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Lessons in Loving
Wanted: Governess. Properly qualified in English, to instruct male pupil in rural location.
Sydney, 1902. Desperate for a job, Kate Courtney travels to the faraway New England Ranges to interview for a governess position. She is greeted by wealthy landowner, ruggedly handsome Tom Fortescue, and is shocked to find that her new charge isn’t a small boy—but the grown man.
It was Tom’s mother’s dying wish that he find a refined, elegant, English bride to marry. But a country man with country manners can never win a lady fair. Tom needs Kate to smooth away his rough edges, make him desirable to the English rose he wants to marry.
But the more time Kate and Tom spend together, the closer they become, and Tom has to decide between the dreams of his childhood, and the reality that is right in front of him.
Sydney, 1902. Desperate for a job, Kate Courtney travels to the faraway New England Ranges to interview for a governess position. She is greeted by wealthy landowner, ruggedly handsome Tom Fortescue, and is shocked to find that her new charge isn’t a small boy—but the grown man.
It was Tom’s mother’s dying wish that he find a refined, elegant, English bride to marry. But a country man with country manners can never win a lady fair. Tom needs Kate to smooth away his rough edges, make him desirable to the English rose he wants to marry.
But the more time Kate and Tom spend together, the closer they become, and Tom has to decide between the dreams of his childhood, and the reality that is right in front of him.
170 pages, ebook
Published January 25, 2016
1 person is currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Peter McAra
10 books1 followerBorn a miner’s son in Western Australia, Peter learned about love and life in a string of rural towns across Australia and New Zealand, where he grew up with his mum, dad and three sisters.
Over the years, his day jobs ranged from miner and truck-driver to academic positions in Australian and US universities. Along the way, he wrote several academic textbooks.
Why the switch to writing romance? The moment eight-year-old Peter read Anne of Green Gables, he was hooked. (He’s still in love with Anne, actually, but his understanding wife, a relationship psychologist, handles any conflicts professionally).
Now, after a tree-change to green acres in coastal NSW, he farms by day and writes by night — the best time for romance.
Over the years, his day jobs ranged from miner and truck-driver to academic positions in Australian and US universities. Along the way, he wrote several academic textbooks.
Why the switch to writing romance? The moment eight-year-old Peter read Anne of Green Gables, he was hooked. (He’s still in love with Anne, actually, but his understanding wife, a relationship psychologist, handles any conflicts professionally).
Now, after a tree-change to green acres in coastal NSW, he farms by day and writes by night — the best time for romance.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 17, 2016
Eighteen year old Kate Courtney had just received her teaching qualifications and all the certificates that went with them – now she needed a job. Sydney, Australia in 1902 – even her mother said she should just get married and have children. But Kate had recently heard the vital tones and words of suffragette Vida Goldstein at a lecture in Sydney’s Town Hall; her inspirational speech meant Kate was determined to become an independent young woman. It was the way of the future…
A note on the notice board at the Avonleigh Teachers College took her eye – a Mr. T.H. Fortescue requested the services of a Governess, proficient in English to instruct a male pupil in an area of rural locality called Croydon Creek, near Armidale. Kate was intrigued; before she could over-think it she sent off a letter of application to Mr Fortescue. Before too long she was on her way via rail and coach to meet with the wealthy landowner of Kenilworth Station.
Kate’s life was about to change – she settled in to her days of teaching after being shocked to discover her pupil was none other than Mr Fortescue (“call me Tom”) himself. Tom let her know he wanted to learn to speak properly; he needed to sound like an English aristocrat so he could win over the English lady he’d fallen in love with the previous year. As Kate became accustomed to life on Kenilworth she fell in love with the country; the hills, the beauty of the scenery. The country people were all delightful and the stories of Tom’s mother made her want to weep. But she also developed feelings for her employer as well – and that wouldn’t do…
Would Kate be successful in her teaching of Tom? Would he win over his English lady? And what would Kate’s future become?
Lessons in Loving by Aussie author Peter McAra was an absolutely delightful historical fiction novel laced with the struggles of women of the times to become independent; the change to men’s thinking; the beauty of the Australian outback and yes, a little romance. I haven’t read this author before, but thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend Lessons in Loving to lovers of historical fiction, historical romance as well as rural romance.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy to read and review.
A note on the notice board at the Avonleigh Teachers College took her eye – a Mr. T.H. Fortescue requested the services of a Governess, proficient in English to instruct a male pupil in an area of rural locality called Croydon Creek, near Armidale. Kate was intrigued; before she could over-think it she sent off a letter of application to Mr Fortescue. Before too long she was on her way via rail and coach to meet with the wealthy landowner of Kenilworth Station.
Kate’s life was about to change – she settled in to her days of teaching after being shocked to discover her pupil was none other than Mr Fortescue (“call me Tom”) himself. Tom let her know he wanted to learn to speak properly; he needed to sound like an English aristocrat so he could win over the English lady he’d fallen in love with the previous year. As Kate became accustomed to life on Kenilworth she fell in love with the country; the hills, the beauty of the scenery. The country people were all delightful and the stories of Tom’s mother made her want to weep. But she also developed feelings for her employer as well – and that wouldn’t do…
Would Kate be successful in her teaching of Tom? Would he win over his English lady? And what would Kate’s future become?
Lessons in Loving by Aussie author Peter McAra was an absolutely delightful historical fiction novel laced with the struggles of women of the times to become independent; the change to men’s thinking; the beauty of the Australian outback and yes, a little romance. I haven’t read this author before, but thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend Lessons in Loving to lovers of historical fiction, historical romance as well as rural romance.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy to read and review.
June 28, 2016
3.5★
Australia, 1902
Farmer meets posh girl
Farmer hires governess to civilise him
Farmer and governess determined to stick to script and stick to business
But we know better, of course. McAra has provided a handsome backdrop in the northern tablelands of NSW. The young farmer is the last of his family in NSW but is descended from English gentry. Before she died, far too young, his beloved mum said he must return to England to seek a suitable bride from his ancestral home.
He did, and now he realises he’s not up to his intended’s standards in speech or manners, hence the governess. Nothing a few months' worth of intensive tutoring can’t fix.
Kate is straight out of a Sydney teacher’s college, answers his ad, and travels forthwith to Armidale and thence to Kenilworth, 100,000 acres of rolling New England hills. Oh yes, and is greeted by Tom, the disarmingly handsome owner, who leads the way to her quarters, not far from his enormous manor house.
“He walked effortlessly, casually—a man comfortable on his home turf. He led the way through a once-formal garden, ringed with espaliered arches now buried under a mass of rampant climbing roses. Soon he stopped at the door of a neat sandstone cottage. Kate looked up at its walls, at the gables with their freshly painted red roofs. The lawn had just been cut. Someone had planned on making the new governess welcome.”
As she becomes increasingly attracted to her boss, Kate asks herself “What would Vida Goldstein do? Very well, Kate must become an independent woman . . . She must go home.”
Or how about Kalgoorlie? Plenty of demand there for teachers.
There’s a Pioneer Ball, a trip to the Blue Mountains to show the sights to the intended fiancée, and plenty of country walks and rides.
Understated lust of the 'be-still-my-foolish-heart variety' and no real surprises.
A sweet romance with a touch of history. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy to review.
If you're interested in who famous Aussie feminist Vida Goldstein was, maybe this will be of interest. That Dangerous and Persuasive Woman: Vida Goldstein
https://theconversation.com/birth-of-...
Australia, 1902
Farmer meets posh girl
Farmer hires governess to civilise him
Farmer and governess determined to stick to script and stick to business
But we know better, of course. McAra has provided a handsome backdrop in the northern tablelands of NSW. The young farmer is the last of his family in NSW but is descended from English gentry. Before she died, far too young, his beloved mum said he must return to England to seek a suitable bride from his ancestral home.
He did, and now he realises he’s not up to his intended’s standards in speech or manners, hence the governess. Nothing a few months' worth of intensive tutoring can’t fix.
Kate is straight out of a Sydney teacher’s college, answers his ad, and travels forthwith to Armidale and thence to Kenilworth, 100,000 acres of rolling New England hills. Oh yes, and is greeted by Tom, the disarmingly handsome owner, who leads the way to her quarters, not far from his enormous manor house.
“He walked effortlessly, casually—a man comfortable on his home turf. He led the way through a once-formal garden, ringed with espaliered arches now buried under a mass of rampant climbing roses. Soon he stopped at the door of a neat sandstone cottage. Kate looked up at its walls, at the gables with their freshly painted red roofs. The lawn had just been cut. Someone had planned on making the new governess welcome.”
As she becomes increasingly attracted to her boss, Kate asks herself “What would Vida Goldstein do? Very well, Kate must become an independent woman . . . She must go home.”
Or how about Kalgoorlie? Plenty of demand there for teachers.
There’s a Pioneer Ball, a trip to the Blue Mountains to show the sights to the intended fiancée, and plenty of country walks and rides.
Understated lust of the 'be-still-my-foolish-heart variety' and no real surprises.
A sweet romance with a touch of history. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy to review.
If you're interested in who famous Aussie feminist Vida Goldstein was, maybe this will be of interest. That Dangerous and Persuasive Woman: Vida Goldstein
https://theconversation.com/birth-of-...
February 15, 2016
Sydney, Australia 1902.
Fresh out of college as a newly qualified teacher, Kate Courtney has been thinking hard about her prospects for the future.
She would like to experience some of the world without the necessary restrictions which have been imposed upon her up until now.
Living in Sydney with her mother on a widow's pension in cramped living quarters while she attended teachers college has had a toll on both of them. Money has been tight and luxuries out of the question.
Now 18 year old Kate just wants to spread her wings.
She has recently been looking at the positions vacant columns in the newspaper to see what prospects there are for her, but it is a post on the notice board at her college which grabs her attention:
"Wanted: Governess. Properly qualified in English, to instruct male pupil in rural location...."
The position, on a remote and vast rural property, includes live-in accommodation and is a very long way from Sydney, and the lifestyle she is accustomed to...and yet Kate dares to contemplate the advantages.
Having recently attended a lecture by Vida Goldstein on women's rights and how to be an independent woman, a progressive thinker who knows how to survive on her own, Kate is feeling inspired to take the plunge towards independence.
She is a qualified teacher now and can earn her own keep and enjoy some freedom without feeling the need to immediately find a husband and settle down right away...she wants to be that woman.
She feels confident that she could fulfill the role of teaching the Kings English to a young boy and makes her mind up there and then to apply for the position.
She does this right away and posts it in the mail before she can change her mind.
Feeling very satisfied with her decision she now informs her mother of her plans and then eagerly awaits a response.
Kate is not to know that the advertisement is not all it would appear and some surprises await her possible appointment.
This is an innocent and easy to read Historical Romance written with the slightly different but sometimes noticeable perspective of a male author.
Though I wasn't consciously aware of it for the main part, I did find myself questioning some of the reactions, or behavioral traits of the leading lady Kate in particular, which I found unconvincing and out of character for this would be young progressive thinking woman.
Hence I put this down to her character being interpreted and described from the viewpoint of a male author, and although this is not a criticism so much as an observation I made whilst reading, it did at times leave me scratching my head.
All in all I found this to be an easy and enjoyable read.
3★s
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my copy to read and review.
Fresh out of college as a newly qualified teacher, Kate Courtney has been thinking hard about her prospects for the future.
She would like to experience some of the world without the necessary restrictions which have been imposed upon her up until now.
Living in Sydney with her mother on a widow's pension in cramped living quarters while she attended teachers college has had a toll on both of them. Money has been tight and luxuries out of the question.
Now 18 year old Kate just wants to spread her wings.
She has recently been looking at the positions vacant columns in the newspaper to see what prospects there are for her, but it is a post on the notice board at her college which grabs her attention:
"Wanted: Governess. Properly qualified in English, to instruct male pupil in rural location...."
The position, on a remote and vast rural property, includes live-in accommodation and is a very long way from Sydney, and the lifestyle she is accustomed to...and yet Kate dares to contemplate the advantages.
Having recently attended a lecture by Vida Goldstein on women's rights and how to be an independent woman, a progressive thinker who knows how to survive on her own, Kate is feeling inspired to take the plunge towards independence.
She is a qualified teacher now and can earn her own keep and enjoy some freedom without feeling the need to immediately find a husband and settle down right away...she wants to be that woman.
She feels confident that she could fulfill the role of teaching the Kings English to a young boy and makes her mind up there and then to apply for the position.
She does this right away and posts it in the mail before she can change her mind.
Feeling very satisfied with her decision she now informs her mother of her plans and then eagerly awaits a response.
Kate is not to know that the advertisement is not all it would appear and some surprises await her possible appointment.
This is an innocent and easy to read Historical Romance written with the slightly different but sometimes noticeable perspective of a male author.
Though I wasn't consciously aware of it for the main part, I did find myself questioning some of the reactions, or behavioral traits of the leading lady Kate in particular, which I found unconvincing and out of character for this would be young progressive thinking woman.
Hence I put this down to her character being interpreted and described from the viewpoint of a male author, and although this is not a criticism so much as an observation I made whilst reading, it did at times leave me scratching my head.
All in all I found this to be an easy and enjoyable read.
3★s
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my copy to read and review.
January 14, 2016
This book’s blurb (and pretty cover) caught my attention immediately. The heroine, Kate, takes up a position as a governess at a remote New South Wales sheep station, only to find her student is not a child, but the property’s male adult owner, Tom. It’s 1902 and Tom needs to get his reading, writing, and speech up to a higher level if his dream of wooing an aristocratic Englishwoman (Laetitia) is to be fulfilled. Yes, the premise has fantastic potential, only…
Let me start with the time setting. Other than the unlikelihood of a woman placing herself in such a compromising position (going to live, alone, in a remote location with a man she doesn’t know) in current times, the book could have been set in any decade of the twentieth century. Unfortunately, when McAra did add some historical details it read more like a textbook, with dates and facts, rather than flowing descriptions giving me some sense of the period. Neither does McAra use the characters’ speech patterns in such a way that indicates it’s 1902. (In fact, I don’t think I would have realised if it wasn’t on the blurb!)
The physical setting is also lacking in details. Remote Australian locations in the early 1900s should offer landscapes and wildlife enough to pluck some flowery descriptions out of one's literary brain. Only… Okay, I’m not expecting everyone to be Evie Wyld, but I expect something more than this. There is no way I'd agree that I was 'transported' to the time or place of the book. It was simply a waste.
I’ll move onto the characters. They’re all rather bland. A couple of characters are so flimsily written (Prudence, Kate’s mum, Laetitia's parents) that I wouldn’t even be able to describe them if asked. Kate is nice enough, harmless, but her inner thoughts do grate after a while. She claims to be a modern woman with feminist ideals, possessing supposedly a level of intelligence, given her profession, and yet she falls in love with Tom almost immediately because of his beefy muscular body. Er… What?
Yes, instead of a lovely build up of UST that I was imagining after reading the book’s blurb, all I got was Kate thinking about how attractive Tom is. I really hope, one day, writers and publishers will realise that women aren’t quite as shallow as they portray them in books or movies when presented with a handsome man. Funnily enough, personality does occasionally come into the equation with such things. (Grrrr.)
But wait! Kate also tells the reader how nice Tom is. And how much of a gentleman he is. And how intelligent he is under all that incorrect grammar. If only I would have read some evidence of this in Tom’s actions... Instead all I saw was a beefcake with serious mummy issues. (A couple of his actions in relation to Kate and his late mother, in fact, were downright creepy.)
I also have to mention the abrupt change of point of view in the book. It cruises along as Kate’s until around the 85% mark, where suddenly we get the switch to Tom. It was so late in the book that it felt completely wrong and weird. I mean, we all know that Tom will come around in the end, that’s how these things work. (Still, if feasible, I think of would have advised Kate to run as far away from stalker!Tom as possible.) We don’t need to suddenly get his thoughts on how it must be love because he can’t get her petite waist out of his mind.
Positives? It’s a quick read… Although it did drag out in the end. The last couple of chapters weren’t even needed.
I can’t really think of any others right now. I was deeply disappointed. 1 ½ stars? That’s being generous.
Let me start with the time setting. Other than the unlikelihood of a woman placing herself in such a compromising position (going to live, alone, in a remote location with a man she doesn’t know) in current times, the book could have been set in any decade of the twentieth century. Unfortunately, when McAra did add some historical details it read more like a textbook, with dates and facts, rather than flowing descriptions giving me some sense of the period. Neither does McAra use the characters’ speech patterns in such a way that indicates it’s 1902. (In fact, I don’t think I would have realised if it wasn’t on the blurb!)
The physical setting is also lacking in details. Remote Australian locations in the early 1900s should offer landscapes and wildlife enough to pluck some flowery descriptions out of one's literary brain. Only… Okay, I’m not expecting everyone to be Evie Wyld, but I expect something more than this. There is no way I'd agree that I was 'transported' to the time or place of the book. It was simply a waste.
I’ll move onto the characters. They’re all rather bland. A couple of characters are so flimsily written (Prudence, Kate’s mum, Laetitia's parents) that I wouldn’t even be able to describe them if asked. Kate is nice enough, harmless, but her inner thoughts do grate after a while. She claims to be a modern woman with feminist ideals, possessing supposedly a level of intelligence, given her profession, and yet she falls in love with Tom almost immediately because of his beefy muscular body. Er… What?
Yes, instead of a lovely build up of UST that I was imagining after reading the book’s blurb, all I got was Kate thinking about how attractive Tom is. I really hope, one day, writers and publishers will realise that women aren’t quite as shallow as they portray them in books or movies when presented with a handsome man. Funnily enough, personality does occasionally come into the equation with such things. (Grrrr.)
But wait! Kate also tells the reader how nice Tom is. And how much of a gentleman he is. And how intelligent he is under all that incorrect grammar. If only I would have read some evidence of this in Tom’s actions... Instead all I saw was a beefcake with serious mummy issues. (A couple of his actions in relation to Kate and his late mother, in fact, were downright creepy.)
I also have to mention the abrupt change of point of view in the book. It cruises along as Kate’s until around the 85% mark, where suddenly we get the switch to Tom. It was so late in the book that it felt completely wrong and weird. I mean, we all know that Tom will come around in the end, that’s how these things work. (Still, if feasible, I think of would have advised Kate to run as far away from stalker!Tom as possible.) We don’t need to suddenly get his thoughts on how it must be love because he can’t get her petite waist out of his mind.
Positives? It’s a quick read… Although it did drag out in the end. The last couple of chapters weren’t even needed.
I can’t really think of any others right now. I was deeply disappointed. 1 ½ stars? That’s being generous.
March 3, 2016
I read another book by the author set earlier in Australia's history and enjoyed it so I was happy to snag this one when I came across it. The setting, the time period, and the interesting premise drew me in to this gently-paced, reverse Pygmalionish story about a young, wealthy Aussie sheep rancher who hires a teacher to help polish him so he can impress an aristocratic English lady.
The story is set in 1902 and begins with young Kate Courtney finishing up teacher's college and ready to brave the world. She has heard one of the well-spoken feminists of the day and likes the idea of being an Independent Woman who will intrepidly step out on her own and pave her own trail of success. She spots an advertisement for a governess needed for a position in the country. Kate is a city girl, but she is willing to travel many miles away and into a place without all the comforts of the city both for the adventure and to get away from the young man who used her and tossed her aside.
On arrival, Kate is startled to learn that her pupil is not the son of the family, but the wealthy, handsome owner of the vast station with the great house. Tom's story and his need engages her sympathy right away. He is a wonderful man and a gentleman at heart. Kate wants to see him show up the snobby lady that laughed at him and sent him away, but almost from the beginning she has to work hard not to let her feelings for Tom get in the way only to decide later to give him another chance by visiting him from England. He is everything she likes in a man, but she is aware that he is destined to be someone else's man.
Kate learns to love Tom's home, the land, the people, and everything including Tom, but when the moment arrives for him to meet his beloved's ship, she knows her dreams are over. If only...
The story is a gently-paced sweet romance though the romance is somewhat one-sided for much of the book. Kate is the narrator for most of it though Tom gets his turn later in the story. Kate falls for Tom right away, but must keep things professional. It is bittersweet to see them connect and become friends all the while Tom is oblivious to the real treasure he already has if he would but see it. There are no real surprises in the story and it follows a path that the reader can easily guess what comes next, but that didn't take away from the enjoyment of watching it all unfold.
The author took the time to write in some historical backdrop to the time period including Kate's 'Independent Woman' ideas. I found her a little irksome when she got up on her high horse about it because it was a case of a little knowledge being dangerous and her need to overdo it and take offense when I thought it was obvious that Tom respected her as an equal if not a superior. She would hastily realize she made mistakes which righted it for me so it wasn't more than a mild annoyance especially when Tom was so oblivious toward the end and I wanted to pop him so he'd see the truth about both women in his life before it was too late.
The characters were both engaging. I liked them individually and together. The build of friendship and time developing an actual trust and relationship over several weeks was well done. It is the little every day things that warm the heart and engage the reader.
All in all, this moderate and sweet story was a good choice for curling up and getting cozy with an easy going historical romance. Those who enjoy sweeter historical friends to lovers romance might want to give this a try.
My thanks to Escape Publishing for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story is set in 1902 and begins with young Kate Courtney finishing up teacher's college and ready to brave the world. She has heard one of the well-spoken feminists of the day and likes the idea of being an Independent Woman who will intrepidly step out on her own and pave her own trail of success. She spots an advertisement for a governess needed for a position in the country. Kate is a city girl, but she is willing to travel many miles away and into a place without all the comforts of the city both for the adventure and to get away from the young man who used her and tossed her aside.
On arrival, Kate is startled to learn that her pupil is not the son of the family, but the wealthy, handsome owner of the vast station with the great house. Tom's story and his need engages her sympathy right away. He is a wonderful man and a gentleman at heart. Kate wants to see him show up the snobby lady that laughed at him and sent him away, but almost from the beginning she has to work hard not to let her feelings for Tom get in the way only to decide later to give him another chance by visiting him from England. He is everything she likes in a man, but she is aware that he is destined to be someone else's man.
Kate learns to love Tom's home, the land, the people, and everything including Tom, but when the moment arrives for him to meet his beloved's ship, she knows her dreams are over. If only...
The story is a gently-paced sweet romance though the romance is somewhat one-sided for much of the book. Kate is the narrator for most of it though Tom gets his turn later in the story. Kate falls for Tom right away, but must keep things professional. It is bittersweet to see them connect and become friends all the while Tom is oblivious to the real treasure he already has if he would but see it. There are no real surprises in the story and it follows a path that the reader can easily guess what comes next, but that didn't take away from the enjoyment of watching it all unfold.
The author took the time to write in some historical backdrop to the time period including Kate's 'Independent Woman' ideas. I found her a little irksome when she got up on her high horse about it because it was a case of a little knowledge being dangerous and her need to overdo it and take offense when I thought it was obvious that Tom respected her as an equal if not a superior. She would hastily realize she made mistakes which righted it for me so it wasn't more than a mild annoyance especially when Tom was so oblivious toward the end and I wanted to pop him so he'd see the truth about both women in his life before it was too late.
The characters were both engaging. I liked them individually and together. The build of friendship and time developing an actual trust and relationship over several weeks was well done. It is the little every day things that warm the heart and engage the reader.
All in all, this moderate and sweet story was a good choice for curling up and getting cozy with an easy going historical romance. Those who enjoy sweeter historical friends to lovers romance might want to give this a try.
My thanks to Escape Publishing for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 27, 2015
I found a new author.... A male romance writer! Historical Romance at that!
I received this ARC through NetGalley.
I've been trying to get into more Historical Romances. This story takes place in 1902 Australia.
Tom is a wealthy sheep rancher in rural New South Wales. Kate has recently graduated from teacher's college. Tom advertises for a "governess" to teach him proper English in order to woo an English woman to be his bride. Tom's mother had home-taught him until he was 8 years old. His mother died when he was 8, and his father, a few years after that. Tom's late mother's dying wish was for him to find an English wife. When Kate arrives, she discovers that Tom is to be her pupil. The POV is 3rd person, mostly Kate's. Kate's thoughts early on reveal that she's attracted to Tom. They get along very well. Tom is a very eager student. Kate keeps telling herself that Tom is meant for someone else.
The teasing/frustrating part was that Tom and Kate ALMOST lead the life of a couple. She stays in his cottage, they have dinners together. They go to the Pioneer's ball together-Kate wears Tom's mother's gown and shoes. It reminded me a little of a homage to Cinderella/Jane Eyre plot.
Tom's intended is Laetitia, an Englishwoman from Hampshire, England (Tom's late mother's birthplace). She is Tom's motivation for hiring Kate. After weeks of his tutoring, Tom greets Laetitia and her parents in Sydney. Tom brings Kate along to avoid any blunders. I immediately saw how shallow and conniving Laetitia was. She shows affection towards Tom when others are around, especially Kate. When they're alone, she's aloof and cold. Tom continues to court Laetitia even though he knows that Laetitia's parents' title needs money to finance their estate back in England.
I loved Kate & Tom's time on his estate, even though Kate knew Tom was trying to improve for another woman. I was just so frustrated that: #1 -it took Tom too long to wake up to Laetitia's money grubbing ways #2 - Kate was 2nd choice-only until Tom realized it didn't work out with Laetitia.
#3 Would Tom have picked Kate if Laetitia wasn't such a greedy bitch?
I still liked this book. 1 star deducted for Tom slow to WAKE UP & realize and see what was in front of him.
I received this ARC through NetGalley.
I've been trying to get into more Historical Romances. This story takes place in 1902 Australia.
Tom is a wealthy sheep rancher in rural New South Wales. Kate has recently graduated from teacher's college. Tom advertises for a "governess" to teach him proper English in order to woo an English woman to be his bride. Tom's mother had home-taught him until he was 8 years old. His mother died when he was 8, and his father, a few years after that. Tom's late mother's dying wish was for him to find an English wife. When Kate arrives, she discovers that Tom is to be her pupil. The POV is 3rd person, mostly Kate's. Kate's thoughts early on reveal that she's attracted to Tom. They get along very well. Tom is a very eager student. Kate keeps telling herself that Tom is meant for someone else.
The teasing/frustrating part was that Tom and Kate ALMOST lead the life of a couple. She stays in his cottage, they have dinners together. They go to the Pioneer's ball together-Kate wears Tom's mother's gown and shoes. It reminded me a little of a homage to Cinderella/Jane Eyre plot.
Tom's intended is Laetitia, an Englishwoman from Hampshire, England (Tom's late mother's birthplace). She is Tom's motivation for hiring Kate. After weeks of his tutoring, Tom greets Laetitia and her parents in Sydney. Tom brings Kate along to avoid any blunders. I immediately saw how shallow and conniving Laetitia was. She shows affection towards Tom when others are around, especially Kate. When they're alone, she's aloof and cold. Tom continues to court Laetitia even though he knows that Laetitia's parents' title needs money to finance their estate back in England.
I loved Kate & Tom's time on his estate, even though Kate knew Tom was trying to improve for another woman. I was just so frustrated that: #1 -it took Tom too long to wake up to Laetitia's money grubbing ways #2 - Kate was 2nd choice-only until Tom realized it didn't work out with Laetitia.
#3 Would Tom have picked Kate if Laetitia wasn't such a greedy bitch?
I still liked this book. 1 star deducted for Tom slow to WAKE UP & realize and see what was in front of him.
March 26, 2016
... This book given to me for a complementary review from NetGalley.
What did I just read?? As a whole, the story was okay. If I take it as face value and just focus on the overall. That is my problem however I can't. What year was that story from? 1902? You could have fooled me. There was no character development, or not enough for me to really care about the actions portrayed. The plot was predictable and the ending rushed.
What did I just read?? As a whole, the story was okay. If I take it as face value and just focus on the overall. That is my problem however I can't. What year was that story from? 1902? You could have fooled me. There was no character development, or not enough for me to really care about the actions portrayed. The plot was predictable and the ending rushed.
Read
January 19, 2016Me encantó la portada.
Me encantó la descripción del libro.
Pero no he sido capaz de terminar de leer esta historia, así que no voy a puntuarla.
Mis problemas con esta historia han sido la poca precisión histórica, el insta-lust (al menos por la parte de la protagonista, que está embelesada con el físico del prota ) y el hecho de que la protagonista es la que nos explica (vía pensamientos internos) qué es lo que siente, quiere y preocupa al protagonista, un poco chocante, si tenemos en cuenta que es la primera vez que se ven.
Todo esto me ha sacado de la historia y me ha sido imposible terminarla. Pero si leyendo los primeros capítulos nada de esto te hastía, esta historia te puede gustar.
ARC provided by Scape Publishing via Netgalley.
I loved the cover.
I loved the blurb.
But I have not been able to finish reading this story, so I'm not going to rate it.
My problems have been that there is not historical accuracy, the insta-lust (at least on the heroine´s behalf, who is rapt with the hero´s body) and the fact that the heroine is who explains (via inner thoughts) what the hero feels, wants and worries about, a bit shocking, if we take into account that it is the first time that they meet.
All this throw me out the story and I have been unable to finish it. But if reading the first chapters they bother you none, then you could like it.
Me encantó la descripción del libro.
Pero no he sido capaz de terminar de leer esta historia, así que no voy a puntuarla.
Mis problemas con esta historia han sido la poca precisión histórica, el insta-lust (al menos por la parte de la protagonista, que está embelesada con el físico del prota ) y el hecho de que la protagonista es la que nos explica (vía pensamientos internos) qué es lo que siente, quiere y preocupa al protagonista, un poco chocante, si tenemos en cuenta que es la primera vez que se ven.
Todo esto me ha sacado de la historia y me ha sido imposible terminarla. Pero si leyendo los primeros capítulos nada de esto te hastía, esta historia te puede gustar.
ARC provided by Scape Publishing via Netgalley.
I loved the cover.
I loved the blurb.
But I have not been able to finish reading this story, so I'm not going to rate it.
My problems have been that there is not historical accuracy, the insta-lust (at least on the heroine´s behalf, who is rapt with the hero´s body) and the fact that the heroine is who explains (via inner thoughts) what the hero feels, wants and worries about, a bit shocking, if we take into account that it is the first time that they meet.
All this throw me out the story and I have been unable to finish it. But if reading the first chapters they bother you none, then you could like it.
January 5, 2016
Wealthy landowner Tom Fortescue is in dire need of a governess to correct his language in order to win the hand of a high-brow English lady. Fresh out of teacher's college, Kate Courtney's ambitions have led her to rural New South Wales, but definitely not to a charge that turned out to be a strapping man who makes her knees weak. But the aristocratic English woman's arrival signals to Kate that her contract is coming to an end and the heart she's lost along the way to her charming pupil could never quite be regained when she finally walks away from Tom.
Sweetly written, with all the wholly innocent and proper mannerisms I've come to expect from Regency England coupled with rakish Australian charm, 'Lessons in Loving' explores the definitions of the gentleman, countrified behaviour and the Australian gentry along the way but is thankfully not as dire and bleak as any Dickensian treatise on social norms. I laughed my way through, thoroughly enjoyed that age-old dance Tom and Kate did without really realising it and simply allowed myself to be taken away by the descriptions of the bustling wharves and the panoramic splendour of the countryside.
*ARC by netgalley
(too happy and grateful for the free copy, mind)
Sweetly written, with all the wholly innocent and proper mannerisms I've come to expect from Regency England coupled with rakish Australian charm, 'Lessons in Loving' explores the definitions of the gentleman, countrified behaviour and the Australian gentry along the way but is thankfully not as dire and bleak as any Dickensian treatise on social norms. I laughed my way through, thoroughly enjoyed that age-old dance Tom and Kate did without really realising it and simply allowed myself to be taken away by the descriptions of the bustling wharves and the panoramic splendour of the countryside.
*ARC by netgalley
(too happy and grateful for the free copy, mind)
March 16, 2016
The synopsis of this novella appealed to me and the openly named male author (writing historical romance!!) added to the curiosity. I do realise there are a number of male authors who published romance novels under a rather feminine nom de plumes though I’m not really aware who’s who.
There were a number of things I loved about this novel aside from the romantic premise. I love this era in Australia; there were many possibilities and opportunities amidst the harshness of the place. I really do like Kate’s character and whilst, Tom’s very male appearances appealed, I’m not quite sure about his personality; he seems to need the push to think for himself (there were many frustrating moments).
Lessons in Loving was a fairly easy & quick read. I did, however, find the supposed humorous camaraderie between Kate & Tom a little bit awkward / forced. I rather felt that it was ‘put on’ a bit. But it really is one you could read without putting too much of an effort in; one for relaxation, a sweet fluffy read.
Thanks to Escape Publishing for copy eARC via NetGalley in exchange of honest review
There were a number of things I loved about this novel aside from the romantic premise. I love this era in Australia; there were many possibilities and opportunities amidst the harshness of the place. I really do like Kate’s character and whilst, Tom’s very male appearances appealed, I’m not quite sure about his personality; he seems to need the push to think for himself (there were many frustrating moments).
Lessons in Loving was a fairly easy & quick read. I did, however, find the supposed humorous camaraderie between Kate & Tom a little bit awkward / forced. I rather felt that it was ‘put on’ a bit. But it really is one you could read without putting too much of an effort in; one for relaxation, a sweet fluffy read.
Thanks to Escape Publishing for copy eARC via NetGalley in exchange of honest review
July 3, 2017
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
Wanted: Governess. Properly qualified in English, to instruct male pupil in rural location.
Sydney, 1902. Desperate for a job, Kate Courtney travels to the faraway New England Ranges to interview for a governess position. She is greeted by wealthy landowner, ruggedly handsome Tom Fortescue, and is shocked to find that her new charge isn’t a small boy—but the grown man.
It was Tom’s mother’s dying wish that he find a refined, elegant, English bride to marry. But a country man with country manners can never win a lady fair. Tom needs Kate to smooth away his rough edges, make him desirable to the English rose he wants to marry.
But the more time Kate and Tom spend together, the closer they become, and Tom has to decide between the dreams of his childhood, and the reality that is right in front of him.
*3.5 stars*
I had a lot of hope for this novel and for the most part it lived up to expectations. I don't read a lot of historical romance novels but I always give them a go when they are set in my native Australia.
The premise of the story is executed pretty well - a young lady travels to central NSW sheep station to be a governess - not to a child, however, but to a man who is in need of lessons in reading and writing if he wishes to woo any prospective woman...
Kate is a pretty decent character who, sadly, suffers from one of my pet hates - internal dialogue. Added to the 'insta-love' she has with Tom, it really did annoy me in some small way. Tom, himself, was just a little too perfect a human specimen for me to take too seriously, although his story-arc was good fun and I did enjoy the way his character grew throughout the story.
The setting was good but could have used just a little more detail to really bring the NSW Outback to life.
However, for all those negatives, this was still a charming story and I was able to put some of those bugs to the back of my mind and just enjoy the story for what it was.
Paul
ARH
Wanted: Governess. Properly qualified in English, to instruct male pupil in rural location.
Sydney, 1902. Desperate for a job, Kate Courtney travels to the faraway New England Ranges to interview for a governess position. She is greeted by wealthy landowner, ruggedly handsome Tom Fortescue, and is shocked to find that her new charge isn’t a small boy—but the grown man.
It was Tom’s mother’s dying wish that he find a refined, elegant, English bride to marry. But a country man with country manners can never win a lady fair. Tom needs Kate to smooth away his rough edges, make him desirable to the English rose he wants to marry.
But the more time Kate and Tom spend together, the closer they become, and Tom has to decide between the dreams of his childhood, and the reality that is right in front of him.
*3.5 stars*
I had a lot of hope for this novel and for the most part it lived up to expectations. I don't read a lot of historical romance novels but I always give them a go when they are set in my native Australia.
The premise of the story is executed pretty well - a young lady travels to central NSW sheep station to be a governess - not to a child, however, but to a man who is in need of lessons in reading and writing if he wishes to woo any prospective woman...
Kate is a pretty decent character who, sadly, suffers from one of my pet hates - internal dialogue. Added to the 'insta-love' she has with Tom, it really did annoy me in some small way. Tom, himself, was just a little too perfect a human specimen for me to take too seriously, although his story-arc was good fun and I did enjoy the way his character grew throughout the story.
The setting was good but could have used just a little more detail to really bring the NSW Outback to life.
However, for all those negatives, this was still a charming story and I was able to put some of those bugs to the back of my mind and just enjoy the story for what it was.
Paul
ARH
April 29, 2020
I really enjoyed the book, but was disappointed in the ending. The last chapter felt rushed. I felt that there was a lot left out... I would have loved to read the proposal; did they stay in Granite Ridge to fulfill her teaching obligation; did her mom go and live with them in Kennilworth? One more chapter to wrap these things up would have been nice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2022
Kate becomes a governess to a grown man, Tom. He lives far from any close towns and Kate becomes very close to Tom during the time she is spent teaching him how to become a gentleman. I loved this story, thought it
was very good and hope to read more from this author.
was very good and hope to read more from this author.
July 29, 2016
I found this book to be rather odd, especially for a romance. There's a good sense of place, but I had difficulties with figuring out the era (it says 1902 in plot description here) probably due to not having the cultural knowledge to know when mining booms were in Australia. I would think I had a handle on it but then some more modern wording would throw me off or the appearance of a gramophone.
There were also a lot of points where I felt very aware that this was written by a man. Nothing too overt, just words or thoughts from the heroine that didn't ring true, or maybe the focus on female body parts that felt male gaze to me rather than descriptive. The hero kisses the heroine after she's taken pain killers for a twisted ankle and he thinks she's asleep. He (paraphrased) thinks 'oh man should I have done that? Oh well thankfully she's in a drugged sleep so she doesn't know I did'. The hero thinks he is in love with another woman, and a lot of his reasoning for going after the heroine instead is that the OW was 'cold' and didn't put out when he thought she would? It wasn't spelled out but I was uncomfortable and basically felt that a female author would never write that.
There is a character named Ah Foo whose dialogue is best skipped over. There has got to be a way to write a realistic non-native English speaker without being racist but I don't have the answer and I don't think the author does either. Similarly, the h meets the H to tutor him in his speech and manners, so we must expect the hero to speak poorly but there must be a way to convey that without making me read poor grammar over and over. Perhaps just writing that he had a coarse accent or mispronounced things? He gets better quickly, thankfully, but I am still traumatized by the amount of times I read the word "youse" instead of "you". (And always referring to a singular you, never like 'youse guys' which is something people might slangily say here in Philly. Is this an australia in 1902 thing, or was it a poor authorial choice of picking how the character sounds uneducated?)
It wasn't really a bad book, there were just so many things that I wanted to say "Uh buddy, did you mean for X to come across this way?" or "Did you realize Y is the message this is sending and is that actually what you intend?" about and it added up to too much.
There were also a lot of points where I felt very aware that this was written by a man. Nothing too overt, just words or thoughts from the heroine that didn't ring true, or maybe the focus on female body parts that felt male gaze to me rather than descriptive. The hero kisses the heroine after she's taken pain killers for a twisted ankle and he thinks she's asleep. He (paraphrased) thinks 'oh man should I have done that? Oh well thankfully she's in a drugged sleep so she doesn't know I did'. The hero thinks he is in love with another woman, and a lot of his reasoning for going after the heroine instead is that the OW was 'cold' and didn't put out when he thought she would? It wasn't spelled out but I was uncomfortable and basically felt that a female author would never write that.
There is a character named Ah Foo whose dialogue is best skipped over. There has got to be a way to write a realistic non-native English speaker without being racist but I don't have the answer and I don't think the author does either. Similarly, the h meets the H to tutor him in his speech and manners, so we must expect the hero to speak poorly but there must be a way to convey that without making me read poor grammar over and over. Perhaps just writing that he had a coarse accent or mispronounced things? He gets better quickly, thankfully, but I am still traumatized by the amount of times I read the word "youse" instead of "you". (And always referring to a singular you, never like 'youse guys' which is something people might slangily say here in Philly. Is this an australia in 1902 thing, or was it a poor authorial choice of picking how the character sounds uneducated?)
It wasn't really a bad book, there were just so many things that I wanted to say "Uh buddy, did you mean for X to come across this way?" or "Did you realize Y is the message this is sending and is that actually what you intend?" about and it added up to too much.
January 31, 2016
With her new teaching credentials, Kate is anxious to find a job. In no time at all Kate is leaving her home in Sydney, Australia and traveling to rural Kenilworth. There she accepts a job as a governess to a young boy (or so she thinks.) Actually, Kate will be teaching Tom Fortescue a wealthy man who never had a proper education. He desires to learn how to speak correctly along with good manners so he can bring himself up to the standards the young lady he wants to marry will accept.
Kate was surprised to find the two of them would be the only ones at the estate. However, she was provided with her own cottage and didn't live in the big house. At first, Kate was not enamored with Tom, nor he with her. As the book progresses they become closer. He however, is still thinking he loves the young lady he met earlier in while in England. The rest of the book enlightens the reader to what happens between Kate and Tom.
My dislikes of the book are: 1)There were not smooth transitions from one characters thoughts or words to the next characters thoughts or words. 2) I found it hard to believe a single young lady would take a job where no one else was around except for the man she is teaching. 3) Tom was creepy in that he had Kate wear his dead mother's clothes, etc. 4) Tom learned unbelievably much from his mother, who died when he was eight years old. 5) Lastly, I noticed Tom often did use correct language and this threw me off a little.
There are several things I did like about the book, such as I did get a feel for the time and place in which this book was set and both main characters were likable.
All in all, the book was just okay to me.
Thanks to the publisher, Escape Publishing, and Net Galley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Kate was surprised to find the two of them would be the only ones at the estate. However, she was provided with her own cottage and didn't live in the big house. At first, Kate was not enamored with Tom, nor he with her. As the book progresses they become closer. He however, is still thinking he loves the young lady he met earlier in while in England. The rest of the book enlightens the reader to what happens between Kate and Tom.
My dislikes of the book are: 1)There were not smooth transitions from one characters thoughts or words to the next characters thoughts or words. 2) I found it hard to believe a single young lady would take a job where no one else was around except for the man she is teaching. 3) Tom was creepy in that he had Kate wear his dead mother's clothes, etc. 4) Tom learned unbelievably much from his mother, who died when he was eight years old. 5) Lastly, I noticed Tom often did use correct language and this threw me off a little.
There are several things I did like about the book, such as I did get a feel for the time and place in which this book was set and both main characters were likable.
All in all, the book was just okay to me.
Thanks to the publisher, Escape Publishing, and Net Galley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 29, 2016
For me this story was like Australia's version of Jane Eyre, minus her terrible childhood, mad wife in the attic and strange relatives.
Kate travels from Sidney to far away rural manor to become a governess to a young boy, or so she thought. But he new student will be her host, Tom, who's education was lacking since his mother's death and even once he was old enough to go to school, he had learning difficulties and he ran away from school.
But Tom still had enough education to build his fathers farm to a successful business. On her deathbed his mother told him, that he should travel to England to find a wife, once he's old enough and so he did, a year ago. He even found a girl he liked, but since his language and manners where that of a country boy, she did not accept his offer to be his wife. But, not long ago he received a letter from her father, saying that they will come to visit him in Australia and now he hopes, if he learns to talk and walk like a Royal English Gentlemen, he will win the girl.
In steps Kate. She teaches him all about language, about books and about other things that she know and he needs to know to impress the girl. But they are together a lot, not only in study room but also around the manor and on a farm lands and they get closer all the time. Till the visitors finally arrive.
Tom is a perfect gentlemen and Kate feels she's on a way, so she lives and he is torn to see her go.
Will Tom find the happiness he deserves and will Kate get her star student back?
It was a lovely love story, which had some logical mistakes and some not very smooth places, but all in all, it was readable.
Kate travels from Sidney to far away rural manor to become a governess to a young boy, or so she thought. But he new student will be her host, Tom, who's education was lacking since his mother's death and even once he was old enough to go to school, he had learning difficulties and he ran away from school.
But Tom still had enough education to build his fathers farm to a successful business. On her deathbed his mother told him, that he should travel to England to find a wife, once he's old enough and so he did, a year ago. He even found a girl he liked, but since his language and manners where that of a country boy, she did not accept his offer to be his wife. But, not long ago he received a letter from her father, saying that they will come to visit him in Australia and now he hopes, if he learns to talk and walk like a Royal English Gentlemen, he will win the girl.
In steps Kate. She teaches him all about language, about books and about other things that she know and he needs to know to impress the girl. But they are together a lot, not only in study room but also around the manor and on a farm lands and they get closer all the time. Till the visitors finally arrive.
Tom is a perfect gentlemen and Kate feels she's on a way, so she lives and he is torn to see her go.
Will Tom find the happiness he deserves and will Kate get her star student back?
It was a lovely love story, which had some logical mistakes and some not very smooth places, but all in all, it was readable.
April 6, 2016
See more reviews like this first on my blog
"Then he read it, slowly, one word at a time. And I knew that it would be right to have children with you. To live together at Kenilworth till we're old. Till we die, even. And for our children, and their children, to grow up loving the spread of those beautiful blue hills. As you do, As I do. "
The book cover and description got my attention, and held it until I realized how much of a romance this book was.
Kate Courtney is 18, a newly qualified teacher that applied for the job of governess in rural Australia. When I started this book, I was expecting her to be teaching a young boy, while his father was too busy taking care of the farm to pay much attention to him, causing Kate to become a sort of mother figure to the child. This was not what happened.
Instead Kate was to be a governess to Tom who was a grown man who needed refining in the proper way to talk, in order to be able to marry a respectable English woman like his mother had wanted for him before she passed away.
Slowly as Kate teaches him how to talk proper she falls for him, and he without realizing it falls for her. It doesn’t become obvious that they like each other until the English woman he was, wanting to Marry came to Australia and he saw her true colors, and why her father wanted her to marry him.
I feel I would have liked this book more if I had realized it was a romance, and if Tom had realized a little sooner how awful his bride to be truly was.
"Then he read it, slowly, one word at a time. And I knew that it would be right to have children with you. To live together at Kenilworth till we're old. Till we die, even. And for our children, and their children, to grow up loving the spread of those beautiful blue hills. As you do, As I do. "
The book cover and description got my attention, and held it until I realized how much of a romance this book was.
Kate Courtney is 18, a newly qualified teacher that applied for the job of governess in rural Australia. When I started this book, I was expecting her to be teaching a young boy, while his father was too busy taking care of the farm to pay much attention to him, causing Kate to become a sort of mother figure to the child. This was not what happened.
Instead Kate was to be a governess to Tom who was a grown man who needed refining in the proper way to talk, in order to be able to marry a respectable English woman like his mother had wanted for him before she passed away.
Slowly as Kate teaches him how to talk proper she falls for him, and he without realizing it falls for her. It doesn’t become obvious that they like each other until the English woman he was, wanting to Marry came to Australia and he saw her true colors, and why her father wanted her to marry him.
I feel I would have liked this book more if I had realized it was a romance, and if Tom had realized a little sooner how awful his bride to be truly was.
December 30, 2015
I am going to rate this 4.5 stars
I received this ARC through NetGalley!
This is my first read by a male author who writes historic romance.
Kate who just finished university to be a teacher has found a teaching position. However what she finds out when she goes for the interview that the pupil is an adult male.
Tom who is a farmer had a different up bringing than Kate. He actually learned how to write and speak from a servant. She talked how they say backwater!! They were 3 hours from a major city in Australia. He wasn't that bad however some of his grammar was horrible. The way he would pronounce words, and he wrote them how he spoke them.
I guess you could say in a way Kate was shy. However once she got into teacher mode she was serious. She tough Tom what he needed to win over a proper lady from England.
The story had funny parts. Kate and Tom's chemistry was great. There was an attraction that Kate fought off through most the books. Tom it hit him like a ton of bricks toward the end.
Some times the person you are longing to be with is right in front of you, not thousands of miles away. Tom learned that. He was lucky that Kate still had feelings for him.
Over all it was a good read. Some parts where slow for me, other parts picked up. If you like historic romance novels this might be the one for you.
I received this ARC through NetGalley!
This is my first read by a male author who writes historic romance.
Kate who just finished university to be a teacher has found a teaching position. However what she finds out when she goes for the interview that the pupil is an adult male.
Tom who is a farmer had a different up bringing than Kate. He actually learned how to write and speak from a servant. She talked how they say backwater!! They were 3 hours from a major city in Australia. He wasn't that bad however some of his grammar was horrible. The way he would pronounce words, and he wrote them how he spoke them.
I guess you could say in a way Kate was shy. However once she got into teacher mode she was serious. She tough Tom what he needed to win over a proper lady from England.
The story had funny parts. Kate and Tom's chemistry was great. There was an attraction that Kate fought off through most the books. Tom it hit him like a ton of bricks toward the end.
Some times the person you are longing to be with is right in front of you, not thousands of miles away. Tom learned that. He was lucky that Kate still had feelings for him.
Over all it was a good read. Some parts where slow for me, other parts picked up. If you like historic romance novels this might be the one for you.
January 9, 2016
I love the cover & the setting of Kenilworth, 'Lessons in Loving' develops at a steady pace, and I enjoyed getting to know the characters of Kate & Tom. Kate, a new graduate teacher, looking to improve her station in life as well as establish the new idea of independence as a woman applies for the job as Governess in the remote New South Wales estate of Kenilworth. Thousands of acres in size, its owner, Tom requires lessons to tidy up his 'English' in order to impress a sought after bride from England. Tom's past appears quite sad, though he has turned out to be a good well rounded gentleman despite it. There's a few niggling issues that I struggled with. You are reminded often that his mother died when he was 8. Yet somehow she taught him to be some kind of concert pianist, and a great chef before that happened. Yet he forgot how to talk correctly. I glossed over it though, because the pairing of Kate & Tom is so perfect, yet seemingly so unattainable based on the circumstances - it keeps the pages turning. I loved the scene at the end of the Ball. So sweet! Good story, I'd look for more from this author. One complaint? This story needed an epilogue. A nice long one!!!
Thanks to Netgalley & Escape Publishing for the ARC in return for my honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley & Escape Publishing for the ARC in return for my honest review.
March 3, 2016
For Full Review please go to http://bookplusheart.weebly.com/histo...
Received an ARC from Netgalley for an Honest Review
I thought this story was super cute. It isn’t all tearing bodices, but it does have your gentlemen and ladies. I enjoy time period pieces. My favorite though is listening to them because I LOVE hearing the different accents. Same with Southern Fiction. This one wasn’t completely British, even though we do have some Brits in it. It has an Australian setting. It takes places in different parts of the country.
The story is about a young women, named Kate, who just graduated from teachers college. She is in search of a position or pupil to begin making her way in the world. She answers an advertisement for a governess to teach the ‘Kings English.’ The location was a far distances. She applied and ended up taking the position. Kate finds out that her pupil is not a young boy, but a man. I tall, handsome, fit man; whom speaks poorly due to his lack of education....
September 26, 2016
I am glad too see a male writer for a change on the Historical Romance section. I hope that it will continue to be so. I found this book enjoyable but I did think it went on somewhat long for the hero, Tom to know that his intended future wife is selfish and greedy.
Tom is trying to better himself to bring himself up to the standard of his intended future wife. He hires a governess named Kate Courtney. Kate thinks she is going to be helping a child but finds when she get there that it is the man himself that wants the help. Kate finds that Tom is kind, caring and trying to fulfill a dream of his mother's wishes. So she agrees to help him become the man he thinks he needs to be to make his future wife happy. They build their love and friendship over time and I did enjoy how they got along. This is a sweet romance I thought and glad to have the chance to read and review.
Tom is trying to better himself to bring himself up to the standard of his intended future wife. He hires a governess named Kate Courtney. Kate thinks she is going to be helping a child but finds when she get there that it is the man himself that wants the help. Kate finds that Tom is kind, caring and trying to fulfill a dream of his mother's wishes. So she agrees to help him become the man he thinks he needs to be to make his future wife happy. They build their love and friendship over time and I did enjoy how they got along. This is a sweet romance I thought and glad to have the chance to read and review.
January 5, 2016
NOTE: Thanks to Escape Publishing and the author for providing me with an ARC of the book via NetGalley. Any and all opinions are mine and mine alone.
Lessons in Loving is a sweet and most enjoyable addition to the Oztorical genre. It moved a little slowly at times, but it wasn't too much of a concern. I loved the concept, and Kate and Tom match up beautifully. I may just have to check out the rest of Peter McAra's backlist now.
Lessons in Loving is a sweet and most enjoyable addition to the Oztorical genre. It moved a little slowly at times, but it wasn't too much of a concern. I loved the concept, and Kate and Tom match up beautifully. I may just have to check out the rest of Peter McAra's backlist now.
February 27, 2016
I've never read a romance novel written by a man before. And normally I wouldn't care about the gender of the author, but I have to say, that I absolutely loved this novel. Written about a place and time that I never read about, I was drawn by the fact that the author was a gentleman. I was not disappointed. Far from it, I was astounded by the beautiful writing, intriguing characters and creativity with which this novel was written. An absolute joy to read.
December 29, 2015
This book was lovely. The story was entertaining and fun to read. I loved the two main characters as well as the dynamics of their relationship. And even though there are usually things that happen frequently in romance stories, this book didn't feel trite. I really enjoyed reading this book, I would most definitely recommend it, and I look forward to checking out other works by Peter McAra.
Read
January 16, 2016Cover Rating: ★★★★½
Stars: ★★★½
My Review:
Lessons in Loving is a romance novel by Peter Mcara. It is a fast paced story about an illiterate Australian who lives in the country trying to win his bride by hiring a teacher to help him learn read, write and have civilized conversation. I found it to be a lighthearted good read for those who enjoy romance.
Stars: ★★★½
My Review:
Lessons in Loving is a romance novel by Peter Mcara. It is a fast paced story about an illiterate Australian who lives in the country trying to win his bride by hiring a teacher to help him learn read, write and have civilized conversation. I found it to be a lighthearted good read for those who enjoy romance.
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