Book Review: Brizecombe Hall

Brizecombe Hall by Catherine E. Chapman

Plot Summary: ‘A young woman must value, above all else, her virtue.’

Ann Rhys, the daughter of a minister, is employed by Mr Brindley, the widowed Master of Brizecombe Hall, to be governess to his two children.

Her initial feelings of apprehension regarding her employer are rapidly surpassed by other emotions that are new to Ann.

Under Ann’s influence Mr Brindley takes a greater interest in his children’s upbringing but does his action imply that he sees her as more than a mere governess or does his heart truly belong to Cassandra, the wealthy young woman rumoured to be the future mistress of Brizecombe Hall?

This is a short story/novella that doesn’t really go into any depth in terms of character and plot.  The story reminds me of the romance in Jane Eyre - but without Jane’s tragic childhood.  The author has said that this story was inspired by the lives of the Brontës and I can see that in some of the choices made regarding the main character’s family and habits.  

Brizecombe Hall is a sweet, sentimental read if you are interested in a little light romance of an evening.  The story doesn’t have the time to really dive into developing the romance or building up the characters, but this is more of a read when you don’t want to invest too much of your time and energy.

3/5 Goodreads