The Truth About Miss Ashbourne - Review

The Truth About Miss Ashbourne

By: Joanna Barker

Publication: November 1st 2018 by Covenant Communications, Inc.

272 pages

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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Goodreads description--Governess Juliana Ashbourne has dreams reaching far beyond the confines of her current position, hoping to someday establish her own school for girls. When she inherits a fortune from her late grandfather, she is shocked to learn that “someday” may soon be within reach. However, there is one condition: she must spend a month at the estate of Havenfield—with the very family who disowned her mother. Intent on securing the money she needs to start her school, Juliana accepts the invitation, vowing to guard her heart against those who shunned her all her life. But Havenfield is far from what she expects. She discovers a grandmother seeking forgiveness, a cold and disapproving aunt, and a painfully shy cousin. And then there is Mr. William Rowley. Though the heir to the estate is a merciless tease, Juliana finds in him a friend and confidant—and perhaps something more. As she struggles to make sense of her new place in the world, her stubborn independence clashes with a yearning to belong and the even more confusing desires of her heart.

I'm still relatively new to the historical fiction genre. I've read the occasional book throughout my life but it was never a genre I read frequently until the last year or so. I'm still finding authors that I'm enjoying in the genre, but I'm always wary of getting into books that might have too much "romance" if you know what I mean. The Truth About Miss Ashbourne was utterly clean and I'm so glad.

William was such a fun character. He teases and banters with Juliana from the very beginning of their acquaintance. He's strong, wise, kind, and everything you might look for in a leading male character. Juliana was so endearing. She meets William under the most unusual circumstances and she's constantly embarrassing herself. I think many people would be able to relate to her. The other characters of The Truth About Miss Ashbourne was all enjoyable too. Lady Rowley, Eliza, Rebecca, and Mrs. Rowley were all lovely characters--especially Eliza and Rebecca. Both of which I'd love to read more about.

Of course, there were plenty of unlikable characters which make the story well rounded and realistic.

I was plugging along and enjoying every single bit. I never wanted to put The Truth About Miss Ashbourne down. I was able to read it over the course of about two days. But then one of my biggest pet peeve when it comes to conflict occurred. I ended up being satisfied with the ending and how the resolution happened.

The Truth About Miss Ashbourne was really enjoyable. I read it very quickly and didn't want to put it down. I was excited about the possibility of William and Juliana from the very moment they first met without even knowing who the other was. I loved their back and forth bantering. The Truth About Miss Ashbourne gets 4 Stars. Have you read The Truth About Miss Ashbourne? What did you think? Let me know!