Nanny by Chance by Betty Neels

4 stars

 

Oh. Dear. God. *wails* Oh my God. This book was just so…oh God. I love Betty Neels so much, and dear GOD, how much I missed her!!! *wails some more* The food, the breath-taking description of the scenery, the unflappable calm of her heroes, the sensibility of her heroines… *sigh* She is one of the most talented authors I’ve ever read. I am so glad that I found her. Reading her books is one of the simple pleasures of life.

 

Now this book, while very much the same, had something very different in it; the heroine wasn’t good at nursing, even though she wanted to be a nurse. But again, the typical nanny-plot was there, with RDD and an evil OW and superb descriptions of food and cakes (I even DREAMT about them; I was reading the book before I slept) and beautiful descriptions of the surroundings. Neels’ stories make me want to go to Holland so badly!! She is so amazing in the way she describes everything, and so unique in her grammar structure.

 

The heroine was really good, and she wasn’t as much of a doormat as some other BN heroines are. I can’t say I liked the OM plot very much, but that was dealt with quickly so it’s fine.

 

The hero was swoon-worthy. BN’s heroes are always so amazing!!! They all also have a special manner, a way of talking/walking/watching that sets each of them out. This one wore spectacles and looked at people from above them. *shiver* I’ve always found intelligent older men attractive!!

 

The children were a delight, with the non-ending chatter and childish resilience. The plot was also a good one. Also, I’m probably giving this one 4-stars instead of 3 because I’ve missed Betty so damned much.

Araminta Pomfrey is finally able to start her own life. Having older parents that are more intellectual than practical, Mintie has always taken care of the home. An older cousin willing to move in and help has given her the opportunity to go to scgool to become a nurse. Her parents though have accepted a position for her to act as a nanny for a doctor's twin nephews over in Holland and effectually halt her plans. Dr. Marcus van der Breugh needs a nanny to care for his nephews while their parents are abroad for a few weeks. At first meeting Mintie, he assumes she will fit quietly in to his life, fading in to the background, but she always seems to be there, confronting him. He finds that he likes her, and she really isn't as plain as he had originally thought. An excellent story. Well written and romantic.