A Passing Fancy

A Passing Fancy

by M.A. Nichols

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Friendship may blossom. Feelings may stir. But is it two lonely souls seeking companionship? Or perhaps something more?

When Silas Byrnes married, he wasn’t expecting a happy ending for him and his wife. Theirs was a union of duty and not love, but fourteen years of marriage had been a misery for them both. Luckily the navy rarely allowed him time ashore. Now widowed, Silas has no choice but to return to a house that doesn’t feel like home and reclaim his children, who are determined to hate him as their mother did.

With a new business to start and his household in an uproar, Silas needs an ally to help him navigate the mess his life has become, and his children’s governess might just fit the bill. If only the lady wasn’t so determined to keep him at arm’s length.

Judith Delmonte knows her place. A governess must remain aloof and guarded around her employers, for though she works with the family, she is not one of them. Nor does she belong among the servants’ ranks. Neither fish nor fowl, as they say. A solitary life, but one for which Judith is grateful. Better to earn her keep than live off her aunt and uncle’s charity.

When a lady is unfortunate to be poor and plain, there is no other choice for her. Spinsterhood is not such a terrible thing if one can provide for oneself.

Yet she cannot keep her heart in check when faced with the struggling widower determined to win his children’s affection. They say love conquers all, but Judith knows a man’s affection cannot see past surface attractions or social divide.

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Genre
Historical Romance
Subgenre
General Historical, Inspirational, Small Town, Victorian (1830–1900)
Audience
Adult
Bell Peppers
🫑
Profanity
1 None
Violence
1 None
Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco
1 None
Publication Date
July 21, 2024
Language Versions
English
Narration Type
Human
Fiction Form
Novel
Representation
Single-parent or widowed-parent protagonist

Customer Reviews

Based on 13 reviews
69%
(9)
15%
(2)
8%
(1)
0%
(0)
8%
(1)
K
Kindle Customer
Excellent !!!

Excellent reading experience ! A most enjoyable. A very unusual storyline and happy to read more from this author. 😊😊

C
Christiane
Such a wonderfully moving story

I loved this book. I’ve read many stories about governesses but I found this book delves deeper into their lives and the struggles they encounter. The characters are so achingly imperfect and so real. It was impossible not to feel pain for the main female character. I wanted to cry with her, and finally, to rejoice with her. The dialogue was enjoyable and entertaining. The writing was exceptional, inviting the reader to experience the emotions felt by the characters: the pain of rejection, of hopelessness, of despair, of love and joy. This is a book truly worth reading and I highly recommend it.

S
S.B.
Sehr gerne gelesen!

Gut zu lesen. Man fühlt sich in die Zeit versetzt und begleitet mitfiebernd die Hauptakteure.

L
Long Life Fun Life
Love the themes

I particularly liked the way in which each of the characters had flaws that they did not perceive and so were denied what they were seeking for so long. Each of the 4 main characters, Judith, Silas, Helen and Mr Hatcher suffer from different versions. Would love to read Mr Hatcher’s story.

D
DaisyMarie
Hated it, left unfinished..

Not sure if I'm going to read any more of her books after this one, quite negative messaging and pop psychology regarding grief..

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