Lily Broadbent was a widow with 11 children, but they were adopted. But she loved them all the same. Frederick Woodstone was an ex vicar and now a tutor. He needed a job and Lily needed a tutor for her children.
This was a long story but I think it had to be for all the questions to be answered. I can't imagine 11 children but the servants and her took excellent care of all of them and her estate.. The descriptions were very good as were the characters. They seemed so life like, in both their actions and dialogue. The plot has twists to the tale and some surprises. It has danger and some intrigue. It moves smoothly, even paced and keeps your attention. I loved the idea of how they managed to keep the children happy and were so generous with themselves in regard to helping those on their estate. Mr. Toop had lost his wife and child and was in deep grief, she took a basket and Mr. Woodstone to see if he could ease Mr. Toop's grief. This is a book for all ages and is a clean read. This is a new author for me and I am so glad I got a chance to read this book.