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Miss Mouse
BEAUTY IN DISGUISE
Her problem was that she was beautiful. And far too spirited. A combination devoutly to be wished for by anyone except a governess who is supposed to be prim and proper. For Graine Ashley (well born but penniless), her loveliness had already caused unpleasantness. Too often, the master of the house had figured her as fair game. And because of this, Graine was forved to disguise herself as a most unattractive frump.
Then, as chance would have it, she gained employment in the house of Lord Valminster. He was extremely proper. And handsome. And ten years her senior. The children were delightful. And Graine found herself doing the impossible -- falling in love.
Her problem was that she was beautiful. And far too spirited. A combination devoutly to be wished for by anyone except a governess who is supposed to be prim and proper. For Graine Ashley (well born but penniless), her loveliness had already caused unpleasantness. Too often, the master of the house had figured her as fair game. And because of this, Graine was forved to disguise herself as a most unattractive frump.
Then, as chance would have it, she gained employment in the house of Lord Valminster. He was extremely proper. And handsome. And ten years her senior. The children were delightful. And Graine found herself doing the impossible -- falling in love.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 12, 1981
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 24, 2020
This older Regency romance was a gentler story with less tension then you find in this genre. Miss Graine Ashley was 27 years old when she accepted the position of governess to the two nieces and one nephew of the Earl of Valminster. He had temporary custody while his sister and her husband were abroad.
The Earl was a kind man and was a confirmed bachelor at the age of thirty-five. Most at home on his country estate, he had already been through some governesses because of Benedict, his nephew, who was a rapscallion. He was looking for someone with experience that would accept and work with the children.
What took this story to the next level was Graine, soon to be called Rainey. She used grease paint to cover her beauty with the addition of a plain wardrobe. She had issues with previous jobs and the men in the household. She did not want to go through this again. Lord Valminster accepted her and treated her with respect. I liked this.
The only reason I couldn’t give this romance five stars was the dreaded misunderstanding. A ploy used that wasn’t necessary considering how well this couple got along. I still enjoyed the story and was happy I read it.
Thank you, Jane H., for lending me your copy!
The Earl was a kind man and was a confirmed bachelor at the age of thirty-five. Most at home on his country estate, he had already been through some governesses because of Benedict, his nephew, who was a rapscallion. He was looking for someone with experience that would accept and work with the children.
What took this story to the next level was Graine, soon to be called Rainey. She used grease paint to cover her beauty with the addition of a plain wardrobe. She had issues with previous jobs and the men in the household. She did not want to go through this again. Lord Valminster accepted her and treated her with respect. I liked this.
The only reason I couldn’t give this romance five stars was the dreaded misunderstanding. A ploy used that wasn’t necessary considering how well this couple got along. I still enjoyed the story and was happy I read it.
Thank you, Jane H., for lending me your copy!
August 11, 2020
Puedes encontrar esta reseña en español al final.
Lovely romance with a certain fairytale touch between a duke and a governess.
The premise has been original. The matter of the disguise to go unnoticed was interesting. And the author has handle it in a superb manner. Neither overusing it nor making it unrealistic.
The romance was so sweet and loving. My only complaint comes from the Big Misunderstanding. It really had no place in the story, not with such sensible and in agreement characters. It was disconcerting and discordant.
But that’s all. Apart from that, I loved it.
***
Preciosa y sencilla historia de amor con aires de cuento de hadas entre un duque y una institutriz.
La premisa ha sido muy original. Todo el tema de los disfraces para pasar desapercibida ha sido muy interesante. Y la autora lo ha usado en su justa medida, sin hacerlo pesado o poco creíble.
El romance ha sido muy tierno y dulce. Sólo ha fallado El Gran Malentendido que, realmente, no tenía cabida entre personajes tan sensatos y bien avenidos. Ha sido un tanto desconcertante y discordante.
Ha sido la única pega.
Por lo demás, me ha encantado.
Lovely romance with a certain fairytale touch between a duke and a governess.
The premise has been original. The matter of the disguise to go unnoticed was interesting. And the author has handle it in a superb manner. Neither overusing it nor making it unrealistic.
The romance was so sweet and loving. My only complaint comes from the Big Misunderstanding. It really had no place in the story, not with such sensible and in agreement characters. It was disconcerting and discordant.
But that’s all. Apart from that, I loved it.
***
Preciosa y sencilla historia de amor con aires de cuento de hadas entre un duque y una institutriz.
La premisa ha sido muy original. Todo el tema de los disfraces para pasar desapercibida ha sido muy interesante. Y la autora lo ha usado en su justa medida, sin hacerlo pesado o poco creíble.
El romance ha sido muy tierno y dulce. Sólo ha fallado El Gran Malentendido que, realmente, no tenía cabida entre personajes tan sensatos y bien avenidos. Ha sido un tanto desconcertante y discordante.
Ha sido la única pega.
Por lo demás, me ha encantado.
April 28, 2021
The setting was charming. And, like always, mischievous children added fun. I have really enjoyed a few scenes.
But, for most of the part, I was bored. The narration was in the pattern "an event came and went" - in the words, not in a nice scene and dialogues, more like behind the scene. Again, it wasn't badly written. I think I wasn't simply in the mood for such narration, I would have preferred Chesney's tempo. And the last misunderstanding was absurd with those two characters. It just didn't fit.
But, for most of the part, I was bored. The narration was in the pattern "an event came and went" - in the words, not in a nice scene and dialogues, more like behind the scene. Again, it wasn't badly written. I think I wasn't simply in the mood for such narration, I would have preferred Chesney's tempo. And the last misunderstanding was absurd with those two characters. It just didn't fit.
January 21, 2019
I have read this several years ago and it still holds the same Magic as the first time I read the actual book which apparently I no longer possess. So thank you Endeavour for the FREE download! I am truly glad that Mira Stables is one of the authors that Endeavour Media is sponsoring and/or promoting. I can safely say that Endeavour did NOT err in their choice as far as this Romance Genre is concerned; for this author is most definitely NOT a charlatan ~ a word that defines most writers of this genre today.
The author has her own endearing way of telling a story. For this is a clean yet heart~warming Romance that gently yet profoundly touches into the heart strings and yet is not at all maudlin but still very real and very empathic. Graine or Rainey is a very pragmatic and courageous heroine and the Earl of Valminster is a real gentleman. Recommended for those who miss a truly fine Regency Romance and are quite tired of the mediocre.
The author has her own endearing way of telling a story. For this is a clean yet heart~warming Romance that gently yet profoundly touches into the heart strings and yet is not at all maudlin but still very real and very empathic. Graine or Rainey is a very pragmatic and courageous heroine and the Earl of Valminster is a real gentleman. Recommended for those who miss a truly fine Regency Romance and are quite tired of the mediocre.
January 20, 2019
3.5 out of 5 stars
October 31, 2018
4.50 stars - very mild pg13 (secular “clean” traditional regency – possible use of: mild cursing/profanity, innuendo, mention of mistresses, gambling, drinking, etc. -- see below)
Not riveting or exciting but a really delightful story and not an exact cookie cutter of every other regency story out there, more unique. I want to give it 5 stars since I was thoroughly engaged, but…eh ?... I suppose I’ll go with 4 stars since it wasn’t all that exciting. Although I read it through in one afternoon – which is amazing for me – so maybe back to 5 stars….? Oh, I’m teetering!!
The children in this story were precious and the hero and heroine were written just right. And once again, Mira Stables has taught me a new word: “whilom”, meaning former or erstwhile or onetime, dating back to old English “hwil”. ”A number of Master Benedict’s whilom supporters discovered that he had long outgrown his youthful delicacy and was now capable of plaguing the lives out of them.”
I enjoy this author’s style and so far, I’ve only found one dud. So far, my favorites are Honey-Pot, Stranger Within the Gates, and this one, Miss Mouse. I also want to say that I so appreciate the sweet, innocent, romantic covers on most of her books from the 1980’s (this one depicted two couples ice skating and dressed in their lovely winter finery – and period-correct ice skates!!); thankfully no 1980’s romance-novel cheesiness!!
(Fairly typical secular “clean” traditional regency, this book was on the cleaner end of the spectrum. I did not make any notation of God’s name being taken in vain or any expletives, although I was completely immersed in reading so perhaps I missed something. The only objectionable thing I made note of was one brief/vague reference to a mistress and only because )
Not riveting or exciting but a really delightful story and not an exact cookie cutter of every other regency story out there, more unique. I want to give it 5 stars since I was thoroughly engaged, but…eh ?... I suppose I’ll go with 4 stars since it wasn’t all that exciting. Although I read it through in one afternoon – which is amazing for me – so maybe back to 5 stars….? Oh, I’m teetering!!
The children in this story were precious and the hero and heroine were written just right. And once again, Mira Stables has taught me a new word: “whilom”, meaning former or erstwhile or onetime, dating back to old English “hwil”. ”A number of Master Benedict’s whilom supporters discovered that he had long outgrown his youthful delicacy and was now capable of plaguing the lives out of them.”
I enjoy this author’s style and so far, I’ve only found one dud. So far, my favorites are Honey-Pot, Stranger Within the Gates, and this one, Miss Mouse. I also want to say that I so appreciate the sweet, innocent, romantic covers on most of her books from the 1980’s (this one depicted two couples ice skating and dressed in their lovely winter finery – and period-correct ice skates!!); thankfully no 1980’s romance-novel cheesiness!!
(Fairly typical secular “clean” traditional regency, this book was on the cleaner end of the spectrum. I did not make any notation of God’s name being taken in vain or any expletives, although I was completely immersed in reading so perhaps I missed something. The only objectionable thing I made note of was one brief/vague reference to a mistress and only because )
January 22, 2019
Loved it, as I love all Mira Stables Regency romances!
Such likeable characters, authentic settings, frustrating misunderstandings, a little danger - yet another winner in the opinion of this die-hard Regency romance tragic! Refreshingly different, plot wise, and I really wondered, at times, how the tangle of misunderstandings would eventually resolve. Over all, a thoroughly satisfying and enjoyable, easy read.
Such likeable characters, authentic settings, frustrating misunderstandings, a little danger - yet another winner in the opinion of this die-hard Regency romance tragic! Refreshingly different, plot wise, and I really wondered, at times, how the tangle of misunderstandings would eventually resolve. Over all, a thoroughly satisfying and enjoyable, easy read.
February 22, 2024
Her books are truly a breath of fresh air! They exude wholesomeness, and I can't help but fall in love with the subtle charm of the hero as he courts Rainey, cleverly weaving his affections under the guise of spending time with his nieces and nephews – a strategic move that adds depth to the romance. What captivates me most is not just the love story, but the beautifully depicted relationships: Rainey's bond with the siblings and the endearing interactions with the children. It's a perfectly crafted narrative that delights from start to finish. Overall, an immensely satisfying and enjoyable read
February 4, 2026
An enjoyable read!
An engrossing and winsome story. Well written and well paced for a novella. All the characters are fully developed and engaging, and the children are a pure delight.
Ross and Graine (or Rainey) are a charming couple. They are both intelligent and kind and their romance develops satisfyingly over time. The children, particularly Dominic and Benedict are droll and entertaining, Bea is sweet-natured and Adam and Bridget are adorable.
I usually enjoy a little steam, nothing too graphic; however, despite this story being clean, with a few chaste kisses and one passionate kiss, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and felt comfortable with Mira Staples’ writing style.
An engrossing and winsome story. Well written and well paced for a novella. All the characters are fully developed and engaging, and the children are a pure delight.
Ross and Graine (or Rainey) are a charming couple. They are both intelligent and kind and their romance develops satisfyingly over time. The children, particularly Dominic and Benedict are droll and entertaining, Bea is sweet-natured and Adam and Bridget are adorable.
I usually enjoy a little steam, nothing too graphic; however, despite this story being clean, with a few chaste kisses and one passionate kiss, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and felt comfortable with Mira Staples’ writing style.
June 18, 2023
Engaging Story
Well Written story, and a sweet engaging plot. All characters were endearing, with Benedict's little pranks not even nasty. The Earl 'Uncle Ross' as well as Graine were pleasant and it appeared to be foiled repeatedly by misunderstandings. Eventually all was sorted and hopefully ' a Happy Ever After ' achieved.
Well Written story, and a sweet engaging plot. All characters were endearing, with Benedict's little pranks not even nasty. The Earl 'Uncle Ross' as well as Graine were pleasant and it appeared to be foiled repeatedly by misunderstandings. Eventually all was sorted and hopefully ' a Happy Ever After ' achieved.
February 19, 2019
Good story and characters, more like 3and half stars
Mainly takes place in the country, male lead has his nephew and nieces along with their governess while parents away.
Mainly takes place in the country, male lead has his nephew and nieces along with their governess while parents away.
September 15, 2019
3.5 stars
May 12, 2020
Uninteresting and Dull
Compared to some other books by the same author, this one was insipid and stale. Superficial plot and characters. Avoid.
Compared to some other books by the same author, this one was insipid and stale. Superficial plot and characters. Avoid.
November 29, 2023
3.5 stars
I liked the happy feeling throughout the book. There was a little adventure, but mostly i liked how everyone loved and cared for one another.
I liked the happy feeling throughout the book. There was a little adventure, but mostly i liked how everyone loved and cared for one another.
August 5, 2019
Delightful!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the characters. And her writing style reminds me of Georgette Heyer. I will continue to read all of her books. I highly recommend them to anyone who enjoys regency historical fiction.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the characters. And her writing style reminds me of Georgette Heyer. I will continue to read all of her books. I highly recommend them to anyone who enjoys regency historical fiction.
June 12, 2023
Mira Stables is one of my go-to authors. I can usually depend on finding a great read, although the plots and characters and styles vary wildly from book to book. Some work in spite of quirks, but this one has no quirks at all - it’s a straight down the line traditional Regency that sticks closely to the tropes and manages to have a certain amount of drama without a villain and without the usual kidnapping at the end, so thank heavens for that.
Here’s the premise: Graine Ashley comes from a good family but there’s no money to support an unmarried sister of twenty-seven. She’s obliged to become a governess, but she’s too good looking to escape becoming prey to the master of the house, the younger generation or the male guests at house parties. So for her latest position, she’s adopted a disguise to protect herself, using greasepaint, fake shoulder humps, a limp and a mouse-like demeanour. The resident male is the Earl of Valminster, and thankfully he’s very proper and treats her with suitable disinterest.
The plot runs on predictable rails, so inevitably there’s a troublesome boy who likes to play pranks on the new governess, which (since she’s the heroine) she deflects with aplomb, thereby winning the respect of the children. But inevitably the disguise is uncovered and the real Graine is forced to step forward. The earl wants to know the reason for the subterfuge, and when she explains, he assures her that she will never be importuned while under his roof. And then he promptly falls in love with her but can’t speak out because of that promise. How very Regency.
And basically, that is the whole plot. She is the perfect governess, he is the perfect nobleman, and anyone looking for the now customary deeply flawed main characters, with daddy issues or a Deep Dark Secret - well, you’ll be disappointed. The servants are the usual benign old retainers, the relations are friendly and even the troublesome children turn into little near-paragons of juvenile virtue by the halfway point. There is some drama, but it’s all designed to show the hero and heroine in an appropriately heroic light. The romance inches steadily towards its inevitable conclusion, and in the end, only that promise and a stupid misunderstanding (yes, that old chestnut) keep them apart for long.
This makes it sound very dull, but actually I found it a relief from the overwrought and highly improbable antics of most Regencies. Two sensible and likeable leads with a very believable romance made for a very pleasant read, and all beautifully written with not an anachronism in sight. Five stars.
Here’s the premise: Graine Ashley comes from a good family but there’s no money to support an unmarried sister of twenty-seven. She’s obliged to become a governess, but she’s too good looking to escape becoming prey to the master of the house, the younger generation or the male guests at house parties. So for her latest position, she’s adopted a disguise to protect herself, using greasepaint, fake shoulder humps, a limp and a mouse-like demeanour. The resident male is the Earl of Valminster, and thankfully he’s very proper and treats her with suitable disinterest.
The plot runs on predictable rails, so inevitably there’s a troublesome boy who likes to play pranks on the new governess, which (since she’s the heroine) she deflects with aplomb, thereby winning the respect of the children. But inevitably the disguise is uncovered and the real Graine is forced to step forward. The earl wants to know the reason for the subterfuge, and when she explains, he assures her that she will never be importuned while under his roof. And then he promptly falls in love with her but can’t speak out because of that promise. How very Regency.
And basically, that is the whole plot. She is the perfect governess, he is the perfect nobleman, and anyone looking for the now customary deeply flawed main characters, with daddy issues or a Deep Dark Secret - well, you’ll be disappointed. The servants are the usual benign old retainers, the relations are friendly and even the troublesome children turn into little near-paragons of juvenile virtue by the halfway point. There is some drama, but it’s all designed to show the hero and heroine in an appropriately heroic light. The romance inches steadily towards its inevitable conclusion, and in the end, only that promise and a stupid misunderstanding (yes, that old chestnut) keep them apart for long.
This makes it sound very dull, but actually I found it a relief from the overwrought and highly improbable antics of most Regencies. Two sensible and likeable leads with a very believable romance made for a very pleasant read, and all beautifully written with not an anachronism in sight. Five stars.
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