Three Wishes for Miss Winthrop

I have read and enjoyed all of Shirley Kennedy's regency romances. This one is an excellent story, filled with romance, drama and a little humor, too. Kennedy is one of my favorite regency authors!

This Regency is one of the best I've read in a long time. The plot was fast-paced and the characters strong and likeable. The suspense was good, too. I couldn't stop turning those pages when the heroine's brother, Montague, got into trouble. Aside from the charming romance, Ms Kennedy, who obviously did her homework, provides a biting commentary on the justice system during the Regency. She cleverly weaves into the plot the horrifying details of the public hangings that went on during that time, and how over two hundred offenses, such as fraud and stealing, were punishable by execution or deportation. I have enjoyed all Shirley Kennedy's books and hope she'll have another out soon.

How interesting someone would rate a truly lovely book on two insignifcant errors. I've read all of Shirley Kennedy's books and have loved them all. The last book "Three Wishes" was my favorite. I was too inthralled with the characters and storyline to look for a few paultry flaws, which, by the way, exist in so many books out there these days. It seems editors don't have the time to really edit books anymore, and certainly an author can overlook something they're too close to. I highly recommend this book if you want to get lost in another time and place and fall in love with some beautiful characters. Let's have more from you, Shirley Kennedy.

I was surprised to find a reader giving this book one star because of two minor and insignificant "slips" (the age of one child and whether or not an event occurred one or two days prior). Yes, every author and editor should strive for perfection in detail but, more importantly, Ms. Kennedy has striven for and achieved near perfection in her blending of historical fact, intrigue, romance, and a wit seldom seen in romance novels. I note that the reader did not point out any historical slips -- a far greater error in a book of this type. Ms. Kennedy has obviously done her historical homework. At the same time she has given us characters and a story line which set this novel a step above. Kudos!

Lucy Winthrop, a spinster and a governess of 10 years, has dreamed of opening up a school for girls. Though she has been recently dismissed, she has also stumbled onto a bit of good fortune. Due to this good fortune, she is able to turn down the position as Lord Granville's governess (he is a widower with 3 young children).John Weston, Lord Granville, is shocked when Lucy rejects his offer of fifty pounds her annum. He is equally shocked when Miss Winthrop shows up at his door, wondering if his offer still stands. Poor Lucy Winthrop's luck just ran out, and Granville reluctantly gives her the position. As it turns out, Miss Winthrop is the best governess he's ever had. As Lucy comes to know more about the children, she discovers how much they crave their neglectful father's attention. After Lucy goes a great service for Lord Granville, he jokingly offers her 3 wishes. But just what will Lucy wish for...?I just LOVED this book. If I could give it 6 stars, I most definitely would. I loved everything about it. Lucy was an excellent heroine, and I could relate to her feelings. I loved Lord Granville, and the tension between the 2 characters is to-die-for. Shirley Kennedy's character developement was positivley superb!! I loved the subplot with the children. I loved the subplot with Regina, Lord Granville's invalid sister. (Her secondary romance was worthy of its own story!) Every character added to the story. Lord Granville's mother was despicable. Miss Winthrop's sister was a delight. I loved how the author wove in the "wishes." I can't remember the last time I read such a well-crafed piece of work. From the time I opened it, to the time I finished it... I could hardly put it down! The ending was one of the sweetest and most fulfilling. I nearly cried at the end! I have a weakness for governess stories, and this one was undoubtedly one of the best I've read. (It's one of the best Regencies I've read this year!)In short, this novel comes highly recommended. It's a very "feel good" story.