The Enticing of Miss Standish

This was a historical romance across social classes between a lady and self-made mill owner. Sara Standish was not content to just be an idle society wife; she wanted to be involved and make a difference in the lives of others and discovers a new purpose with the mill children. Cam Fitzallen does not hide what he has overcome from workhouse orphan mill employee to successful inventor and owner. But he lets his prejudice of the upper class color his feelings towards do-gooders like Sara. If most nobles were like haughty self-important Lord Cleve I would agree with him. But despite her patron’s warnings to keep her distance from Cam, Sara can’t help but be drawn to him. They both battle a war between what their heart wants and society and question many times whether they can be together. I felt for the young mill children, forced to work to support their families, who loved Sara’s passionate storytelling. I learned a lot about mills during that time. I laughed about Sara’s enjoyment of going 20 miles an hour on a train. How much technology has changed in almost 200 years and I wonder what Cam and Sara would say if stepped into today’s world and saw all our advances.

Crossing boundaries, breaking rules, and seeking independence are just some of Miss Standish's crimes. Falling in love with a mill owner invites banishment from society. However, when Sara discovers a new level of fulfillment and purpose whilst working alongside Cameron Fitzallen, she becomes resolute in her determination to find a way of venturing out on her own. Cameron has had his fill of "do-gooders", especially those who look down on the poor and only make empty promises. Jumping to conclusions he puts Sara in the same category as those women who destroyed his childhood dreams. When he sees that Sara means business, Cameron cautiously meets her halfway. This novel is more than a romance, in many ways it is also educational, giving an insight into the history of the reforms that took place in England with regard to children in the workplace. Laws that we take for granted today were hard-won by people with a conscience, many of whom were women in society who fought the battle with pen and paper. This is a well-written novel with unforgettable characters that comes to a very happy conclusion. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

"If I were to capture the affections of a gentleman whose mind, heart, and purpose captivated me,...I wouldn't be opposed to marriage." So said Sara to her aunt and they discussed her desire to not wed and be independent, becoming a lady's companion to Lady Trent. She would assist the Parliamentary Committee who are to oversee the newly appointed Factory Inspectors who would be touring the factories to make sure they were in compliance. You see, that was one of Sara's passions. To make sure conditions were safe for children. What she never expected was to come in contact with Cameron Fitzallan, manager of the first mill they visited. There were some sparks flying there and not of the good kind!! Cam had grown up an orphan and worked in the mills. He have strived hard and moved up to manage the mill and was a strong advocate of safe conditions for children. Julia Justiss always pens a story that brings in all the elements of an amazing historical time, and in this one you can feel you are there and the thoughts and convictions of the characters. They have a winding journey to a happy ending that will leave you with a sigh.