The Governess by Kristen McKendry

The Governess

Author: Kristen McKendry

Publisher: Covenant

Published: October 10th, 2016

ISBN13: 9781524400385

Paperback: 214 pages

FTC FYI: I received a complimentary PDF from the publisher, all opinions are my own.

Goodreads Summary

For Kate Porter in 1880s Canada, working as a governess is simply a means to an end, and she aspires to a high-society future that will lift her out of her middle-class existence. When she accepts a new position as tutor to Alonzo Colaco's children, she sees it as a step in the direction of her dreams. She eagerly envisions a grand house awaiting her...but when her new employer meets her at the train station driving a gaily painted gypsy wagon, Kate suspects her new job will not be all she anticipated.

Kate finds herself living in the woods in a refitted train car as she teaches the charming children of Alonzo, a tinker by trade. After trying in vain to secure another job, Kate is left with little choice. She must simply bide her time until a better position comes along. Soon, however, she abandons her preconceptions along with her bustle in favor of the joys of a simple life---and the possibility of true love. But when opportunity knocks, will Kate really be ready to walk away from all she has come to care about to pursue her high-society dreams? 

My Review

The Governess is an enjoyable book with very likable characters and a great story.  I enjoyed the Canadian setting too.  Kate experiences a great growth in the story, that I appreciated. She had some lessons to learn about herself and I felt one lesson at the end took a bit longer "time-wise" for her to come to terms with, but I loved all that transpired to get her there.  After finishing the story I understood why the went through what she did.  I absolutely loved the ending, although I had my suspicions of a certain surprise.  Alonzo was a fabulous leading man.  I loved every page he was on.  His children were also scene stealers.  I loved the lessons learned throughout the book.  The author did a fabulous job with her characters. Jin, Ah Lam, and Millie were delightful.  I laughed, I cried, I will read more books from this author.

5 out of 5 stars. 

Author Links

Goodreads / Website

Purchase Links

Amazon / Deseret Book / Seagull Book

I, Spy by Jordan McCollum

I, Spy

Author: Jordan McCollum

Publisher: Durham Crest Press

Published: June 2013

ISBN13: 9781940096001

Paperback: 310 pages

FTC FYI: Received a PDF from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary

Canada is probably the last place you'd expect to find an American spy. But even idyllic Ottawa has its deadly secrets--and so does CIA operative Talia Reynolds. She can climb through ventilation shafts, blend in at the occasional diplomatic function, even scale buildings (small ones). But there's one thing she can’t do: tell her aerospace engineer boyfriend Danny about her Top Secret occupation.

It worked for a year, keeping Danny in the dark, keeping him away from danger, keeping her secrets. And then Talia finally catches a hot case: Fyodor Timofeyev. Russian. Aerospace executive. Possible spy?

She can make this work, too--until Danny needs her at the same time her country does. And when Fyodor targets Danny? Suddenly her schedule isn't the only thing suffering. Now to save her country and her secrets, Talia must sacrifice the man she loves.

My Review

I knew by the first page that I was going to love this book.  I absolutely loved Talia's inner voice.  She loves being a spy, and she is doing her best to keep her relationship with Danny.  So many clever lines filled with lots of snark and heart.  Everything about this book is enjoyable.  I even learned Russian.  :) Jordan did a great job of explaining the Russian and worked in the phrases and abbreviations that could have been confusing, and did it well.  I loved Talia the most, but all of the characters were well-written and memorable.  Elliot and Danny were fav's too.  The plot is enjoyable and I loved the action!  I really could not guess what was going to happen next.  There were so many surprises at the turn of each page, especially during the climax, it didn't matter what time it was, I had to finish.

5 out of 5 stars.  I, Spy has also been nominated for 2013 Whitney Award.  There is a prequel short story out called Mr. Nice Spy that I can't wait to read.  In I, Spy, there was a hint of something between Elliot and Talia in the past.  This prequel is about that...  Also Spy for a Spy should be out this November!

Author Links

Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble