If you are looking for a charmingly sweet historical romance, look no further that this book. Anna Bennett does a lovely job of setting up and starting this new series. Bennett's writing is conversational and easy in tone, swiftly drawing the reader into the story. Her characters are interesting and delightful. Her heroine is full of strength, kindness and has a love for books which will speak to any avid reader. This social class difference romance is built on respect, chemistry and understanding which make it such an enjoyable relationship to root for.
This romance is between Hazel, a 28 year old woman who has just opened her dream school for girls, and Gabriel, an earl who is the guardian of his orphaned niece and in desperate need of finding a place for her. Gabriel was estranged from his brother and his wife and because of this he does not have a relationship with his niece, so he is hoping to hoist her off on a school for her care taking. Hazel's school is the third academy that he has enrolled his niece in. Gabriel is willing to pay any price for Hazel to take her in, so he enters into an agreement with Hazel for monetary support of a few other students as well as a bi-weekly visiting schedule to get to know his niece.
Gabriel is instantly attracted to Hazel and he is intrigued with the way she challenges him. It is so lovely and charming to watch Gabriel rope Hazel into his outings with his niece. Watching Hazel and Gabriel's chemistry, respect and understanding of each other grow is really endearing. I love that Hazel can see early on that Gabriel and his niece are both hurting and that they need to discover each other in order to start to heal and understand. Hazel as a heroine is smart, strong and resilient. Gabriel seems off put by his current circumstances in life. but after meeting Hazel his heart and eyes are reopened to the joys of the world around him. Watching how Hazel and Gabriel quietly support each other and the people around them is softly sweet. I love the setting of this story, it is so much fun to be outside of London and in a coastal English town. I love that Hazel and Gabriel are both very consenting and aware of their relationship and feelings for each other. I love that they explore their feelings without regret or misunderstanding. I love that they both want to support each other's dreams and needs.
This is a wonderful start to a series, I would definitely recommend trying this novel out if you have never read Anna Bennett before or if she is an old favorite. This is such a beautiful romance that is low angst, has a sweet level of sensuality and chemistry, and is embodied with great dimensional characters. I am excited to see how this world grows and develops!
***Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.***