Tuesday Book Blog - The Silent Governess

I have recently finished another fun book called, The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen.  This one was a really fast read.  The characters were quite interesting and the twists and turns were amazing.

Here's the plot:

Set in England in 1815, Olivia Keene is fleeing her own secret.  She thinks she has committed a crime and run away from all she holds dear only to tumble upon the estate of Lord Bradley as a large celebration is in progress and overhears a terrible secret, which if exposed would change his life forever.  When Lord Bradley sees her hiding behind a tree while talking with his father, Lord Brightwell, he thinks a spy has overheard and wants to have her arrested.  But, now that she has, what is Lord Edward Stanton Bradley to do with her?  He cannot let her go because he could lose everything if she told his secret and the truth got out - his reputation, his inheritance, even his home.  Little does he know that she is running from her own secret, has been assaulted in the woods by thugs before she stumbled upon the estate as she was bound to find a teaching position at a local girls school.

Fearing Olivia will spread his secret, Lord Bradley gives Olivia no choice but to accept a post in his household, Brightwell Court, and confines her to his estate to prevent her from telling his secret and keeping an eye on her.   Due to her assault - a near choking episode - she can't speak for many days but one day gets her voice back but must continue to pretend to be mute.

Once in the household, she is given the assignment to be an under nurse to Lord Bradley's niece and nephew.  As she dotes over the children, Lord Bradley's demeanor softens and eventually Olivia becomes the children's governess.  Soon enough Lord Bradley finds himself drawn to the genteel woman and struggles against his growing attraction for her.  Edward and Olivia end up telling each other their secrets and as those secrets start to catch up with them, will their hidden pasts ruin their hope of finding love?

Edward's father returns from Italy, where his mother has died and Lord Brightwell fall in love with Olivia instantly...but to what end?  This raises much concern from Edward.

And, as the story continues with twist and turns aplenty, many characters are introduced:

Dorothea Keene - Olivia's Mother who once was acquainted with Lord Brightwell...
Simon Keene - Olivia's Father who is a jealous husband and mathematician with a terrible drinking problem...
Avery Croome - The Brightwell Court Games Keeper...who is he REALLY?
Charles Tugwell - The St. Mary's vicar who has his eye on Olivia
Lord Brightwell - Is he Edward's true father or someone else's...or no one's altogether?  And, why is so affectionate toward Olivia?

The book was a fun read and the farther I got in it, the more complex it became with lively, vivid characters to love...and hate.  It was a great read and a book you would enjoy.  It's available through many bookstores.