Book Jacket

 

rank  Editors Pick
word count 85402
date submitted 23.02.2011
date updated 16.02.2012
genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Christ...
classification: moderate
incomplete

The Governess

Ellise C. Weaver

Lovely, inexperienced Lady Caroline Blakemore is received at her first post as governess. Her biggest challenge will be Lord Huntington—masterful in everything—especially his kiss.

 

Born of nobility, but without dowry—and even worse—now orphaned, Lady Caroline Blakemore (pet-named Carly) is thrown into the Victorian world without aid. Carly is forced to seek a position as governess in the household of Lord Huntington—a man alone in his own right—and under suspicion for the tragic murder of his well-known and adulteress wife. His governess’s honesty and forthrightness quickly offend his noble person, finding himself reeling from her constant evaluation of his lack of parenting skills. However, in the midst of his resentments, he finds himself strangely drawn in by her very no-nonsense ways that drive him to madness. Carly stands her ground in head-to-head battles of will that take her to the brink of dismissal.

Carly and the earl continually fight the feelings growing between them. Both are oblivious to the clouds of deceit and intrigue that are growing around the manor house, some bent upon removing the beautiful, headstrong governess permanently. A final desperate chase leads to an interception of a ship upon the high seas headed for the Mediterranean and a secret society of white-slave traders, opening the way for this book’s sequel.

BOOK-TRAILER
•http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqH-MjPYLeY#!
•http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=171190209636310

**Manuscript is complete at 182K words.**

 
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1800s, abduction, adventure, betrayal, christian, crime, death, faith, fiction, history, hope, kiss, love, murder, mystery, romance, suspense, victori...

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Mademoiselle Nobel wrote 83 days ago

~The Governess~

Jane Eyre meets Pride & Prejudice!

Hot! Hot! Hot! Every word is like taking a bite out of Belgian chocolate – delicious and addictive! The characters are endearing (especially the feisty Carly and mysterious Lord Huntington), the tone is mellifluous and the imagery is vivid. Rich, aromatic writing! Here are a few of my favourite lines/descriptions so far:

‘Carly pulled a soft petal from the rose and smoothed it against her cheek,’
‘...danced like prisms against the splashes.’

Carly is a cross between Jane Eyre and Elizabeth Bennett whilst Lord Huntington is a cross between Mr Rochester and Mr Darcy.

I would absolutely love to be able to buy this as an audio book, close my eyes and let my imagination wander!

I thoroughly enjoyed The Governess and have highly-starred and watchilsted it (until I find space on my bookshelf)

A highly recommended read. Congratulations!

Iman xxx

Miss Manners: http://www.authonomy.com/books/39355/miss-manners

Stark Silvercoin wrote 81 days ago

The Governess is an intense romance written in a unique and somewhat classic style, which totally differentiates itself from the “lets hop in bed” type of romance novels of today. The romance is there, but period details and deep characterization is more important to author Ellise C. Weaver.

In fact, it is this very strong attention to detail that will thrill romance readers used to more slapdash or bodice-ripping tales. The storyline here and the way it’s told puts The Governess on the level of literary fiction. Yet, somehow the author keeps things light and fun at the same time. It’s quite a skill, and readers will really love it.

All of the characters here are memorable, but especially Lady Carly Blakemore. She is sufficiently headstrong, which makes her standout in the period. In a lot of ways she reminded me of Fran Fine from The Nanny TV show, though a Victorian equivalent.

Not only would The Governess be well received by critics and readers, but it makes for a perfect beginning book in a series. Weaver states in the final chapter to stay tuned for more adventures from the characters that we have come to love, and I think this is true. I for one want to see more of their stories, and written in this same style. A publisher who picks up volume one will be in for a treat, because they could pick up options on the other books as well, which I’m sure reader fans will be following.

John Breeden II
Old Number Seven

Janelle Stalder wrote 91 days ago

Why this book isn’t already published, I don’t know! For the last three days I have been completely enraptured with the story of Carly and Lord Huntington. The writing is amazingly refined. There wasn’t one point where I found anything awkward about the story, or the way you wrote it. The slow build of their relationship, and the added mystery in the background was done perfectly. I already told you, but the children were also amazing! I thought the relationship between Carly and the two youngsters was such a lovely addition to the story, and really added an endearing quality to the book. Carly is an amazing character. I love her vulnerability and strength. There were times where I got so frustrated with her confused feelings towards Lord Huntington, but then I’d remember she is very young. It was perfect. I honestly don’t have anything bad to say, which probably doesn’t help you lol but I can’t help it, I love it the way it is. I would definitely keep the part in the treasure hunt with the gifts to Johnathon. I loved the way his character came out of his shell, and you saw how much he healed because of Carly.
I can’t wait for the second! When will it be ready? Congrats on such a wonderful story, and best of luck with it in the future.
All the best,
Janelle

4seasonwoman wrote 114 days ago

This is a modern classic :) I'm on chapter 63 and... oh things are tense! :)
I was surprised by the quality of writing... it isn't rushed and sloppy like so much of today's writing.
Thank you for taking me away from my daily troubles for just a little bit and doing so in a way that only makes me
want more of that world without any guilt! I feel good about letting my teenage girl read this, and know it will entertain and offer more thought provoking material than some of the today's reads and literary heroines.
You wrote a classic heroine for us, a thing that has not been done well for ages.
Thank you!! And I hope the world discovered The Governess, and the writer behind the amazing story... :)
L.H.R.

Dakota Velasquez wrote 121 days ago

Love, love, love, love, love, did I say love enough? Probably not, but I must say Ellise that is something that I was not expectig.

I have read the romances of today and honestly they have all been rather boring. But your's is something so much more...oh how to describe it...lovely, perhaps enchanting? When I started reading I felt that I was compeled to read as much as I could....I ended on chapter six by the way and I want to go on, but time is kinda an issue, college life can sometime get in the way. But back to the matter at hand, I love this. Your writing is so elegant and when reading your work I am pulled right in. I'm sure that you're gonna be one of those top sellers that has girls fighting to the death at the book store for the last copy of The Governess. When I have more time I'm definatly gonna finish reading cuz it is just that good. Totally gonna six star rate this.

You are a fantastic writer and that's all I can say.
Dakota

tinacox wrote 9 days ago

Hi Ellise, so pleased to hear you have gor your medal - CONGRATULATIONS. you have puy me in a bit of a quandary though as I now have a space on my shelf to fill! Seriously though I am thrilled for you and wish you every success. If you can, would you be kind enough to read some of my own book 'Sanctuary' which started off well but is now slipping back - so I need all the help I can get. x Tina Cox 'Sanctuary'

CouchPotato wrote 18 days ago

Congratulations on that medal....you deserve it! Best of luck to you! CP

DragonLady wrote 22 days ago

This book is a MUST READ!!! No matter what genre you favor. Congrats Ellise, you've proven that hard work, persistence and the love of writing are well worth the effort. Will be watching tonight as you get your medal. ;-)
Gretchen

JMF wrote 23 days ago

Hi
I'm glad to be able to have the time to read some of this at last. And what a read! I must confess I find it difficult to concentrate on a computer screen for too long so I am hoping that one day I will see this on the bookshelf of my local Waterstones in the UK. You have a glorious way with words which is instantly very readable and evokes a by gone era. Well done and good luck to you!

Julia
Shadow Jumper

Chaz Litmore wrote 23 days ago

well, I can tell why this is number one! This is a good one. GOod luck with being published.

inkan wrote 24 days ago

What's her name? Caroline or Charlotte?

Holpol wrote 28 days ago

Hi Ellise,

Let me just start by saying I absolutely LOVED The Governess!!! I started reading the first chapter last night around 6pm and read the whole book in one go- absolutely could not put it down!!

I was so tired, but so addicted to the story of Carly and Lord Huntington. He is my ideal type of man, strong, wealthy, a tad moody and mysterious and impossibly handsome hahaha!! And Carly seems so sweet, yet strong and determined.

I would really love to read the chapters in between, because i can't stop thinking of it. Yes, your book is one of those which lingers in the mind long after you've stopped reading.

No wonder it's rated number one. Your descriptions are beautifully written without being too long and drawn out.

I can't say enough. Truly Brilliant!

Holly (The Lady in White)

Emma.L.H. wrote 28 days ago

I was hooked from the very beginning. This is just the type of book I love and it felt as if I was reading a proper published book. Your descriptive abilities are excellent and your plot, characters and dialogue fit in beautifully with the time period. Good research done here, I wish you all the very best with it :)

fayha wrote 28 days ago

can't wait to read the next chapter just given it a well deserved rating and it can rest on my bookshelf before it flies into the bookstores

fayha wrote 28 days ago

wow I can't believe I waited to read this book As its one of my favourite genres. really loved the characters, the dialogue between lady Caroline and the Earl kept me hooked. I would proudly put this on my home bookshelf next to the Jane Austens and Bronte sisters.

Jason Carumba wrote 29 days ago

Got as far as chap 2 where Lord Huntington accepts the position of governess and gave up. No noun without its adjective, viewpoint vague to say the least, and low on research. If you polish marble you end up in hospital, and what is a stone fence? Maybe it's a wall.
Pity it's too long for Mills and Boon.
Jason Carumba
Chickenshit Farm.

Jason Carumba wrote 29 days ago

Got as far as chap 2 where Lord Huntington accepts the position of governess and gave up. No noun without its adjective, viewpoint vague to say the least, and low on research. If you polish marble you end up in hospital, and what is a stone fence? Maybe it's a wall.
Pity it's too long for Mills and Boon.
Jason Carumba
Chickenshit Farm.

Dr Peter Scottney-Turbill wrote 32 days ago

Great work (Ch1) - beautiful imagery! A touch of impending Poe, perhaps?

Husband wrote 34 days ago

Congrats on making the ED! I'm really thrilled for you. :)

Laurence Howard wrote 34 days ago

I enjoyed your book very much. Well written and has all the ingredients for a certain success.
Backed with pleasure.
Laurence Howard, The Cross of Goa

Elina Lear wrote 35 days ago

Please bring the book back fully as soon as possible, I must read it again! Unbelievably addictive to read and the descriptive techniques are second to none. Absolute winner. Emmy

Davidmauriceware wrote 36 days ago

I apologize if this type of message offends you. I truly believe, as I a am sure you do, that I have written a book that Is very entertaining. So therefore I am seriously trying to get backing for it. If you could, Please take the time to give it a read and let me know what you honestly think. All constuctive critism is truly appreciated as well as backing only if you really enjoy it. Thank you david ware. I accidently retired my account and lost all of my backing.

Moon Blossom wrote 37 days ago

This is not my usual genre though I'm quite happy to read the occasional romance...if only they were less predictable, though. Why are the heroines always so arch and the heroes so obviously intimidating? That said and done, I was willing to go with the flow but eventually had to stop reading in despair. The writing needs a lot of polish and some serious editing. Has the author tried Mills & Boon? I'm sure she would find success there and a lot of help to get her work realised. I'm sorry to sound so harsh, but I was keenly disappointed as this is at Number 1 and it's not as good as it thinks it is.

SJB

Writer in Red wrote 38 days ago

I love your vivid style of writing! I can see the world and can almost touch the characters they seem so life-like! The prologue is the best I have read on the site so far and firmly believe there is success for this novel in the published world. Not much I can say, because there is hardly anything wrong with it besides the few grammatical errors (well it shows you're human).

Good luck and high stars!

Nick61 wrote 38 days ago

I fear that I will probably not continue reading this book. I find the style too breathless wth the shortness of the sentences. I think that the first chapter would benefit from rather more descriptive embellishment. There is little for us to hang our imaginations on but a few superltives.

I will try onother chapter to see if the plot overcomes my rreservations about writing style.

Nick

just barbara wrote 40 days ago

hi
had this on my bookshelf for a while, and thought i'd take a quick read. It's not my usual genre, but I still found it quite easy to read and enjoyable. It's very Victoria Holt, with a good sense of history and romance.
Hope you do well with it, and thanks for the opportunity to read.
Regards
Barbara

Goddess Pan wrote 41 days ago

Three cheers for the perfect pacing and restraint of this romance ! it is opening as slowly and subtly as a rose bud. And how refreshing to have a glimpse into the thoughts of the baffling Lord Huntingdon, As readers we are privileged to have these insights - Carly can only guess what turbulent emotions are troubling that manly chest. What awaits a young girl, even one as strong-minded as the indomitable Carly, in this house of indefinable menace?. I look forward to finding out before too long.
I have but two suggestions - one, it is slightly dispiriting to know from the outset that this is only the first volume of Carly's story, and that even when we reach the end of the book, it is not the end. Why not call irt simply 'The Governess '? Secondly, beware of small Americanisms such as 'off limits' [out of bounds], 'Land sakes!' and did I notice one Australian 'No worries' - not even sure if Australia had been colonized at this time? Thank you for a most diverting read - yours, Pan.

Davidmauriceware wrote 42 days ago

Althought at first i was a lil skeptical as to wheather i could really get into this genrie. I was actually surprised at the smooth methodical flow of your book. I can see this flying off the stores bookshelves in the very near future. The cover kind of threw me off and I assumed it would be a boring read. But boy was I wrong.

Davidmauriceware wrote 42 days ago

Althought at first i was a lil skeptical as to wheather i could really get into this genrie. I was actually surprised at the smooth methodical flow of your book. I can see this flying off the stores bookshelves in the very near future. The cover kind of threw me off and Iassumed it would be a boring read. But boy was I wrong.

Eileen Kardos wrote 45 days ago

Seething emotions burst onto the page straightaway, establishing an unmistakable atmosphere. Will our herione’s sensitivities, her vulnerability, her social disadvantages and her all too trusting character survive a heartless environment, and a dangerously tempting man? This author knows her genre all right! Well done, and best wishes to you.
from
Eileen Kardos
The Noodle Trail

Eileen Kardos wrote 45 days ago

Seething emotions burst onto the page straightaway, establishing an unmistakable atmosphere. Will our herione’s sensitivities, her vulnerability, her social disadvantages and her all too trusting character survive a heartless environment, and a dangerously tempting man? This author knows her genre all right! Well done, and best wishes to you.
from
Eileen Kardos
The Noodle Trail

Alaric Gee wrote 47 days ago

The words flow like a spring breeze. I can actually hear the accents, voice fluctuation and tones of the characters. It put you there. No wonder it it number one. The calliber is stellar.

Perhaps you might sample my piece entitled:
All hell breaks loose in virtuous Jasameena's life--set off by the stray hand of a backsliding pastor and the hypocrisy of a southern church community.

Lavinia Dane wrote 47 days ago

~The Governess~

Your book will be staying on my shelf until it gets its medal. Best of luck with a delightful book.

Lavinia

FinkArtStudio wrote 48 days ago

This is a cover critique, and NOT on content. (book covers sell books)
The woman in the picture is beautiful and depicts elegance and innocence... with a secret. Hiding behind a tree gives the viewer a sense of "hard to get" and the branch draws the eye down to the author's name, which is good. A gold embossed title with red highlights would be very effective on this cover (but embossing is expensive). however, faux embossing can be acheived in photoshop.

I think the title needs to be larger on the book, and the image shrunken down a bit, perhaps with a border of intricate victorian gingrbread.
By itself AS-IS, it doesn't quite look finished. Right now it looks like clip art with a generic font. For a book with reviews as good as yours, you really ought to kick the cover up a notch

Leslie Field wrote 48 days ago

Needs polishing, but I think it will be popular as it has all the right ingredients. Also, although predictable in many ways (which people enjoy when reading historical romance), there are some interesting details.

jessica_bicakci wrote 50 days ago

The Governess is really a wonderful book, and I am so addicted to this. I thought at one point, this book can be a published book. And why is that it isn't published? I only read Prologue/chapter 1, 22, and 37 (which I know by the way is your favorites). ;) All I have is good things about your book. :D As what Mademoiselle Nobel said, its like Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre mixed. I love the Victorian ages, so I am already your huge fan of this series. :) I really like Carly and Lord Huntington. They are vivid and lively, their characters. Everything looks excellent in terms of mechanical issues, plot, and story flow. I really hope that this book will become published. I will be happy for you when it does. I am going to put this book on my bookshelf, that is how good it is to me. I also wish you luck for this book to be published! :)

The Cleaner wrote 52 days ago

I expected more from Number 1.
I thought this was a parody at first. A poor romance clone. Not that I don't like the genre. I just don't like this.
Vol.1? Oh no, there will be more. And at 180,000 words.
Rating: 1 star

AuroraNemesis wrote 52 days ago

Carly comes across very quickly as a strong protagonist.
Very strong plot, with a nice touch of romance and intrigue.
A fast pace with many dips and turns.
Well edited and well written, you grasp the need of your market well.
The ends of the chapters leave you with a good hook that dips into fresh delights in the following chapters.
A very good read and well done

JMTE23 wrote 52 days ago

This really brings me back to the Jayne Eyre days ... feels more of a love story than Jayne Eyre (more about self empowerment) but so far i like it ...It also reminds me of The Crimson Petal and the White ...just cleaner and with more emphasis on the love part.

Joy Eastman wrote 53 days ago

Ellise
I have read the first two chapters of your book and I am totally enthralled with your amazing descriptive style and enchanting character protrayal. I find the writing and story to be charming and utterly captivating. I plan to continue and give this book 6 stars and will be placing on my bookshelf. Good luck on your authentic work. Blessings joy

Rose C wrote 54 days ago

I'm sorry for taking so long to get to your book, even though the stunning book cover caught my eye from the start. It's interesting, both our books deal with the same period (the 1860s), a fascinating era. I enjoyed your imaginative approach, though I did wonder whether the book shouldn't be set in nineteenth-century America rather than England, as the speech and attitudes seem to be more American than English. Perhaps the Earl of Dunfordshire could have taken a mansion in one of the southern states for the season?

I was a bit confused by the dialogue as some of it sounded like it belonged to the period, but other parts seemed very modern, for example when Carly's maid says 'No, worries, miss', or tells her that there was 'oodles of room' in her dressing room.

But its a cracking story, and I wish you the best with it,

Rosemary
The Girl who was Canada

mscynthia wrote 55 days ago

Hi Ellise,

I have to say that one of my favorite characters along with Lady Blakemore, is Millisent. What beautiful surroundings you have put your leading lady in. She has so much to explore and get to know. The missing young ladies that Millisent told her about though makes way for a 'trouble-in-paradise' situation.

You have a wonderful gift for eloquent description and Carly, as you have written her, is so engaging and likable. One would think that she has led a charmed life, but I'm sure there is something in store for her, that will test her mettle.

Congratulations on a fine novel Ellise!

Cynthia
Sharing Short Stories/Alecner

Bea Karvan wrote 55 days ago

Ellise

I'll be keeping your lovely book on my shelf all of January 2012. Good luck.

Bea

celticwriter wrote 55 days ago

Hope to find you at the top! :-)

trenee812 wrote 56 days ago

I have read the first four chapters so far and am LOVING this story. I love the two lead characters and can't wait to read the rest of the story.

hayley_neill wrote 57 days ago

i have backed your book. goodluck as it seems to be very good so far!!!

Amy Smith wrote 57 days ago

Wow Ellise, what a wonderful book!
I wouldn't typically read a romance novel, but Carly captured my interest at once and i just couldn't stop reading! This is a thoroughly enchanting book which has all the key elements of a great read: lovable characters, romance and mystery. Lord Huntington's children are fabulous and i love Lady Elizabeth!
The only points i will make are that it would have been nice to see a little bit more mystery woven into the book during the middle chapters as at times it was only the characters that kept me going. Also, when i read the scenes where Susanna and Lord Carter began to fall for each other, it did feel as though i was reliving earlier chapters where Carly and Lord Huntington were realising their feelings for one another so maybe you could try varying the description a bit?
Apart from that, this is a brilliant book and i loved every minute of reading it!
backed with pleasure, Amy

Bria Heart wrote 62 days ago

I read a few more chapters in your amazing book.
You sure know how to write so beautifully.
This is like a Jane Austin book, of course in your own style.
I truly am enjoying your book.

Bria Heart <3

Seasons of Life wrote 63 days ago

I have thoroughly enjoyed the escape to the Victorian world this story gives me. I love romance, but I also love more to the story. This author has taken her time to word things beautifully and romantically with strong characters who have struggles that seem so real and believable. I won't give away the ending because it is so good, but I'm thrilled that there are sequels to this family saga. I can't wait to read them! When are you going to release them Ellise? I'm ready for MORE of your style of writing.

Can't get enough of this kind of romance filled with sensational romance, yet something I'd let my teenage daughter read too. I like that. If I had this in hardback or paperback, I wouldn't have to worry about leaving my book around the house and who will read it. It goes beyond romance to show self-control, something society lacks anymore. As much as Carly and Creighton want more from each other physically, they show restraint so that they respect each other.

Lord Huntington is the ultimate chivilrous gentleman. LOVE HIM! What woman wouldn't after being shown how passionate they feel but protect her completely, even from oneself. I've six-star rated your book, Ellise, and have had it on my shelf from day one on here. I would love to have all your books in my hot little hands to read and re-read at my convenience.

Seasons of Life

Bria Heart wrote 63 days ago

I read up to chapters 5 and I already enjoy your book very much.
Your characters slowly become real to the reader.
You have an amazing imagination, and perspective to write as you do.
Provo.

Bria Heart <3

Caitlin Avery wrote 63 days ago

This is really well written. Not normally the kind of book I would pick up, but I am going to keep it on my watchlist until I have more of a chance to delve into it. Bravo! I usually read contemporary books but the writing here seems fresh, even though the subject matter is classic in nature. Good job, Caitlin Avery "Lightning in my Wires"

Connie King wrote 64 days ago

The Governess
Dear, Ellise, I so enjoyed this delightful,touching and heartwarming story.You're an author with an exceptional empathy of her characters.

Connie King x
Christmas in Prince Albert Street.

Sentimental Journey wrote 65 days ago

Enjoying this book. Just my kind of read. I love the period, and the way it's written, sucked me right in. Characters are strong and reliably deliver mystery and suspense as well as the provocative romance. Well-done, Elise. Good luck with this and hope to see if published soon so I can add it to my real-life bookshelf. My home library will always grow with this kind of story. Look forward to your sequels (btw, when will they come out?).

S.J.

Kady Colter wrote 75 days ago

Hello Ellise,

Read the first four chapters and this reads like it's getting closer to publication. My shelf is full so I'm giving you a 5 star for now. Good luck with this manuscript!

Tweaks you might think about - (take what you can use and throw out the rest. Writing is subjective so you may not agree with my opinion.)

You might go easier on the adverbs. In one paragraph alone you had used quickly, carefully, closely, lovely

Sometimes verb tense changes

This is cliche - her breath was taken away

"were shimering" - shimmered is stronger

"Was still burning" - burned is stronger or continued to burn

"tingles erupted on her arms" - perhaps this might sound better "Goosebumps erupted from tingles racing down her arms."

There was a note in red (I believe in the 3rd chapter) "Save this dress..." You need to take that out and save it for the next book you were thinking about.

3rd chapter - "I do not want you or I to get into trouble is all" - the maid is talking and did you write it this way to show her using bad grammar or was that a mistake? If not it should be "you or me" (I do not want you to get into trouble, I do not want me to get into trouble - direct object)

In chapter 4 - did you cap Study on purpose or is that a mistake?

Shelby Z. wrote 77 days ago

I am going to have to read through it once again.
:)

Shelby Z./Driving Winds