Book Review: "The School Mistress of Emerson Pass;" Author: Tess Thompson; Publisher: 4kids5cats Editions (April 1 2020)

9/25/2021

I discovered author, Tess Thompson, in August, 2021, and after reading the first few chapters of "The School Mistress of Emerson Pass," I added her to my personal list of favorite authors. I recall I stumbled upon this book by chance, suggested by a fellow Goodreads reviewer on my "friends" list. I purchased this book for my Kindle reader on a gut feeling and reading another reviewer's opinion and I am glad I did.

The book cover is absolutely lovely. Although the lady on the cover is facing away, her stance and the stunning blue dress is breathtakingly beautiful. Not being able to see her face ignites the reader's own imagination. I immediately gravitated to the book and stopped to read the review. One can never doubt the power of an enticing book cover to draw the reader in.

Set in Colorado, 1920, "The School Mistress of Emerson Pass" is a historical, sweet romance that exudes a coziness that had me tucking fluffy blankets around me in bed as I read it late at night. It really set the mood and the reading mood is such an important part of me when I read. I adore cozy, sweet romances with slow burning attraction between the main characters and this delivered.

Female, main character, Quinn Cooper, is instantly loveable, exuding a nurturing personality that connects with the reader. She takes on employment as a teacher in a frontier town away from her hometown of Boston in order to provide for her mother and younger sister. Needless to say, they are all struggling financially. Her journey as a lone woman was not an easy one and I won't give away some things that happened along the way that basically placed in her in the male, main character's arms once she arrived in town.

Lord Alexander Barnes is the father of 5 children whom he adores. He is widowed (once again, I will not reveal particulars so as not to spoil the story). Alexander is a powerful man who is appreciated by his children and his household staff. He is a self-made man, having built the school in which Quinn teaches at and in fact, helped build this town with his finances and fortitude. He takes a protective stance towards Quinn and cannot help but fall for her caring nature and is keenly aware of her budding relationships with himself, his children and his household staff. The main characters develop a blossoming attraction for one another that builds throughout the storyline.

The pace is relaxed and although it is deemed a sweet romance, there are some significant issues enveloped within the story such as difficult tensions with an inter-racial relationship, a murder, the fact that (during that time period) a woman must not deign to venture out on her own without male protection... the author weaves these perfectly into the storyline. There are prefect moments, then there are tense scenes like these that bring a realism to her story as we see much of this reflect in real life: the highs and the lows that balance our own lives. Yin and yang. Give and take. Nothing and no one is perfect but we find a way to carve our happiness and brightness against whatever obstacle is thrown our way. We keep marching forward, pulling out those weeds and life lives on.

I got a wonderful sense of family in this book and its importance. To stand united against any negative threats. To nurture and protect one another. To fill a home with positivity and support. It is something we all strive for and so we can connect with what the author is so astutely delivering.

I enjoyed reading this book very much. It is wholesome... like cookies and milk. Highly recommended.

Special Notes:

You can connect with Tess and learn more about her by visiting her website at tesswrites.com.

I was not requested to do this review. I did it of my own volition, volunteering my views in an effort to bring the author and potential readers together.

If you read a book, please remember to leave a review on any site of your choosing. It acts as an incentive for other readers to purchase an author's book. Writers are super appreciative of this kind act.

Book Reviewed: "The School Mistress of Emerson Pass;" Author: Tess Thompson; Publisher: 4kids5cats Editions; (April 1, 2020).

Book Blog Copyright (C) 2021 Mary-Lisa Russo

Author

You have stumbled into the writing world of Mary-Lisa Russo, an avid storyteller observing the universe around her and her humble place amongst the stars. “Excerpts From The Wandering Mind” is Mary-Lisa’s first collection of poems and she is currently working on her next book, a compilation of romantic poetry. She is a university graduate having majored in English Literature and continues to nurture her ongoing writing education at a local college and other educational avenues. She is a member of the Ontario Poetry Society and various writers’ groups. She enjoys reading and giving a voice to fellow authors.