This book ultimately won me over, though I had reservations about the heroine at the start. She seemed to be one of those girls who is overly ready to take offense at non-offensive things, just to create a bit of tension between her and the hero. That plot device always makes me wonder exactly what it is that the gentleman sees in the lady! She got over this tendency before it became too grating. As for the rest of the novel, it's a pretty typical Regency drama of a penniless girl who discovers family, wealth, and love, with a one-dimensional rival that never really presents that credible of a threat to her. Enjoyable when you're in the mood for a bit of gentle romance.

Thanks to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for making this digital book available to me! ( )

WhenMiss Julianna Ashbourne learns her estranged grandfather left her an inheritance with the stipulation she spends a month at the family home, the independent young lady's first inclination is to refuse. Circumstances compel her to accept, however, and she finds her life change for the better.

Julianna is an independent, stubborn character. When I first began to read her story, I was not inclined to like her. She didn't feel as though she fit into the era, and made no attempts to do so! She didn't have an ounce of respect for how her employer wished the children to be educated, making her one of the worst governesses I've ever read about with her forward-thinking ideas.

However, as the story progressed Julianna's personality is softened and I liked her better. She is surrounded by an enjoyable cast who bring out the best in her, from her sweet grandmother to the maid who helps her. The romance was sweet if a bit predictable.

The pace of the book is steady. The details of the period are excellent, save for Julianna's very modern way of thinking. I look forward to seeing what else this author has up her sleeve.

I would recommend this to readers of Regency Romance looking for a strong female lead. ( )