother left the estate in penury and falling down. He was trying to reverse it. His cousin died in St. Kitts recently and his wife sent his daughters to Hugh. Now he had a decision to make.
This is a wonderful story. Two people hurting and not knowing what to do. The writing whisks you away. The characters are sweet and frustrated. This was very easy to read and the banter between the two was witty.
I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
By juliajustiss
Classic Julia Justiss! A strong heroine, a delicious hero and a touching conflict. A beautifully written story of love healing the wounds of the past. Loved the first book in this series too, so I can’t wait to read the third one!
Miss Olivia Overton is a young lady who cannot understand how the trustees of her inheritance made such bad investments. She now has no money and her life will never be the same. She had big plans with that money and she even has to vacate the house she has lived in all her life. Olivia now has to find some way to support herself. The only position she is remotely qualified for is a Governess.
She takes a position at Somers Abbey, two little girls who have been orphaned and now living with a soldier recently returned from India.
Colonel Hugh Glendenning, late of his Majesty’s Second Imperial Foot has inherited a rundown estate and is now is the guardian of his cousin’s two children. Hugh lost his wife and young son in India and has never recovered from the loss of his son. He has no intention of keeping the young girls with him and turns them over to the housekeeper until he can find relatives who would want to raise the little girls. In the meantime, he has hired a governess for the girls.
When Olivia arrives at the Abbey she is shocked to see how the little girls have been treated. The housekeeper is a mean bitch who wants nothing to do with the girls. They are in a drafty nursery with one thin blanket and the clothes that they wore in St. Kitts which were totally unsuitable for the weather in England. The younger girl has not spoken since they arrived. Olivia is outraged and confronts the Colonel about the treatment of the girls. Hugh cannot believe he is hearing the governess scolding him. He cannot wait for a relative to take the girls so he can fire the sassy governess, or will she find her way into his heart?
Julia writes such beautiful emotional stories. Hugh is a man tortured by his guilt for he feels he is responsible for the death of his son. Julia brings the reader into his pain and suffering and you feel his despair. I admit that I cried more than once. Olivia is perfect for him.
I highly recommend this book and every book that Julia has written. I love her love stories.
The Tempting of the Governess by Julia Justiss is the second book in The Cinderella Spinsters and definitely worth reading if you love historical romances with headstrong heroines and the heroes who love them.
Olivia Overton has found out her living circumstances have changed and now she must do the only thing that she can in order to survive and that is to seek employment. So she takes a position as a governess for two young girls who were recently orphaned and taken in by her employer.
Colonel Hugh Glendenning thought he was okay with his life. He makes sure that he keeps everyone at arms length since losing his wife and son, but Olivia and the girls have pushed their way not only into his life, but his heart as well.
I’m looking forward to reading more books in this series in the future!
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
Another sweet story by Julia Justiss. Both Hugh and Olivia are mourning for different reasons. Hugh has decided not to face his demons and instead bury himself in work and melancholy. Olivia has decided that she will take on her challenges head on and make the most of life. The story chronicles the journey as Olivia uses her fierce attitude to pull Hugh back into the world of the living. She is the force that saves two little orphan girls from despair and heals a broken family.
A thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining second installment in the Cinderella Spinster series featuring “managing woman” Olivia who is in need of a fairy godmother. It was fun to follow her road to her happy ever after.
This book was sent to me as an ARC in return for an unbiased review, which this is.
A story of pain, loss, despair and ultimately love, this novel pulls at the heartstrings, drawing the reader into the lives of the characters. Colonel Hugh Glendenning is struggling not only with the loss of his son and wife but also a destitute estate as a result of his brother’s debts. Added to his woes, the arrival of two little orphaned nieces complicates his life further. Olivia Overton, on the other hand, is grieving the loss of her mother, when she discovers that her trustees have lost all her money in an unwise investment. Without funds and nowhere to live, she takes on the post of governess to two little girls who desperately need love and assurance. Arriving at the desolate estate, Olivia discovers a worn-out man, a residence desperately in need of cleaning and two terrified little girls. Calling on reserves she never thought she had, Olivia sets about bringing order into chaos. Her managing ways both irritate and amuse Hugh, especially when she calls him to account for the welfare of his nieces. The story is sorrowful to start with, but as the lives of the characters become intertwined, they find in each other strength and even enjoyment. The course of true love never did run smoothly as Olivia discovers, but despite hiccoughs along the way, the story does comes to a delightful close. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
The Tempting of the Governess is a story of surviving not only the loss of a beloved family member but the lifestyle to which you are accustom. Julia Justiss tells a story that is filled with charm, grace, love, and a touch of sorrow to draw you in. This is Olivia and Hugh’s story. Olivia has not only lost her mother, she has been informed that the trustees in charge of her inheritance have lost everything on a risky venture and she must now enter the work force. Hugh was a colonel in the army in India who lost his wife and young son and now has returned home after the death of his brother to an estate that is in need of serious repair physically and financially. He is also suddenly responsible for his cousin’s two young daughters that are dropped off on his doorstep. Hugh hires Olivia as governess and soon realizes that his whole world is about to change for the better. The story that follows is entertaining, enjoyable and will make it hard to put down until the very end. Although this is the second in the series, it can be read as a stand alone.
I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher but all thoughts and feelings are my own.
Colonel Hugh Glendenning is shocked and dismayed when 2 young girls are brought to him. He finds that he’s the guardian of his late cousin’s daughters. He’s angry that they were sent from their home by their stepmother and afraid that he won’t be up to the challenge. My heart hurt for these frightened children and for this broken man who lost his child and his wife. Both pain and guilt overwhelmed the Colonel. I was glad that Olivia Overton came to be the girls governess. She’s a strong, fierce protector. She may have lost her inheritance and her place in society but she hasn’t lost her compassion. I liked that she has the ability to accept her situation and move forward. I was glad that Hugh appreciated her spirited and stubborn nature. I was even happier when their spark of attraction grew. I wanted them to become a family. They belong together. However, the course of true love didn’t run smoothly, but I was confident that there would be a happy ending. Julia Justiss wrote an emotional story that wouldn’t let me go. I cared about these characters. The Cinderella Spinsters is an unforgettable series.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
The Tempting of the Governess is book two in The Cinderella Spinsters series by Julia Justiss. I enjoyed this book. Justiss tackles the difficult subject of grief, which after losing my child, I understand all too well. She does an amazing job portraying someone who has lost a child. The waves of grief and the physical trauma that a parent experiences at times with little prompting are all masterfully captured in this story. The hero Colonel Hugh Glendenning is the broken man that our heroine Miss Olivia Overton comes to serve in the role of governess. I liked the slow build of their romance. Normally I don’t like children in romances. I read to escape. But Justiss creates two darling girls that have also endured great loss. I couldn’t help but feel drawn to them. My only complaint is that I wish she had made the villain more of a threat. Overall a great book. I can’t wait to read more in this series. I was given a copy of this book.
4.5 Stars
Colonel Hugh Glendenning has returned from serving in India after his brother’s death & is working hard to restore the family’s finances & estate. Then a couple arrive with two little girls, Elizabeth & Sophie, the daughters of his cousin who recently died. Whilst Hugh is the girls guardian what he didn’t expect was for their stepmother to send them across the ocean to live with him. He needs a governess. Miss Olivia Overton has recently lost her mother & then finds the trustees of her money have invested in a scheme that has failed & now Olivia has no home & no money. She could marry an aging lord but that’s not an option so she becomes a governess. Olivia is no shrinking violet & soon turns Hugh’s household on its head.
I loved how Hugh & Olivia clashed at every meeting neither willing to back down but on reflection they both saw the truth behind their arguments & there were lots of apologises. A slow burn romance where attraction grew as did love. Hugh had hidden himself away after suffering tragedy but gradually Olivia knocked down his defences & he started to live again. Olivia is a strong woman whose glass was definitely half full, she faced up to her situation & saw the positive, she was managing but also loyal & loving. A well written engrossing read that once started I found hard to put down & read in teo sittings. I look forward to Sara’s story
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Olivia copes with the loss of her former life with grace and courage. Where once she moved in Society’s highest circles and pursued her passion for political reform, now she is a lowly governess to two orphaned girls in a quiet backwater. However she chooses to be happy and as she is of a managing disposition she determines that she will improve the lives of both her charges and their guardian. What she doesn’t expect is to fall in love with her new employer whose heart has been scarred by loss and tragedy. Highly recommended – all the characters were well formed, the story flowed well and was engaging. Can be read as a standalone.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I’m a fan of her books so I might be a bit biased but I love that the so called “plain” ladies come out smelling like the roses that they are; that there are men (even back then) who valued a strong woman.
Worth a read in my opinion and I look forward to more!
4.5 stars as reviewed at Roses Are Blue: https://wp.me/p3QRh4-1a4
Olivia Overton has her life planned out, and is eager to begin establishing her own home with her friend, Sara, and to become an active supporter of political reform. Olivia’s dreams for her future fade away as she learns that the trustees of her money have poorly invested and lost all of it except for a pittance. In addition, due to her mother’s recent death, her family home now reverts to a distant relative who plans to immediately take possession. Refusing to accept charity, Olivia decides to remain independent, and begins to seek a position as governess.
Colonel Hugh Glendenning is back in England after several years spent in India. He has inherited Somers Abbey from his cousin, and has spent the last year and a half trying to restore the run down estate. Hugh is glad for the hard work and the location away from town, as he has his own heartbreak and guilt to deal with. While in India, Hugh lost his young son, then shortly after, his wife, and he feels that the blame rests squarely on him. Hugh had agreed to act as guardian to his cousin’s two young daughters in the event of his cousin’s death, but he is shocked to find them turn up on his doorstep. It seems their stepmother has no desire to have the girls in her household, and is only too happy to turn them over to Hugh. The two terrified young ladies should have touched Hugh’s heart, but all he can feel is the memories of his beloved little boy, brought even more to the forefront by his cousin’s children. He needs to hire a governess immediately, one who’ll care for the girls, and keep them out of his sight.
Olivia arrives to find the girls, who had been left in the care of a witch of a housekeeper, scared, cold, lonely, and hungry. Under Olivia’s supervision, the girls begin to flourish, though they’re still very leery of their guardian, who seems determined to avoid them at all costs. Once Olivia, who is not shy, has badgered Hugh into providing additional funds for dressing and providing for the girls, she begins to work on having him become a part of their lives and give them some attention and affection.
Hugh is truly not a bad man at all, just one who has let his past cause him to close his heart to love – both romantic and familial. His avoidance of the girls helps him block the pain of the loss of his son. Olivia, however, is a force to be reckoned with, and ever so slowly, she begins to integrate the girls into Hugh’s life. As he thaws toward the girls, he begins to heat up for Olivia, whose care and boldness attract him and make him feel alive for the first time since the early days of his marriage. Hugh begins to envision a future of them as a family, though he’ll be sure to let Olivia know that he has no love left in him to give. When the opportunity comes for a family member to take the girls off his hands, Hugh has to make a decision about whether he chooses to be safe, or to risk the possible pain that is part of the package of having a family.
In reading, I’m usually definitely hero-centric, but in this case, Olivia steals the show for me. She has had to deal with so many misfortunes in her own life, yet she’s so strong in her resolve and determination. In no way does this make her hard, as she has love and compassion in abundance. Even when she gets her heart broken one more time, she picks herself up, and makes a plan. I totally adore her. That’s not to say that I didn’t like and understand Hugh – I did. His grief and guilt was strong, and his only desire was to protect himself from ever feeling such hurt again. As Olivia chipped away at his walls, I could see the loving and caring man that he once had been. Hugh’s and Olivia’s journey to finally finding love was filled with longing for each other that jumped off the pages. THE TEMPTING OF THE GOVERNESS is a beautifully written and emotional romance, which showcases the healing power of a strong love.
The Tempting of the Governess
The Cinderella Spinsters Series #2
Julia Justiss
Release date 03/01/2030
Publisher Harlequin Historical / Mills&Boon Historical
Amazon : https://amzn.to/32e42JP
Barnes&Noble : https://bit.ly/32aRv9E
Blurb
His new governess…
Is getting under his skin!
Infuriating, impertinent…just some of the words Colonel Hugh Glendenning could use to describe Miss Olivia Overton! She’s insisting he spend time with his orphaned wards—which has forced him to admit he’s been keeping the world at arm’s length since losing his wife and baby son. That’s not all that’s disturbing him. It’s the new temptation Olivia’s sparking in Hugh to enjoy life again—with her!
My Review
When circumstances bring two hurt persons together, will they look forward to follow the same path…
What a lovely slow burn romance Mrs Julia Justiss offers us here. With her characters walking on tiptoes around the other, Olivia a managing woman not very afraid to offend her employer as she is willing to shake him a bit and Hugh who fights his attraction but also his past pain as he slowly falls for his charge.
Both are battling what haunts their nights and thoughts.
He as he buries himself in work to forget all he had lost prior to his return from India.
She as she takes control of her life now she has no other prospect than working for her living.
A tale of longing as each of the main characters must let go of their previous pain and heal their wounds. He by letting the walls surrounding his heart slowly fall, begins to see a potential new future with her but he refrains to fully give his desire as he does not believe he can love again.
And she as despite her efficient and assured self she doubts her appearance can compete with his late wife’s and she does not want a life of half measures.
Mrs Julia Justiss sketchs a lovely tale of acceptance and given time, of healing to celebrate a second chance at love.
5 stars
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I did not want to put this story down! Olivia was a wonderful, caring person. Her only real fault was not actually believing she was pretty enough for someone to want. I loved how she had trouble curbing her natural tendencies to be outspoken and upfront. Hugh had trouble seeing beyond his own pain and circumstances. With the tenderness and brashness of Olivia, he found his path to happiness. I highly recommend this story. A must read!
I received an ARC as a gift, and this is my unsolicited review.
Miss Olivia Overton’s mother had just died. She went to her solicitor and was told there was no money left. She could not believe it. She had a decision to make. Was she going to become a Governess/ Campanion or look for a husband?
Colonel Hugh Glendenning has returned from India after the death of his older brother. His wife and son died three years ago and he was having a hard time. His brother left the estate in penury and falling down. He was trying to reverse it. His cousin died in St. Kitts recently and his wife sent his daughters to Hugh. Now he had a decision to make.
This is a wonderful story. Two people hurting and not knowing what to do. The writing whisks you away. The characters are sweet and frustrated. This was very easy to read and the banter between the two was witty.
I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.