The Nanny’s Handbook to Magic and Managing Difficult Dukes (The Parasol Academy)
In this charming confection, Mrs. Emmeline Chase, newly graduated from the Parasol Academy for Exceptional Nannies and Governesses, is hired by the eccentric Xavier Mason, Duke of St. Lawrence, to manage his high-spirited wards, Harry, Barry, and Gary. Like any Parasol Academy nanny, Emmeline is clearly up to the task, securely equipped with a magical uniform pocket that produces such useful items as “besmirchifying potion.” However, Emmeline has yet to quite master the art of teleportation, so, with the help of the family pet, Horatio Ravenscar, the talking raven, her first encounter with the duke and his household takes place atop the room, where she is trapped. Xavier is a shy and socially awkward horologist, who is currently obsessed with creating the “Clock of Clocks” to win the upcoming competition to design the Westminster Palace Clock. But his growing attraction to the charming Mrs. Chase, threatens to prove an enticing distraction from his task. And when a secret enemy begins to play dangerous pranks that jeopardize the entire household, Emmeline and Xavier must work together to discover the culprit and find true love at last.
Readers who are looking for an in-depth discussion of horology or a historically accurate picture of Victorian London will likely find themselves disappointed, but taken on its own terms, The Nanny’s Handbook to Magic and Managing Difficult Dukes is a pleasantly satisfying romance.
