"Of Jasmine and Roses" by Jill E. Warner offers readers a captivating journey into the world of high Society in the ton, where societal expectations and class distinctions reign supreme. At its heart, this novel is a tale of love transcending boundaries and defying the conventions of its time.

Anna Beasley's life takes an unexpected turn when she loses her inheritance and the support of her adoptive family. As an orphan raised in high society, she is keenly aware of the importance of appearances. However, when she meets William Thaxton, an aspiring politician, Anna experiences a profound connection that transcends social class. This chance encounter sparks a love story that challenges the norms of their society.

William, despite his initial intentions, falls deeply in love with Anna. Their relationship unfolds amidst the backdrop of intolerance, cruelty, and William's own political ambitions. As they grapple with societal expectations and prejudices, the story beautifully illustrates that love has the power to bridge even the most substantial divides and that matters of the heart are not bound by the rigid rules of society.

Jill E. Warner's narrative skillfully explores themes of love, acceptance, and the complexities of navigating a world driven by status and class. "Of Jasmine and Roses" promises to be an emotionally resonant and thought-provoking historical romance, inviting readers to ponder the enduring power of love in the face of adversity and societal norms.

I thought the title was a perfect description of Anna. Although her mother’s favorite flower is jasmine, and Anna’s the rose, they both play an important part in her life: jasmine for her exotic Indian heritage from her father and her English “rose” mother. Anna must comes to terms with who she really is, for herself and not just her heritage and the prejudice she faces, as she navigates her very young childhood in India, her upbringing in the ton after her mother’s death with her aunt’s family, and her current situation as a governess. She finally finds a position where she loves her charges, but a house party, where she begins to fall in love with one of the guests, puts her in a precarious situation. There are so many stumbling blocks, it almost seems hopeless that Anna will ever find acceptance and love, but I enjoyed seeing how William and Anna overcome them all. Thanks to NetGalley and Covenant Communication, I received a free ARC copy. These thoughts and opinions are my own.

**Disclaimer**. I want to thank Netgalley, Covenant Communications, and Jill E Warner for the arc copy for this review. These thoughts are of my own.**

I must admit that I am not a huge fan of romance novels. In my experience, most romances are associated with the EL James trilogy that was popular 10 years ago or the cliche covers that you would see in your local Walmart. You know, the one with some handsome, dark-haired man, with his shirt unbuttoned showing the 6-pack that he recently acquired from Planet Fitness. This is the usual reason why I avoid any books with the "romance" label as if it is the bubonic plague.

Of Jasmine and Roses, the debut novel by Jill E. Warner might have changed my closed-off thoughts towards the genre. An orphan cursed and damned by her Indian heritage by early Victorian British high society, Anna Beasley is a governess assigned with the education and preparing Lord and Lady Spencer's two daughters, Lucy and Diane, for their Season (aka debutante). Miss Beasley as she is most commonly addressed, takes her duties series. The Spencers are hosting a week at the estate called Bookehaven.

The events that are in-store for leisure activities are something that Miss Beasley is both experienced and ill-equipped to handle. She is surprised by the arrival of her aunt, Lady Tiley, and cousin, Charlotte. Having not had any correspondence with her surviving relatives, her aunt, and cousin are astonished to see her unexpectedly. The events are what Miss Beasley should expect to be routine after her last 5 governess positions, but.....

This all changes when she meets William Thaxton. While she is all about her duties, could be just be what he be the change that her heart has been desiring? The moment that she starts to see just what is really in front of her, will truly love to conquer all as much as they say, or will those who oppose her seek to destroy before it has the chance to form? Will Anna never see her worth or will be break the chain that bound her?

I can relate to Anna somewhat. While I am not a governess of Indian descent, I do know how it feels to not be accepted among your peers. Anna experiences not only the members of Society that the Spencer family associates with but from her servitude peers, even though she is the niece of a baroness.

A slow-burn story about the power of love, betrayal, forgiveness, and redemption. If you are looking for a break from the atypical cliche romance novels, I highly recommend giving Of Jasmine and Roses a chance. I enjoyed the innocence of this novel and was a nice change from what we see today!

I loved the idea of this story and Anna's heritage had me eager to read this book. The first few chapters I was engaged and curious where the pages would take the characters. About halfway through this story I really had a hard time with the plot. Anna tries to find her place in a society that is more concerned with the color of her skin than anything else. She is a strong woman who fights a hard battle and I do appreciate the author writing about this issue. I was not fully invested in Anna or William and even near the end I was pretty confused and upset with both of them. I do wish there would have been more addressed in the last pages as it seemed to end abruptly. The setting is fine and the idea for the plot is good but so many of the chapters just seemed to move so slowly. All that to say this was not the book for me but I know many will also love it.



Three Stars.


"I received this book from NetGalley for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

"Of Jasmine and Roses" is a romance set in 1837 in England. I liked the first part, where Anna and Will spent time together and became close friends. Yet even there, it seemed like Will didn't consider that his spending time alone with her (as an 11-year-old doesn't really count as a chaperon) could be used against Anna when everyone was looking for reasons to hate her. And I do mean hate: a neighbor hates her because she looks Indian, the vicar called her a viper, the servants were outright mean, and even her family largely wished she didn't exist.

I'd understand people of that time thinking Anna inferior due to her darker skin and the fact she's a female, but almost everyone was openly rude and cruel to her. I was also surprised that 'polite society' was outright rude to their hostess at the house party and even the servants didn't follow their mistress's orders when it came to her daughters.

Anna felt she must deserved the cruelty since so many people acted that way, so Will's kindness strongly drew her. An accident happened that made no sense. (For one thing, why keep a horse known to be uncontrolable and violent in the main stables, especially with guests around?) Anna was in no way responsible, but everyone viciously blamed her instead of those actually at fault. And Will betrayed her to save his own feelings.

Anna's told that other's will never accept her if she won't accept herself, yet that issue was never resolved. Will was forgiven his betrayal the moment he said "I love you." The issue of Anna feeling like she didn't belonged anywhere was never addressed. The author made such a big deal about these issues that I wanted them dealt with, not just dropped. There was no sex or bad language.

I loved this sweet read from @jillewarner ! I’m thankful to have received a copy from #netgalley to advanced read this beautiful story of Anna and William! Anna is a governess born in India, raised in India and England, and shepherding sweet Diane and somewhat wild Lucy. Meeting William shakes her wild as she finds kindness, acceptance, and love as she hasn’t experienced since the loss of her parents. Two thumbs up!
#sweetcleanreads #historicalromance #england #india #unequalsocialstatus #jillewarner #ofjasmineandroses #kissesonly #bookstagram #readersgonnaread #sweetrance #allthebooks #governess #jasmine #roses #booksbooksbooks #love #loveconquersall

The first half of this book was a snooze fest. I was so bored I wanted to put it down, but I kept thinking it has to get better. And it did.

Anna Beasley was of East Indian heritage and her time in England was painful. People refuse to accept her for who she was but rather judged her by her skin color. She had a job as governance to Lucy and Diane Matthews. While she excelled at her job and her employers were quite pleased with her, her employer's friends looked down their noses at her. There was one man, William Thaxton, who saw her differently. He saw her heart.

Lady Spencer, Anna's employer, hosted a house party and enlisted Anna's assistance. Since Lucy was to be a guest of the party, Lady Spencer invited Anna to also participate in the party to chaperone. Lucy. Charlotte Thornton, Anna's cousin, was also a guest and she gave Anna a dress for the ball. One day, Lady Spencer sent Anna and Lucy to the clothier to pick up Lucy's ball dress and to have Anna's dress fitted. While they were gone, Diane went to the barn to see William's horse and she fell off the stool. When she fell another horse heard her and stampeded and stepped on her. Of course Anna was devastated. As a result, she was dismissed and was replaced with Ms. Hansen, But in all honesty, her dismissal was due to her East Indian heritage. Her employers had no problem with her heritage, it was their friends who put pressure on them to get rid of her. As it turns out, Ms. Hansen was East Indian as well.

Ms. Hansen came from a school in India that was run by Williams cousin. She told Anna about the school and offered to write a letter of introduction for her, which Anna accepted. When Anna left Lady Spencer, William sent her to another family who shunned her. It was then that she decided to go to India. When William found out she was going to India. He went to the port where she was boarding a ship and he proposed to her. She turned him down and left.

The rest of the book was about Anna's time in India and how forlorn William was. I had a really hard time getting into this book at first. It was only after Diane's accident that it got good. Because of the rocky start, I gave it 3 stars.

Regency romance is a category that lends itself to a wide range of scenarios which make an excellent basis for a really good story to be contrived. Jill E Warner has taken the thread of racism and bigotry, rife in British Society and bound it into a story of romance of the most gentle.
We find our heroine, Anna Beasley, in a new household where she has been asked to help out with a forthcoming house party, placing her in a rather invidious position. While she is the Governess for the two daughters, she is of mixed parentage; an Indian father serving in the British Military and English Mother - the daughter of a Viscount.
Her darker complexion and almond shaped eyes see her the target of racism even within her own family, bought into perspective when her Cousin and Aunt unexpectedly arrive at the House party as invited guests. Charlotte St Clair is now engaged to Percival Thraxton, bother of William, whom Anna had met previously in a somewhat embarrassing manner. Embarrassing for William, as his horse had thrown shoe. In a series of most unfortunate events William had become mired in mud.
As the day’s pass Anna finds herself enjoying William’s company more than she should, but is subjected to insulting and disparaging behaviour from the other guests, as well as her cousin. When a terrible accident occurs Anna decides it is time to move to a new position.
Anna realises that things will only get worse not better, and she has fallen in love with William who it would seem feels strongly for her, but what to do? When an opportunity is presented to return to India, she considers this as possibly a far better alternative to remaining in England.
Well-constructed, the storyline is strong, even though at times Warner labours the point, it sets a vastly different scene to the usual style of Regency/Victorian romance. Anna is a very strong character who shoulders the burden of racism well, William is a man, whom like Anna has to decide the road he will take for his future.
Of Jasmine and Roses is a most enjoyable read with different aspect of Society used to create an authentic, historic base.

This is an interesting story of a young woman, half English, and half Indian, who is trying to make her way in the world. She was orphaned young, raised by her mother's family, but never fit in. When financial trouble hits the family, she chooses to relieve their burdens and take care of herself.

The abuse she experienced is saddening, more especially when it is done by people who should know better.

Anna is a wonderful, kind soul. She thinks more about others needs than her own. She tries so hard, but things don't want to work out.

William is also a good soul, one who sees beyond the exterior and into the inside.

This is a good read from an author I have not read before. I will look for her books again.

I Adore regency romance books. This was just the perfect little pick me up that I needed between thrillers. This was light and airy and completely absorbing. I didn't want the story to end.
I just reviewed Of Jasmine and Roses by Jill E. Warner. #OfJasmineandRoses #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]

Jill E. Warner's "Of Jasmine and Roses" is a thoughtful and serious novel taking place in early Victorian England. Of mixed heritage, heroine Anna Beasley (her surname is confusing) is a compassionate and sympathetic figure, although she meekly accepts racial prejudices with nary a complaint. William Thaxton is an admirable hero who sees her true worth, although he does cause some unintended consequences.

I enjoyed this unique tale; it realistically deals with racism and class differences. Excepting the insecure Lady Sinclair, Mr. Preston, Percival Thaxton and to a lesser extent, Charlotte St. Clair, characters are relatable. Diane and Lucy are a delight. A surprising voice of reason emerges as Anna Beasley stands up for herself.

Warner's prose is lovely, and this book is clean. My issue with this story concerns characterization. The players mentioned above are so incredibly unlikable, they dragged down the narrative a bit. However, this debut novel is a fine read, and I look forward to reading more from this author.

Thanks to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for an ARC of this pleasing work.

I read this book to tide me over between Bridgerton seasons. Sadly, it missed the mark. While it may not be appropriate for the era to have explicit sex scenes, there wasn't even a hint of passion in this book.

There were great elements to the story. I liked the concept of Anna's mixed British/Indian heritage. There were also a lot of interesting characters. The story had a lot of potential to be great, but it got stuck in the mundane parts of life.

Also, while Anna's (FMC) actions make sense for the time, her inner thoughts make her dull. Even internally, she's a doormat. The author took the sweet, innocent, prim and proper thing too far.

SPOILERS:
The ending was also not great. Yes, there was a HEA, but we never really get a feel for how the couple will handle all of the societal consequences of Anna being biracial. We also don't see any growth from any of the secondary characters. At one point William (MMC) meets up with Anna in India. I think an ending that would have made more sense for both characters would have been them taking over the school. William wanted to find a way to do good in the world and this would have been a better option than just ignoring all the racism Anna will continue to face in England.

*I didn't post this review on my public socials since it's not great.*

I understood Anna but sometimes her doormat personality exhausted me. While I know because of her position there is so much she can do, she does nothing and never stands up for herself most of the book. She accepts every mistreatment and I suppose her willingness to do so is her "kind spirit" but it made me roll my eyes. The middle of the book also drags on with a lot of repetition of events. Anna is forced to go to events and is mistreated. Lucy doesn't behave right in some fashion. Her and William interact. Repeat. I also feel as though it did not have a satisfactory ending. Her relationship with her cousins could have been concluded better. The resolution felt hollow and she was still marrying a racist who did not develop at all. None of the characters we saw consistently in the beginning changed much after her "big" moment. There needed to be more conversations with the characters we saw at the first 60% of the book whose change would be more meaningful in a conversation with Anna than just off-page assumed improvement.

This was a thoughtful and beautiful read about Anna: a part Indian /part English governess . But is she really a governess ? When family comes to the home she stays in everything changes . She suddenly must put on two hats -a governess and family to the elite that she has never quite fit in with. She struggles to wear two hats . She struggles with her self worth and who she is due to her ethnicity and how she has been treated due to being part Indian. The book focuses on racism and how she is treated and how she feels due to both her ethnicity and her view of her self in the world .
In to this situation walks William a man who wants to be involved in politics in order to help people. He doesn’t believe he could /should fall in love with her because of her station in life . Instead he thinks about her , learns to love her smile and contemplates what he wants in life.
This is a beautiful book . At times it was a touch slow but still I wanted to know what would happen next and how the story would end. Well done !
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy in exchange for an unbiased review .

Of Jasmine and Roses by Jill E. Warner, 256 pages. Covenant Communications, 2023. $16.
Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: G
BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Too Indian to be English, Anna (23yo) has found herself a position as a governess, making her too much of the help to be a lady’s niece and too much of a superior to be the help. With so much experience as an outsider, Anna thought she could help her two charges navigate the newness of their positions in society, but she struggles to help make a place for them where she has never fit. And the attention of Mr. Thaxton makes placement that much more complicated.
Though Anna’s story is set in the 1800s, her experiences with racism are real and relevant, making this historical romance much more than a fluff read. Racism is an arbitrary reason to not like someone, and readers can feel that as they look at the world from her perspective. Anna thinks to herself that “she really should have been used to these kinds of slights, but being used to something didn’t make it hurt less,” and no one should have to get used to consistent, hurtful treatment.
Anna is Indian-English. The rest of the characters are English. The mature content rating is for mentions of alcohol.
Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Anna's aunt and uncle raised her alongside her cousin, but as well-bred as she may be, her heritage prevents her from being accepted by society, including some of her family.. Never feeling like she's wanted or that she fits in, she struggles to find her place. Though she finds meaning in her work as a governess, one of the guests of their house party softens the hard walls she's built up. But William has political aspirations and the influence of his family directs him toward women with connections, certainly not someone like her. They both need to discover their own hopes and ambitions and it's not always neat and tidy, making choices that push the other away in the meantime.

This is a sweet, clean regency read.

*A big thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

This was my first experience with a Jill Warner story and I enjoyed it. There were a few times where there seemed to be a bit of fluff, too much words to get a simple point across, but overall the story was fantastic. I loved the story line and I look forward to reading more from Warner.

Romance isn't usually what I read but I was intrigued by the cover and the premise.

Readers expecting this to be like Bridgerton the TV show are in for a shock. This is more like the movie Belle, a more serious look at racism in upper class Regency England with a romance plotline thrown in. And that's a good thing! I liked that this was more serious and sad than expected but still delivered on a Happily Ever After ending that readers of the genre have come to expect.

The first half of the book was a little more clichéd in that the two main characters seemed to immediately fall in love and Anna, the main character, seemed to have little to no spine and few characteristics beyond being sad. I really enjoyed the back half of the novel where everything came together in an interesting way. The main couple more than made up with their initial smooth relationship by having a difficult series of misunderstandings that made their happy ending all the more sweet. Relationships between characters were explained and, if not completely resolved, at least made more sense. The main character was allowed to stand up for herself, finally.

A totally solid read.

This book pulled at my emotions. I struggled with seeing the injustice in the way Anna was treated. I really liked William and thought he had a gift for making people feel we l seen. I did wish that he had a little more backbone. I was definitely invested in this story and enjoyed read it.

I really really wanted to like this book because, yes! a diverse heroine! Also, that cover is just drop dead gorgeous! Unfortunately, the execution just didn’t do it for me. The whole story seemed to lag and…well…I just wanted more.