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His Cinderella Governess
A great secret hides within the walls of Stanley Hall and now it’s time it came to light...
It is time for Henry Radcliff, the Marquess of Whitecroft, to choose a wife. No lady he’s ever met has managed to steal his heart… until he accidentally meets a mysterious governess, that strangely enough has the manners and elegance of a highborn lady.
Lydia Stanley’s life has been very hard since her father passed away. Her stepmother controls her fate and has reduced her to nothing more than her little brother’s governess. No one even remembers she exists… but Lydia’s hopes for a better future are renewed when she meets the kind and gallant Marquess of Whitecroft.
The lie may cost her her only chance at love, but the truth may separate her and her little brother forever...
Now, Henry must find a way to uncover the secrets and save his Cinderella before it’s too late. But the wicked Countess of Canwick has not played her last card yet…
*If you like engaging characters, heart- wrenching twists and turns, and lots of romance, then you’ll love “His Cinderella Governess!”
Buy “His Cinderella Governess” and unlock the exciting story of Lydia and Henry today!
Get This Book FREE With Kindle Unlimited!
It is time for Henry Radcliff, the Marquess of Whitecroft, to choose a wife. No lady he’s ever met has managed to steal his heart… until he accidentally meets a mysterious governess, that strangely enough has the manners and elegance of a highborn lady.
Lydia Stanley’s life has been very hard since her father passed away. Her stepmother controls her fate and has reduced her to nothing more than her little brother’s governess. No one even remembers she exists… but Lydia’s hopes for a better future are renewed when she meets the kind and gallant Marquess of Whitecroft.
The lie may cost her her only chance at love, but the truth may separate her and her little brother forever...
Now, Henry must find a way to uncover the secrets and save his Cinderella before it’s too late. But the wicked Countess of Canwick has not played her last card yet…
*If you like engaging characters, heart- wrenching twists and turns, and lots of romance, then you’ll love “His Cinderella Governess!”
Buy “His Cinderella Governess” and unlock the exciting story of Lydia and Henry today!
Get This Book FREE With Kindle Unlimited!
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 30, 2019
1202 people are currently reading
261 people want to read
About the author
Fanny Finch
331 books266 followersFanny Finch was born in United Kingdom but moved to Denver, Colorado when she was very young. She attended Washington University where she studied for several years and lives with her husband and their bulldog.
Upon leaving university, Fanny found a job as a proof reader for a small press. There, she honed her skills and also met and worked with author Abby Ayles, helping to polish her books to perfection.
But she is also an author in her own right and is working hard to become recognized as such as she starts to publish her own novels through her website.
Her genre is in the Historical Regency Romance category and if you like your reading material to be emotionally clean then you will be undoubtedly thrilled by the characters and scenarios Fanny develops.
When she has time to relax, Fanny enjoys listening to opera music and taking long walks in the outdoors. She writes almost every day as well and hopes to produce many more great books in the future.
Upon leaving university, Fanny found a job as a proof reader for a small press. There, she honed her skills and also met and worked with author Abby Ayles, helping to polish her books to perfection.
But she is also an author in her own right and is working hard to become recognized as such as she starts to publish her own novels through her website.
Her genre is in the Historical Regency Romance category and if you like your reading material to be emotionally clean then you will be undoubtedly thrilled by the characters and scenarios Fanny develops.
When she has time to relax, Fanny enjoys listening to opera music and taking long walks in the outdoors. She writes almost every day as well and hopes to produce many more great books in the future.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
March 7, 2020
Four star for the angst the evil stepmother rains down on the poor Cinderella heroine, but big time minuses for some anachronistic details that drove me crazy plus some of the most passive characters ever. How do you think the evil stepM got away with everything so long?
PLOT:
Poor Cinderella’s father died leaving her stepmother in charge of the estate, an estate she is currently draining dry as she has strong-armed the heroine into a governess position for the heir apparent, the heroine’s half brother. Anachronistic offense! If I am not mistaken there is very little to NO WAY the stepmother would have control of the estate at this period in time. Like it or not, there would have been a male guardian in place to make sure that the evil StepM did not do what she did: displace the heroine to the point no one knew where or who she was, rob the heroine of her own inheritance, rob her own son’s estate much less control his finances and, dun dun DUNNNN, even more evil doings. I am not saying these things could not take place, but it would have to be under different circumstances.
For me, if you are going to write a Regency, a Victorian era, Georgian, etc then please do your BASIC research. There is this think called the internet and websites that provide a wealth of knowledge on any of a number of specific subjects. Plus the fact that the heroine just accepted this without making any attempt to remedy the situation drove me crazy! Could she not have appealed to a godparent, a friend, a distant family member, or even an attorney? Just one little letter as a beacon of hope regarding her spine and intelligence?
The next shoe that drops and complains is the talkiness and downright passivity of the hero and other rescuers. We need an alpha here, a Rhett Butler, a CaptainAmerica Brittanica to come in and sweep the poor dweeby heroine off her feet and out of danger.
Sweet and clean romance which makes sense as the H, the H and their Scoobie squad of rescuers are babes in the wood. The evil StepM does get a comeuppance though.
PLOT:
Poor Cinderella’s father died leaving her stepmother in charge of the estate, an estate she is currently draining dry as she has strong-armed the heroine into a governess position for the heir apparent, the heroine’s half brother. Anachronistic offense! If I am not mistaken there is very little to NO WAY the stepmother would have control of the estate at this period in time. Like it or not, there would have been a male guardian in place to make sure that the evil StepM did not do what she did: displace the heroine to the point no one knew where or who she was, rob the heroine of her own inheritance, rob her own son’s estate much less control his finances and, dun dun DUNNNN, even more evil doings. I am not saying these things could not take place, but it would have to be under different circumstances.
For me, if you are going to write a Regency, a Victorian era, Georgian, etc then please do your BASIC research. There is this think called the internet and websites that provide a wealth of knowledge on any of a number of specific subjects. Plus the fact that the heroine just accepted this without making any attempt to remedy the situation drove me crazy! Could she not have appealed to a godparent, a friend, a distant family member, or even an attorney? Just one little letter as a beacon of hope regarding her spine and intelligence?
The next shoe that drops and complains is the talkiness and downright passivity of the hero and other rescuers. We need an alpha here, a Rhett Butler, a Captain
Sweet and clean romance which makes sense as the H, the H and their Scoobie squad of rescuers are babes in the wood. The evil StepM does get a comeuppance though.
March 2, 2020
A little too wordy
This was a good story. I mean it was a Cinderella story and they are always good. I got frustrated with the heroine for letting her stepmother bully her. I could never be that stifled. It just went on too long. The hero needed to be more assertive too. He was just so so until the end and then he fought for her. His friend her her step sister were both twits! Their romance was just blah. Plus the story went on way too long. I actually skimmed over parts to get to the end. But after all that being said, I did like the story. Who doesn't love Cinderella. And the stepmother was truly vile. Going so far as to poison her own child. It was great to see her comeuppance. I wanted more though. Bloodthirsty I know but she was pure evil.
This was a good story. I mean it was a Cinderella story and they are always good. I got frustrated with the heroine for letting her stepmother bully her. I could never be that stifled. It just went on too long. The hero needed to be more assertive too. He was just so so until the end and then he fought for her. His friend her her step sister were both twits! Their romance was just blah. Plus the story went on way too long. I actually skimmed over parts to get to the end. But after all that being said, I did like the story. Who doesn't love Cinderella. And the stepmother was truly vile. Going so far as to poison her own child. It was great to see her comeuppance. I wanted more though. Bloodthirsty I know but she was pure evil.
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October 17, 2025
*3.75 stars*
Rtc!
Rtc!
December 3, 2019
Great
I found this a really good book. A classic fairytale in the recency period with the Wicked stepmother trying to manipulate the hero into marrying her own daughter.
I found this a really good book. A classic fairytale in the recency period with the Wicked stepmother trying to manipulate the hero into marrying her own daughter.
December 4, 2019
This a wonderfully written story! I loved it. Akin to the Cinderella story but written in the regency time period with the backdrop of royalty in England. Lydia was being abused by her evil stepmother as the story goes. But the Prince Charming is the Noble Henry Radcliff. He never thought he would find a refined beauty such as Lydia Stanley. Of course the evil stepmother had to interfere. It was amazing how all the twists and turns in this new version of the Cinderella story left me stunned. I was rooted to this book. I couldn’t wait to find out how this version would pan out so much so that I read it all in one sitting. I thoroughly enjoyed this happy ending and also the extended epilogue. This is a must read book. It will leave you smiling and people will wonder what in the heck you are smiling about.
December 2, 2019
ONE COMBUSTIBLE DELIGHT!!!
Razzle, dazzle baby! Fanny spins the cloth, mends the tatters and perfects the scenes in this prize winning, block buster, thrusting this gem into the eye of the storm, breaking it down, blasting it into a tailspin with shocking results. Amazing well rounded scenario's that punch dead center with such intensity and glittering precision, blowing this baby wide open. Sparks fly as drama, intrigue, cruelty, secrets, turmoil and suspense surges, adding the perplexing situations rocks this baby to the core. Exposing all the shenanigans, containing the chaos and mayhem, witnessing the trials and tribulations affecting the struggles and hardships our characters face, shaking it up, blasting this baby to life spectacularly. The chemistry builds as each layer is peeled back exposing a growing bond and amplifying affections catapulting this jewel to a whole new level. The characters are genuine and original with depth and qualities and just enough flaws to add diversity. The scenes are strikingly sharp with such colorful descriptions it gives you a full understanding and realism that flow smoothly. Remarkable job Fanny, thanks for sharing this incredible jewel with us.
Razzle, dazzle baby! Fanny spins the cloth, mends the tatters and perfects the scenes in this prize winning, block buster, thrusting this gem into the eye of the storm, breaking it down, blasting it into a tailspin with shocking results. Amazing well rounded scenario's that punch dead center with such intensity and glittering precision, blowing this baby wide open. Sparks fly as drama, intrigue, cruelty, secrets, turmoil and suspense surges, adding the perplexing situations rocks this baby to the core. Exposing all the shenanigans, containing the chaos and mayhem, witnessing the trials and tribulations affecting the struggles and hardships our characters face, shaking it up, blasting this baby to life spectacularly. The chemistry builds as each layer is peeled back exposing a growing bond and amplifying affections catapulting this jewel to a whole new level. The characters are genuine and original with depth and qualities and just enough flaws to add diversity. The scenes are strikingly sharp with such colorful descriptions it gives you a full understanding and realism that flow smoothly. Remarkable job Fanny, thanks for sharing this incredible jewel with us.
December 5, 2019
Lady Lydia Stanley became Lydia, governess to her little brother and hidden away from society when her father passed away. The only important person in the household was her step-mother's daughter Arabella. Lydia is to receive her inheritance when she is 21 and she plans to leave then. But will she? Henry Radcliff, the Marquess of Whitecroft runs into Lydia when she is quietly watching a Ball that was taking place in her home. As time goes on he feels there is something very wrong going on and is determined to find out what it is. He turns to his friend Arthur who has just moved nearby and friends, Lord and Lady Lambton to help him find out what is happening. Then her uncle also comes to her aid.
This story is filled with struggles, chaos, cruelty, turmoil, drama, secrets, intrigue, suspense, mayhem, romance. What more could you ask for? Characters are fleshed out, plot is well thought out and story is very well written. An A+ for Fanny.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the author and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.
This story is filled with struggles, chaos, cruelty, turmoil, drama, secrets, intrigue, suspense, mayhem, romance. What more could you ask for? Characters are fleshed out, plot is well thought out and story is very well written. An A+ for Fanny.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the author and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.
December 6, 2019
Oh what a wicked web the wicked stepmother wove in His Cinderella Governess! Its truly a Cinderella story with a strong plot, incredible characters, and great dialogue. Fanny Finch outdone herself with this novel! Arabella stepmother Countess of Canwick will do anything to keep Arabella's identity secret, even going as far as making her governess to her brother. Lord Henry is her hero who will follow Arabella through all her trials and tribulations. It's a rollercoaster ride full of twist and turns through a web of deception, lies, heartbreak, turmoil, upheaval, All Lord Henry and Arabella go through makes this a outstanding story that you won't want to miss. Remarkable emotions, and unforgettable characters.
December 2, 2019
Does Cinderella get her Prince Charming?
This was a true Cinderella story complete with an evil stepmother and a clueless stepsister.
Lady Lydia suffered many trials. She lost her beloved mother. Her father then remarried. Things were fine for over 2 yrs then her father passed. That's when her stepmother started to show her true colors.
Her son who was born to Lydia's father was Lydia's only blood relative so they became close. Her stepmother relegated her to a servant status when she had Lydia become Walter's governess and forbade her to appear in society. She endured this because she loved Walter. She would receive her inheritance from her father at age 21 and buy her own small house away from her stepmother.
Will Lydia really receive her inheritance? Will her stepsister be matched to the man she has grown to love? A twist near the end is shocking as to the depths the stepmother will stoop.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.
This was a true Cinderella story complete with an evil stepmother and a clueless stepsister.
Lady Lydia suffered many trials. She lost her beloved mother. Her father then remarried. Things were fine for over 2 yrs then her father passed. That's when her stepmother started to show her true colors.
Her son who was born to Lydia's father was Lydia's only blood relative so they became close. Her stepmother relegated her to a servant status when she had Lydia become Walter's governess and forbade her to appear in society. She endured this because she loved Walter. She would receive her inheritance from her father at age 21 and buy her own small house away from her stepmother.
Will Lydia really receive her inheritance? Will her stepsister be matched to the man she has grown to love? A twist near the end is shocking as to the depths the stepmother will stoop.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.
December 5, 2019
I loved Lydia and Henry's story. This is a wonderful retelling of the Cinderella story Regency style complete with the wicked step mother and the stepsister. There is plenty of drama, cruelty, secrets, suspense and intrigue to keep you reading until the end. I loved the descriptive scenes which help bring this story to life. This is a facilitating story from beginning to end. Fanny Finch is a wonderful storyteller.
August 13, 2021
Take but good
Well written HR novel. The stepmother was truly vicious and evil, the stepsister sweet but clueless, the hero a little beta but still an alpha, and the heroine very sweet but a little too sweet and naive for her own good.
Well written HR novel. The stepmother was truly vicious and evil, the stepsister sweet but clueless, the hero a little beta but still an alpha, and the heroine very sweet but a little too sweet and naive for her own good.
December 6, 2019
A sweet story that will warm your heart...
A young lady, governess to her brother, due to the decision of her step-mother... A villain stepmother...
A young marquess... who will he love?
Secrets, suspense, pains and love...
A young lady, governess to her brother, due to the decision of her step-mother... A villain stepmother...
A young marquess... who will he love?
Secrets, suspense, pains and love...
December 4, 2019
I really enjoyed the storyline, with its alternate take on the typical Cinderella story. Characters were well developed, and I particularly enjoyed the true-to-life references of the importance of acceptance of different personalities and preferences, with said acceptance resulting in strong, balanced and life-long friendships (as in the case of Henry & Arthur).
December 5, 2019
I really enjoyed this version of Cinderella. There was a twist that I really enjoyed. The stepmother of course was a master manipulator and the stepsister was afraid to go against the grain so she did nothing while everything was at play. I highly recommend this book.
December 6, 2019
Awsome....
The story of Lydia and Henry was truly awesome Lydia was suffering so much for so long then finally she meets her prince it is a wonderful story with a happily ever after.
The story of Lydia and Henry was truly awesome Lydia was suffering so much for so long then finally she meets her prince it is a wonderful story with a happily ever after.
December 6, 2019
I loved reading this awesome book
December 2, 2019
His Cinderella Governess A Clean&Sweet Regency Historical Romance
A very good and enjoyable story a young woman that is really a lady has been relegated by her evil stepmother to be the governess of her brother and the things that are her own taken but thanks to Henry the marquees of Whitecroft she is rescued and finds happiness. This is a very good story and well written. The characters portrayed emotions and feelings
A very good and enjoyable story a young woman that is really a lady has been relegated by her evil stepmother to be the governess of her brother and the things that are her own taken but thanks to Henry the marquees of Whitecroft she is rescued and finds happiness. This is a very good story and well written. The characters portrayed emotions and feelings
March 5, 2020
DNF.
Oh. My. Gosh.
Reads like a 12 year old wrote it. I only made it a few chapters.
Oh. My. Gosh.
Reads like a 12 year old wrote it. I only made it a few chapters.
December 3, 2019
Cinderella, regency style! Lydia and Henry's story is a great twist on the classic Cinderella story, with wonderful characters and settings. As always, Fanny Finch writes a great regency romance with her own unique clean and sweet flair. I love all her books!
December 3, 2019
Cinderella has been done so many times, but it still makes a great premise for a story. His Cinderella Governess provides enough twists and turns to keep the story interesting along with a couple sweet couples in love to warm your heart. This is a lovely Regency romance.
December 2, 2019
This book is absolutely fantastic.
January 7, 2020
A very sweet clean regency romance, the name actually explain it all. Although story is from regency era there is a lesson in it for us off today. Take notice off our fellow humans because atrocity’s can happen right under ones nose. Thanks to the author for a lovely story.
July 21, 2020
Henry Radcliff, Marquess of Whitecroft, son and heir to the Duke of Yeaton.
The pressure is on for Henry to find a wife, and carry on his legacy. He takes his feelings toward his wife-to-be seriously, than his mother and father's relationship, which was a prearranged marriage. Both still miserable and tolerate each other.
Lord Arthur Gibbs,Viscount of Ranton is so eager to find his wife-to-be, but Arthur is only concerned with her beauty.
The countess of Canwick who is Lydia Marsh's stepmother, previously married to Lydia's father who has passed away. Her stepmother has a heinous side to her.
The countess's only concern now is her wealth, and titles of suitors for her daughter, Lady Arabella.
Arabella is blessed with enchanting beauty, but controlled by her mother sadly through fear.
Young Walter, future Earl of Canwick is only 9 years old. Lydia is his governess,cares for him,and teaches his lessons every day.
They love to go out for walks when possible. Lydia meets Lord Henry Whitecroft on one of those walks. A magnetic attraction begins between Henry and Lydia. Henry looks forward to these meetings, but there is something mysterious about Lydia, which leads him to a lot of questions and investigating on his own.
An interesting unraveling story of Lydia Stanley. Damsel in distress with lots of romance, and twists to keep you guessing.
The pressure is on for Henry to find a wife, and carry on his legacy. He takes his feelings toward his wife-to-be seriously, than his mother and father's relationship, which was a prearranged marriage. Both still miserable and tolerate each other.
Lord Arthur Gibbs,Viscount of Ranton is so eager to find his wife-to-be, but Arthur is only concerned with her beauty.
The countess of Canwick who is Lydia Marsh's stepmother, previously married to Lydia's father who has passed away. Her stepmother has a heinous side to her.
The countess's only concern now is her wealth, and titles of suitors for her daughter, Lady Arabella.
Arabella is blessed with enchanting beauty, but controlled by her mother sadly through fear.
Young Walter, future Earl of Canwick is only 9 years old. Lydia is his governess,cares for him,and teaches his lessons every day.
They love to go out for walks when possible. Lydia meets Lord Henry Whitecroft on one of those walks. A magnetic attraction begins between Henry and Lydia. Henry looks forward to these meetings, but there is something mysterious about Lydia, which leads him to a lot of questions and investigating on his own.
An interesting unraveling story of Lydia Stanley. Damsel in distress with lots of romance, and twists to keep you guessing.
January 5, 2020
Fair story
The writer got numerous issues wrong, probably as a result of rushing a story out. Just because a parent dies it doesn't change the title of his children. A daughter of a member of nobility such as an Earl remains " Lady" her entire life. Nobility ( Earls, Dukes) are NOT members of the royal family. The story is interesting but it's churned out by a group that uses huge spaces between each short paragraph and each line of dialogue is a separate paragraph in order to pad the page count and make more money from Kindle Unlimited. This story is actually about 150 pages and not > than 800.
The writer got numerous issues wrong, probably as a result of rushing a story out. Just because a parent dies it doesn't change the title of his children. A daughter of a member of nobility such as an Earl remains " Lady" her entire life. Nobility ( Earls, Dukes) are NOT members of the royal family. The story is interesting but it's churned out by a group that uses huge spaces between each short paragraph and each line of dialogue is a separate paragraph in order to pad the page count and make more money from Kindle Unlimited. This story is actually about 150 pages and not > than 800.
December 7, 2019
Reluctant
I stopped reading this book halfway through. The step-mother is mean to the heroine Lydia who is the rightful heir and heroine doesn't have enough sense to breakout of this idiotic situation. Why she has to tell hero her name is Marsh is beyond me, that's why I quit reading. Very predictable and not entertaining therefore I could not recommend this to anyone who truly understands the Regency novels.
I stopped reading this book halfway through. The step-mother is mean to the heroine Lydia who is the rightful heir and heroine doesn't have enough sense to breakout of this idiotic situation. Why she has to tell hero her name is Marsh is beyond me, that's why I quit reading. Very predictable and not entertaining therefore I could not recommend this to anyone who truly understands the Regency novels.
December 8, 2019
I really enjoyed this book and it's take on the Cinderella story. The heroine is Lady Lydia Stanley, daughter of Lord Stanley, the Earl of Canwick. After her mother passed away, her father, the Earl of Canwick, married a younger woman named Margaret, who already had a daughter, Arabella, when she married Lord Stanley. Arabella is two years younger than Lydia.
After Lord Stanley passed away, the Countess starts treating like a member of the staff instead of her stepdaughter. She even made Lydia the Governess to her half brother Walter, who was born seven months after the passing of his father. The Countess is not especially close to Walter either sins he, as well as Lydia, remind her of her late husband.
The Countess and Arabella return to Stanley Hall after spending the season in London for seventeen year old Arabella's debut. That is where they meet their future neighbor, Arthur Gibbs, Viscount of Ranton. Arabella is interested in Arthur but her mother wants her to marry someone with a higher title than Viscount.
When Arthur comes to his new estate, Cold Creek Manor, he is accompanied by his friend, Lord Henry Radcliff, Marquees of Whitecroft and Son and heir of Duke of Yeaton. The Countess believes he would be a great March for her daughter. Poor guy.
Henry is not interested in getting married anytime soon. While he is out riding his horse, he comes across Lydia, who has been dumped by her horse and injured her ankle. She tells him her name is Lydia Marsh. He is later told by the Countess that she is her son's governess. He is intrigued by Lydia.
Lydia continues to be mistreated by her evil stepmother. Just how evil is she? You will have to read the whole book to find out how low she is willing to go to get what she wants. And what about Arabella? Is she helping her mother or is she clueless.
I received an ARC of this ebook from the author to read and give an honest review. I also purchased an ebook when it was released by Amazon. I not only highly recommend this book but I recommend reading the other books by this author, Fanny Finch.
After Lord Stanley passed away, the Countess starts treating like a member of the staff instead of her stepdaughter. She even made Lydia the Governess to her half brother Walter, who was born seven months after the passing of his father. The Countess is not especially close to Walter either sins he, as well as Lydia, remind her of her late husband.
The Countess and Arabella return to Stanley Hall after spending the season in London for seventeen year old Arabella's debut. That is where they meet their future neighbor, Arthur Gibbs, Viscount of Ranton. Arabella is interested in Arthur but her mother wants her to marry someone with a higher title than Viscount.
When Arthur comes to his new estate, Cold Creek Manor, he is accompanied by his friend, Lord Henry Radcliff, Marquees of Whitecroft and Son and heir of Duke of Yeaton. The Countess believes he would be a great March for her daughter. Poor guy.
Henry is not interested in getting married anytime soon. While he is out riding his horse, he comes across Lydia, who has been dumped by her horse and injured her ankle. She tells him her name is Lydia Marsh. He is later told by the Countess that she is her son's governess. He is intrigued by Lydia.
Lydia continues to be mistreated by her evil stepmother. Just how evil is she? You will have to read the whole book to find out how low she is willing to go to get what she wants. And what about Arabella? Is she helping her mother or is she clueless.
I received an ARC of this ebook from the author to read and give an honest review. I also purchased an ebook when it was released by Amazon. I not only highly recommend this book but I recommend reading the other books by this author, Fanny Finch.
November 12, 2025
His Cinderella Governess by Fanny Finch was not 224 pages; The book I have has 370 pages.
This is the first book I've read by Fanny Finch and I thought I was going to love it.
Lady Lydia Stanley is basically an orphan. Her father, The Earl of Canwick, died when she was a child leaving her with an infant brother, a stepsister, and a stepmother.
The stepmother has essentially turned Lydia into an unpaid servant. She has had the care of her brother since he was born and is now his governess. She is not allowed to eat with the stepmother and stepsister or attend any functions with them. The Dowager countess has told everyone that Lydia has gone to live with relatives.
Viscount Ranton has recently purchased an estate nearby and has come to supervise the re-furbishing and redecorating. He has brought his friend, Henry, the Marquess of Whitecroft, along with him.
Lydia manages to escape the house for a respite from her nagging stepmother and takes her horse for a ride. Her horse is startled and throws her. Henry comes along just after and rescues her. She gives him her first name but a fictitious last name because she fears that her stepmother will lock her away from her brother.
Henry thinks something is amiss at the Stanley estate. Things just don't add up...and he is right.
The story would have been very good except for several errors. The author accidentally demotes the marquess to an Earl. She also takes great pains to describe the place where they live as being far north near the Scottish Highlands but then makes it seem like a small town very close to London where the characters take day trips to shop for costumes and visit with friends. They also have a masquerade party with people from London.
This is the first book I've read by Fanny Finch and I thought I was going to love it.
Lady Lydia Stanley is basically an orphan. Her father, The Earl of Canwick, died when she was a child leaving her with an infant brother, a stepsister, and a stepmother.
The stepmother has essentially turned Lydia into an unpaid servant. She has had the care of her brother since he was born and is now his governess. She is not allowed to eat with the stepmother and stepsister or attend any functions with them. The Dowager countess has told everyone that Lydia has gone to live with relatives.
Viscount Ranton has recently purchased an estate nearby and has come to supervise the re-furbishing and redecorating. He has brought his friend, Henry, the Marquess of Whitecroft, along with him.
Lydia manages to escape the house for a respite from her nagging stepmother and takes her horse for a ride. Her horse is startled and throws her. Henry comes along just after and rescues her. She gives him her first name but a fictitious last name because she fears that her stepmother will lock her away from her brother.
Henry thinks something is amiss at the Stanley estate. Things just don't add up...and he is right.
The story would have been very good except for several errors. The author accidentally demotes the marquess to an Earl. She also takes great pains to describe the place where they live as being far north near the Scottish Highlands but then makes it seem like a small town very close to London where the characters take day trips to shop for costumes and visit with friends. They also have a masquerade party with people from London.
July 26, 2020
Rating: 2.75
This was a good book. I’ll point out some of the things that I didn’t really like so much before I move into what I liked.
A lot of the story was repetitive. The characters would go round and round about the same thoughts forever without doing anything which annoyed me a bit. I thought this would go on forever.
There were also inconsistencies. Like our Marquess is invited to dinner in front of our female lead, but later when it’s mentioned it’s like she has no recollection of that invite. There’s also a part where the Marquess signs his name down for a dance on Arabella’s dance card - but then later it’s like she has to basically beg him to dance with her.
The story definitely was too long and dragged in some places. And her brother is sick for so long without her catching on. This pissed me off so much!!!! However, the author at least gives us a proper ending that doesn’t leave you feel like it was rushed so that’s a bonus.
The story itself is also good overall. The premise is lovely and even though Lydia sometimes made me angry with her inaction, I liked her as a leading lady. It’s hard getting out from living under tyranny for so long - especially when you’re young and you feel no way out. The lead male was also kind and not a conceited douche!!
Even though my rating is low-ish, I would recommend this book for a day when you feel like reading a happy ending story with the plot of Cinderella-kind-of-life. It’s a sweet and easy read even with the repetitive content.
This was a good book. I’ll point out some of the things that I didn’t really like so much before I move into what I liked.
A lot of the story was repetitive. The characters would go round and round about the same thoughts forever without doing anything which annoyed me a bit. I thought this would go on forever.
There were also inconsistencies. Like our Marquess is invited to dinner in front of our female lead, but later when it’s mentioned it’s like she has no recollection of that invite. There’s also a part where the Marquess signs his name down for a dance on Arabella’s dance card - but then later it’s like she has to basically beg him to dance with her.
The story definitely was too long and dragged in some places. And her brother is sick for so long without her catching on. This pissed me off so much!!!! However, the author at least gives us a proper ending that doesn’t leave you feel like it was rushed so that’s a bonus.
The story itself is also good overall. The premise is lovely and even though Lydia sometimes made me angry with her inaction, I liked her as a leading lady. It’s hard getting out from living under tyranny for so long - especially when you’re young and you feel no way out. The lead male was also kind and not a conceited douche!!
Even though my rating is low-ish, I would recommend this book for a day when you feel like reading a happy ending story with the plot of Cinderella-kind-of-life. It’s a sweet and easy read even with the repetitive content.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2019
A great secret hides within the walls of Stanley Hall and now it’s time it came to light...
It is time for Henry Radcliff, the Marquess of Whitecroft, to choose a wife. No lady he’s ever met has managed to steal his heart… until he accidentally meets a mysterious governess, that strangely enough has the manners and elegance of a highborn lady.
Lydia Stanley’s life has been very hard since her father passed away. Her stepmother controls her fate and has reduced her to nothing more than her little brother’s governess. No one even remembers she exists… but Lydia’s hopes for a better future are renewed when she meets the kind and gallant Marquess of Whitecroft.
The lie may cost her her only chance at love, but the truth may separate her and her little brother forever...
Now, Henry must find a way to uncover the secrets and save his Cinderella before it’s too late. But the wicked Countess of Canwick has not played her last card yet…
What a beautiful story this was!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that engages you from the start.
Well fleshed out characters that were a joy to follow on their adventure.
Perfect retelling type of Cinderella.
Twists and turns made this a very exciting read.
I can't wait to see what the author brings us next!!
Recommend reading highly!
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review
It is time for Henry Radcliff, the Marquess of Whitecroft, to choose a wife. No lady he’s ever met has managed to steal his heart… until he accidentally meets a mysterious governess, that strangely enough has the manners and elegance of a highborn lady.
Lydia Stanley’s life has been very hard since her father passed away. Her stepmother controls her fate and has reduced her to nothing more than her little brother’s governess. No one even remembers she exists… but Lydia’s hopes for a better future are renewed when she meets the kind and gallant Marquess of Whitecroft.
The lie may cost her her only chance at love, but the truth may separate her and her little brother forever...
Now, Henry must find a way to uncover the secrets and save his Cinderella before it’s too late. But the wicked Countess of Canwick has not played her last card yet…
What a beautiful story this was!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that engages you from the start.
Well fleshed out characters that were a joy to follow on their adventure.
Perfect retelling type of Cinderella.
Twists and turns made this a very exciting read.
I can't wait to see what the author brings us next!!
Recommend reading highly!
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review
December 15, 2019
Lady Lydia Stanley has not had an easy life! First her mother dies when she is young and her father marries very quickly. Countess Stanley has a young daughter two yrs younger than Lydia! Lydia is thrilled to have a new sister. When her father dies the Countess quickly strips Lydia of her title and place in the home making her Walter, her young stepbrother, governess. She is so jealous of Lydia and how much her father loved and adored her that she is constant beating her down. The evil stepmother has also stolen her inheritance. Lydia is left with no hope until one day she meets Henry who is a mere marquis but soon to be a Duke. Lord Henry is staying with his childhood friend who bought the property next door. Henry is immediately attracted to her even though she portrays herself as a governess. From there it is a typical Cinderella story.
I hated the cruelty the evil stepmother treated Lydia with but was very happy when she got her comeuppance! This was very similar to the Cinderella story. It had a beautiful ending! I really enjoyed this book!
I hated the cruelty the evil stepmother treated Lydia with but was very happy when she got her comeuppance! This was very similar to the Cinderella story. It had a beautiful ending! I really enjoyed this book!
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