Winterset

 

Winterset, by Tiffany Odekirk, is an interesting tale about Katherine Lockwood.  Upon learning that Mr. Oliver Jennings, owner of Winterset, is soon to return, Kat knows she must find a new hiding place.  Kat’s father had previously leased the property.   But after her former intended took her father’s life in a duel, Kat is fearful to think of leaving this pace of safety.  Where would she go?

Kat comes up with an idea to make Oliver not want to stay.  Now Kat, as well as her two loyal servants, set out to make Oliver think Winterset is haunted!

All seems to be going according to plan until Oliver suddenly discovers that the beautiful Katherine Lockwood whom he thought was dead is actually alive and living in his home!

When the man who killed Kat’s father suddenly shows up, Oliver must take action to place Kat in a safe place.  You will never believe where she ends up.  Oliver’s childhood home!

Hold tight for a scene full of action on the final pages of this tale!

Summerhaven

 

Summerhaven, by Tiffany Odekirk, tells of Hannah Kent’s journey back to Summerhaven, a beautiful and grand place where she has many happy memories.  She hopes to find Oliver Jennings, the younger son of this family and possibly move forward with their acquaintance.  Instead, Hannah crosses paths with Damon, the elder brother and definitely the nemesis from her youth.  Her first glimpse of Damon has her wondering if his spirit has changed at all!

When Damon asks Hannah if he can pretend to court her in order to satisfy his father’s wish that he marry, you have no idea what the result of this pretense will be!

Initially, Hannah’s heart still longs for Oliver; however, soon you wonder if the focus of her longing may change.  This is a fun tale to follow as you see Hannah’s heart move from Oliver to be fully set on his brother, Damon!

The Captains Christmas Family

 

The Captain’s Christmas Family, by Deborah Hale, is a very interesting tale.  After their father’s death, Marian Murray is continuing to care for Cissy and Dolly Radcliffe.  Now their father’s cousin, Captain Gideon Radcliffe has entered the scene as the new owner of the estate.  He soon agrees that the two girls and their governess can stay until Christmas.  However, after that he declares that they will need to find a new home.  The only problem is their guardian is nowhere to be found!

It is fun to see the family dynamics grow, as everyone works together to plan and decorate for the coming holiday.  You soon get the sense that the Captain is feeling more comfortable with his new home and the family that comes with it!

When their guardian finally arrives, you wonder what may change.  Will the Captain simply pass the girls to their guardian, as he returns to his life at sea or will he decide to make a major change and build a new life with his family?

The Gentleman's Bride Search

 

The Gentleman’s Bride Search, by Deborah Hale, tells of Evangeline Fairfax who has been working as governess to the Chase children.  She is ready to move on to work with a foundling charity school; however, Jasper Chase, her current boss, has not found a replacement for Evangeline.  This workaholic father  barely shows up for his five children!

When Jasper’s former mother-in-law and his children’s governess invite eligible women to a gathering in his home, he is not happy with the situation.  He could use a mother for his children; however, Jasper has no desire to marry again!

After several days of this gathering, Jasper realizes he might need to consider marrying again.  Evangeline is not quite sure what to do when Jasper suddenly asks for her help in courting one of these women!

By the final pages of this tale, you wonder whether Jasper will be drawn to one of the women brought into his home or if Evangeline herself will capture his heart!

The Duke’s Marriage Mission

 

The Duke’s Marriage Mission, by Deborah Hale, tells the tale of Leah Shaw moving to Renforth Abbey to teach the Duke’s invalid son.  She does not realize exactly what this latest job would entail!

When Leah meets first Kit, then his father, the Duke, she immediately knows this young boy needs her form of teaching.  His father’s methods were much too rigid.  After the Duke and Leah finally agree to a one year contract, she is excited to try to open up Kit’s world to see and do much more than he had previously known!

It is fun to see how both Kit’s and the Duke’s lives change due to Leah’s presence.  You soon wonder if Leah’s job title will change and if she will stay longer than merely one year!

The Earl’s Honorable Intentions

 

The Earl’s Honorable Intentions, by Deborah Hale, opens with Hannah Fletcher attending the Countess of Hawkesbury’s funeral.  Hannah has been working as a governess for the countess.  She cannot believe that the Countess’s husband, Gavin Romney, the Earl of Hawkhurst, is not even there to pay his final respects.  When he shows up at the last minute, dripping with blood from a war wound, the reason becomes clear!

Even though Hannah is still angry that Gavin missed the final moments with his wife, she dives in to help with caring for this wounded man.  She is focused solely on a promise she made qto the countess.  Also, Hannah grew up in an orphanage and did not want that fate for the children!

While Gavin is recovering, it is fun to see Hannah introduce him to his new baby twins and reunite him with his older son.  Soon you will sense feelings growing between Gavin and Hannah.  Hold tight to see if Gavin will go back to war or decide to stay at home and focus on his family!

The Nobleman's Governess Bride

 

The Nobleman’s Governess Bride, by Deborah Hale, opens with a novella entitled The Viscount Meets His Match.

On the opening pages of this novella, Rebecca Beaton is approached by Viscount Benedict, who has mistaken her for Miss Hermione Leonard, the woman his brother wishes to marry.  Rebecca has been working as Hermione’s governess for years.  However, Rebecca cannot not seem to get a word in to correct him. When she finally states the she will not marry his brother, the Viscount quickly relates this to his brother.  When these brothers finally realize the truth of the situation, the Viscount feels he has been duped by Rebecca!

After the Viscount and Rebecca come to a tentative peace, they both decide to participate in a debate to determine who should move forward with a marriage.  Rebecca’s friend Hermione or the Viscount’s brother.  Things get even more confusing when the Viscount proposes to Rebecca. Hold tight to see what her response will be!

The Nobleman’s Governess Bride continues with the tale The Baron’s Governess Bride.  

Grace Ellerby is trying to procure a job as a governess to the children of a wealthy gentleman, Lord Steadwell.  Rupert Kendrick has three young daughters in need someone to guide their days.  After some negative encounters on past jobs, Grace is currently wearing a disguise to make her look like a much older woman!

After Rupert hires Grace, they immediately travel to his home where she meets his daughters.  Grace is not sure how easy it will be to work with these girls.   They have been through a bit following the death of their mother; however, Grace will put her all into the effort!

It is interesting to watch as Grace slowly achieves acceptance from each of the girls; however, you have no idea what will happen when Rupert learns that she has been hiding her true identity!