The Silent Governess

The Silent Governess
By Julie Klassen
Bethany House, 2009. 442 pgs. Romance

Olivia Keene, who has recently run away from home, manages to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and overhears Lord Brightwell discussing with his son and heir, Edward, that he is not actually Brightwell's son. Edward stands to lose everything if word gets out, and when Olivia is caught eavesdropping, Edward is determined not to give her the chance to reveal his secret. Although Olivia has no intention of revealing his secret, Edward forces her into accepting a position at Brightwell Court, first as a servant and then as a governess for his cousin's children. Although both experience a growing attraction for the other, Olivia's position, as well as her reasons for running away, and Edward's suspicions as someone tries to blackmail him, stand to ruin their happiness.

With a mixture of light mystery, a sweet romance, and a setting in 19th century England, this book will appeal to fans of Jane Austen and the like.

AE