The Tempting of the Governess (The Cinderella Spinsters)
Left destitute after her mother’s death and the trustees’ unwise investment of her funds, Olivia Overton chooses to support herself as a governess rather than accept a distasteful marriage offer. Meanwhile, in Somerset recently retired Colonel Hugh Glendenning is struggling to restore the fortunes of the estate he inherited from a wastrel brother, when visitors from the West Indies arrive with two little girls. They are the daughters of his late cousin, entrusted to the care of their guardian. Him. And so begins the transformation of these four strangers, each of whom has experienced deep personal loss and domestic upheaval, into a loving family.
The process is, however, challenging, for they have to set aside past hopes and disappointments and learn to trust each other. The children are only too pleased to find loving care-givers, and Hugh soon comes to appreciate Olivia’s impressive abilities, though he hesitates to risk another marriage after the death of his son and wife in India. Interestingly, Olivia experiences the most difficulty, largely because she is presented with a tempting option that would allow her to pursue former interests.
Insightful, though the focus is very much on the adults rather than the children.
Recommended.
