The Enticing of Miss Standish

I enjoyed this story. I loved how Sara was willing to be a companion so that she could continue to work on her causes. Her plans had fallen through, but this was her solution to be happy. Cameron was such a sweet man, willing to help Sara as best he could, though he felt inferior. Their attraction was strong enough to cross social lines. Both of them had wonderful dreams for the future of the children, and they worked together towards that. I received an ARC of this story, and this is my unsolicited 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.

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.