Mr. Gardiner and the Governess - Review

Mr. Gardiner and the Governess (Clairvoir Castle Romances, # 1)

By: Sally Britton

Publication: November 25th 2020 by Pink Citrus Books

228 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Regency

Source: YouTube Audiobooks

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Goodreads description--A duke’s governess, a gentleman entomologist, and a castle full of flowers is the perfect setting for a summer romance. As the new governess to the duke's family, Alice Sharpe must learn to control her impulsiveness. Employment in the duke’s household is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and could mean living in comfort the rest of her days. Unfortunately, her first encounter with the duke's houseguest, a handsome gentleman obsessed with insects, proves she may not be ready for the austere role of governess.

Rupert Gardiner has one goal: to have his work in entomology and botany published by the Royal Society. He is fortunate that the Duke of Montfort, believes in him and enlists Rupert to make a record of all the flora on the castle grounds. But Miss Sharpe’s spontaneity and continual appearance during his work is an annoying distraction. At least, that’s what he tells himself.

While Alice struggles to adapt to her new role, constantly striving to go unnoticed while still being herself, she cannot help but admire Rupert’s intelligence and focus. The more often they fall in together, the more her admiration deepens. But could a gentleman such as he ever fall in love with the governess?

As the first stand-alone novel in a new series by author Sally Britton, this story begins the Clairvoir Castle romances. This is a light-hearted series set in the Regency period.

Can you guys even imagine how stoked I was to find Sally Britton has full audiobooks on YouTube for FREE? I don't have a ton of time to listen to audiobooks, but you know what, sometimes you make time for free books. Another thing I wanted to mention before I really get into the review of this book is that Sally Britton had an author's note at the end that talked about how she struggled (like many of us) through the pandemic, and for her own mental well-being she created this, I believe she said, "light-hearted" book series. Clean, low-drama romance. And you know what? Sometimes that's exactly what I need. Sometimes I just don't need extra conflict or plot. Sometimes the difficulty to go from single to together is hard enough on its own. And sometimes I just need to read a book that's going to make me smile.

Alice is unwanted among her family members. She is too pretty and distracts potential suitors from the daughters of her relations. And for the most part, she has been cast from one relative to another for many years. Ultimately, she ends up being the governess to the children of the Duke and Duchess of Montfort. Upon taking the position, the Duchess and the Dowager Duchess discuss what's expected of her, and in no uncertain terms is she supposed to go about searching for or being involved in any romance. Alice is terrified of losing her position because where would she go now that her relations are so thoroughly tired of her imposing upon them. So she endeavors to toe the line exactly and not step one foot over.

Rupert Gardiner has been commissioned by the Duke to catalog all the plants and insects at Castle Clairvoir's grounds. He is also a personal friend of the Duke. Rupert stumbles upon Alice's artwork of the local plants and he determines that she must work with him on his project since he doesn't care as much about the plants as he does the insects. Having never grown up unwanted, or really particularly ever been unwanted, Rupert couldn't possibly understand why Alice wouldn't want to take part in his scientific research if it allows her to have her name listed in scientific journals alongside his. And, of course, he quickly comes to realize that there is much about Alice to draw him to her.

As I already said, there isn't much conflict or drama to overcome. Maybe some might look at this as a fluff piece. And maybe it is. But I actually enjoyed that there weren't terribly high circumstances to overcome for these two to find love. Of course, that doesn't mean that there's no conflict to overcome because that would be exceedingly boring.

I enjoyed Mr. Gardiner and the Governess. It was the perfect, happy book to listen to as I was doing the majority of the food prep, decorating, and last-minute cleaning for my son's birthday party. Alice and Rupert were both quite different from me, but I was happy to root for them, and I enjoyed their journey to happiness. Mr. Gardiner and the Governess gets 4 Stars. Have you read (or listened to) Mr. Gardiner and the Governess? What did you think? Let me know!