House Parties, History and Romance!--"Underestimating Miss Cecilia" by Carolyn Miller--Review

My Review:

“Underestimating Miss Cecilia" by Carolyn Miller has house parties, history and romance!  Also present are some very original and likable main characters.  I love Cecilia as she is a romantic, loves to write in her journal and read books.  She is outwardly shy, but throughout the book we see her come out of her shell a bit.  The hero, Ned, is a prodigal who is so sweet and compassionate.  I love how the main characters both feel strongly about social justice and about Christ.

This story is also very interesting, as I learned a lot about the court systems of the early 1800s day and the prejudices, especially against the Irish and gypsies.  I love that there is a house party!  It was fascinating to learn all of the parlor games that were popular during this period.

Overall, this book has great characters and a lot of fun history!  At times I found it a little slow, but the pace always picked up soon afterward. I would recommend it to lovers of history, Regencies and romance!

Content: This is a clean read.  I would rate it PG.  Examples of the content are: people drink alcohol; a man gambled and drank in his past.

Rating: I give this book 4 stars.

I want to thank Carolyn Miller and Kregal Publications for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.

About the Author:

I'm an Inspirational Regency romance author who lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia with my husband and four children. I love reading (especially Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer), music, films, gardens, art, travel and food. I really enjoy creating worlds where flawed people can grow in faith, hope and love. I am represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube agency.

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A Charming Regency--"A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh" by Carolyn Miller--Review

 

 

 

 My Review:

 

“A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh” by Caroline Miller sweeps you away to the windswept shores of Devonshire!  Throw in some romance and danger, and you have a wonderful read!  This is the first book in a new series, entitled “Regency Brides: Daughters of Aynsley,” although some characters from her other books make cameos.

What I especially love about this book are the characters!  They are very well fleshed out—even the side characters.  The main characters, Caroline and Gideon, remind me of Elizabeth and Darcy from “Pride and Prejudice” in some parts, with their roles reversed.  Caroline reminds me of Darcy with her pride and high social standing, while Gideon reminds me more of Elizabeth with a lower social standing and his quips and banter.  It’s great that Gideon wants to make sure Caroline is a believer in Christ before letting himself fall fully in love with her.

I really appreciate the relationship Gideon has with his sister Emma.  She ended up being my favorite character.  I am very happy that the author decided to include a character that had something akin to an autoimmune disease.  Chronic illness is very well represented in Emma’s sweet character and I think it’s something we need to see more of in Christian fiction.  Emma is able to have peace, despite what is going on with her body, because of her faith.  But she does experience fear and worry as well.  The story has a slower pace at times, but I didn’t mind because the amazing characters make up for it.

If you appreciate well-researched Regency with great characters and lots of romance, this book is definitely for you!

Content:  I give this book a PG-13, mostly because it deals with the topic of spousal abuse.  Some examples of the content are:  Mention of a man being drunk; a woman has been beaten and threatened by her husband; a man hits women; the word “devil” is used; a man calls a woman a derogatory name, but it is not written; the book deals with the issue of spousal abuse.

 

Rating: I give this book 4 stars!

 

Genre:  Christian fiction; Romance; Regency; Historical fiction

 

I want to thank Carolyn Miller and Kregal Publications for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.
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About the Author:

 

I'm an Inspirational Regency romance author who lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia with my husband and four children. I love reading (especially Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer), music, films, gardens, art, travel and food. I really enjoy creating worlds where flawed people can grow in faith, hope and love. I am represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube agency.

 

To purchase the book click here

To visit the author's website click here



A Wonderful Conclusion to an Amazing Series!--"The Making of Mrs. Hale" by Carolyn Miller--Review

My Review

“The Making of Mrs. Hale” by Carolyn Miller is the third book in the “Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope” series.  It can easily be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading the whole series since characters from past books play major roles in this story.  And I’m happy to say “The Making of Mrs. Hale” is a great conclusion to this wonderful series!

This particular story is different from Ms. Miller’s previous works in that it contains more adult themes.  It is still wonderful, but keep in mind it is a heavier read.  I personally appreciate the themes and topics Ms. Miller addresses.  These ideas need to be brought to light more in Christian fiction.  These are the themes of infidelity in marriage; marriage vows and how sacred they are; and restoration and forgiveness in marriage.  So many people take marriage so lightly these days, but this book grapples with what it looks like to really fight for one’s marriage and not give up, even when giving up seems the easier solution.  Ms. Miller addresses this all with love and grace, with an emphasis on forgiveness. 

Besides the themes mentioned above, this story is filled with action, mystery, secrets and a daring escape!  The two main characters spend most of their time apart, each dealing with their own issues.  It’s a journey of them moving towards one another and God.  They learn about forgiveness and trusting God with one’s future and life as a whole.

This book contains some wonderful themes!  God can use anyone to achieve his purposes.  God can forgive anyone of anything because of His great mercy.  We are all sinners and what a wonderful thing to discover that He’s not a tyrant, but is love! 

Content:  I give this book a PG-13 rating because of the more adult themes this book addresses.  Some examples of the content are: a man mutters a curse, but the actual curse isn’t written; there’s a prostitute; mention of a woman being buxom and a whore; a man has been unfaithful to his wife; a man is drunk; the word “hell” is used; men gamble; people drink alcohol; a married couple is naked in bed together; talk about a married couple having sex (nothing descriptive).

Rating: I give this book 5 stars!

Genre:  Christian fiction; Romance; Regency; Historical

I want to thank Carolyn Miller and Kregal Publications for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255. 





 
 

Author Bio:

I'm an Inspirational Regency romance author who lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia with my husband and four children. I love reading (especially Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer), music, films, gardens, art, travel and food. I really enjoy creating worlds where flawed people can grow in faith, hope and love. I am represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube agency.

 

To visit the author's website click here

To purchase the book click here

The secret's out! This book is fantastic!--Miss Serena's Secret by Carolyn Miller--Review

It’s no secret that I love all things Regency and Jane Austen!  Ms. Miller writes stories that are Austen-esque with fabulous faith content and her own original twist.  So obviously I was ecstatic to be able to read and review Miss Serena’s Secret, her newest book in the Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope series!

Ms. Miller writes an engaging story true to the Regency time period.  Regency lovers will appreciate all of the historical detail included throughout the story.  Even though the book is part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone.  It is fun to see characters from previous books make appearances in Miss Serena’s Secret.  I love how Ms. Miller even includes a family tree.  

Let me just take a moment to appreciate Ms. Miller’s descriptions of the scenery. Wow!!!  It felt like I was watching a movie as I could envision the beautiful English countryside so well.  I need to go visit England now!  My Austen loving heart was excited to see many nods to Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice. 

Miss Serena’s Secret is a book readers will love because of how the main characters are very flawed and broken in the beginning, making them relatable and accessible.  The characters learn about faith and living it out in one’s everyday life.  They pray, look to Scripture for comfort, and let their belief determine their actions. 

Miss Serena’s Secret  is a lovely tale of healing, redemption, forgiveness and faith!  Regency and romance readers won’t want to miss Carolyn Miller’s newest book!

Content:  I give this book a PG-13 rating because of the issues the main character deals with (being assaulted).  Nothing is described in detail and it is written very tastefully, but it is a sensitive topic nonetheless.  Some examples of the content are: a teacher gives unwanted attention to a student and looks down her neckline; mention of gambling; a character drinks wine; a little innuendo about a married couple but nothing overt; reference to a woman’s period; mention of a woman being assaulted; a man notices a woman’s figure, a character has episodes that could be PTSD related.

Rating: I give this book 5 stars!

Genre:  Christian fiction; Regency; Romance; Historical

I want to thank Carolyn Miller, Kregal Publications and NetGalley for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carolyn Miller lives in New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. A longtime lover of Regency romance, Carolyn's previous novels have won several contests, including the 2014 RWA "Touched by Love" and 2014 ACFW Gensis contests. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and My Book Therapy.


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A Regency that Austen Would Approve Of-"Winning Miss Winthrop" by Carolyn Miller Review

What a beautifully written story!  If you like Jane Austen's "Persuasion," you will love "Winning Miss Winthrop!"  "Winning Miss Winthrop" is the first book in a new series called "Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope."

Ms. Miller writes a great story filled with a lot of faith content.  I appreciate that she doesn't shy away from putting Christianity into her story.  Faith plays such a big role in many of the characters’ lives and there are many important lessons learned as the characters grow in their faith.  I love that Ms. Miller’s characters pray, read the Bible, have devotions and recall Scripture.  I also enjoy the little similarities to Austen’s novels sprinkled throughout, especially the parallels to her novel “Persuasion.”

"Winning Miss Winthrop" has relatable and down-to-earth characters.  Our heroine, Catherine, loses so much and feels abandoned by God in the beginning of the book.  Her struggles and faith journey are very realistic.  She has a slight stammer when she is intimidated and she is not always described as being very pretty.  I love that she realizes she can be happy even when she thinks the man she loves has chosen someone else for a bride.  Catherine learns great lessons about not getting stuck in the past, being the heroine of her story and choosing to live life to the fullest.

You won't be sorry if you pick up this novel.  It's sure to give you plenty of entertainment while encouraging you in your faith--“Winning Miss Winthrop” is a definite win-win. 

Content: This book is a clean read overall with a PG rating for a little content.  Some examples of the content are: talk of a person possibly being illegitimate; talk of a man who has gambled; characters drink alcohol; reference to a man possibly propositioning a woman; reference to a lady being large bosomed; talk of a man being unfaithful.

Rating: I give this book 4.5 stars.

Genre: Christian fiction; Regency; Romance; Historical

I want to thank Carolyn Miller and Kregal Publications for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.

About the Author:

Carolyn Miller lives in New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. A longtime lover of Regency romance, Carolyn's previous novels have won several contests, including the 2014 RWA "Touched by Love" and 2014 ACFW Gensis contests. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and My Book Therapy.



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To purchase the book click here

"The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey" by Carolyn Miller Blog Tour & Review

 

"The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey" by Carolyn Miller is the third book in the "Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace" series.  I have not read the first two books in the series, but I kept hearing so many good things about this series that I was excited to pick this one up!  I loved this book and am now excited to go back and read the other two!  This book has characters from the other books but can definitely be read as a standalone.   

 

"The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey" features Miss Clara DeLancey as our main character.  At the start of this novel, as the title intimates, whether Clara is a heroine or a villain is still up for debate.  As one begins this book, it is implied that Miss Clara DeLancey was in fact a rather villainous character in the other books in this series.  I didn't read the first two books, so I was not as prejudiced against Clara as I imagine other readers might be coming into this book.  I think Ms. Miller does a good job of making the reader sympathize with Clara over the course of the novel and even (gasp!) come to like her.  Her character arc and growth throughout the novel is very well done and believable. 

 

I think this whole book is so well written and is a unique Regency era story.  I love Clara's character and how she changes over the course of the novel.  I really enjoy the side characters as well, especially Matilda and the friendship between Clara and Matilda.  I appreciate that Clara is in a hard place in the beginning of the novel--in fact, she doesn't want to live.  She struggles with a lot of real emotions and feelings because of past events.  She is lonely and lost.  I love how Matilda speaks God's Truth into her.  Throughout the novel, Clara turns thoughts of loss into prayers of blessing and prays for those who hurt her.  There is beautiful reconciliation that happens between some of the characters, but it is not easy and the characters struggle to get to this place. 

 

This book is exceptional on so many levels--the characters, the spiritual aspects, and the writing!  "The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey" features themes of forgiveness, redemption, finding oneself, and trusting in God's plan.  The book is full of action, danger and dastardly plots as well! 

 

Content: This is a clean read.  I would rate this book PG.  There is a girl who wants her life to end and is possibly contemplating suicide.  A man eyes the low neck of a woman's gown.  A man slips something into a woman's drink to try to take advantage of her and then he does try to.  There is gambling and drinking at parties that the characters attend.  A man physically abuses the main character.  A man refers to “certain activities” he wants to engage in with a lady.  A man refers to dealing with "light skirts".

 

Rating: I give this book 4.5 stars


Genre: Christian historical fiction; Regency; Romance

I want to thank Carolyn Miller and Kregal Publications for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.

About the Author: Carolyn Miller lives in New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. A longtime lover of Regency romance, Carolyn's previous novels have won several contests, including the 2014 RWA "Touched by Love" and 2014 ACFW Gensis contests. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and My Book Therapy.

To visit the author's website click here

To purchase the book click here