📚📏🎼 “The Governess” (The Ladies of Roderick Glen #3) (2022) 🎼📏📚 – Book Review
MY REVIEW
Publisher: Independently Published (July 5, 2022)
Language: English
ISBN-13: 979-8834574057
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information
“She’s spent years running from the pain of her past. Is facing it the only way to save her future?
Fiona Campbell has done everything possible to mold herself into the perfect English governess. Determined to forget the tragedy she endured as a young girl in Ireland, she devoted all her energy into building a new life for herself. And she succeeded brilliantly--until the day she fell in love with Lord George Roderick, Baron of Cheswick, thereby risking not only her heart and reputation, but her livelihood, as well.
Fiona’s world is shattered when she learns that George has abandoned her to enter an engagement with the Honorable Sienna Clarke, a woman that receives his family’s full seal of approval. Despite George’s insistence that his love for her has not wavered and he will eventually make a way for them to be together, Fiona harbors doubts that his words will ever come to pass. Desperate to escape the situation, she applies for a new position elsewhere, only to be ignored at every turn.
George has always been the son his father could count on. He’s done everything his family has expected of him, but the idea of marrying anyone other than Fiona is unthinkable. Determined to set things right, he takes matters into his own hands, little dreaming that his actions will have the opposite effect of what he intended.
When a chance encounter with a childhood acquaintance provides Fiona with an opportunity to return to Ireland, she struggles with the decision. Should she remain in Roderick Glen and hope for love to prevail, or return to her native country and face the painful memories that have haunted her for years?
This third book in The Ladies of Roderick Glen series gives us another glimpse into the lives of the villagers as they reconcile faith with love, heartache, and the wistful longing for home.”
Thank you in advance to the author, Kristie Self, for providing a complimentary review copy through her launch and review team. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.
As of note, self-published books can be problematic in that some authors do not have editors, or other support staff. Some don’t even do their research. On the other hand, some indie authors use editors and even professionally designed covers. Some books are stand-outs in a good way, and some stand-out in a bad way. I’ve read both kinds.
Kristie Self is a stellar story-teller, even from her debut book. And, she definitely stands above many indies.
Self is taking readers back to Roderick Glen in this third installment of THE LADIES OF RODERICK GLEN series.
And, right off, THANK YOU for Fiona’s story!!
Those who’ve read my review on the second book, The Dressmaker, will understand WHY I so wanted to read this. It was a “MUST-READ” for me. After the shocking and scandalous end to The Dressmaker, I was wondering how the author was going to pull it out for Fiona and George. And, trust me – it isn’t easy in this book.
Before I get into the main review … let’s discuss this cover!
Like the first book, The Piano Teacher, this has a stunning cover. Shout-out to Bespoke Book Covers (https://bespokebookcovers.com/) for this gorgeous one. It grabbed me right off, and really holds up to the series. Covers can either make or break the book from the beginning.
Speaking of the other two books, I VERY HIGHLY RECOMMEND readers read The Piano Teacher (#1) and The Dressmaker (#2) prior to reading this one. The Piano Teacher sets up the stage for the events, characters, and town. This series isn’t really “stand-alone” in my opinion. It flows well together
Th Governess itself is 374 pages give or take of story. So, it isn’t a short read. The scenes are short as are the chapters. But, like the other two books, this features MULTIPLE POVs – around 17. This is the only problem I have as it does make it a bit problematic when reading and trying to keep up (as well as taking notes). Though, it isn’t a “deal-breaker” per se, and I am used to her style.
While the main story is about George [P] and Fiona [P], there are updates with:
🏰 Lucinda (Lady Rockingham) [P] /Alford (Lord Rockingham) [P]
🌻 Francesca (Fanny) [P] /William [P]
🎹 Melody [P]/Henry [P]
🧵 Marigold [P] /Hadley [P]
🎼 Jasper [P]
📚 Victoria [P]
📜 Barney [P]
🩺 CeCe [P]
🔭 Sienna [P]
🍻 Trimble
✉️ Janie
[P] – denotes a POV in the story.
There are also some new characters:
🛡️ Killian [P]
🩸 Patrick [P]
One character is a spoiler as he is related to Fiona, and surprise – Fiona isn’t her real name.
Given the many characters, this is more about a community than any one family or person. The author includes a partial cast and family list at the front of the book for easy reference.
That said …
This tackles an interesting historical issue: the Irish and the British “wars”. It is no secret how the Irish feel about the British. She also wades into gambling addiction as well, though it was not known about it at the time. There are no real content or trigger issues with this read.
Some readers might take issue with the outdated practices, particularly Dr. Hinkley telling CeCe that women cannot be doctors. Janie also scorns nursing as a choice for her daughter as usually nurses are single women.
There might be more, but this is historical fiction. As a result, some practices and ideals will be outdated, but authentic to the period.
Self has multiple arcs going on in this:
🔵 George – his engagement to Sienna, and trying to get out of it
🔵 Fiona – her “involvement” with George; her tenuous employment at Cheswick Park; her family background and Sienna knowing WHO Fiona really is; acclimating to her new “home” after leaving Cheswick Park
🔵 Jasper – he’s left Cheswick Park, taking up piano player in the pub, but soon gets introduced to gambling via the game of piquet
🔵 Fanny/William – their marriage reconciliation, another child, and William’s death
🔵 Marigold/Hadley – their impending parenthood
🔵 Henry/Melody – their impending parenthood
🔵 Killian – in Roderick Glen, looking for “Juliet”
🔵 Patrick – He is “raiding” British people in Ireland in the name of “rebellion” and independence
🔵 Victoria – trying to get used to not having Fiona there, and her “interactions” with frenemy Barney
🔵 CeCe – one of Victoria’s friends and Janie’s daughter. She is “shadowing” Dr. Hinkley in hopes of becoming a nurse
The book begins in 1864 in Ireland with the history of what happened to an Irish family. As it turns out – that family is Fiona’s family – her parents and brothers. Those who’ve been keeping up with the series know that Fiona is Irish. A somewhat “problem” with her British employers (they tend to think less of her as a result).
In the “current” day of the novel, Fiona is understandably upset about George’s engagement to another woman. She is interrupted by now 15-year-old Victoria asking why the governess left Ireland.
Meanwhile, George is trying to get out from the engagement and imploring with his father to let him be with Fiona. His father is against it and thinks little of Fiona given her role as “hired help”. George acquiesces, but won’t stop trying to be with Fiona despite his father’s threats.
Both Marigold and Melody are pregnant and happily married. Fanny is back at Dunraven and happily adjusting to her role as Olivia’s mom. Fanny is also getting “closer” to William. As readers might remember in The Dressmaker, Fanny was having issues with what would be called today post-partum depression. She is now seemingly more content and open to her life with William.
Meanwhile, Sienna is also reluctant about her upcoming wedding to George. She is interested in astronomy, which according to her mother, is unseemly for a girl to be interested in. It is clearly apparent Professor Nichols has some form of admiration for her. She takes her telescope in for repair and informs him of her impending nuptials much to his disappointment. (I’m thinking there might be a story about them).
Sienna feels as if she is living a double life – being who she has to be in society and her mom, yet in private – she is who she really is – lover of astronomy, science, and scholarly things
One of Victoria’s friends, CeCe wants to leave the village when she is older. She eventually convinces Dr. Hinkley to let her shadow him as she wants to go into the medical field. He first has her cleaning. Eventually, as the story progress, so too does his treatment of her – and he allows her to come along on calls.
It becomes clear to Fiona she cannot stay at Cheswick Park and asks Lady Rockingham for a letter of recommendation. It is believable given Victoria’s age. Though Lord Rockingham would prefer Fiona leave right then and there. Fiona wants to have another job lined up before leaving. And, that gives George an idea. Fiona is especially eager to leave given her past and that Sienna is someone that knows that past.
Barnaby Wesley is in college and pondering his future. He wants to get married though not right after college. He has NO intentions of marrying Victoria though. (Why do I sense something different??).
Fiona eventually runs into someone from her past. A past with a different name. A name she never wanted to hear again.
Sienna confronts Fiona about the truth, especially after seeing her with George. This time, it is George who learns something about the woman he thought he loved. This leads Fiona to leaving England, and Sienna tells George the truth about Fiona.
In Ireland, while happy to be reunited with the survivors of the family massacre, she is disappointed to learn what her brother is doing. She’s begins to regret coming back “home”, yet knows there is nothing in Roderick Glen for her.
George is still on his quest to find his happily-ever-after with Fiona.
As the story progresses, each story arc takes a turn. While some are natural – Jasper and his gambling, some are surprising (Will’s “death”). Others are sinister (Fiona’s brother’s “raids”). There are some heartwarming ones as well (Hinkley supportive and appreciative of CeCe; Victoria and Barney being civil).
And, some are dangerous – George finding Fiona and an angry Patrick.
By the end, there are some story arcs closed, and like the last book, there are cliffhangers:
❓ Where is Jasper and what is going to happen to him?
❓ Who killed William?
❓ How is Lord Rockingham really going to take George and Fiona’s marriage?
This was, given the length, a fairly quick read. Like the others – well written, even pacing, and authentic dialogue given it a realistic feel. The pacing definitely doesn’t lag.
Like some books of the genre, it is a bit overwhelming to get into, but once into it – I couldn’t put it down. I was intrigued by the Fiona story arc, as well as the William story arc.
There are some formatting errors (indentions and mid-sentence spaces) which can be a bit distracting, especially when one is reading as in-depth as I do.
Overall, The Governess is a beautiful, heart-breaking, suspenseful, slightly dangerous, gripping read rife with deceptions. Yet, it has the heart of romance, second chances, as well as being hopeful.
The author is a Christian, and this will have strong Christian themes. They are not integral to the story arcs, but the characters. As a result, there are mentions of faith. This is also a clean read with no on-page intimacy, and one “off-page” or “behind the doors” scene that is hinted at once. The language is also clean.
This definitely has the makings of a TV series or at best a mini-series event.
Those who read the first two books won’t want to miss out on this one. And, I’m definitely awaiting the next book of the series. I don’t know if I want Fanny’s story next or Sienna … or … someone!
RATING:
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html;update https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2022/07/what-goes-into-my-reviews-2022-edition.html)
PREVIOUS BOOKS IN THE SERIES:
Series: The Ladies of Roderick Glen (Book #1)
Publisher: Kristie Self (January 19, 2021)
Language: English
ISBN-13: 979-8481942841
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information
“She longs to escape a dreadful secret from her past, but can she ever run far enough to truly forget?
Melody Creston is left penniless following the death of her father. Desperate to escape the threat of an unwanted and dangerous marriage, she flees to the small village of Roderick Glen in the English countryside to begin life anew as a pianoforte teacher. She is hired to teach the daughter of the Earl of Rockingham and soon falls in love with the quaint village and its quirky residents. Despite her newfound freedom, she is haunted by the secrets of her past, as well as the constant fear that she will be discovered and forced to return to London.
Lord Henry Roderick is the younger son of the Earl of Rockingham and has no desire to obey his father’s wishes and help his brother attend to their family’s estate, Cheswick Park. Carefree and fun-loving, his reputation as a scoundrel often hides the true nature of his heart. Upon meeting Melody, he is instantly captivated by the beautiful piano teacher, and is determined to do whatever it takes to win her heart and become the man she needs.
Melody is intrigued by Henry and encourages him to follow his own path as he searches for his purpose in life. Shy and reserved, she is reluctant to admit her feelings for him, but as they grow closer, he begins to break through the barriers of fear and mistrust that surround her heart. As their love deepens, she becomes increasingly afraid of what will happen when he learns the truth of her turbulent past. Can love forgive a secret hidden in the shadows when it is exposed to the light of day?”
Series: The Ladies of Roderick Glen (Book #2)
Paperback: 375 Pages
Publisher: Kristie Self (November 2, 2021)
Language: English
ISBN-13: 979-8548458902
Click Photo for Purchase Information ➡️
“She wants to forget the tragic memories that tie them together.
He wants to tear down the walls that keep them apart.
Marigold Pendleton has always prided herself on her independence. Possessing neither wealth nor great beauty, she has resigned herself to life as a spinster and is determined to look after her own needs. As dressmaker for the village of Roderick Glen, she is known for her loyalty and compassionate nature. Few of the residents would ever guess the truth—that beneath her sweet spirit, Marigold carries the weight of a dreadful secret and a guilty conscience.
Hadley Stevenson is proud of his position as steward of Cheswick Park, though it often means dealing with the constant drama that haunts the Earl of Rockingham and his family wherever they go. He longs for a wife and family of his own, but his childhood friend, Marigold, has no idea he has been in love with her for years. Despite his best efforts, he is unable to break through the barriers that surround her heart.
When a crisis forces Marigold to rely on Hadley more than she ever has before, she struggles to reconcile her growing feelings for him with the knowledge that he is the only one who knows the truth about the tragic event that has defined her life. As the walls between them finally begin to crumble, can she release the pain of the past to embrace the joy of the future that awaits her?”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kristie Self combines her love of history and romance to write faith-filled love stories with memorable characters and intriguing plots. A banker by day, she spends most of her nights and weekends focused on writing. She enjoys traveling, watching movies, and curling up with a good book. An avid lover of music, she plays several instruments and teaches piano, as well. She is a graduate of Howard Payne University and lives in Lott, Texas with her cat, Arlo.
You can follow her on the following social media accounts:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Author-Kristie-Self-104312101557463/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristieself_author/
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