"The Silent Governess" by Julie Klassen

on Goodreads

"Olivia Keene is fleeing her own secret.

She never intended to overhear his.

But now that she has, what is Lord Bradley to do with her? He cannot let her go, for were the truth to get out, he would lose everything--his reputation, his inheritance, his very home.

He gives Miss Keene little choice but to accept a post at Brightwell Court, where he can make certain she does not spread what she heard. Keeping an eye on the young woman as she cares for the children, he finds himself drawn to her, even as he struggles against the growing attraction. The clever Miss Keene is definitely hiding something.

Moving, mysterious, and romantic, The Silent Governess takes readers inside the intriguing life of a nineteenth-century governess in an English manor house where all is not as it appears."

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I was browsing the library when I came across this little gem. Yet again, Julie Klassen was able to create a unique story with plenty of twists and turns. What I love most about her books is how well she develops her characters. You really get to know Olivia and Edward and don't have to fill in the blanks in your head. It wasn't at heart wrenching as "Lady of Milkweed Manor" but it was still moving. Definitely recommend, even if you're not yet a fan of Historical Fiction/Romance. 

Main Character: Sweet, Intelligent, Feisty, and Loyal, Olivia Keene is an excellent main character. You really get to know and understand her which is what pulls you in and doesn't let you put the book down until it is finished.

Love Interest: He's a bit like Mr. Darcy at first. He's always so hostile and rarely smiles but as the story unfolds, you finally see bits of his softer side. Also very loyal to family, he kept assuming the worst about Olivia. The story is equal parts about Edward as it is Olivia. 

The Romance: At first you wonder if there will ever be a romance in the story, but don't worry - it will come. Julie Klassen takes great care of her characters and while dragging them through heartache a few times, she makes sure that they end up in a happy place.

The Mystery: So so good! I could guess the secret near the beginning, but the depths of the secret will amaze you. I wonder if she had to write the book in reverse so that all of those plot twists would make sense....

Ending: Absolutely fantastic. I almost cried, but don't let that discourage you.

Overall Opinion: I loved it! Can't wait for her next book to be released! It also makes me want to go back and reread two of her other books I have on my nook. 

"Anna and the French Kiss" by Stephanie Perkins

@ BN

"Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris - until she meets Etienne St. Clair: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home.

As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near - misses end with the French kiss Anna - and readers - have long awaited?"

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This was another book that I was hesitant about reading. However, after reading quite a few awesome reviews and finding it at the library (the library!!!!) I gave it a shot. Anna wants to be a film critic, and I wish I could find where they say it so I can quote it exactly, but the gist of it is that females aren't good critics because they're too soft. So she wants to be this awesome film critic some day that people take seriously. I might have been a bit soft on some of these books, but no more! So "Anna and the French Kiss", are you ready for my incredibly fierce review???

I LOVED IT! Holy cow. In all seriousness I really really did. Right up there with "The Lady of Milkweed Manor" and "North of Beautiful". I'm trying to develop a format for reviewing so I make sure I give each book a thorough review. Lemme know what you think and if there are any other spots I should touch on.

Main Character: Anna! Annabel is easy to relate to. She gets yanked out of her life in Atlanta and transplanted to SOAP (School of America in Paris). She's awkward and nervous and almost starves until she learns the foods in french. I really like that she has some standards too. I don't like it when the main girls have super sassy attitudes with swear words flying everywhere and icky nasty trash for thoughts. Anna was perfect. I felt like I knew her character really well and I went on her emotional roller coaster with her. Well done Stephanie!

Love Interest: St. Clair was a good pick. I really like that he was flawed according to society. He's kinda short, doesn't have the perfect teeth, and is ridiculously afraid of heights. Add in his current girlfriend and dad and their screwed up relationships, and you really feel like this is a real guy. He screws up a lot, but he makes up for it.

The Romance: I hate it when they fall in love instantly and you can't see how or why. I also hate it when they take forever and 5 years to realize they have a thing for each other (Hermione & Ron....). Anna & St. Clair have it perfect. They develop their friend side which I think is really important because it gives them a strong foundation to be all romantic later on. Well looks like it's time to quit talking at risk of spoilers...

Ending: Very happy :)

Overall Opinion: Go get it! It's funny, sad, sweet, and angry at one point or another. I definitely want to add this to my collection.