Loved this historical romance. A British woman in need of fast funds to help her family goes to work as a Governess for a 1930s Hollywood movie star who recently lost his wife in a tragic accident. She is there to teach his daughter, but along the way finds out the accident may not have been an accident after all. So we're following that mystery/unknown aspect of the plot, but also watch as Hester falls in love with California, and the family she works for. The old Hollywood vibes are immaculate and the characters are sweet and have growth and work through some hard emotions. The romance is a slow burn, passionate. The "twist" felt believable and the ending was good. Overall a great, immersive book. I read it in about 24 hours. It got me out a long reading slump, so thanks haha.! Can't wait to read more from this author.

5 stars

Great story. Whilst Mrs Walsh was taking Hester round the house I thought there was a bit of a Rebecca Vibe. Aidan is a bit of a grumpy controlling hero but then he is a hard working actor in the 1930s factory hollywood system and a widower to boot. Hester has to work as a governess to help finance the family home. She's scared from a bus accident and has come out of a disappointing relationship with an ex uni fiancee. Erin is Aidan's delighful young daugher and there is another plot line involving a screen writer who has had her life turned upside by the head of the movie studios. Its a clean read for those that seek out such books.

A new author to me and I will look out for more from her.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

was provided this e-advanced reader copy in return for an honest review.

It's 1937, Hester is a top governess at her agency, but after getting into an accident that scarred her permanently, and her fiance dumping her because of it. She vows to never go to America again. But when am offer comes in at the same time that she discovers that her roof needs immediate replacing, she decides to fight her fears and go. She ends up the governess for a Hollywood star and his daughter and as she falls in love with both of them, the mystery of his wife's death is a story begging to be told.

I absolutely loved this story. I loved Hester letting down her guard and being a full person and a champion for those who deserve it. I love Erin and all of her 1930's slang, I love Aiden who is filled with so much guilt but so much love for Erin. The romance is a slow burn that is of course very prim and appropriate but very rewarding. The mystery was mild but kept the flow of the story going and the reveal is so well done. So much heartbreak!

I definitely recommend picking this one up when it's released on June 26th.

The Hollywood Governess by Alexandra Weston is a story mixed with sadness and glamour. I could vividly picture Hester's voyage from England to New York City and across the country to California. Her relationship with Erin was absolutely "aces". The strength Hester found within herself to not only move past her sadness, but to dare to dream and open herself up again was beautfiul. This story has reignited my love of stories from the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Ditching tradition, Hester Carlye, a governess with a thirst for adventure, swaps the cobbled streets of England for the dazzling lights of Hollywood. Tasked with caring for the spirited Erin, daughter of the enigmatic film star Aidan Neil, Hester finds herself entangled in a world far more captivating – and perilous – than she ever imagined.

Weston crafts a whirlwind tale that blends the glamour of Golden Age Hollywood with a touch of Gothic suspense. Twists and turns abound, culminating in a shocking revelation that throws everything Hester thought she knew into question. This is a must-read for those who crave a story that's equal parts heartwarming and heart-stopping.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read this, it was a pleasure.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. I found this book to be an enjoyable, engaging read that I would highly recommend. The story of Hester Carlye,, an English governess who takes a position in Hollywood in the late 1930’s for a widowed film star , Aidan Neil, to care for his young daughter, Erin. Is an interesting story that has a brisk pace, with several darker undertones with a hint of mystery and is also a love story. I do not want to give too much of the story away, but suffice to say, I had an inkling of the dark, possibly career ending secret, but I was surprised by who it ended up being. I hope to read more by this author.

The story flowed well and the characters were well developed. I recommend this book and look forward to more from this author.


****Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review****