Uncovering the Governess’s Secrets

I have received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

 

As always Marguerite Kaye has knocked it out of the park with her new novel Uncovering the Governess’s Secrets. It is not just a historical romance. It has themes of betrayal, dark pasts, hidden secrets and secret identities. For many authors and readers, a historical romance is a soft Jane Austenesque novel with balls and tea, but not this one. The novel follows Rory and Marianne as they navigate through what life has thrown at them in 19^th Century Scotland. Marianne has escaped and is on the run while Rory is the one hired to find her. 

 

I really enjoyed this book and it is a different type of historical romance. It hits the gritty part of living in the poorer parts of Scotland in the 19^th Century. Marianne’s plight is very reminiscent of the plight of Jean Valjean in Les Misérables which is a reason why I like this book so much. I felt Marianne being a governess was a really good way of characterising her as a lonely woman who was apart from the rest. I really liked the ages of 33 and 40 which allows them to have more backstory. 

 

Every so often the chapters jump back in time so the reader can see the events leading up to the time Rory and Marianne meet and see what happened to them. I liked because it made Marianne’s backstory more impactful as the reader can understand what she has done and what she has gone through. This is further shown in the first person narration which is a change to Kaye’s other works I’ve read but a welcome change as I like how the characters feel more real.

 

I loved the description of all the little places they visit throughout Scotland including the little fishing village. Theres a bit of something for everyone and will be one that I would read again and again.