The Good Fortune of Miss Robbins

by Melanie Dickerson

My only remaining marriage prospects were the head gardener, the vicar, and the steward. But how could I marry any of them when I was in love . . . with Lord Brookhaven?

Charlotte Robbins accepts a governess position for the Earl of Brookhaven's siblings despite rumors of the earl's severe and mysterious demeanor. As a lowly governess, Charlotte entertains thoughts of possible romance with an eligible servant until she does fall unexpectedly in love--with the pensive earl himself.

But love does not mean a match is possible, and the earl's friends warn Charlotte that if he were to fall for her, it would ruin him. Just as Charlotte resigns herself to the impossibility of her feelings, she receives news that she has inherited a fortune from a long-lost relative. Now thrust into London high society, Charlotte grapples with suitors vying for her attention, but her heart still belongs to the Earl of Brookhaven. As secrets unfold, she's no longer certain if her newfound fortune is a blessing--or if it is the very thing that threatens the love she's always longed for.

"A unique story with a richly tapestried setting that makes this Regency novel sparkle to the very end."--Laura Frantz, Christy Award-winning author of The Indigo Heiress

In this captivating rags-to-riches, upstairs/downstairs historical Regency romance for fans of Jane Eyre, New York Times bestselling author Melanie Dickerson weaves a stunning tale of a mysterious fortune, forbidden love, and a brooding love interest.

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical, Christian, Regency, Fiction, Historical Romance

320 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2026

About the author

Melanie Dickerson is the New York Times bestselling author of happily-ever-after romance. She believes in love, laughter, afternoon tea, and the power of story.

With a million books sold and numerous awards, including two Christy Awards, two Golden Quills, a National Readers Choice Award, Christian Retailing’s Best, and Book Buyers’ Best Awards, her books have hit #1 in her category on the New York Times bestseller list.

When she’s not writing, Melanie can be found watching Pride and Prejudice for the hundredth time, cozying up to her handsome hero husband, or shaking her head at her slightly unhinged Jack Russell terrier. She lives in the beautiful foothills of the Appalachians near Huntsville, Alabama.

Reviews

[Jacquelyn 💐 {This Rapunzel Reads} [Jesus Christ, my Living Hope] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melanie Dickerson is an auto buy author for me and I’ve been so excited to read this one ever since I heard that it was coming out! I have really missed her writing and stories! The cover is just stunning! First, it wasn’t as good as her other regency books. I highly recommend that trilogy. Charlotte was a good character. She did annoying with how much she cried like over everything. I liked William better than I liked her at times. Although I wish he would’ve just told her that he loved her like what is taking so long? I thought Charlotte and William were good together and I liked them better in the first half than in the second in some ways. The storyline was kind of like a lot of other regency romances I have read before, but that didn’t really bother me too much. A couple things I didn’t like…there was a comment about following your heart and as Christian, we are to follow God and not our hearts. The faith content in here was light until towards the end. I didn’t care for some of the descriptions of William’s chest when Charlotte would stare at him…it was unnecessary. Overall, it could have been better, but I enjoyed it. I look forward to her next regency romance in August!

[Emily Waits (emilylovesreading_) · Rating 5 out of 5]

(I received a complimentary copy of this title from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.)

This was the first book I’ve ever read by Melanie Dickerson, but it definitely won’t be my last! Melanie has another book coming out later this year, and I am already SO excited for it after reading this title.

“The Good Fortune of Miss Robbins” is a clean/kisses only Regency romance with light faith themes. I truly enjoyed this title so much!

Read “The Good Fortune of Miss Robbins” for:

-1814 England
-Regency Romance
-No-spice
-Governess + Earl
-Christian faith themes
-Rags to Riches

I highly recommend this title!

[Moriah Chavis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of Melanie Dickerson's work, so I was very excited to learn about her new book! I am familiar with her work because of her fairytale retellings, so this one was a little different. It was once again historical fiction, but it had more of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE feel than fairytale. However, as a fan of P&P, I didn't mind. Lord Brookhaven was another version of Mr. Darcy, and I enjoyed the small glimpses of his POV. The story is mainly told through Charlotte Robbins's eyes, however.

The book was predictable, which isn't a bad thing! It was an easy, light read. I can't wait to read the next thing Melanie writes!

[Rachel Trout · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rags-to-Riches💰 Regency Romance

I love Melanie Dickerson, and have enjoyed reading her entire backlist in the last few years. I was really looking forward to TGFOMR, especially since it has been a long while since she released a new book. With that said, The Good Fortune of Miss Robbins didn't do it for me. (Which is sad because I actually really enjoyed Melanie's other regency romances! They were very well done!)

What worked:
-The MMC, Lord Brookhaven was very likeable and developed enough. I enjoyed his POV the most, and found his character very likable from the start. There were a few brief moments of his inner thoughts towards certain other characters sprinkled throughout the story that I found humorous. I wish we could have had more of those.
-There were 4 child characters in the book that I really enjoyed. I wish they had had a larger role in the plot. There was a big chunk of the story in the middle where they weren't mentioned, and I found myself wondering about them and wishing for more content about them.
-The beginning and ending 20ish percents were much more enjoyable to read than the 60 percent of the middle. The 2 main characters were interacting, and the story was moving.

What didn't work:
-FIRST PERSON POV. It *kills* me that some authors that I've really enjoyed before are feeling pressure (likely from their publishers) to write in first person POV when that's just not their thing. This story was written in dual POV with the FMC told in first person and making up probably 75% of the story. It was several chapters in when we got Lord Brookhaven's POV which was told from third person, and it just worked better. The FMC came off naive and overly self centered (but in a pious, somewhat annoying way) because her POV was a LOT of her inner thoughts and feelings as well as bits of dialogue that were too lengthy and uninteresting. It would have been better to have her experiences communicated more through her POV. (For example, I hardly had a mental picture of any setting, and the characters' appearances were not described in any memorable detail. What does Miss Robbins even look like? I'm not sure we really know.)
-For being a romance, the romance between the two main characters just wasn't happening. There was no tension, yearning, or much spark simply because of the plot itself. When they are together in the story, it works well, but there was just too much else going on.

Overall, the storyline and the first person POV just did not work for me. With that said, Melanie Dickerson will continue to be an auto-read author for me and one that I will recommend to others. I hope Bethany House will give her some better editors and more creative control in the future because she is a good storyteller.

*Thank you to Bethany House and Melanie Dickerson for this ARC of The Good Fortune of Miss Robbins. I am very grateful for the opportunity to review this title. The opinions expressed above are completely my own.

[Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read! I really liked Charlotte’s character and Lord Brookhaven’s character. Their first meeting was very sweet and I loved their interactions. This book has a part one and a part two. I really loved the first part. It was great with her being the governess and the children being involved in the story. Part two I didn’t like as much, it kind of felt like a different story. The main characters didn’t interact like they did in the first part. I would have liked to see more romance between them in the second part. I loved Charlotte’s love of children even taking in two orphans. And I loved that Lord Brookhaven shared that love with her. I loved all the children in this book, they were so cute. I also liked Mrs Merryweather and Hattie. Good Christian content. Overall this was an enjoyable story and I recommend.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author and netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️4.25

Review coming soon!

[Audrey Colman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did someone say a book with Jane Eyre vibes, and written by Melanie Dickerson!? Well, sign me up!

I was absolutely thrilled when Melanie asked me if I’d like an advanced copy, especially since we’d had some delightful discussions about Jane Eyre.

A governess story is always up my alley, and reading about Charlottes love for the Earl’s siblings, and then the orphans, hit me in the feels! The romance was perfection, but Charlotte’s love and care for the children was what stood out even more.

The instant connection between Charlotte and the Earl was perfectly Jane Eyre-like, and I really enjoyed every scene they had together. I would’ve loved it if he’d shared about his feelings sooner, and maybe divulged the secret earlier as well. But in the end, they got their HEA and that’s what matters most!

Thank you again, Melanie, for my copy!

[Noah Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The good fortune of Miss Robbins review

The Good Fortune of Miss Robbins is a clean, no spice, Christian fiction story inspired by Jane Eyre, set in regency London, following the lives of governess Miss Charlotte Robbins, and Lord Brookhaven as they battle with social classes. It's a great, clean read for young adults and up, I can highly recommend it!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I have been a huge fan of Melanie Dickerson for some time now and have greatly enjoyed every book I've read of hers (which is all of them XD).The Good Fortune of Miss Robbins is no exception! This book kept me turning each page in the best way possible, wanting to see what would happen next! The characters were sweet, real, lovable and in my opinion, very relatable! I've read both Melanie Dickerson's fantasy fairytale retellings as well as her regency series, and can honestly say I love them both equally. Her writing style is so wonderful and captivating; each new story sucks you in, whether we're in regency London or medieval Germany! The plotline for The Good Fortune of Miss Robbins was just as captivating and well written, with not too much drama to keep you stressing but enough angst to keep you invested in their lives! Miss Charlotte Robbins was sweet and relatable, and Lord Brookhaven was so endearing. I loved how he pursued her and viewed her as his equal, not caring about their differing social standing, and his care of his siblings was so sweet! Overall it was definitely a five star read, I loved the plot, related to the characters and felt as though I was there with them, entirely immersed in the story! I can't wait to read her next upcoming book, A Mismatch Made in London!


If you are new to this author and are looking for more great clean, no spice reads for yourself or your teens, here are some more wonderful stories from Melanie Dickerson!


✨ The Regency Spies of London is a three book series set in regency London again, following the lives of three different women thrust into situations, and entwined with mysteries needing to be solved with the help of a handsome gentleman.

✨ The Imperiled Young Widows is a four book see set in regency London. It can be read as a continuation with the regency spies of London series, as there are a couple characters whose names get mentioned in some of the books, but can also be read as a standalone series. Each book follows the lives of four young widows who now find their lives in danger with more mysteries to be solved!

✨The Hagenheim series is an eleven book fantasy series set in medieval Germany, with each book based off of a different fairytale. Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and The Beast, Cinderella, and Snow White are just a few of the Wonderful retellings in this series!

[Christian Shelves · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I were to boil down this book's plot into one premise, it would be that it reads as a social experiment. Although it would be intriguing to discover how people would respond in such conditions, I did feel that this social experiment came across as more of a case study rather than a story that I could fully immerse myself in. Despite this, I could appreciate that Miss Charlotte Robbins is a lovely character who demonstrates a deep devotion to caring for others, exemplifying the Christian virtues of compassion and selflessness. In facing a change in circumstances, it is refreshing that she remains committed to her values and convictions; would that we could all pass the tests we encounter with such resolve and grace.

However, it is disappointing how this all comes about in that she should never have had to be tested in the first place, even if that wasn't the sole intention. I love reading Regency romance, but this one felt a little too schemed with assumptions and misunderstandings that were wholly avoidable due to an unwillingness to act when required and constant interference that only reinforced existing behaviours that readers would have already been aware of. The romance (or lack thereof) felt like it ran in circles with the main male character dragging his heels and not having that strong a reason to do so, prolonging the story even further. Along with a noticeable absence of his siblings in the second half, there were instances that took me out of the book while reading, which slightly dampened my experience with it.

Saying that, these challenges may not affect other readers, and in which case, the book is still enjoyable and page-turning as I was curious to see how things would finally come to pass. The compassion for children in need is admirable and the book succeeds in raising the plight of those who are defenseless without the resources in place to care for them. While we may not all be called to take on this particular cause, it's a reminder for Christians to love mercy and act justly while walking humbly with the Lord. Overall, if character-driven stories are your cup of tea, Miss Robbins is a pretty aspirational character to meet, especially if viewing her story through the lens of her interactions with the children rather than her romance and time in the marriage market.

Review Link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...

Many thanks to Bethany House Publishers and LibraryThing for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Good Fortune of Miss Robbins" is a romance set in 1814 in England. Charlotte longs for some of the adventure found in the novels she reads, so she accepts a position as a governess in hopes of finding a man of equal status who will fall in love with her. Instead, she finds a friendship with the Earl, who enjoys talking with her due to her unconventional opinions. He's tired of society's expectations, but his friends see his preference for Charlotte and warn him that he can't possibly marry her unless she had a large fortune. Suddenly, she has 50,000 pounds....but the Earl doesn't follow up on his generosity. Poor Charlotte's also been warned away from the Earl, so she's left fending off fortune hunters while debating what to do with her future.

The main characters were likable, and I appreciated that the romance was based on shared interests, values, and friendship. However, nothing actually stood in the way of their marriage. They loved each other and neither cared about high society's opinion. But the Earl was once engaged to a woman who ran off with someone wealthier than him, so he decided (with no reason) that Charlotte would do the same so he refused to declare his love.

The storyline was rather predictable--even the Earl's aunt told him that his scheme was a bad one. And I know it's meant to be humorous, but Charlotte would have been taught dancing etiquette along with the actual movements. Surely she knew that she had the right to say "no" to invitations--she even overhears others doing so. And, strangely, no one in high society actually seemed to follow good manners as many invited themselves to events, for example. Some parts just didn't feel believable.

Charlotte wonders what God's will is for her life and how to use her fortune for good. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable, if somewhat predictable, romance.

I received a free ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

The moment when the Earl of Brookhaven (William) recommends two books to the new governess (Charlotte) stole my heart.

What books? Pride & Prejudice and Sense & Sensibility.😍

And this is a loose retelling of one of my favorite classics: Jane Eyre.

So, it is little wonder I have given this Regency read all the stars.🌟

Some additional notes on what made this one really sparkle for me:

📔That cover! With Lowndesbury House in the background and William holding Charlotte's hand. Swoon.💕

🙏Both William and Charlotte are striving to build their faith and bloom where they are planted. Woven throughout is a favorite verse of mine: For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. ~ Eph. 2:10

🤣When a governess goes from $0 to $50,000 the suitors come out of the woodwork. Charlotte encounters some humorous situations as each man attempts to separate her from the herd for a one-on-one proposal.

👭Charlotte is originally hired to instruct the much younger twin siblings of Lord Brookhaven. Then in London she finds herself unable to disregard the needs of street urchins. What good is $50,000 pounds if you don't use it to help those around you?

🏏Pall mall - before it was a cigarette brand, it was a game like our modern croquet. Charlotte has had lots of practice and she shines. A fun addition to the plot!

It has been awhile since I read a Melanie Dickerson title and now I wonder why. This was a delightfully clean and engaging Regency romance. I am again a positive outlier. Getting in my boat to head off to the island.😎

Thank you to Bethany House and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

[Nicole Przybylowicz · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

I received a copy of The Good Fortune of Miss Robbins from Bethany House/author in exchange for my honest review.

This story was such a wholesome and heartwarming read. Melanie Dickerson truly delivered a charming Regency romance with depth and sincerity.
Charlotte Robbins begins the story as a humble governess, doing her best to faithfully serve despite limited means and uncertain prospects. When a surprise inheritance suddenly pulls her into high society, her world shifts in ways she never imagined. I loved how the story gently reminds readers that wealth and status are not what define a person’s worth. Charlotte’s character remains grounded, kind, and principled even as her circumstances change, which made her incredibly easy to root for.
The romance between Charlotte and the Earl of Brookhaven was one of my favorite parts of the book. Their relationship develops naturally, beginning with genuine friendship and mutual respect. It didn’t feel rushed or forced. Instead, their connection grew steadily and believably, which made the emotional payoff all the sweeter.
If I had one small critique, it would be that the Earl took quite a while to be honest about his feelings. More than once I found myself thinking, “Just say it already!” But in many ways, that slow burn also added tension and anticipation to the story.
Overall, this was a delightful and uplifting read filled with warmth, romance, and meaningful themes about identity, integrity, and true love. If you enjoy clean Regency romance with heartfelt character development, this one is definitely worth picking up.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
"If Miss Charlotte Robbins remains unattached, we would like to offer the position of governess to her . . . . "

Aspiring to better her future, Charlotte Robbins leaves the only home she has ever known, Mrs Southey's School for Young Ladies, to accept a governess position at Lowndesbury House, where an earl resides while raising his much younger siblings. Never expecting to form a friendship with a man far above her station, Charlotte has a difficult time understanding her strong attraction to Lord Brookhaven and his seeming fondness for her.

Believing herself to have been orphaned, Charlotte is astonished when it comes to her attention that she has inherited a large sum of money from an uncle whom she never knew existed. Suddenly thrust into London society with many choices and little knowledge of how to proceed, Charlotte wonders if her simple life as a governess had been a gift far more valuable than wealth.

In a "tale as old as time" sort of way this story meanders through the corridors of an upstairs-downstairs imagining with a well positioned twist that turns the entire story on its head. Things are not as they seem, leaving Charlotte to wonder if anyone will ever truly love her for who she is rather than who she is not.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews and Reviews.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Good Fortune of Miss Robbins by Melanie Dickerson is a rags-to-riches story that may appeal to fans of historical fiction.

The story follows Charlotte Robbins when she accepts a governess position for the Earl of Brookhaven’s siblings. She has dreams of falling in love with a fellow servant, but is surprised when she begins to have feelings for the Earl.

The Earl’s friends see that he is also showing signs that he is interested in her, but his friends warn Charlotte that a relationship between them would ruin him. But as luck would have it, Charlotte suddenly becomes an heiress, and the tables are turned.

For the most part, I enjoyed this story, but while fortune hunters come out of the woodwork in pursuit of Charlotte, the Earl never pursues her, even though she knows he is interested in her. This carried on for a long time, with Charlotte receiving multiple proposals, and, honestly, it bothered me to no end. But the ending made up for it. So while I found that I was getting frustrated with the Earl’s ridiculousness, I did enjoy the outcome of his rather crazy decisions.

If you enjoy historical romance, you will probably like The Good Fortune of Miss Robbins.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley, for my honest opinion.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet rags to riches story of a young woman who unexpectedly inherits a fortune. Set against the atmospheric background of regency London, this story explores the superficial relationships of society. Will Charlotte change from the sweet, caring young woman to one who seeks the approval of the ton over her own sense of morality?

Ms. Charlotte Robbins is a young governess, recently out in the world. She quickly impresses her employer with her intelligence and fresh perspective, unsullied by society's shallow opinions and expectations. The Earl of Brookhaven is a brooding hero, whose past hurts hide behind an armor that makes him unwilling to open his heart to love.

I loved that we got a glimpse of Lord Brookhaven's POV every once in a while. It grounded the story, giving a little more depth to Charlotte's innocence and inexperience in society. While I liked her, it was refreshing to see her character grow and mature through her experience.

This is a light read, a delightful escape. While the plot is predictable, readers will love to root for the young heroine as she remains a breath of fresh air, looking for a real love that will look past her fortune and love her for herself.

****I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and Netgalley. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Christine Barth · Rating 1 out of 5]

This review by librarian Christine Barth was first published in the Jan. 2026 issue of Library Journal.

Dickerson (The Peasant's Dream), known for her young adult fairy-tale retellings set in the fictional Hagenheim, has turned her attention to chaste Regency romances for adults in recent years. This novel features Charlotte Robbins, a well-educated orphan hired as a governess for the wealthy earl of Brookhaven. A chance encounter on the roof on her first night of employment cements an unlikely bond above Charlotte's station.
Hoping for a more likely match-perhaps the head gardener or the vicar-Charlotte cares for the earl's orphaned nieces and nephews until an unexpected windfall from a mysterious uncle comes her way. Thrust into London society, Charlotte has everything she has ever dreamed of, but she is not as happy as she anticipated. In addition, she must use great discernment regarding would-be suitors looking more at her newfound dowry than her good qualities.
VERDICT: This rags-to-riches tale will satisfy readers looking for a happily ever after. For more nuanced Regency narratives, check out Carolyn Miller's "Regency Brides" books or Erica Vetsch's "Serendipity & Secrets" series.

[Scott County Library System · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review by librarian Christine Barth was first published in the Jan. 2026 issue of Library Journal.

Dickerson (The Peasant's Dream), known for her young adult fairy-tale retellings set in the fictional Hagenheim, has turned her attention to chaste Regency romances for adults in recent years. This novel features Charlotte Robbins, a well-educated orphan hired as a governess for the wealthy earl of Brookhaven. A chance encounter on the roof on her first night of employment cements an unlikely bond above Charlotte's station.
Hoping for a more likely match-perhaps the head gardener or the vicar-Charlotte cares for the earl's orphaned nieces and nephews until an unexpected windfall from a mysterious uncle comes her way. Thrust into London society, Charlotte has everything she has ever dreamed of, but she is not as happy as she anticipated. In addition, she must use great discernment regarding would-be suitors looking more at her newfound dowry than her good qualities.
VERDICT: This rags-to-riches tale will satisfy readers looking for a happily ever after. For more nuanced Regency narratives, check out Carolyn Miller's "Regency Brides" books or Erica Vetsch's "Serendipity & Secrets" series.

[Katie Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Society deems lowly governess Charlotte Robbins beneath the man she is in love with. But when she inherits a mysterious fortune, will wealth increase her chances of finding a fairytale romance? Or is true love governed by far more than material possessions?

This book is a combination of the best elements of Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, and Emma.
In all honesty, I went into it expecting it to be a very predictable regency romance that didn't excite me, but I was pleasantly surprised to find myself thoroughly enjoying this book by the end! The lovable characters and the twists and turns in the second half of the story reeled me in, and the writing was captivating. I also appreciated that this was a clean romance with some deeper themes regarding a person's worth compared to their wealth. I recommend it to readers who love wholesome, slow-burn romances with broody MMCs who can't voice their feelings to save their lives!

Special thanks to Bethany House and Melanie Dickerson for my early copy.

[Regency_Fan_ Michelle RegencyFanMichelleAndMore · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this one. On paper, it had everything I usually adore—Regency setting, class tension, a governess heroine, forbidden affection, and a unique rags-to-riches twist. The premise felt perfectly suited to my tastes.

Charlotte’s unexpected inheritance adds an interesting dimension to the story, and I appreciated the fresh angle on the rags-to-riches trope. Watching her navigate a shift in status and identity had strong potential, and I admired the concept behind it.

Unfortunately, the romance itself never fully took hold for me. While the scenes between Charlotte and the Earl of Brookhaven work well when they are together, I didn’t feel the tension or yearning that typically anchors this type of love story. The emotional spark felt muted, and without that steady thread of longing, it was difficult to stay fully invested in their relationship.

There was also quite a bit happening around them, which sometimes overshadowed the central romance. Instead of heightening the stakes, the additional plot elements made the story feel more drawn out than emotionally compelling. As a result, I found myself admiring the structure of the story more than feeling connected to it.

This is one of those books where all the pieces are present and the concept is strong, but the emotional pull simply didn’t land for me the way I hoped it would.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and was under no obligation to leave a positive review.

[Cayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Special Note: I received this book as an ARC through Library Thing in exchange for an honest review.

Over the years, I've read perhaps five or six books written by Melanie Dickerson. She does not disappoint. Her books are enjoyable. At first, I thought I was reading a new retelling of the classic, "Jane Eyre," but then I wasn't so sure. I do love the references to Jane Austen and "Pride and Prejudice." Miss Robbins and Lord Brookhaven are truly a match for each other. They seem to understand each other better than most people I know.

Miss Robbins learns a lot about people in this book. Many of the people she encounters place higher value on titles, lands, and money than family and friends. It's never enough for them. They all aim for higher ranks of upper nobility. She wants love, respect, and genuine friendship. Sadly, some of these characters are even willing to go to great lengths to get what they want.

I also like the cover art of the book. It fits the story well.

I highly recommend this book. I hope you love it as much as I do.

[Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this sweet, faith-filled Regency romance. Charlotte is such a kind and strong heroine who knows her own mind. I loved seeing her life change from governess to heiress and the lessons she learnt as a result. Her relationship with the Earl felt genuine and full of quiet emotion — I truly felt for both of them as their motivations were noble.

It’s a gentle, hopeful story about love, faith, and finding your place in the world. Perfect for anyone who loves clean historical romance with heart. This is not part of a series but will have you wanting to read the rest of Melanie Dickerson's book.

I receive complimentary books from various sources, including NetGalley, authors, and others. I am not required to write a positive review, and I have not received any compensation for my thoughts.

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

When it comes to Regency reads, the class differences and forbidden love seem like pretty common tropes... and understandably so, there's something that's always so intriguing about that. But there was something about this one that really felt unique... with the surprise inheritance giving an unexpected twist that kept things intriguing. Charlotte and Lord Brookhaven such a beautiful and natural chemistry between them that I couldn't help but enjoy. Beyond that, you could see that both of the characters had good hearts, making me root for their happily ever after all that much more. There were a lot of secrets to unravel in this sweet story, and I found myself unable to look away, curious to see how it would all play out. If you love Regency romance, this is one not to be missed!

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Suzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlotte is an orphan, she has spent most of her life in a school for girls as a student and then as a teacher. But she dreams of more, of love, of travel, a family. So what better way to achieve those things than to become a governess.

But she doesn't realize that the man she is working for has found her spirit and love of life something missing in his life. So he decides to give her the opportunity to live a different kind of life, a life with means to do what she wants. But will this change her? Will she find her footing in society.

The characters are fun and well developed. Charlotte has a beautiful heart and tries so hard to help those around her. I love that Melanie Dickerson is writing in this time period again.

Thank you to Bethany House and Netgalley for an early copy for an honest review.

[Nora St Laurent · Rating 5 out of 5]

This narrative is so refreshing, entertaining, and full of surprises, and it has such endearing characters I adored. The book is captivating, dramatic, and a fulfilling read because of its humor, creative style, and historical richness. All will draw readers in and transport them into Charlotte Robbins' adventure as she will experience both sides of society’s rules in a way she never dreamed of.

If you haven’t read a book by this author, I highly recommend this one. It’s a must-read if you enjoy the regency period. It’s a novel that will generate lively discussion at your book group.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

[Patti Whitaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story! Charlotte was an interesting, relatable character. She was hired as a governess for William (Lord Brookhaven )'s younger twin siblings. I enjoyed reading about both Charlotte and William's childhoods and the way their experiences had shaped their outlooks on life. I found the children, Samuel and Annabelle, delightful. Charlotte enchants William, and he seeks to help her find happiness in life. He takes steps to ensure that she will have a better future in hopes of helping her attain freedom in her choices for her future, but instead, he winds up hurting her and driving a wedge between them. William and Charlotte demonstrate that if you trust in God and seek His plan for your life, things will work out according to His plan. They just had to set aside their desire to control some of the details.

[Lucy Gould · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a copy. The following review represents my honest opinion.

It's been a while since I read a Melanie Dickerson book so it was really nice to read her work again. I will say that I do think her strength lies in Fairy Tale Retellings because they have a more focused plot. This book felt a little drawn-out but the romance felt quite quick so overall the pacing wasn't my favorite part. The characters, as always, are well-done and expand from usual archetypes. I was confused by Charlotte's POV being in first person but William's POV being in third person (limited). Still, I enjoyed reading and I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun, no spice regency romance.

[Toni Thomason · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely swoon for a regency drama. This is a rags to riches historical romance set in the 1800s and follows Charlotte who longs for an adventure and to better her life. She leaves home to take on a governess position for the Earl of Brookhaven.

When Charlotte suddenly learns she is left a large sum of money, she is thrust into a new life in high society London.

I really enjoyed this story. I loved Charlotte and the Earl, but I was frustrated by his lack of initiative towards Charlotte. Everyone knew he had feelings for her, even himself. But, he never acted upon it. However, this was a great read and I loved it so much.

[Kylee Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

A more accurate rating of this is 3.5 stars… I grew up loving Melanie Dickerson’s books— I think she may have even been my first foray into romance. With that affection and as a Regency/Georgian period nerd, I went into this with high expectations. It was a sweet story, but the conflict that the second act of the plot hinges on stressed me out and then it was resolved too easily (I felt)… I loved Aunt Derringer and all the children characters— would’ve loved to see more of them; perhaps in a future book?

My thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

[Kyliegh]

I don’t normally mind 1st person POV when it is done well, but this just didn’t work for me. Charlotte seemed very immature in her thinking.

I also thought Charlotte’s and Williams first interactions were really strange. No way would he have been that open with an employee.

I was sent a complimentary copy with no expectations for a favorable review.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review to come. 4.5 ⭐️