So today was a lesson that I clearly need to re-learn regularly. When Mrs. J and Ellepkay recommend an author just go find them immediately. Carla Kelly, I now know what a treat you are!
Miss Grimsley’s Oxford Career is the story of Ellen Grimsley, a studious young lady who dreams of learning and being more than a farmer’s wife. James Gatewood, Lord Chesney, is a studious young man who only has one year left at Oxford before accepting the responsibility of being a lord and giving up learning. They meet on a hill outside of Oxford appreciating the view of such hollowed learning ground. From there a story about learning, girls in pants, and love plays out. Why, yes! This is pretty much my favorite things all rolled into one!
Ellen is a delight, and reminds me in many ways of a favorite literary character, Miss Jo March. That is pretty much the highest compliment I could pay to a character so take that as you may. James is a lot more fun than Professor Bhaer, but just as academically minded in all the best ways. They bring out wonderful sides in one another that I really delighted in. He brings out her brains and a sense of adventure while she competes right on his level thought for thought and challenges his mind. Pretty much my idea of dream relationship. Good thing I found, instead of literature lovers, the science equivalent.
So anywho, if you want a sweet story about super nerds this should be right up your alley. Also if you grew up thinking Jo March was the greatest thing than sliced bread, here’s another heroine to join her in the ranks of of brains, wit, and education for all.
See, I’m never going to be able to forgive Jo March for not choosing Laurie, but it’s not going to stop me from reading, which is one of the many I’ve bought in book sales over the last year, but haven’t got round to starting yet.
As a girl I couldn’t believe Jo turned down Laurie, but as an adult I totally get it. Don’t worry with this one, the hero is as much Laurie as he is Professor Bhaer. He’s just a wonderful combination of fun and super nerd.
Oh, I know I will love Carla Kelly when I just have the time to sit down and read some of her books. I’m just busy with other stuff at the moment.
That’s how I always felt about Kelly, but then Ellepkay sent me this one without asking and I’m so very thankful. She knows just the reading pick me up I need when I need it.
Damn skippy! I’ve been trying to get Beth Ellen to read this one for almost a year, but noooooo….her TBR list is too long. Just remember – big sisters always know best. ;)