by Esther Hatch
Publisher : Bowker (December 31, 2022)
Language : English
Paperback : 292 pages
ISBN-10 : 1736747827
ISBN-13 : 978-1736747827
If there is one woman Samson Rutherford, Earl of Riverton, can’t abide, it is his meddling sister. He has spent his whole life being a pawn in her plans and tricks, but when one of her schemes leaves him embarrassed in front of an old friend, he has finally had enough. Since he cannot beat her at her games, or even say no to her, his only option to save his sanity and pride is to run away—and luckily, his solicitor knows just the place…
Catherine Wallace wasn’t born to be a governess, but with her family’s fall from grace, she has become one. A good one. However, when the chance arises to stay at her uncle’s home so she can care for his horticulture project while he is absent, she jumps at the chance. Leaving her position, she plans to gather her sisters together so they can be a family again—even if it is only for three months.
But the last thing Catherine expected to find upon her arrival was her childhood friend. Samson has sequestered himself at the cottage and claims to have been invited to watch over her uncle’s project as well. Catherine has nowhere else to go and needs the cottage for her and her sisters. Samson needs it to get away from his. But one thing is absolutely clear—they cannot stay there together.
However, Samson has always known that with no risk, comes no reward, so he proposes a plan. The answer to their living conditions is simple…they will both stay. They merely need to make certain no one ever finds out.
Sisters can be sweet or meddling, and Samson Rutherford is dealing with some of each. His meddling sister Dru has even pushed him into hiding for months at a time after some of her antics. What he doesn’t know is that his hiding place is going to be invaded by a childhood friend he has feelings for.
Samson has never been able to say no to women and always gives in to his sisters. I found him to be immature in the fact he couldn’t say no so he would just run away from his problems. I understand taking a moment to yourself, but months at a time when his family had no way to communicate with him or know if he was okay was just wrong.
Catherine Wallace grew up with luxuries but is forced to work as a governess when an investment her father made goes South. Her mother contributes to the problem by overspending their income and taking advantage of her three daughters. Catherine takes care of her family’s needs, but she also is not afraid to stand up for what she wants with her friends.
I feel for Catherine. She has a lot of responsibility on her shoulders paying for her sister’s schooling. Instead of learning anything, her mother is continuing to overspend and does not care how she treats her daughters.
In both books in the series there are strong side characters I love that I hope will have stories of their own. Oliver and Dru’s courtship would certainly be an adventure. Victoria was a favorite in the previous book, and I loved seeing more of her.
I used to put on plays all the time with my sister and cousins, and I loved reading about the ones they did in the story.
I always love the childhood friends into more stories. I enjoyed hearing about what things they did as children and how they have changed as adults.
This book has the fun and romance that Hatch is known for, and I look forward to reading the next in this series!
Timeless Novels 