The Governess of Penwythe Hall (The Cornwall Novels)
This is not your typical Regency romance. The motif of the much-preoccupied hero who unexpectedly finds himself the guardian of his deceased brother’s children and who discovers how much he appreciates their beautiful and highly capable governess is common enough in the genre. Mutual physical attraction between Jac Twethewey and Delia Greythorne steadily develops into love, but it is often overshadowed by other elements in the story, which is set in Cornwall: Jac’s struggle to overcome the children’s initial mistrust; his concerns to make a success of his cider-making project; Delia’s efforts to protect the children she has come to love; the conflicting demands of those who need and love her. And why is the family of her deceased husband pursuing her so menacingly?
There is a stronger emphasis on realism than in most romances, the characters’ dominant emotions are anxiety, and the suspense builds powerfully. And since this is also an inspirational romance, faith is a well-integrated current. There might be rather too many plot strands, but then life is untidy. Definitely recommended.
