Showing posts with label Carolyn Miller. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Carolyn Miller. Show all posts

Thursday, May 20, 2021

Book Tour, Review & Giveaway: Dusk's Darkest Shores by Carolyn Miller



My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

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Synopsis

How can a meek wallflower help a returning war hero whose dreams are plunged into darkness?

Mary Bloomfield has no illusions. Her chances for matrimony have long since passed her by. Still, her circumstances are pleasant enough, especially now that she has found purpose in assisting her father with his medical practice in England's beautiful Lake District. Even without love, it's a peaceful life.

That is until Adam Edgerton returns to the sleepy district. This decorated war hero did not arrive home to acclaim and rest, but to a new battle against the repercussions of an insidious disease. Mary's caring nature cannot stand to see someone suffer--but how can she help this man see any brightness in his future when he's plunged into melancholic darkness, his dreams laid waste by his condition?

Adam wants no charity, but he's also no coward. If this gentle woman can work hard, how can he do less? Together they struggle to find a way forward for him. Frustration and antipathy slowly develop into friendship and esteem. Then a summer storm atop a mountain peak leads to scandal--and both Mary and Adam must search the depths of their closed hearts for answers if they hope to find any future path with happiness at its end.

 

My Review

Two of my favorite types of characters were featured in this story- a military hero recovering from injury, and a stalwart heroine who finds purpose in being helpful. The author authentically depicted the range of emotions Adam went through as he grieved his former life and adjusted to his new reality. I loved how Mary balanced compassion with bluntness, like her father. It proved to be the soul-healing medicine Adam needed, even though he fought against it at times. I loved how they interacted and their friendship blossomed in difficult circumstances. Mary's tender feelings are hidden as she puts on a strong front, but she is vulnerable to thoughtless comments about her lack of marital prospects. Her younger sister is blunt without the compassion and the girls clash like oil and water, yet there is a strong thread of family loyalty and love that emerges. Their friend Emily who was engaged to Adam is a complication that provides an interesting study of human nature and self-preservation. What I liked most about this book is the hope that emerges from the darkness as Adam makes the shift from depression to determination, and the role Mary plays in supporting him. A wonderful story!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

 

Giveaway
 
 
Enter to win a fun prize pack inspired by the book and its English setting that includes: 
 
- a copy of Dusk’s Darkest Shores
- a canvas bag to carry your latest reads
- a fun pair of Jane Austen socks
- Novel Teas’ English Breakfast tea
- “Drink tea, read books, and be happy” tea spoon
- “Let your faith be bigger than your fear” mug
- Black currant preserves from England
- Wax Lyrical candle from England



Saturday, December 30, 2017

Review: The Captivating Lady Charlotte by Carolyn Miller


Heidi Reads... The Captivating Lady Charlotte by Carolyn Miller

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

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Synopsis

Her heart is her own--but her hand in marriage is another matter

Lady Charlotte Featherington is destined for great things on the marriage market. After all, as the beautiful daughter of a marquess, she should have her pick of the eligible nobility when she debuts. She, however, has love at the top of her list of marriageable attributes. And her romantic heart falls hard for one particularly dashing, attentive suitor. Sadly for Charlotte, her noble father intends her betrothed to be someone far more dull.

William Hartwell may be a duke, but he knows he was Charlotte's father's pick, not the young lady's own choice. And the captivating Lady Charlotte does not strike him as a woman who will be wooed by his wealth or title. While she has captured his heart, he has no idea how to win hers in return--and the betrayal and scandal his first wife put him through makes it difficult for him to believe that love can ever be trusted. His only hope is that Charlotte's sense of responsibility will win out over her romantic notions.

Can a widowed duke and a romantically inclined lady negotiate a future and discover love beyond duty? Will they be able to find healing and hope from the legacy of grace?

My Review

The opulence of high society Regency England is well-described in the beginning of this story, with Charlotte's life seeming perfect and ideal. She has several suitors to choose from, yet wants more from her marriage than a title- she wants the affection and lasting love she witnesses in a few couples around her. She's a bit naive and judgmental, but I grew to like her more as she matured and learned to look beyond shallow appearances. William is in a vulnerable position- being attracted to Charlotte but not allowing himself to fall in love with her for fear of being hurt again. A sweet Regency romance with some angst and drama.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)


Don't miss the first book in the Regency Brides series . . .

Heidi Reads... The Elusive Miss Ellison by Carolyn Miller


http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttps://www.bookdepository.com/The-Elusive-Miss-Ellison/9780825444500http://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Pride, prejudice and forgiveness...

Hampton Hall's new owner has the villagers of St. Hampton Heath all aflutter--all except Lavinia Ellison. The reverend's daughter cares for those who are poor and sick, and the seventh Earl of Hawkesbury definitely does not meet that criteria. His refusal to take his responsibilities seriously, or even darken the door of the church, leave her convinced he is as arrogant and reckless as his brother--his brother who stole the most important person in Lavinia's world.

Nicholas Stamford is shadowed by guilt: his own, his brother's, the legacy of war. A perfunctory visit to this dreary part of Gloucestershire wasn't supposed to engage his heart, or his mind. Challenged by Miss Ellison's fascinating blend of Bluestocking opinions, hoydenish behavior, and angelic voice, he finds the impossible becoming possible--he begins to care. But Lavinia's aloof manner, society's opposition and his ancestral obligations prove most frustrating, until scandal forces them to get along.

Can Lavinia and Nicholas look beyond painful pasts and present prejudice to see their future? And what will happen when Lavinia learns a family secret that alters everything she's ever known?





Friday, April 14, 2017

Hoppy Easter Giveaway Hop!


http://www.bookhounds.net

Easter is my favorite holiday. It hasn't always been, but ever since my dad passed away ten years ago, the promise of resurrection and reunification through Christ has been incredibly meaningful. The loss of a loved one is always hard, especially when you have a close relationship- the grief seems almost insurmountable. The blessing of peace that the Savior provides is indescribable- I get emotional just thinking of it. This new video is simple, touching, and provides a glimpse into the hope, relief, power, and strength that comes from turning to the Lord. It's only a couple minutes- I hope you watch it!


I have an ARC print copy of Life After by Katie Ganshert to give away for the Hoppy Easter Giveaway Hop! I thought this was an appropriate choice for an Easter-themed giveaway :) The author is an amazing writer and tackles deep and difficult topics with profoundness and grace. Check out more about the book below. It releases April 18th!

http://amzn.to/2pB9DX5

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttps://www.bookdepository.com/The-Elusive-Miss-Ellison/9780825444500http://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

It could have been me.

Snow whirls around an elevated train platform in Chicago. A distracted woman boards the train, takes her seat, and moments later a fiery explosion rips through the frigid air, tearing the car apart in a horrific attack on the city’s transit system. One life is spared. Twenty-two are lost.

A year later, Autumn Manning can’t remember the day of the bombing and she is tormented by grief—by guilt. Twelve months of the question constantly echoing. Why? Why? Why? Searching for answers, she haunts the lives of the victims, unable to rest.

Paul Elliott lost his wife in the train bombing and wants to let the dead rest in peace, undisturbed and unable to cause more pain for his loved ones. He wants normalcy for his twelve-year-old daughter and young son, to see them move beyond the heartbreak. But when the Elliotts and Autumn are unexpectedly forced together, he fears she’ll bring more wreckage in her wake.

In Life After, Katie Ganshert’s most complex and unforgettable novel yet, the stirring prose and authentic characters pose questions of truth, goodness, and ultimate purpose in this emotionally resonant tale.




Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Review & Giveaway: The Elusive Miss Ellison by Carolyn Miller


Heidi Reads... The Elusive Miss Ellison by Carolyn Miller

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttps://www.bookdepository.com/The-Elusive-Miss-Ellison/9780825444500http://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Pride, prejudice and forgiveness...

Hampton Hall's new owner has the villagers of St. Hampton Heath all aflutter--all except Lavinia Ellison. The reverend's daughter cares for those who are poor and sick, and the seventh Earl of Hawkesbury definitely does not meet that criteria. His refusal to take his responsibilities seriously, or even darken the door of the church, leave her convinced he is as arrogant and reckless as his brother--his brother who stole the most important person in Lavinia's world.

Nicholas Stamford is shadowed by guilt: his own, his brother's, the legacy of war. A perfunctory visit to this dreary part of Gloucestershire wasn't supposed to engage his heart, or his mind. Challenged by Miss Ellison's fascinating blend of Bluestocking opinions, hoydenish behavior, and angelic voice, he finds the impossible becoming possible--he begins to care. But Lavinia's aloof manner, society's opposition and his ancestral obligations prove most frustrating, until scandal forces them to get along.

Can Lavinia and Nicholas look beyond painful pasts and present prejudice to see their future? And what will happen when Lavinia learns a family secret that alters everything she's ever known?


My Review

Regency England is one of my favorite settings, and I was thrilled to find a new author to read in this genre! I loved the writing style, it was perfectly balanced between the formality of the time and revealing the emotions and feelings of the characters. There are powerful themes of humility, compassion, and forgiveness. Nicholas isn't the only one who goes through a process of change and self-improvement, Lavinia also learns some hard truths about herself and becomes more accepting and less condemning of those whose society she has a difficult time with. The two have great banter and chemistry, although I would have enjoyed seeing more happy moments between them instead of so much angst, misunderstanding, and regret. Overall I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more by the author!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)



Regency romance fans have another must-read novel to add to their lists: Carolyn Miller's The Elusive Miss Ellison. Enjoy the spirited exchanges between the bluestocking minister's daughter and the bruised war hero as they move past pride and presumption to a humbled appreciation of God's grace and the true strength of love. These two lonely hearts may each have something the other needs. But with society's opposition, ancestral obligations, and a shocking family secret, there may be too many obstacles in their way.

Settle in for a cozy night of reading with a cuppa and a Kindle from Carolyn!


One grand prize winner will receive:

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on March 22. The winner will be announced March 23 on the Litfuse blog.