The Truth About Miss Ashbourne by Joanna Barker

About “The Truth About Miss Ashbourne ”

Governess Juliana Ashbourne has dreams reaching far beyond the confines of her current position, hoping to someday establish her own school for girls. When she inherits a fortune from her late grandfather, she is shocked to learn that “someday” may soon be within reach. However, there is one condition: she must spend a month at the estate of Havenfield–with the very family who disowned her mother. Intent on securing the money she needs to start her school, Juliana accepts the invitation, vowing to guard her heart against those who shunned her all her life.

But Havenfield is far from what she expects. She discovers a grandmother seeking forgiveness, a cold and disapproving aunt, and a painfully shy cousin. And then there is Mr. William Rowley. Though the heir to the estate is a merciless tease, Juliana finds in him a friend and confidant–and perhaps something more. As she struggles to make sense of her new place in the world, her stubborn independence clashes with a yearning to belong and the even more confusing desires of her heart.

About the Author

Joanna Barker was born and raised in northern California. She discovered her love for historical fiction after visiting England as an eleven-year-old, and subsequently read every Jane Austen book she could get her hands on. After graduating Brigham Young University with a degree in English, she worked as an acquisitions editor before devoting herself full-time to writing. She enjoys music, chocolate, and reading everything from romance to science fiction. She lives in Utah and is just a little crazy about her husband and two wild-but-loveable boys.

My Review

Sian is a fantastic author and this was another great novel. Gracie is a jewelry designer and expert when it comes to her craft. Right from the start, Gracie is thrown into a world of high stakes gem thieves. As she begins to help Mrs. Katsaros, a woman she made a custom piece for, she realizes how dangerous it can be to help her and her nephew find the truth. Quinn, Mrs. Katsaros’s nephew, plays the part of Gracie’s fiancee as they take a cruise to the Mediterranean to find the stolen jewels.

This is a great love story that is clean, a quick read and a great romantic mystery. Another win for Sian Ann Bessey!

If you haven’t read any of her books, you need to pick up one today! Two of my absolute favorites are For Castle and Crown and To Win a Lady’s Heart. You can read my review about For Castle and Crown here.