Review - - The Nanny's Handbook to Magic and Managing Difficult Dukes

The Nanny's Handbook to Magic and Managing Difficult Dukes

by Amy Rose Bennett

The Parasol Academy - Book 1

Publisher: Kensington Books

Release Date: September 30, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

 

Emmeline Chase, 25-year-old widow and new alumna, may be more high-spirited than the Academy would like. Few graduates, however, could turn a mismanaged teleportation onto a duke’s rooftop into an offer of employment. But Emmeline’s circumstances, along with her desperation to support her bankrupt, incarcerated father, have made her dauntless. Which seems the primary qualification to work for expert horologist Xavier Mason, Duke of St. Lawrence, and manage his three rambunctious wards. Yet Emmeline soon discovers that the nobleman’s heart-melting voice and captivating mind present an entirely different sort of trouble. She cannot risk losing her license by fraternizing with her employer . . .

Xavier’s wards have sent two nannies packing in a month thanks to frogs, firecrackers, and general mayhem. In addition, Xavier’s professional reputation is on the line. He’s already considered odd, with his talking raven companion and his fascination with timekeeping instead of pleasure-chasing with his peers. Charming, vivacious Emmeline seems intrigued with his quirks—but Xavier must have absolute peace to design London’s “King of Clocks” for Westminster Palace before the competition closes. Emmeline can no doubt restore order. As long as he doesn’t fall under her spell . . .

Yet, with a possible saboteur in their midst, and the attraction flaring between them threatening to become a deliciously disastrous distraction, a touch of magic may be required . . .

PJ's Thoughts:

I can't be the only person who found herself humming A Spoonful of Sugar while reading this absolute delight of a book. The touch of magic found in Nanny Chase's pockets only amplifies all the facets that kept me happily turning pages from start to finish.

Bennett's first installment in her The Parasol Academy series has me eagerly awaiting all future books. Her characters are beautifully drawn and so well developed. I felt as if I knew Emmeline, Xavier, and all three children personally. I loved that each of them was given the time and care necessary for a true and complete depiction of their individual personalities. 

Xavier, in particular, was a character I found especially well crafted. In today's world, he would most likely be diagnosed on the Autism spectrum. Making a neurodiverse character not only authentic but also relatable can be a difficult task but I felt Bennett accomplished it beautifully, including his evolving relationships with not only Emmeline but also his three wards. 

The mystery element of the story was well done and kept me guessing right up until the reveal. While I thought I knew how that part of the book would play out, the author had a twist up her sleeve that I did not anticipate. I love when that happens. 

This first book in Amy Rose Bennett's The Parasol Academy series has my enthusiastic recommendation. I'm already looking forward to the next book in this series and am eager to discover what magical - and romantic - surprises await.