The Silent Governess

Julie Klassen
2009

Back of Book: Olivia Keene is fleeing her own secret. She never intended to overhear his. But now that she has, what is Lord Bradley to do with her? He cannot let her go, for were the truth to get out, he would lose everything – his reputation, his inheritance, his very home.
He gives Miss Keene little choice but to accept a post at Brightwell Court, where he can make certain she does not spread what she heard. Keeping an eye on the young woman as she cares for the children, he finds himself drawn to her, even as he struggles against the growing attraction. The clever Miss Keene is definitely hiding something.
Moving, mysterious, and romantic, The Silent Governess takes readers inside the intriguing life of a nineteenth-century governess in an English manor house where all is not as it appears.

Thoughts: Wow. Klassen really does her research. She gets everything about the period correct and doesn’t throw in modern stuff just to make it interesting. It makes the books all the more fun to read because you know this really could have happened. The story was fun. You would think it was getting predictable, and then it would take a twist you never saw coming. Even right up to the end when I usually have figured things out there were more twists.

Ending: I didn’t like the Epilogue because it was too condensed. But I guess it would have taken ten more chapters to fit in all the stuff that needed to be said. Really, that is my only complaint.

A Countess Below Stairs

Eva Ibbotson
1981

Back of the Book: After the Russian Revolution turns her world topsy-turvy, Anna, a young Russian countess, has no choice but to flee to England. Penniless, Anna hides her aristocratic background and takes a job as servant in the household of the esteemed Westerholme family, armed only with an outdated housekeeping manual and sheer determination. Desperate to keep her past a secret, Anna is nearly overwhelmed by her new duties --- not to mention her instant attraction to Rupert, the handsome Earl of Westerholme. To make matters worse, Rupert appears to be falling for her as well. As their attraction grows stronger, Anna finds it more and more difficult to keep her most dearly held secrets from unraveling. And then there’s the small matter of Rupert’s beautiful and nasty fiancée…

Thoughts: Whoever wrote the above was embellishing a lot. Yes all those things happen, but not as dramatically as they are letting you think. Anna doesn’t really care if people find out her secret; she only keeps it hidden to get the job. And, she is not “overwhelmed by her new duties”!!! She makes up new ones to stay busy. But, despite the exaggerations, it is still a good book. Eva Ibbotson is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. The book was fun and easy to read and understand.

Ending: I knew they would end up together, but I was not sure how they were going to get rid of the psycho fiancée. Things just really worked out in the end and I was so glad they got their jewels back. I absolutely loved the part when she is going to cut her hair and he bursts in and tells her he can’t do it. She may have been “instantly attracted to Rupert” as the back of the book said, but it wasn’t until then she discovered her love for him. I think this is one I will read again.