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The Headmistress of Rosemere


I don't think of myself as being especially romantic, but every once in awhile I really enjoy reading a romance novel. If I read too many in a row I lose interest, but when I read just the right one I am very happy. After I finished my graduate work for a few months I only read romance novels, and generally I most enjoyed those set in Regency England. These books returned me to novels after a year of theology and church history exclusively. I enjoy reading Debbie Macomber and now I've found a new author to enjoy, Sarah Ladd.

When I was in grade school I wanted desperately to be able to go to boarding school. I thought going away to school would be the most exciting thing in the world. Perhaps it was because I didn't have a brother or a sister or perhaps I had over idealized Jacqueline Kennedy's years at Miss Porter's. My parents thought it was a ridiculous request for many reasons. We knew no one who went to boarding school, we couldn't afford it and I think it would have broken their hearts to send me away so young. But that didn't stop me from thinking about life at boarding school.

I fantasized about my life at boarding school, but I never thought about the life of the teachers or the headmistress. I'm sure my fantasy boarding school would have had a headmistress like Patience Creighton. She is young, kind, intelligent, attractive and committed to her students, and she is the headmistress of Rosemere. This most engaging book takes place in one of my favorite periods in literature and I enjoyed the visit back very much. Besides Patience, there are a number of engaging characters that I enjoyed getting to know. The plot moved quickly and had a number of twists that surprised me and kept me reading. I hope there's a sequel. I'm eager to see what happens next for Patience and some of my other favorite characters.

One especially nice thing about these cold days is how pleasant it is to spend a winter's afternoon with a cup of cocoa and a good book.  We had snow again this afternoon -- just flurries -- but it deterred me from getting much farther than a few blocks from home. But I had a pile of books and the Sunday New York Times to keep me company, and it was a sweet afternoon.

As ever, I'm so glad you stopped by to visit. Keep warm and cozy and take good care!

Please note: I was given a copy of "The Headmistress of Rosemere" for review via the Litfuse Publicity Group, but the opinions are all mine. 

15 comments

My Little Home and Garden said...

I'm not familiar with this author, but your description of the book makes it sound like a fun read.

I can understand the desire to return to novels after your studies. I remember when my reading included books or journal articles for a thesis review, along with others on how to effectively and ethically conduct qualitative research; novels took a back seat.



Grandma Yellow Hair said...

Such a great book review! I can't wait to see if I can find it on my nook and enjoy it like you did.
I don't usually read romantic stories but after reading your review I am sure I will be glad I read this one.
I am always in search of new authors and good books.
Like you mentioned a cup of hot chocolate and a book make a winter day blissful.
We have something in common. I too use to pray for boarding school but my parents thought I had lost my mind when I begged them to send me. Four brothers and the only girl I wanted any kind of break. haha
Your in my thoughts a lot. I watch the morning show in New York and when their outside visiting with the people I wonder if your nearby.
Silly of me but what I know of New York only from what I see on the news and your lovely blog.
Now I must see if I can catch up with you while I am here.
Stay warm and healthy
Love
Maggie

Grammy Staffy said...

It sounds like a book I would enjoy reading. It is quite warm here but I could still enjoy a cup of hot cocoa and snuggling up with a good book. Hugs, Lura

Anonymous said...

Good Morning, So many of us enjoy reading during these cold, winter days. Thanks for the review of this book/author. Sounds like you had an enjoyable, cozy day. Hope the week ahead is nice.
Mildred

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

That sounds like a perfect way to relax on a cold, snowy Sunday. I watched a lovely French movie yesterday on HBO. It was called The Chorus and was about a bad boys boarding school and a wonderful teacher. It warmed my heart.

Lynn said...

This sounds like a great book to pick up and it is already on my want to read list :-) thanks for the review.

Sola Scriptura said...

It sounds like an interesting read. I love reading books that make me hope for a future sequel - that's certainly a sign of a good book.

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

I've been enjoying a lot of good books and even read the Hobbit last week. I'd thought I read it ages ago, but thoroughly enjoyed it. I do feel like a little hobbit in it's hole right now. Too cold for me to venture out at all

Linda said...

I will have to look for the book the next time I go to the library.Thank you for sharing and putting a smile on my face. Blessings

Sr. Ann Marie said...

Sounds like a great book--I'll have to check it out! We were out of work two days last week plus it was too cold to venture out much this weekend so I've been doing a lot more reading than usual!

Lynda said...

Don't you just LOVE a day when you don't have to go anywhere and can just sit and read or do whatever you want?!!! Boarding school - - - - don't think I would want to do that. Can't imagine being separated from family like that as a child/teen. I would think it would have to be some super special teachers, etc to make it an appealing place for students.

Nancy said...

I've maxxed myself out on romance novels at the moment -- but when I return to the genre I'll keep this one in mind. Stay warm Carol!

TARYTERRE said...

Fascinating about you wanting to go to Boarding School. The book sounds interesting.

Donna said...

My 3 girls all attended boarding school .. they did well there but I missed them horribly. Given a do-over .. I might rethink it.

Kathie said...

I also wanted to go to boarding school - I think I read too many British books where the girls had so much fun with midnight parties and escapades.

Thanks for sharing that book - I'm going to check to see our library has it.