This was fun! It's exactly what it claims to be: a historical romance with a dash of magical realism.

A lot of liberties might have been taken with regard to staying true to the time period and you - as a reader - probably shouldn't think too hard about how it all works, but this was a really cozy read and I liked both main characters a lot. I felt like Xavier's backstory in particular was believable and would have contributed to the kind of man he became.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.

Emmeline Chase is armed with an array of small magics and makes excellent use of them. Cleaning, teleporting, bandages on demand. She's also highly proficient in self defense. She comes off as an underpowered-creative creative protagonist and overpowered at the same time.

Lord Clockmaker is a 30-year-old autistic virgin and that tells you pretty much his entire personality. He wants the best for his wards but it takes most of the book before he seems to actually care about them in a parental fashion. He and Emmeline are instantly attracted to each other but resist for a while.

The two boys are interchangeable but the oldest, Harriet, gets a good amount of character development. There's a healthy supporting cast of servants, family, and a rival clockmaker to round out the possible suspects.

Fans of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches would probably enjoy this book.

This was such a fun and cute book! It’s like Mary Poppins but make it the regency and romance of Bridgerton with a dash of mystery solving.

Typically I’m not into cute cozy books but I am so glad I read this. The pacing of the book was great, and I felt there was enough character backstory to get to know our FMC and MMC to enjoy the story.

We don’t get told too much about the magic system and I would have loved to know more aid the backstory about that but it isn’t the focus of the book… If you love your fantasy books this aspect might be something that will leave you a bit dissatisfied.

If you need an easy and enjoyable book to read that leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy I definitely recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

In the author's comments at the end of The Nanny's Handbook to Magic and Managing Difficult Dukes, Amy Rose Bennett describes the book as "a historical (Victorian) romance, with light fantasy and comedic touches." For me, however, the romance is not the most interesting part of the book. Newly minted Parasol Academy Nanny Emmeline Chase and Xavier, the Duke of St. Lawrence, exchange some charming, witty banter and develop a flirtation that, while it has its roadblocks to overcome, seems to develop quickly, if only in their minds. I was more interested in Emmeline's magical skills (think: Mary Poppins, plus a bit of Hogwarts), such as teleportation, spells, and self-defense) and the burgeoning relationship between the adult pair and the Duke's three orphaned young wards. It is also entertaining to see how Emmeline walks the thin line between following all of the Academy's rules she has sworn to follow and breaking some of them to protect her charges while risking discovery by others. I found the Duke to be the weaker of the two protagonists. He spends a lot of his time working on a horology (time measurement) product resulting in an important contest, while daydreaming about Emmeline and feeling unworthy.

There are some action scenes, but mainly this is a frothy, fun fairy tale that has its moments and makes for a pleasant diversion for those who are looking for some escape from real life.

My thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.

2.5 stars

First off, the cover is gorgeous. I love when a drawn cover has some character to it and doesn’t just look like a canva cookie cutter cover!

The story itself is largely HR with a touch of fantasy thrown in. I have to say I don’t usually read any fantasy within the genre and I’m always worried things will go over the top - but in this case I almost wish it HAD gone over the top! The magic was so gentle as to almost not exist and given the setup I really wished it had more of a definitive role in the book besides just cleaning or hiding.

I also had a very hard time with the leads - FMC spends so much of her time repeating rules to herself but then pretty much breaks them incessantly and seemingly without consequence. Her backstory could have been so interesting but it felt very superficial so her father and brother and the family’s plight didn’t really feel super horrible or jarring at all. I liked her banter with the MMC, would have liked more time spent with the kids so I could see her actually being a good nanny - they got calm and obedient way to easily and we got a lot of tell don’t show about how they got to be friends with the MCs and didn’t fully buy where they ended in the epilogue.

MMC similarly had such a cool set up with his obvious neurodivergence, fear of ongoing conspiracies and being labeled mad, his passion for clocks - but once he met FMC I feel like all he did was obsess over her and sort of lose his self as a person beyond his attraction and feelings for her. I would have loved to see him face his professional and social society more, up the ante, have his enemies breathe down his neck so the climax feels earned?

Overall the writing is nice and I think it’s a good set up - I enjoyed the MCs friends who were introduced here and possibly the idea of there being and underlying magic battle against good and evil that could play a role in future books. I just hope the rest are more fleshed out and less one dimensional. I do plan on following up with sequels to see if I like them better!

This book is a spoonful of sugar to help the modern world go down!!

Filled with magic and shenanigans and all of the Mary Poppins vibes, the love between Emmeline and Xavier was a very sweet romance. Xavier’s neurodiversity was treated so well by the author, and it was a joy to see kids in the past still being written as kids. Though the climax (pun slightly intended) was rushed, and I couldn’t wondering if the Parasol Academy was an intended reference to the Umbrella Academy, this book was pure romance magic.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book was a very cute read with magic, romance and a touch of humour.

The writing style and historical setting reminded me a lot of India Holton’s books and I think fans of her Ornithologists field guide to love series will absolutely adore this book.

Emmaline had me charmed from the moment she accidentally tel-ley-ports to land on the dukes roof rather than at her interview, I also loved harry, Barry and Gary and Horatio. I liked that graduates from parasol academy can access fae magic. I loved the HEA but am hoping that Amy Rose Bennett isn’t done with this world, I’d love to see another adventure with Emmaline or even another parasol academy graduate.

This book was whimsical and wonderful and is tailor made for fans of Heather Fawcett, India Holton and Olivia Atwater.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC.

The Nanny’s Handbook to Magic and Managing Difficult Dukes is a cozy, romantic fantasy that mixes Regency charm with magical mischief in all the right ways.

The heroine, a magical nanny with a sharp mind and a warm heart, is exactly the kind of character I love rooting for. When she arrives to care for the ward of a famously difficult (and, of course, irresistibly handsome) duke, she brings more than just discipline and tea—she brings real transformation to a cold household in need of love.

The magical elements are subtle but charming, woven seamlessly into the historical setting. The romance is classic grumpy/sunshine with a slow burn that feels richly earned. I especially enjoyed the domestic magic—the comforting, everyday enchantments that made the manor come to life.

While the story hits familiar beats, it’s written with such affection and charm that it doesn’t feel stale. A few plot threads could’ve used a bit more development, but the heart of the story—love, healing, and a bit of magic—shines through.

Perfect for readers who love their romance with a touch of whimsy and a stubborn, brooding hero to melt.

The Nanny’s Handbook to Magic & Managing Difficult Dukes by Amy Rose Bennett is an absolute delight! This book is full of charm, slow burn romance, and some supernatural. Emmeline’s magical nanny training gives the story a whimsical edge, but my favorite parts were her witty banter and undeniable chemistry with the broody, and socially awkward Duke Xavier. The romance is sweet and simmering with a forbidden love aspect. I loved the subtle magical elements! Such great cozy fantasy with just enough heat and drama to make this book the perfect escape.

A delightful, fun, magical and witty romance. Emmeline and Xavier are two people that are just right for each other.

What an enjoyable light hearted read that I really was engaged in right from the beginning of the book. All characters were very engaging and I am looking forward to reading more from this author.

This was such a darling read. I was immediately sold by the Mary Poppins meets Bridgerton storyline of a magically nanny.

I thought the first half of this book was really strong in setting up the characters, mystery, and romance. The second half, however, fell a little flat. I felt that in the later part of the book, there were storylines prioritized I didn’t care about and ones I wish had been expanded on. I like learning more about Emmeline’s dad but I didn’t care for her brothers part in the story. I wish the friends had been a bigger part, and I don’t know if the magic was strong enough for it to be a part of the story.

While the first half had tension, humor, and topics that peeked my interest, the second half lost me.

I did love reading about a neurodivergent character! I thought Xavier was so well thought out!

Overall, a fun read!! But I hope to see more from the future books if this becomes a series!

I absolutely loved this book! It's a completely fun and adorable, and yet still so heartfelt, historical romance with a slightly magical twist - the magic is more a tool in the female lead's arsenal of nannying tricks than a full part of the plot, but it really works to add a madcap element to the story. The romance is believable and full of chemistry, the kids are perfectly written (governess romances are made or ruined by how irritating the kids are!), and I adored the sensitive depiction of the autistic male lead - the narration really never others him or makes him seem strange. In fact, I'd go so far as to say this book is practically perfect in every way!

I can't resist a romance with magical elements and this one was fun! It definitely has strong Mary Poppins vibes but Emmaline struggles a bit more with the neat and proper nanny image. This book is an unusual example where the hero was my favorite character. Xavier is a complete cinnamon roll but as he is on the autism spectrum it's not immediately obvious to Emmaline. I thought the autism representation here was well done, though it was obviously an example of someone with autism who was very intelligent and high functioning.

I wished we had gotten to know the kids a bit better. It was clear Emmaline liked kids but I would have loved to see her bond more with these specific kids. A nanny romance inevitably has more relationships that need to be developed and I think that was a bit tricky here as the magical world building had to fit into this book as well. While the magic was fun I think it made things a bit too easy at times. I almost think having nannies who didn't have magic but were highly trained in childcare and personal protection might have been more interesting.

I think if you love Mary Poppins and the idea of a nanny with magic appeals to you this story is for you! I also recommend it if you like autism representation in a historical context.

Thanks to Kensington for providing me with an ARC. All opinions are my own.

I do enjoy a bit of magic or paranormal added to a conventional setting (see Patricia Rice, Emily Larkin and Olivia Atwater) and found this was nicely done with the Parasol Academy in the background as the training ground for nannies and governesses with magical powers. That widow Emmaline Chase is not the academy's best graduate and tends towards errors in applying her magic endeared her to me. There's a good balance with the children's roles, not too cute or stealing the show. A touch of mystery is added with the odd happenings surrounding the duke, who is not really difficult, but rather overwhelmed.
Overall, I liked this and was entertained.

"The Nanny's Handbook to Magic and Managing Difficult Dukes" is something of a new genre for Amy Rose Bennett - while she has written multiple historical romances, this is her first foray into inclusion of magic/paranormal elements. And it is a cute and entertaining genre debut. FMC Nanny Emmeline Chase is determined and inventive, and MMC Duke Xavier is intelligent and caring even as he navigates a world unused to his neurodivergence. This book is not for those looking for allegiance to the 'historical' in historical romance. The language and references feel distinctly modern but given the nanny is also magical, those things are not hard to forgive, There is a touch of steam and a mystery that is not super mysterious, and overall, this book is fun escapism.

3.5 stars rounded to 4. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book. These opinions are my own.

I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Fun and interesting concept, a nice beach read!

3.5 stars, I think.
The Nanny’s Handbook to Magic and Managing Difficult Dukes is a historical romance with light fantasy and comedic touches, a sort of Mary Poppins meets Bridgerton vibe, which immediately drew me in. The premise of a magical nanny taming unruly children while falling in love with their guardian was so intriguing, and the beginning hooked me right away!

Widowed and daring Emmeline Chase accidentally lands on the rooftop of Xavier Mason, the eccentric Duke of St. Lawrence, and finds herself hired as a nanny for his mischievous wards. As Xavier tries to focus on designing London’s grandest clock, sabotage threatens his work, and sparks fly between him and Emmeline. It might take a touch of magic to save both his plans and their hearts.

I absolutely loved the scenes with the children and Emmeline! Their interactions were a highlight and added so much warmth and charm to the story. The magic system was also fascinating and explained thoroughly without ever feeling info-dumpy. Amy Rose Bennett does an excellent job weaving world-building details seamlessly into the plot.

However, despite these strengths, the book fell a bit short for me in a few areas. The middle of the story dragged quite a lot, only picking up again past the halfway mark. There are some oddly placed timeskips where significant developments (like Emmeline bonding with the children or her relationship with Xavier) are mostly summarized instead of shown. Because of that, I struggled to fully believe the romance.

The magic, while interesting, was also a bit confusing at times. There were some inconsistencies that left me with questions. And the mystery aspect about who was sabotaging the duke felt oddly sidelined despite being mentioned frequently.

But there’s also some lovely writing here (especially in the second half once the plot picks up, I really enjoyed that part!) even if it can occasionally feel a bit long-winded. And I especially appreciated the inclusion of autism representation (the duke has autism!). It was a wonderful and important aspect of the book, maybe even my favorite aspect.

Overall, while The Nanny’s Handbook to Magic and Managing Difficult Dukes didn’t turn out to be for me, I’m still glad I read it, and I’d recommend it to readers looking for a cozy historical romance with a sprinkle of magic! I can totally see this being some people's favorite!

A magical nanny, a starchy Duke, a talking raven, and three precocious children fill out the cast of the first of a new series from Amy Rose Bennett. Very much Nanny McPhee meets India Holton, Bennett takes us on a wild journey as newly graduated Emmeline Chase takes her first appointment with the misunderstood Duke of St. Lawrence, Xavier. The Duke has just gotten custody of three distant cousins and they’re wreaking havoc at his home! Luckily, a Parasol Nanny is no ordinary nanny, and Emmeline, along with her magical pockets, parasol, and animal telepathy, is perfectly fit to tackle these unruly children, and the Duke too! Mysterious things have been happening I. st. Lawrence house, like the Duke’s prized clocks being set to the wrong time, a ghost scaring off the maids, and doors being opened at odd hours. Seeing how competent Emmeline is with the children, Xavier enlists her help in discovering what’s happening in his home. This requires they spend a lot of time together, and isn’t it convenient that Emmeline is the only woman Xavier can’t stop thinking about? They could never be together, right? She’s a nanny! A magical one, yes, but still, they’re differences present a barrier. Or do they?

I love a class difference story, and for whatever reason, nanny and peer is probably my favorite in histroms. I liked Emmeline and Xavier together. Yes, there was a class difference, but they each had other things that presented genuine challenges to them being together. Xavier is autistic, and I felt Bennett did a decent job of presenting the challenges he faces in a period where differences were not respected or often acknowledged outside of “madness.” Emmeline is a widow and her family is going through hard times, times that if others discovered, could leave her without a job and a battered reputation. All of these things made their relationship all the more sweet and real.

What didn’t work for me was the magical fae world that Emmeline is connected too. It felt a bit much and to me, seemed to though the pacing off some. It very much reminded me of India Holton’s Dangerous Damsels series, which I’m sad to say, I wasn’t a fan of. That being said, if you loved that series, I think this book is for you!

Overall, this was a cute read if not exactly my cup of tea. I like Bennett’s work and will most likely return to this world should she write more.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc. All opinions are my own.

I was extremely fortunate to receive an ARC of The Nanny’s Handbook to Magic and Managing Difficult Dukes via Netgalley. Amy Rose Bennett has written one of the cutest stories I have read in a while. It's got Mary Poppins and Nanny McPhee vibes that just tickled me while I was enjoying the story. Mrs. Emmeline Chase is not our typical nanny or governess, but rather she always has some magic in her pocket. Although, sometimes her magic can lead her into trouble. She has become the nanny to the three orphaned wards of Xavier Mason, the Duke of St. Lawrence. The Duke himself is a bit eccentric in that he is fanatical about watches and clocks and is sometimes called mad because of his lack kf social skills with some people. Fortunately, he has no qualms about Nanny Chase and is comfortable letting down his guard around her even though she sometimes seems to be as different as he feels. I loved reading this unique story, with a little bit of magic, a lot of love and caring and especially an acceptance of that which is different. An absolutely wonderful story.