This was so sweet, charming, and magical! If you enjoy India Holton’s works I think you’ll really enjoy this story. It has the same cheek and wit, but with a magical nanny! The FMC very much reminded me of a hybrid between Mary Poppins and Maria from the Sound of Music. She was incredibly smart, resourceful, and enchanting. I really loved the representation in this story. The MMC is neurodivergent. Reading from his point of view was so refreshing and essential to his character. The author did a wonderful job representing him. There’s also a very minor character, who I think will have a bigger role in a future installment, with a stutter. I really appreciated the inclusion of these characters. The children in this story are very heartwarming. You can see their growth by the end of the story. They are little pranksters and sometimes a handful. What I loved about Emmeline was that she let them have their fun and let them have a little… controlled mischief. Both her and the Duke handle the children so well and are very much the opposite of stuffy adults. I loved Horatio. I mean who wouldn’t love a talking raven as a pet? The light magic in this is quite charming. Magical pockets, parasols, and fae dust are sprinkled all throughout the novel. I enjoyed how it was used and the meaning behind it. There are hints of fae magic in this story that reminded me of Olivia Atwater’s regency fairy tales. I hope that there will be a sequel where this is expanded upon much more. I loved this book so much. It was so sweet and one of my favorites of the year. I am so eager to return to this world. I can only hope that the author feels the same way.

Set in London in 1851. Mrs Emmeline Chase has graduated from Parasol Academy for Exceptional Nannies and Governesses. Emmeline is a widow, and her father is in Newgate prison because of unpaid debts. Emmeline needs to find a position so she can provide support for her father.

This was a magical story that reminded me of Mary Poppins. A nice romance full of magic. Fast paced. Lots of fun as Emmiline looks after three children and protects a Duke from evil people. I loved the Duke’s raven.

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishers for a chance to read and review this E-Book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Cozy, whimsical pure magic!

If you love the practically perfect in every way vibes of mary poppins smashed together with a stern brunch daddy duke (think Anthony Bridgerton) you will LOVE this book.

Adorable kids round out a VERY adorable read.

First thank you for the ARC copy.
I was unsure at first magic in stories isn’t something I would normally read. This however won me over. I could do with those magical pockets! It was an enjoyable cozy Sunday read for me.

This is a funny and sweet book that follows Emmeline Chase, a new graduate from the prestigious Academy. Although she is a fantastic nanny, she can't help her mishaps - like accidentally teleporting onto a rooftop when trying to get to an interview. Despite her social and magical quirks, Emmeline manages to find her perfect position taking care of the three new wards of a Duke who struggles with the confusing expectations of society just as much as she does. What comes is a humorous mix of mischief, found family, and mysterious hijinks.
This was such a fun, sweet read! I always love neurodivergent characters and watching them fall in love. Most fans of India Holton will really love this book, I think. The nanny/fae magic system was so unique and fun, and I loved the Academy itself. My only critique was that I wanted more plot from the book, and I wished that the characters internal monologues were a little less physical feature focused when they are initially getting to know each other.
The Nanny's Handbook to Magic and Managing Difficult Dukes is a fun, lighthearted read that will make you laugh and leave you feeling light.
My thanks to Penguin, Amy Rose Bennett, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this early!

This book is exactly as advertised! A little Mary Poppins x Bridgerton book that for sure lets the whimsy (talking raven, teleportation) overshadow some of the historical accuracy. This book was a lovely little nonsense book that let my brain slide into full summer vacation mode. The presence of an actual plot took me by surprise (in a good way!) and I loved learning about each of the characters. I would have loved to see a bit more found family trope, especially towards the end, but still an enjoyable read. Shoutout to NetGalley for this ARC.

Light as a feather! Frothy and amusing - and a little bit silly – and so entertaining 😄 Chanelling 'Mary Poppins', Emmeline is a newly graduated nanny from the Parasol Academy. She has some magic, all carefully prescribed by the Nanny's Handbook. Emmeline is a little bit accident prone, but enormously good hearted and she's super keen to do a good job as a nanny so she can support her family. Her father is in Newgate Prison and she's estranged from her brother, but it's all lighthearted as Emmeline sails from one dilemma to the next, always interpreting the Nanny's Handbook to her own advantage.

Enter Xavier, the Duke of St. Lawrence. Xavier is a hyper-focused on his clocks, and his neurodivergence is little understood in Victorian London. The Duke has recently taken responsibility for three orphaned children - (would you believe) nicknamed Harry, Barry and Gary 🤭 and so needs a nanny. The children are fabulous - especially Harry, as is Horatio, Xavier's crow, who is key to solving the meddling mystery.

The romance is very sweet, and I loved how Emmeline was the teacher in all things love. Their romance is offset by a nefarious plot to meddle with the Duke's clock-making project. The villains are villainous, the children are cute and precocious, the hard-ups are struggling, and it’s very tidy. Xavier does a spot of pining for Emmeline, but he is very busy with his clocks.

Quibbles are that there could be a bit more shade, especially around Emmeline's family, and strange events at the Duke’s house seem to be more annoying than terrifying. We don’t see much of a range of emotions, especially for Emmeline who is pragmatic at all times, even in the steamy moments she shares with the Duke. Events happen in two weekly intervals, which leaves time for reflection but stretches everything over months, not weeks.

Everything is neatly resolved, and there’s a lovely HEA for Emmeline and Xavier, and his wards. I love the clocks, and all things horological, and the period detail of early Victorian London life is vivid and clever. The bustle of the Great Exhibition was so much fun!

Thank you Amy Rose Bennett, Simon & Schuster Australia and Kensington Publishing for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

From skeptically flipping the first page to eagerly devouring every word, my journey with The Nanny’s Handbook to Magic & Managing Difficult Dukes by Amy Rose Bennett was nothing short of magical. As someone who doesn’t usually gravitate toward cozy fantasy magical historical romances, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Yet, with each chapter, I found myself enchanted, swept into a vibrant world brimming with charm, wit, and just the right dash of the supernatural.

Imagine Mary Poppins crash-landing into Bridgerton’s ballroom—armed with a parasol, a sprinkle of cozy fantasy, and just enough Victorian charm to scandalize the ton. Welcome to the rollicking tale of Emmeline Chase, a 25-year-old widow, recent graduate of the Parasol Academy for Exceptional Nannies and Governesses, and proud owner of supernatural abilities that are utterly useless when it comes to avoiding swooning over her employer.

Emmeline’s résumé includes: accidental rooftop teleportations (dukes rooftops, no less), high-spirited antics frowned upon by the Academy, and an unwavering determination to support her bankrupt, incarcerated father. Her latest job? Nannying for Xavier Mason, Duke of St. Lawrence—a man whose charm is as precise as his clocks and whose three wards are pint-sized agents of chaos with a penchant for frogs, firecrackers, and general mischief.

Xavier, meanwhile, is a dashing horologist with a talking raven, a mild obsession with timepieces, and exactly zero skills in child-wrangling. He needs peace and quiet to design London’s “King of Clocks” for Westminster Palace. Emmeline brings anything but. Sparks fly—both literal and metaphorical—as their professional boundaries blur faster than a misfired teleportation spell.

Add in a possible saboteur, a forbidden attraction sizzling like a tea kettle left on too long, and just a dash of magic, and you’ve got a story where time isn’t the only thing ticking.

In the end, The Nanny’s Handbook to Magic & Managing Difficult Dukes isn’t just a book—it’s a whimsical escape, a heartwarming adventure stitched together with humor, romance, and enchantment. Amy Rose Bennett’s fun, captivating writing style breathes life into characters that you can’t help but fall in love with: the outspoken Emmeline, the broodingly awkward Duke Xavier, and the delightfully mischievous children. Their witty banter had me laughing out loud, while the slow-burn romance kept me eagerly turning pages. If you’re looking for a story that sprinkles a little magic into the everyday, give this story a try.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for providing an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

Rating : 5 ⭐️
Spice : 1-2 🌶️🌶️

I adored this book, I had been apprehensive at first, a British reader reading a book set in Victorian Britain, by a non-British author can go badly sometimes but this was perfect. Yes, it does play into some stereotypes with language like “toodle-oo” and “pip-pip” but it worked with the humorous nature of the book and made it charming - it reminded me of Dick Van Dyke in Mary Poppins. (This happens to be one of my favourite films so clearly a win for me)

I fell in love with the characters, Emmeline and Xavier, and enjoyed their chemistry. The slow burn and yearning between the two convinced me and when they finally caved into their desires I was cheering them on.

I adored the children, and nicknaming them Harry, Barry and Gary with never not make me laugh. I especially loved that the “difficult” children portrayed at the start were never really difficult, they were misunderstood and once given the space and love they deserved, were adorable (albeit, chaotic!) kids. Also, there is a talking Raven called Horatio - this ought to win any reader over!

The depiction of neurodivergence was interesting. Seeing the Duke, a man of significant power/status and wealth being ostracised and ill-treated because he is in a society so unaccepting of anything “different” was unique for a historical romance. You felt for him when he would be belittled and name called by his peers and rejoiced that him, and Emmeline, were able to provide and safe and loving space for his wards (especially young Harriet) to be unapologetically themselves.

The romance is underpinned by an additional storyline of mystery and intrigue which rounded out the story for me making it a fun but occasionally tense affair.

I absolutely recommend this book as a generally fun and humorous read. I read it in just 2 days! I will absolutely be keeping an eye out for book 2 in the coming year.

I received an ARC copy of this via NetGalley, thank you to the publishers and author for the opportunity to read it early.

Sadly this really didn’t live up to expectations. The world building (how the magic worked etc) was just very laboured and clunky. The dialogue also often felt very jarring and simplistic. Things often got repeated, as there was large chunks of internal monologues in the middle of conversations I often found myself completely lost when the actual conversation they were meant to be having continued. The romance was complete insta love, at first sight practically. This didn’t entirely fit with how the main male character was developed to be neurodivergent, he just found this random woman to be different and easy to be around with no build up to that. The “mystery” was very obvious from the start and the three cute children were only really there for plot reasons and not as their own characters.

I was hoping for something more like India Holton’s writing, whimsy and tongue in cheek but not taking things too seriously. Unfortunately this feels like a historical that has had magical elements forced into and it just made all the characters feel very superficial.

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

The Nanny's Handbook to Magic and Managing Difficult Dukes is exactly what it says on the tin. A Mary Poppins meets Bridgerton experience that leans more into the fantastical than the historical. Our Nanny, Emmeline Chase, is newly qualified from the Nanny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and desperate for a job to save her family from financial ruin. Our Duke is at his wits end looking after his wards, having gone through a few Nannys already. He needs someone dependable and capable to look after his family while he looks after his design for the upcoming clock competition.

This one is cute. It's absolute nonsense. But it's cute. The humour in this is spot on and the relationship between our two leads builds in a lovely slow burn romance. While I wasn't expecting the mystery and clock sabotage, I loved it - even though the culprit was quite obvious. My only small gripe is that the found family trope wasn't leant into quite enough. It would have been nice to learn more about the Duke and his wards and their circumastances.

Definitely a read for Bridgeton fans who want a bit of whimsy and magic in their regency romances!

Mary Poppins meets Bridgerton is the perfect way to describe this utterly charming read. From the very first chapter, I was enchanted by Emmeline Chase — a clever, headstrong graduate of the Parasol Academy who finds herself nannying for a broody, brilliant inventor duke (yes, you read that right) while managing three wildly chaotic wards and just a hint of magical mayhem.

The chemistry between Emmeline and Xavier is electric in the most slow-burn, proper-Victorian sort of way. I loved their dynamic — the way their affection simmered beneath witty banter, social rules, and mutual restraint. Emmeline’s voice sparkled with humor and warmth, and Xavier’s awkward genius felt fresh and endearing. I appreciated that both characters were dealing with personal stakes beyond the romance, which made their connection all the more satisfying.

There’s also a gentle undercurrent of mystery (and a little sabotage!) that adds just enough tension to keep the pace moving. The magical elements — teleportation mishaps, talking ravens, and enchanted timepieces — felt cozy and whimsical, never overwhelming the heart of the story, which is all about trust, found family, and healing from past wounds.

My only (very small) critique is that I wanted even more. Some plot points could’ve used a touch more development or emotional payoff, especially toward the end. That said, I finished the book with a huge smile and the overwhelming desire to return to this magical Victorian world.

If you’re a fan of Olivia Atwater’s Half a Soul or Freya Marske’s A Marvellous Light, this book will absolutely delight you.

Highly recommended for fans of cozy historical fantasy, found family chaos, gentle romance, and heroines who can handle children and demons with equal flair.

Synopsis: Miss Ememeline Chase, widow and recent graduate of the magical Parasol Academy for Exceptional Nannies and Governesses, must secure a position to retain her accreditation and to release her father from debtors prison. When a teleyportation spell goes awry and Emmeline finds herself on the Duke of St Lawrence's roof, she steps into a home in need of a loving Nanny. For the Duke, Xavier Mason, Emmeline is a lifeline in his chaotic home, with three young orphans to care for and a mysterious sabateour intent on disrupting Xavier's designs for the new Westminster Palace clock. As Emmeline and Xavier investigate the threat, they find something dangerous growing between them, too.

Review: What a whimsical fun book! The whole concept of a Mary Poppins academy was such a great idea, and I loved the magical elements woven through the book. The horological side was interesting, too. I adored the chapter briefs like what India Holton does, and hope it starts becoming more common. While there was yearning, the instalove was abrupt and overwhelmed the story.

With thanks to NetGalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was an enjoyable and fun read, however I found it a little too cutesy at times with the magical elements. I also found their to be lack of development in all of the side characters to the point they were all interchangeable, with the exception of the oldest child, Harry.

This was a funny, whimsical Regency era romance with just a little bit of magic in it! I do think that the antics of the characters and the plot itself were more focused on than character development in some places which made it difficult to really empathize with the characters at points. I did really enjoy the humor and world of this story though!

📚 Book Review: The Nanny’s Handbook to Magic and Managing Difficult Dukes by Amy Rose Bennett

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | NetGalley ARC | Historical Fantasy Romance

A magical nanny, a tea-hating duke, and children named Harry, Barry and Gary? Count me in.

I’ve read and enjoyed Amy Rose Bennett’s historical romances before, but this one takes a delightful detour into romantic fantasy territory—with a generous sprinkle of humour and a touch of Dangerous Damsels à la India Holton. If you’re a fan of tongue-in-cheek narratives, magical mayhem, and strong heroines with slightly chaotic tendencies, you’re in for a good time.

👒 Enter Emmeline Chase:

A graduate of the Parasol Academy for Exceptional Nannies and Governesses (yes, it’s as fabulous as it sounds), Emmeline isn’t exactly the Academy’s most conventional alum. With her teleportation mishaps, street smarts, and a flair for colourful language, she’s not your average prim-and-proper childminder. But what she lacks in polish, she makes up for in heart, loyalty, and just the right amount of magical (and martial arts) intervention.

🕰️ Enter the Duke of St Lawrence:

Xavier, our tea-averse horologist (yes, I was suspicious of him too—what duke doesn’t like tea?), is tasked with looking after his three unruly young wards while juggling a top-secret assignment. Emmeline’s sudden arrival throws a spanner in his precisely timed works, but despite the chaos she brings, he finds himself drawn to her—possibly against his better judgement.

🥄 Vibes & Voice:

The tone is rollicking and fun, complete with cheeky chapter headings and a narrative voice that occasionally leans into parody. Think Monty Python meets Mary Poppins—if Mary Poppins had teleportation issues, and bloody good right hook. It’s a departure from Bennett’s usual style, and while I didn’t dislike it, it occasionally tipped a little too far into farce for my taste. Still, it was entertaining throughout.

💘 The Romance:

Slow-burn, with a hefty dose of mutual bafflement and unresolved tension. The attraction between Xavier and Emmeline doesn’t properly simmer until about halfway through, and while the romance isn’t the main focus for the first half, it pays off eventually. I also appreciated the sensitive portrayal of Xavier’s neurodivergence and Emmeline’s unshakable loyalty, especially to the children and her family.

👶 Speaking of the Kids:

Absolute standouts. Harriet, Bartholomew (Barry), and Gareth (Gary) are chaotic, clever, and endearing—Harriet in particular, who is also neurodivergent, is handled with care and nuance. The found-family vibe really shines here, and honestly, I’d read a sequel about other magical nanny misadventures.

🕵️‍♀️ Bonus Mystery Plot:

There’s a sabotage subplot, magical intrigue, and important clocks at stake, but it all meshes pretty well with the domestic mayhem. Plot-wise, there’s a lot going on, which does pull some attention away from the romance, but adds a layer of fun and pace to the story.

Final Thoughts:

Charming, chaotic, and cheerfully magical. A touch Monty Python, a touch Enola Holmes, and entirely entertaining. I’d happily read more in this style from Amy Rose Bennett.

This one just didn't get me hooked for some reason. It could have been the writing style or something else, but I just couldn't get through it.

This was a sweet book, filled with silliness and joy and growth. I really enjoyed the Mary Poppins / magical side of it, and I hope there are more books about the Parasol Nannies! I really enjoyed Horatio!! I was a little frustrated with the Freddy situation but otherwise, a good read!

"The Nanny's Handbook to Magic and Managing Difficult Dukes" is a delightful and frequently hilarious read, earning a solid 4 stars. If you're in the mood for a charming fantasy romp with a good dose of laughs and a touch of romance, this book delivers a wonderfully whimsical escape.

What really makes "The Nanny's Handbook" shine is its effervescent humor and the sheer charm of its premise. Taking a no-nonsense nanny and throwing her into a magical world with a ridiculously handsome (and equally stubborn) duke and his chaotic, magic-prone children is a recipe for delightful disaster. The author excels at crafting genuinely funny moments that had me chuckling out loud.

I particularly loved the scenes involving the children's unpredictable magical outbursts – one instance where a tea set spontaneously starts tap-dancing during a formal dinner, leaving the duke utterly flummoxed, was just brilliant. The nanny's deadpan reactions to the escalating magical mayhem, often contrasting sharply with the duke's exasperation, provide much of the book's comedic gold. Her attempts to apply mundane childcare strategies to fantastical problems, like trying to implement a "time-out" for a sentient, mischievous spell, were always a highlight.

Beyond the laughs, the characters are truly endearing. The nanny herself is a wonderfully grounded protagonist, intelligent and capable, with a dry wit that serves her well. The duke, despite his initial "difficult" nature, proves to be a surprisingly charming and beleaguered father. Their evolving relationship, built on mutual exasperation and growing respect, is sweet and well-paced. The magical system is whimsical and cleverly integrated, adding to the fun without bogging down the story.

"The Nanny's Handbook to Magic and Managing Difficult Dukes" is a fantastic pick-me-up. It's a charming, feel-good fantasy that doesn't take itself too seriously, prioritizing laughs and character chemistry. If you're looking for a book to brighten your day with witty banter, adorable children, a grumpy-but-lovable duke, and plenty of funny, chaotic magical moments, this one is definitely worth adding to your reading list.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington books for introducing me to a new author, one who had me laughing and enjoying this light-hearted book.

What a delightfully chaotic and charming read! This book has all the right ingredients: clever banter, magical mischief, and characters you can't help but root for—even when they’re being absolutely ridiculous (in the best way). Emmeline is the kind of heroine who keeps you grinning with her wit and determination, and the dynamic between her and Xavier is equal parts tension and tenderness. There’s a sense of whimsy threaded through the story that never feels forced, and just when you think you know where things are going, the plot throws in a surprise or two. The setting is enchanting, the romance is swoon-worthy, and there’s just enough magical intrigue to keep the pages turning. Perfect for when you want something fun, heartwarming, and a little bit magical.