Book Review for Miss Grimsley’s Oxford Career by Carla Kelly

This is a clean romance story that takes place in Oxford, England during the Regency era.

The protagonist, Miss Ellen Grimsley, is a determined feminist who was born way before her time. Above all else, she wants what she considers a proper education. She wants to go to Oxford University like her brother. She isn’t interested in what other female students of the time are studying like French and Embroidery—rather she wants to learn about Geography, Cartography, Mathematics, and Shakespeare. She is the short one of the family and is forbidden to be a bridesmaid at her sister’s wedding because her lack of height will upset the symmetry. She frequently finds herself in troublesome situations—a result of her own mischievous plans.

Ellen’s parents aren’t supportive of her desire for education. Ellen’s papa doesn’t believe that education is useful for women, believing their only purpose is becoming wives. Her mama suffers from anxiety and tends to see everything as a crisis. She is frustrated with Ellen because she puts no effort into obtaining a husband.

Ellen’s oldest brother, Gordon Grimsley, is being required to go to University College when all he wants is to go fight the war in Spain. He has no interest in education and doesn’t appreciate the opportunity he has been given.

The men Ellen’s mother sees as most likely matches for her are Vicar Snead and Thomas Cornwell. The vicar is the man providing her youngest brother Ralph with his lessons despite the fact that his education is lacking. Also, he doesn’t like Ellen correcting him. Ellen sees Thomas Cornwell as boring and only concerned with crops, farm animals, and how prices will affect his bankbook.

With the help of her Aunt Shreve, Ellen tricks her father into sending her to Miss Dignam’s Select Female Academy in Oxford. While in Oxford, Ellen steps in and starts attending classes and writing essays for her brother, Gordon. This gets both of them in trouble. She also meets a man named James Gatewood who shares her passion for scholarship and Shakespeare. He learns her secret and repeatedly professes his love for her but she rejects his marriage proposals multiple times as she is more interested in scholarship and uncertain if she even understands what love is.

I enjoyed this story. The author does an excellent job at developing interesting characters. She kept me wondering what the characters would do next. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good clean love story. I give this book my 4-star rating!