With devastating scars in her past, Serena Winthrop is sure no man can be trusted–especially not men like the far-too-smooth Viscount Charmichael. His reputation as a charmer and a gambler is everything she despises. And the young artist makes sure that this disreputable heir to an Earldom knows of her deep disapproval whenever they encounter one another. Henry, Lord Carmichael, is perfectly … perfectly aware of his charms to the women of the ton. He’s gambled with plenty of their hearts as easily as he does their husband’s money–it’s all in good fun to him. But lately he’s been wondering if there’s more to life–and confronting the idea that his actions might not prove worthy of the admirable wives his friends have found.
When Serena’s brother-in-law asks his best friend to protect his young ward, Henry promises to be on his best behavior and not woo her. But the more he learns of her, the more he realizes she might be his best reason for changing his character. Then the lady’s art leads her to London infamy. Now Henry must choose between the life mapped out for him as the Earl apparent, and the love of his life. And Serena’s secret may mean the end of his titled family line.
The second in a new series by internationally popular author Carolyn Miller is full of the same rich historical detail and evocative writing that readers enjoyed, and familiar characters make appearances here. The witty banter will continue to draw in fans of Jane Austen, Sarah Ladd, and Julie Klassen.
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I have been reading Carolyn Miller’s books from the beginning; I was initially drawn to her because she writes novels set during the Regency, my favorite. After the first book I was hooked, and the writing and stories just keep getting better.
Historical detail is excellent. I love how she works in phrases of the day, such as describing fulfilling expectations as having “done the pretty,” which helped ground me within the time. The constant tension between polite veneers and the need to be honest in the most vital of relationships provides plenty of room for misunderstanding but it never stretches the events out of the realm of possibility, especially in a time where appearance was often the most important thing.
Relationships figure heavily into this novel. Certainly, I expected the romantic one, but I was surprised by the exploration of siblings—how very different people result, despite being raised in the same family, a realistic element that is fun to play with, especially as the secondary characters are known from previous books. Similarly, the friendship threads between the male characters are deepened a bit, giving a more dimensional quality than might otherwise be found.
Finally, the spiritual content makes this novel excellent Christian fiction. The characters struggle with many issues readers can relate to, including forgiveness, guilt, overcoming sin, and loving others according to 1 Corinthians, at the expense of self and our own preferences.
This book strikes me as the most tender of Miller’s work to date, and it is also my favorite. I have loved each of the books in this series and the previous, but there is just something about this novel in particular that touched me; perhaps it is how the characters are called to love, especially when it costs dearly. It is a beautiful, fictional picture of how that can look, and a challenge to love those within my own life from a deeper part of my heart.
I received a review copy of this book from the author and publisher but was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts expressed are both honest and my own.
It felt great to be back with old friends and be updated on their lives, this time we are with Caroline’s sister Serena, and yes, we do find out her secret.
We come at this story from different angles and know things have got to be changed when Jon asks his friend to look after Miss Winthrop, hands off so to say, never mind that sparks fly.
We also have a gifted artist, and society, mainly men, cannot deal with it being a woman, and we get to see, or read, then in action
Another don’t miss book in this series, and you will chuckle, want to cry, and cringe at some of the happenings here, and don’t miss the epilogue, wow!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kregel, and was not required to give a positive review.
Carolyn Miller has fast become one of my favorite authors. Her novels set in Regency era England are brimming with historical detail, gripping plots, and fascinating characters. Miss Serena’s Secret is the second in the series Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope. It can be read as a stand alone book, although characters from the first book in the series make an appearance in this one.
The main characters, Serena Winthrop and Henry, Lord Carmichael, are realistic and layered, each of them with their own problems. Although Serena is wounded, hurting, and distrustful of men, she is striving to overcome her past experiences. Lord Carmichael is trying to leave his past behind and become a more worthy man. The author brings these two imperfect people together with wit, humor, a big dash of tenderness. A stellar supporting cast and an intriguing story line drew me into the story and kept me turning pages.
Miller has a talent for seamlessly adding elements of faith, forgiveness, redemption, and hope into her stories, bringing another layer of depth and enjoyment.
I would recommend this book to those who enjoy excellent Regency stories. I’m looking forward to the next in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Outstanding! It is so easy to get lost in Carolyn Miller’s books. She is a gifted writer that can be compared with the best in regency romance. With great attention to detail, her beautiful descriptions of the English countryside, witty dialogue and multi-dimensional characters, Ms. Miller immerses her readers into a Regency world that will satisfy fans of Jane Austen.
Miss Serena’s Secret is a story of discovery, of finding one’s path and most importantly of grace and redemption. Ms. Miller writes with adroitness, touching on sensitive topics with grace. Serena has more than one secret that affects her ability to trust others. While I found Serena to be a wonderful heroine, I really found myself drawn to Henry’s story. Henry, Lord Carmichael, has a reputation and past that he would like to leave behind. I found Henry’s struggle with his old nature and his journey to be endearing. His spiritual journey is one of grace and redemption. Carolyn Miller continues to be one of my favorite authors of this genre.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Miss Serena’s Secret. So, what is her Secret? I know, but I am not going to ruin it for you. That is something for you to find out for yourself and boy am I glad that I did. There is a mistrust that she has – especially because of the Viscount. Will she be able to learn to trust again – especially with the help of the ONE who can help anyone get over anything? Who might that be? GOD of course ….. I know you already figured that one out. Will lord Carmichael (Viscount) be able to change his ways and capture her heart after all of his wayward ways? Will She be able to trust him if he does change with the LORD’s help? I received a copy of this book from the Publisher and Netgalley; all of the opinions expressed in this review are all my own.
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