Hester moves to Hollywood from Yorkshire in England, to care for the daughter of a movie star, Aidan Neil, whose wife, and his partner in films, died a year ago in circumstances which are not quite clear. Erin, the daughter, is a delight and Hester comes to love her dearly.
Hester has her own inner demons. She was left with a scar on her face and arm after an accident in New York on a previous job. After an initial aloofness from Aidan they slowly become friends and she becomes indispensable to the family. She meets a wide variety of people and learns a lot about the acting world in Hollywood, which is not all as glamorous as it appears.
I loved reading about Tinsel Town as it's sometimes called and appreciated real actors names being dropped into the story. Hester and Aidan's story was good but at times Hester annoyed me with her pity parties. She spent a lot of time feeling sorry for herself and changed her mind quickly and immediately at times and we were off again with 'who'd want a scarred woman like me' ! It got a bit repetitive. Aidan's character developed wonderfully but he was a bit too good to be true in the looks department and it was mentioned many, many times. I would also have liked a bit more about the movie business.
Saying that this is a very good debut historical novel and I would definitely read another by this author.

Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for an early copy of this book.

California dreaming...

All that glitters is not gold. Hester is a governess with some past trauma. In need of funds, she's working for Aidan, a sort of beauty to her beast. He's reclusive and over protective of his child. If you have that much fear, just move to a house with no pool. Just saying. His wife drowned under mysterious circumstances, (reminiscent of Natalie Wood). California is a character, as is this specific period in Hollywood. There's a bit of mystery to go along with the Hollywood setting.

I loved this book. It is the perfect 'put your feet up and head off to Hollywood for a lovely escapist read.' The characters are well drawn, and you can't help but care about them, which is the magic ingredient in any book. With beautiful descriptions depicting a bygone age, I devoured every page. This book got me out of a reading lull, and I thank the author and publisher for the ARC and for a fabulous read. More, please.

Oh, my bursting heart! I don’t know where to begin to review and rave about The Hollywood Governess by Alexandra Weston as I absolutely adored this novel from start to finish! The characters were so well defined, delightfully real and exquisitely portrayed. Their progressive developments were noticeable during their personal journeys so it was good to see them grow over their many experiences. I felt as if they had become dearest friends and at the closing of the novel I did not want to say goodbye to them. This is a must read novel for historical fiction lovers. It was such a pleasure to read as the language flowed like silk across the pages. I never once lost touch with the plot or characters and was completely engaged, eager to see what happened next, which was not always the expected. So, yes, there are some good surprises and big reveals.

The story’s main focus is on Miss Carlyle (Hester) who is suffering from a form of PTSD. She has been emotionally and physically wounded by an accident that created real havoc in her life. In the aftermath, she is rejected by her fiancé and bore the brunt of heartless jeers because of the scars on her face (and other body parts which she continually hides in her clothes). This has dampened her spirits and kept her from various activities she previously loved. I felt great empathy for her and how she suffered from such cruel responses. She was just in the wrong place at the wrong time on a bus that crashed in New York but it continued to colour her views of herself in the public's eyes. And it certainly injured her self-esteem.

Miss Carlyle is an English Governess hired to move to Los Angeles to teach a child whose mother and father are famous actors (Aidan Neil and Dinah Doyle). But a year earlier the mother has drowned under suspicious circumstances (though it has been deemed as an accident). Hester is reluctant to move there for many reasons but the main thrust that pushes her forward is the love she has for her father and sisters. They are unable to pay for major repairs needed on their home (her father is ill). She feels she is the only hope her family has so she takes the job, even though it will put her in uncomfortable circumstances. Her love, though, is greater than her fears. And she has been trained well. Considered by many to be of highest standing. She goes to Hollywood, not being a movie goer or lover of stars (that is her youngest sister’s passion) so is unfazed by what she encounters initially.

Of course, what is to follow is not what Hester expects once meeting her employer: a famous actor and father of the girl she must teach. Aidan is not initially very amicable and has many strict rules. He wants his daughter Erin protected at all costs. Hester begins to believe his fear is due to the loss of his wife who drowned. As a result, he is fiercely paranoid of Erin being around the pool without someone attending her at all times. This unhealthy state of worry, though, extends beyond the pool to many areas. His seven year old is banned from having any fun or be involved in activities normal to a child her age. But, Miss Carlyle will transform his ideas and eventually he will overcome his fears. (And she will conquer her self image issues— with his help). Little Erin plays an excellent role, too, and is a delight. She reminds me somewhat of Shirly Temple (who is mentioned along with other famous actors of the era).

Yes, a romance develops (I won’t give anything away) and it is so beautifully delivered piece by piece until the glorious ending swept my heart into its whirlwind and then left me in a puddle of happy tears! Besides unexpected and forbidden love, transforming and transformed characters, there is a mystery that is solved. It touches on the unfair treatment of women at the time and those not deemed ‘normal’. The power and control of Hollywood leaders over their actors comes into play as well. The author handles everything with such skill, respect and kindness that we are able to see the picture clearly. Again, all of it is beautifully rendered and concluded with a magnificent outcome of hope, healing, second chances and new friendships. You might even say there are brush strokes of modern day fairy-tale Beauty and the Beast elements throughout and in the ending!

I cannot say enough of how much I loved this novel and I will forever sing this author’s praises! I will also be dying to read more by Alexandra Weston as she is an amazing writer that captured my attention from the first paragraph with her exceptional word artistry, riveting plot and believable characters (with their warts and all). 5 Plus stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+ from me!

Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the ARC.

A beautiful read I enjoyed from beginning to end ,wonderful writing and characters.Ia 5 star read for me that I hated to say goodbye to.#netgalley #boldwoodbooks

The Governess is experienced and competent if not still wanting to do this job. Still, her financial obligations lead her to take on the role. So, off she travels to 1930s Hollywood and her new position.

The Hollywood star is a widower whose marriage may not have been all that it appeared to be. How did he and Dinah get along? What was the cause of her death? What will happen to their young daughter?

Governess, Hester, meets young Erin and believes that she can help her. She is less sure about what is behind the grief of star Aiden.

As Hester gets to know the family, readers will be drawn in. This is a novel with good characters, a vibrant setting and a good plot. A good choice for a summer read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

This one got me from the get go, the little excerpt at the beginning of chapter one got my attention! Hollywood, mystery, governess....I mean, what's not to like? hehe

Really enjoyed this. Hollywood golden age, broody MMC, a great story overall. If you’re a fan of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and a little slow burn then I definitely recommend this for you

In 1937 Hollywood, talented governess Hester takes on the challenging task of caring for the grieving daughter of movie star Aidan Neil. As Hester delves into the family’s life, she uncovers hidden secrets and a tragic past that threatens to shatter their world.

This is a beautiful, heartwarming, and entertaining historical novel The romance is swoony with a mystery subplot as well. It also has a “found family” aspect that I find irresistible.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and honest review.

This story follows Hester Carlye, an English governess working in Hollywood in the late 1930’s, for widowed film star, Aidan Neil and his young daughter.

This is a clean romance, with a hint of mystery.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this ARC in return for my honest review.

A deliciously inviting story set in the 1930's of Hollywood and an age of the glamourous movies. Enjoyed watching Hester open up and realize she is capable of loving another and being loved by others. Erin her charge is a wonderful character full of adventure and fun, and Marie's story adds a look at how much our culture has changed since the 1930's. Aidan is the perfect gentleman who is able to look beyond what Hollywood portrays and see the beauty around him. Loved this story and all the richness is portrayed.

Hester becomes governess to a movie star after the death of his wife. I enjoyed the story very much.

Tropes: governess falls for her employer; scarred MFC; MMC with a troubled past
Steam level: low (one kiss)

This is an engaging book by a promising new author. There aren't a lot of HR's set in the days of classic Hollywood, and this features excellent world building, with vivid descriptions of MFC Hester's home in England contrasted against sunny 1930's California. The dialog seems true to the period and generally the plot kept my attention, although it doesn't end up having as many mystery elements I was expecting. It focuses more on the slow-burn romance between Hester and movie idol Aidan, and the changes in the relationship they have with his daughter, Erin. My favorite moments are the quiet ones when Hester and Aidan discuss the sadness lurking in their pasts.

What kept this from 5 stars for me:
--This is written almost entirely from Hester's perspective (1st person), with occasional insights into the life of a secondary character that are told from 3rd person. I really would have liked for parts of the book to have been told from Aidan's perspective, to help flesh him out more as a character. There are times that Hester's anxiety and obsession with her scars become repetitive. I wanted to know more about Aidan's drive as a gifted musician and performer, and his on-set experiences.
--Despite solid research on the time period, there are a couple instances of anachronisms.
--I love reading about the skeletons in the closets of Old Hollywood, and would have loved if there could have been a few juicy scenes. Each chapter begins with a blurb regarding the studio system, but honestly sometimes the blurbs just seem to be taking up space. Despite the number of mentions of the Hollywood code this book is quite tame.

Overall, though, The Hollywood Governess is a nice change of pace from the typical HR.

I read an advance reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary review. Thanks to the author, publisher, and Net Galley. This book is set to be published June 26.

This was a fun, heartwarming read.

Hester, a governess from the UK, moves to Hollywood to care for the daughter of Aidan, an actor whose wife Dinah has died under mysterious circumstances. We see Hester grow and fall in love, even though we're not sure about Aidan's feelings until the very end.

I loved how accepting everyone was over Dinah's story. Even Aidan accepted the truth better than most would have. The subject was treated with respect and really added to the story.

One issue I had was the fact that "911" was brought up several times. A little research would have come up with the fact that this emergency number wasn't in effect until decades after the book takes place.

Fabulous book!! It had some serious Evelyn Hugo vibes. The setting is sublime and I'm a sucker for a "widower/governess" trope. (I blame The Sound of Music.) Hester is an utterly charming and empathetic character. I loved her relationship with Erin. The house sounds just perfect and I want to live there. Aiden is just the right amount of attractive and brooding/grumpy and the slow-burn was delicious. I especially liked the storyline with Marie, but won't elaborate. (No spoilers!) I will be recommending this book to everyone.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

I loved this book such a sweet and beautiful story! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it! Definitely 5 stars!

A fun sweet read! Highly recommend.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for my ARC.

The Hollywood Governess
The BRAND NEW gorgeous, romantic story of forbidden love in Golden Age Hollywood from Alexandra Weston for 2024
by Alexandra Weston

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: Romance, General fiction (Adult)

I enjoyed this, not gripped to the page, must keep reading enjoyment, more a sense of exploration, where would the story take me next.
It has some intriguing twists and I liked the way the story slowly unfurled, plenty of clues once you know the twist but until then its easy to keep guessing. Interesting characters too, with their own issues and fears, a reminder that what seems like a perfect life from the outside can be anything but!

Stars: Four, good story with some multi layers which I always enjoy.

ARC supplied by netgalley and publishers

The Hollywood Governess, one of the most charming books i've read in a long time....

We journey from cold, dark England, through New York, on to 1930's glamourous Hollywood, with Governess Hester., who has a roof to pay for, a poorly dad and some trauma involving New York. Movie star Aidan has a luxury lifestyle, a young daughter and a struggle with grief after the death of his movie star wife.

This was a fantastically written historical drama, with all the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. There was more to the death of Aidan's wife, so we get the unravelling of a mystery, some wonderful side characters and lovely tidbits at the start of each chapter from the rules of being a Governess and a guide to Hollywood. I thought the characters were great, with a lot of depth to them. The writing style flowed well, and had funny wee moments throughout. The growth of Hester was such fun, to see her start to let her hair down and recover from her past. I loved the prim and proper way she spoke and went about her day, contrasted with the cheekiness of Aidan's daughter and her "Improper" use of the English language. There seemed to have been a great deal of research put into making this historically accurate, which I really appreciate in a book.

This really was such a delightful read, I can't believe this is the author's debut novel - I cannot wait to see more from her. An incredibly easy 5 stars.

1930’s with ✨forbidden romance ✨ and Hollywood setting ??? Hell yeah
I had a great time reading this, it really got me thinking about it when i was not reading.
Alexandra Weston created a beautiful and rich world showing how the movie industry was at its peak.
I enjoyed Hester and her character, and how she changed Adam’s behaviour/ restrictions around Erin

Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the arc 🫶🏻🫶🏻