Blog Tour Review: A Waltz With the Outspoken Governess by Catherine Tinley

It is my pleasure to be a part of the blog tour for Catherine Tinley’s A Waltz with the Outspoken Governess. I so enjoyed this charming historical romance and hope you will too! It’s a great book for people who enjoy slow-building romance with a bit of intrigue.

A quiet governess…

An unruly heart

Sir Nicholas Denny is desperate to find a governess to care for his boisterous nieces and nephews. Demure vicar’s daughter Mary Smith seems ideal—at first. All too soon Nicholas discovers a different side…a beautiful, vivacious woman, even if she infuriates him with her strong opinions! When he waltzes with Mary at a party, he knows he’s in trouble—the spark between them is so tempting, but she challenges everything he thought he wanted in a wife!

Purchase Links:

About Catherine Tinley:

Catherine Tinley is an award winning author who writes witty, heartwarming, Regency love stories for Harlequin Mills & Boon. She has loved reading and writing since childhood, and has a particular fondness for love, romance, and happy endings. After a career encompassing speech & language therapy, NHS management, maternity campaigning and being President of a charity, she now manages a maternity hospital. She lives in Ireland with her husband, children, and dog and can be reached at http://www.catherinetinley.com, as well as http://www.facebook.com/CatherineTinleyWriter and @CatherineTinley on twitter.

Social Media Links:

My Review:

A Waltz with the Outspoken Governess is a delightful historical romance with a strong-willed and brave protagonist named Mary. Mary obtains a job as a governess in order to be closer to her unjustly imprisoned father. She needs to focus on her job and her father’s case and never expects to develop feelings for Sir Nicholas. Nicholas is enchanted by the outspoken Mary but knows they have no future. Will Mary tell Nicholas of her troubles? Will Nicholas give in to his feelings for Mary?

Mary is so much stronger than people give her credit for. I love that her determination, feelings, and opinions shine through even though people try to squelch it at every turn. It’s a shame because she is smart and kind, and has so much to offer. I love that, though she is considered inferior, Mary actually evokes change. Her actions make Sir Nicholas think differently. She opens his eyes to the inequities in life, and she shows him that he is capable of more.

I also like that Mary and Nicholas both learn and grow from each other. They make each other think, and I adore that they challenge each other intellectually. This very much enhances their relationship and makes them see each other in a positive and romantic light. Their romance is slow-building and lovely, and I rooted for this couple to find their happily-ever-after.

The story also highlights the prejudices and ignorance of the upper class and the limited opportunities of the serving class. Mary, for example, is treated as less-than by certain characters because of her status as a governess even though she is the most intelligent and accomplished person in the house. A commentary on the unfair and unethical treatment of prisoners is also strong. I like that the author weaves such poignant and thought-provoking messages throughout the story.

A Waltz with the Outspoken Governess is a captivating historical romance with a great protagonist and strong messages. I think it will appeal to readers who like strong female protagonists, intrigue, and well-developed characters. Thanks so much to the author and Rachels Random Resources for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.