This doesn't reinvent the historical romance wheel, but it sure does it well. I wasn't sure to start with. The first scene with Matilda and Seth had me rolling my eyes and scoffing - and I thought it was going to be another lacklustre historical romance. But this was so much more.

Matilda was a terrific heroine. She's naive and sheltered and unsure but she's daring and brave and willing to embrace every new experience she's offered. I love the zest she undertakes everything with. Seth is kind and generous and a little hesitant to get involved with his lovely employee - both because of his status as employer, his daughter and his ex wife who broke his heart. And while the romance between them is swoonworthy, it's the friendships (between them and with the supporting cast) that really make this book.

Unlike many romances they get to know one another. They share their histories, their likes, dislikes and they share time. Together, with their friends, as a family, learning new things, trying different ones, having experiences. And it was funny. I loved the use of the governess handbook excerpts at the start of the chapter and the contrast between those and whatever Matilda did.

I liked that Matilda fit in precisely because she was a hopeless governess. I loved Betty (the housekeeper/friend/neighbor/matchmaker) and Chloe (the daughter/pupil/friend/vicious fighter/matchmaker). The banter between everyone was amusing and enjoyable. I loved the self defense plot - it was incorporated really well and I liked that Matilda was nervous but eager to learn to defend herself and learnt the lessons well.

It's not perfect but it was fun, well written and full of heart. 4 stars. ( )