I think this is a lovely debut novel. Is it perfect in every way? Probably not in its entirety, but it is a good story. It does tend to be more solemn in tone, so that does lead (at least for me) to a slower read. But it has some poignant moments and has a somewhat unique plot due to the main character being part-Indian. We get to visualize and imagine her struggles whilst living amongst the ever judgemental society of the ton. Plus the romance is sweet and clean, so what's not to enjoy there? I'd be happy to pick up another novel by this author in the future.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book and for the eARC copy. I am voluntarily leaving this review.

Finding where we belong.
This is a touching book about trying to find the place you belong. Where you fit in the world. Anna Beasley was born in India, the daughter of an English mother and Indian solider. When her mother dies, she is sent to England to live with relatives. There she receives word of her father’s death. Though she is accepted by her relatives, she finds herself left in a society that seems to be quick to judge her worth by the color of her skin. While working as a governess, she is surprised to find her relatives arriving for a house party. As she gets acquainted with the party there is one gentleman she finds herself drawn to but she knows there is no future there since he, William, is pursuing a political career which she would hamper. But William is not convinced politics is his future especially when he becomes aware of the prejudices Anna faces daily. He soon is drawn to Anna as she treats all with kindness even as they unkind to her. As both struggle to find where they belong, they grow to understand themselves and each other better. A wonderful book. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy. This is my review and all thoughts are my own.

This tale of early Victorian romance had more than the usual substance to its plot, due to a mixed-heritage Indian-English governess, Anna, and the injustices she faces as one who doesn't quite fit in anywhere. She treads an uneasy position as part of a titled family, but is now trying to make her own way in the world as a paid employee. Overall this novel is more serious than a typical Regency or Victorian romance, though it has its share of sweet moments between the governess and her would-be suitor. I enjoyed it moderately, though there's enough angst that I think a reader needs to be in the right mood to process it.

"Good... but it could be better."

That was the quote that popped up in my head when I finished this book. So I'd like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book.

I had no problem with he characters, truly. I found them to be well written. I felt for Anna, and her slow but timid friendship to lovers romance with WIlliam was nice. The added bit about her being mixed race and the difficulty finding her place in society was in my opinion the strongest bit of the book.

The plot though was pretty much nothing. Most of the story takes place at the estate she is governess at. Fine. Nt an issue with that. However, the family issues that cropped up and the lack of a second or third behind the scenes plot kind of kills the drive that this book has.

"Of Jasmine and Roses" by Jill E. Warner is a poignant and enchanting historical romance that sweeps readers off their feet from the very first page. The story follows Anna Beasley whose partially Indian heritage prevents her acceptance into English society and in the family she is sent to live with when her mother passes away. To provide for herself and secure her own future she has become a governess and finds herself balancing between being not quite the lady she was raised to become and also not quite a servant in the household of her two young charges.

Through her evocative prose and deeply human characters, Warner delivers a poignant and unforgettable love story that will leave readers yearning for more, long after the final page is turned.

This is a nice read that explores deep and important issues related to racism toward people of Anglo-Indian heritage.

Unfortunately, this is the only mildly fascinating aspect of the book. There are no lingering touches, longing stares, or barely contained passion.
Anna and William spend hardly any time together, and when they do, it's nothing particularly interesting.
I never understood William's reasoning for what he did to her, and the excuse of "protecting her" felt precisely that, an excuse. His behavior was inexcusable and unforgivable, especially the second part of his "plan."

The side characters had too many scenes, and most were unbeareable. I couldn't stand any of them.
We had two people who were supposed to show strength, and sure, they did, but only in the last 20 pages of the book and when they had literally no other way out.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A wonderful debut novel from this author. Anna is a young woman of mixed Anglo-Indian heritage who become the ward of her aunt in England following her mother's death. Because of her skin colour, she is made aware too young that she is seen as different. Although brought up in her aunts aristocratic home, Anna feels like an outsider and subsequently feels she must make her own way in the world. When we meet Anna she is governess to two girls, Lucy about to make her debut in Society and Diane, an adorable shy child. During a houseparty Anna is reunited with her aunt and cousins after a period of some years, she also meets William our hero. I enjoyed the slow burn of their romance, beautifully understated and natural. One got the sense of the issue with those who came to England from India who were of mixed heritage and their ostracism from polite society as a result of their darker shade of skin. Racism was a real issue during and continuing throughout the Anglo-Indian period and continues still for those colonised. This novel shines a light on this and is an unusual element for period romance but very welcome. I am looking forward to further books from Jill Warner and definitely award her 4.5 stars for Of Jasmine and Roses. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an advance read. We'll done author.

This is an enjoyable romance novel with interesting characters and a good plot. It takes place at the beginning of Queen Victoria’s reign in the English countryside. There are house parties, there is hunting and of course gossiping amongst the ton, although this time their unkindness is aimed at the beautiful young governess whose father was Indian. in spite of the fact that she has been brought up in her titled family’s home, she is badly treated both above and below stairs. …..
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Covenant Communications. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel by Ms. Warner. Beautifully written regency romance with a whole lot of depth. William, the hero, is someone every mother would want for their daughter, he is the entire package, loyal, gentleman, and honorable. Anna , the heroine, is such a sweet woman but has to overcome the bigotry of the ton and realize who she really is. William and Anna develop a friendship that turns into so much more!! Highly recommend this book.

This was a very well done discussion of racism & family. I loved it and it reminded me far to much of my own struggles. The love story was sweet too. The side characters a little less well fleshed out... The motivations of Percy and Franz? and the side changing of the employer were confusing & the naming of the aunt sometimes with her title and sometimes just as the aunt a little confusing

I really loved the romance in this book. Anna and Williams love story was captivating and enthralling from beginning to end. I loved how he defended her and stood up for her when she was facing troubles and seeing their love blossom was amazing.
10/10 from me