In Good Company Book Review

SUMMARY:  After growing up as an orphan, Millie Longfellow is determined to become the best nanny the East Coast has ever seen.  Unfortunately, her playfulness and enthusiasm aren't always well-received and she finds herself dismissed from yet another position.

     Everett Mulberry has quite unexpectedly become guardian to three children that scare off every nanny he hires. About to depart for Newport, Rhode Island, for the summer, he's desperate for competent childcare.

     At wit's end with both Millie and Everett, the employment agency gives them one last chance - with each other.  As Millie falls in love with her mischievous charges, Everett focuses on achieving the coveted societal status of the upper echelons.  But as he investigates the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of the children's parents, will it take the loss of those he loves to learn whose company he truly wants for the rest of his life?

REVIEW:  This book is really good!!  Millie's unorthodox nannying methods grabbed my attention and made me admire and respect her even more.  She doesn't let the restrictions of the day interfere with her methods of taking care of her charges.  She brings out the best in the children by listening to them and tries to understand their wants and needs.  While sometimes it seems like she is being thoughtless, there is a method to her madness.  

     At times, Everett made me irritated and mad, the way he put his demanding fiancee' Caroline ahead of the kids.  But, once he realized his actions were only damaging his relationship with them, I like how he stepped up and became the dad these children needed.  

     The mystery surrounding the children's parents' deaths had me guessing until the end.  Just when I thought I had the problem solved and figured out what happened, the author had me guessing again.  

     This is a wonderful and fun read!!  Now, this book is not marketed as part of a series, but you can read After A Fashion to better understand how Everett and Millie first meet and their feelings towards each other.  It also helps you understand Millie's relationship with Mrs. Abigail Hart, Lucetta, Harriet and Oliver and Reverend Gilmore and how they all met.

This book was provided by Bethany House for review without compensation.

 

Jen Turano is the author of six books, including the Ladies of Distinction series.  She makes her home in Denver, Colorado, with her husband and son.  Visit her website at www.jenturano.com.