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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Miss Serena’s Secret (2018) by Carolyn Miller is the second novel in her Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope series. This book comes in all forms including eBook, and is 344 pages in length. With a full-time job and a very busy six-year old at home, this novel took me two days to read. I received a copy of this book in paperback form from the author via her publisher, Kregel Publications. In no way has this influenced my opinion of the story. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. I give Miss Serena’s Secret 5+++++ STARS. This novel is a Regency-era Christian Romance set in England.
Carolyn Miller is a gem. Her novels are wonderfully crafted and well-written, thoroughly researched, and populated with endearing characters that pull the heart strings. Miss Serena’s Secret is SO good — absolutely my new favorite of Carolyn’s novels. Miss Serena’s Secret is highly engaging, replete with timely messages and excellent reminders of God’s promises, and very romantic. This is a book that has made my re-read pile for sure.
My favorite aspect to this novel is the hero, Harry. I love so many things about him. He is handsome and suave and swoon-worthy, but he is also kind, compassionate, and has a heart to help others. But Harry has a reputation for being a gambler extraordinaire and a massive flirt. He doesn’t want to be that man anymore. So, he works to be a better man. He goes to church and actually listens to the sermons. He reads his Bible. He begins to pray. With the help of God, Harry starts to become the man he wants to be. He does experience a moment of extreme weakness and his pride pulls him back into old habits, which means his former guilt and shame return. This moment is SO realistic! How many times have I sworn to be better at something only to fail soon thereafter? How many times have I allowed guilt and shame to daily remind me I am a failure? Too many times to count! But, when I take my head out of the sand, go back to God and ask for forgiveness, I am suddenly put back on the right path. And this is one of my most favorite things about Harry. As he learns to better walk with God, when those moments of struggle pop up, he goes straight to praying to God. What an excellent reminder to us all!
Serena is such an endearing heroine! I absolutely love her strength, fortitude, talent, and heart. One thing that really got my tiger mommy in a blaze occurs when Serena is judged as not being able to do something well simply because she is young. I hate when adults look down on teens and young adults and deem them incapable simply because of their age. I am a high school teacher. I work with teens and young adults every day. Trust me when I say young people can be extremely talented, skilled, and capable. As I was reading this moment in Miss Serena’s Secret, God put 1 Timothy 4:12 on my heart: “Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.” What I really love so much about Serena is that she is an embodiment of this verse. This is definitely a novel I will share with my daughter when she is a teenager because Serena is an example of this quality Christian young person that Paul discusses in 1 Timothy.
My most favorite message in this book is that past mistakes do not need to define a person. This is such a difficult message to grasp because it can take time to overcome the pesky feelings of guilt and shame associated with past errors. But, as Isaiah 43:25 explains, God wipes out transgressions and does not remember our sins. It’s a truly beautiful promise from God, and an excellent point Carolyn makes so clear in this novel. God doesn’t let our past define us, so why do we?
This review does not do this book justice. There are so many more reasons why this book is SO good, but I will leave all those reasons for you to discover on your own. Suffice to say, Miss Serena’s Secret is a great story. The characters are excellent, the themes are timely, and the action is engaging. The romance that builds between Harry and Serena is both realistic and quite satisfying. My inner 15-year old girl heart is very happy with this story! I truly cannot recommend Miss Serena’s Secret enough. I implore you to purchase a copy of this novel today. You will not be disappointed!
Another 5 star book by a wonderful author, Carolyn Miller! I really loved this book and Carolyn’s books just keep getting better and better. I have only read one other book about an artist, if you can call painting carousel horses art, which I do. The descriptions of the heroine’s painting ability and style was believable. The characters are well developed and the plot very believable.
Anyway, we find Miss Serena Winthrop, sister to Catherine Winthrop from Winning Miss Winthrop, graduating from finishing school and she is terribly disturbed by events that happened at school. She is left with scars on the inside that are easy to hide but difficult to get over. Along comes the Hero, Viscount Henry Carmichael, a friend to Serena’s new brother-in-law and a notorious flirt.
Since Serena is basically a ward to Lord Winthrop, he asks Henry to keep his distance from Serena, who is barely out of the schoolroom so to speak. Henry agrees, however, fate has other ideas. These two will find some things in common, but Henry knows Serena doesn’t trust him and works to gain her trust, as he is beginning to have feelings for her even though he told his friend he would stay clear of her.
What will happen between Henry and Serena? What is the big secret that left Serena emotionally scarred? There are times you may want to knock some heads together to get them to wake up, but this book is so moving and so full of romance, you are sure to love it as much as I do. This is a clean, Christian historical romance with an HEA. Enjoy!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Kregel Publications, on behalf of author Carolyn Miller without expectation of a positive review. The opinions stated are my own.
First off let me say I am not a big Regency fan…..gasp….sorry for this shocking news, but this author has such a way of making you want more. I enjoy reading it more for a Historical aspect, as my ancestors are English, and seeing how different the Era was. A vivid picture is painted of the scenery, architecture, and clothing, as well as an interesting story of changed lives. The characters stretch and grow through learning to trust again and putting off the old man and being renewed in Christ, as they grow in their affections for one another. I loved catching up with some characters from previous novels as well. The addition of the lighthearted moments with the children and grandmama give us a chance to smile. This book deals with dementia, scars left from bad choices, and untoward advances to a young lady and living with the mental consequences. They are handled with kid gloves while faith, love, and forgiveness are interwoven. Great read and can’t wait for the third book in this series.
I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
‘Did God care enough to notice? He’d felt so far away in recent times. ‘
Miss Serena Winthrop has good reason for not trusting men. Her scars bear witness to this fact. Viscount Carmichael’s past also ensures that he is not worthy of her trust. His reputation is everything she despises. She makes him aware of this fact. But Henry, Lord Carmichael, is beginning to wonder if maybe there’s more to life than gambling and high living. Will his past actions keep him from gaining an admirable wife? Henry’s best friend asks him to protect Serena and Henry vows to do just that and be on his best behavior. As he gets to know Serena, however, Henry begins to see reasons for changing his character. When Serena’s painting ability win her the admiration of the public, Henry has a choice to make. Especially since he now knows that God must play a big part in his life.
This second novel in Miller’s new series even further cements her place among those Regency writers such as Julie Klassen and Sarah Ladd. She proved her ability with her very first novel and I have been a fan ever since. Her layered characters, accuracy to the period and her integration of a deeply moving faith aspect will be sure to win her many readers who are fans of the Regency period. Her inclusion of the romantic tension is palpable and deftly done as well. I am a forever fan.
*My thanks to Kregel Publications for an advance copy of this book. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.
Miller has crafted an exquisite masterpiece! I was immediately engaged in the drama. The rich detail makes the story come alive. This novel is well written and flows nicely.
Recommend to readers who enjoy inspirational, Regency fiction.
I borrowed a copy from my local library. I’ve expressed my honest opinion.
The title is a little misleading.
Miss Serena actually has several secrets. These combine to persuade her that she will never marry. She will especially not marry a man like her father, a gambler who lost their fortune at the tables. So she is not impressed when she meets gambler and womaniser Lord Henry Carmichael.
This is a sweet and slow love story. It’s not the romance novel where we meet the hero and heroine and wham bam they’re together. Instead, both characters have plenty of time to get to know each other and to change—to mature into people who are able to fall in love and contemplate marriage.
Miss Serena is an artist, and her art plays a key part in the novel. I’m no painter, but I loved the painting references—the colours, the techniques, and the little upset at the Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition.
Regency romance has had a resurgence of popularity in recent years, but many of the general market novels have a lot of sex and not much Christian faith—which seems at odds with the period. So it’s good to see more Regency romance coming out of the Christian market, from authors such as Julie Klaassen, Kristi Ann Hunter, and now Carolyn Miller.
Miss Serena’s Secret is Carolyn Miller’s fifth novel, and the second in her Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope series. If you’ve read the others, you’ll enjoy catching up with some of the characters from the previous stories. If you haven’t, don’t worry: this is a standalone novel.
Recommended for Regency romance fans.
Thanks to Kregel Publications and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
I know I’ve said this about EVERY ONE of Ms. Miller’s books, but Miss Serena’s Secret is one of the BEST books out there! I don’t know how, but Ms. Miller somehow manages to draw my whole heart and all of my emotions into her stories! Every time!
Miss Serena’s Secret was no exception. I felt a special connection to both Serena and her hero, more so than probably any of Ms. Miller’s previous characters. I understood both of them and their struggles so well! The introvert who hides her feelings and emotions is so often misunderstood and hardly ever written about. This was a refreshing departure from the norm and it completely stole my heart, proving (once again) the author’s incredible versatility in creating unique characters and personalities in each new book!
The story itself was AMAZING! The emotions were entangling. The descriptions were so vivid! And the historical detail was engrossing. I could literally feel as though I lived in Regency England for the duration of the book!
Ms. Miller is (hands-down!) one of the most TALENTED and thoroughly ENJOYABLE authors I’ve ever had the pleasure of coming across!
4.5 STARS!!!
Sharp wit, dramatic undertones, and romance equal a lovely Regency rendering in Miss Serena’s Secret. Serena is a young woman highly gifted in the arts, making for lovely word pictures painted throughout the story. I had no trouble envisioning the scenery of England and was quite keen to be there to see something so beautifully grand for myself. After an unfortunate incident, Serena is left disillusioned toward men and filled with sorrow, thinking to put painting aside forever. What shall restore her spirit and cause her to pick up a brush once again, illuminating canvas with color?
Henry, Viscount Carmichael, is a bit older, making for the perfect rogue-turns-hero. He really does live a sin-filled life but isn’t that who Christ came to save…the sinner? Of course we know in the end he is going to turn to Christ but it is the getting there that makes the story.
‘His thoughts darkened, yet he forced himself to act his part, all the while conscious of feeling like a snared hare, caught by this foppish, fleshly reputation he’d cultivated over many years, bound forever to expectation and obligation, even as the morals of the Winthrops whispered freedom for the man he wanted to be.’
~Henry, Viscount Carmichael, Miss Serena’s Secret
Henry senses something mysterious in Serena’s countenance upon meeting her and it intrigues him. He is decidedly focused in finding out what her secret is. As he gets to know her, a protective side that he had never built upon but one that will both frustrate and draw Serena to him, manifests itself. Will Henry be one of the instruments God uses to heal her fractured heart?
‘If he claimed affection for her in his heart, then that affection should be outworked in his attitude and actions.’ ~Henry, Viscount Carmichael, Miss Serena’s Secret
Broaching mysterious medical maladies in a heroine is not something you see often and I was quite surprised at Serena’s final diagnosis. It perplexed me the whole time and kept me guessing, which I have to say was quite good on the author’s part. Henry’s father, the Earl of Bevington, likewise suffers an ailment that today is quite openly spoken of but long ago could not possibly have been understood, causing much discomfiture and probably confinement in horrendous manners, although this does not happen to the earl in the book. I thought this aspect added much depth to the story between Henry and his parents, and it genuinely tugged at my emotions.
Fans of Regency and Christian fiction will enjoy the latest quintessential offering from Miller. I was provided a digital copy from the publisher through Netgalley. I was not required to write a review. No compensation has been received.
Reading one of Carolyn Miller’s books is an immersive experience. With rich and vivid descriptions, I feel as though I am sitting down to dinner or attending a ball right along with the characters.
And Miller adds an entirely new layer with a character who is an artist. Seeing the world through Serena’s eyes reminded me of the beauty, variety, and color in God’s creation that I so often don’t appreciate enough.
Yet, the sights, sounds, and touches are just the icing on the cake of Miller’s stories. The deeper messages the characters hear and the personal journeys they travel are the heart of the story. Miss Serena’s Secret is no exception.
Serena Winthrop carries a secret that has pretty much determined her future. Lord Cavanaugh (Harry to his friends) has made choices he now regrets. As family, friends, and God speak truths into each of their lives, Serena and Harry just might discover that God’s plan is greater than their pasts.
And that little cliffhanger at the end with a new character? Yeah, I immediately added Miller’s November release to my TBR list!
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Ah. What a delightfully delicious follow up novel to Winning Miss Winthrop! If you haven’t read the first novel in the series, that’s ok; Miss Serena’s Secret can absolutely be read as a stand alone. The author Carolyn Miller’s trademarks shine in this novel; her beautiful and eloquent writing style, the dynamic dialogue that engages and propels the plot line seamlessly, the deeply feeling and enchanting characters, and a bold thread of faith and belief in God coalesce to produce a fine Regency novel so intensely satisfying. If you love a well-written Regency book, this one is not to be missed.
The main characters Harry and Serena are opposites at the beginning of the book. Harry is a fun-loving, humorous, happy-go-lucky viscount looking for ways to enjoy life. Yet, underneath his charming and seemingly superficial ways lies a man who desires stability, honesty, integrity, and someone to love and someone who’ll understand him, respect him, and return his love. His gentleness and kindness draw Serena to him and she doesn’t fully realize his character until much later in their friendship. Serena is a deeply emotional artist who has been scarred by a man’s advances and attempts to hide her loving feisty self in the country. She is tender-hearted but has a quick wit and a sharp tongue. She revels in stability and having a purpose in life. The banter between Serena and Harry is hilarious and oh so clever!
I really liked the continuation of Catherine and Jon’s story (Winning Miss Winthrop) as well Lavinia and Nicholas’ story (The Elusive Miss Ellison). I also appreciated that Harry is a different kind of a hero from Jon and Nicholas. Harry has a lot of learning to do in the midst of his insecurity, self-doubt, and regrets ; he needs to understand who he is, what he wants, what his purpose is, and to Whom he belongs. Harry’s slow-growing faith is encouraging, heart-warming, and very real. The references to 1 Corinthians 13 struck me deeply as Harry grew to realize that this passage signifies God’s love for him as well as His command to love likewise.
And the next book will be about Jon’s half sister Julia! I can not wait to read her story!
I was given a copy of this book by the author and Kregel Publications and was under no obligation to post a review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
Miss Serena’s Secret is the second book in the Regency Brides series and I loved it. The story line was very well thought out. The characters were so likeable, and I especially loved the hero, Harry. He had the fun and dry wit that was great when bantering back and forth with the heroine, Serena. She wasn’t at all the ice queen I feared she was. In fact, she was very likeable. This was a pleasure to read and I can’t wait for the next one in the series. I would definitely read them in order.
*I was given a copy of this book by Kregel publishers and was under no obligation to leave a review. This is my honest opinion.
I absolutely loved this book! This is my favorite book by Carolyn Miller so far! The characters were great. It was wonderful seeing the one character accept God as his savior. I loved the way this story progressed. It flowed very well. The author paints a beautiful picture with her descriptions of the scenery, especially Welmsley. I can’t wait for the next book!! I highly recommend this series and this book! If you love Jane Austen, Sarah Ladd, or Kristi Ann Hunter, I think you will love Carolyn Miller!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Wonderful book!
I am impressed and believe this might by Carolyn Miller’s best yet!
Great writing, endearing characters, emotional plot woven throughout the pages, pulling us in and connecting us with the characters’ hearts.
Have you ever loved something, only to have it ripped from you tragically? Miss Serena Winthrop knows this pain and she’s willing to shelter herself from anything that might cause remembrance.
But a life lived in fear is not vibrant, not colorful, does not inspire – and Serena is used to this, she just doesn’t know how to find it anymore. Sometimes to heal, we need to step back again, go to the root, be like a child and learn to see beauty again, learn to be innocent and embrace life as if it were a gift.
It might not seem so, but Lord Harry Carmichael has also had something torn from him, or at least belittled by every person – his dreams and who he wants to be. Can a future earl used to bending to his father’s will and judgement, known as the luckiest one in a poker game, be more than someone able to smooth any woman’s feather with his sugary words? Anyone, that is, except for Serena.
She is not impressed at first with someone who is destined to ruin himself like her father did, someone who has no moral guidelines and thinks he has the world in his hands. But as she spends more time around the viscount, can she keep up these ideas about him as she sees him interact with his niece and nephew, his eyes lit with passion and service as he talks about his estate and mines, his head bow in respect even to those whose eyes tend to treat him with disregard?
To believe in possibilities for healing might be a journey, but it is one worth taking. It is challenging as scars and our past can’t be erased. The promises ahead, alongside the beauty and peace to be found, are stronger though, if we surrender and hold on to faith, and to the One who never fails and covers us up in His wings of mercy.Serena feels like an empty well. The depth of her scars and greatness of her pain is more than just a passing thought, put physical as if to remember her constantly of all she is now – bare. The depth of the trauma caused is sometimes immeasurable, but the ability of the person to overcome said agony is an inspiration in itself, one that fuels true love, true care, and true hope. The catch however is that such ability is not found seeking a person, but Someone Greater, the source of unending grace and strength – enough to give us wisdom to forgive and ask forgiveness, peace to heal and land a kind hand.
Miss Serena’s Secret #2 A Promise of Hope by Carolyn Miller
Miss Serena’s Secret is set in 1817 Regency England where we get better acquainted with Serena Winthrop than in the first book in the series, Winning Miss Winthrop. I was not sure about Serena in that book but as her story unfolds, she soon became a favorite character; one I felt compassion for in her mysterious ailment. . .abdominal migraine (which is a sub-type of migraine), as I suffer from chronic migraines I can relate to her debilitating pain. In addition to her ailment, she has been wounded in the past and as such does not trust men in general, especially smooth charmers with a “not so nice” reputation (to put it politely) like the Viscount Henry Charmichael. I love that she is true to her convictions, faith and standards and does not hesitate to vocalize them on the occasions that warrant outspokenness. Henry often finds himself on the receiving end of that outspokenness and cool look, rightly so on most occasions.
I enjoyed watching Henry as he interacts with Serena and as he takes a good long look at his life and finally realizes that the reputation he has is not one he wants any longer. I guess you could say, he grew up, however it is far more than that (I won’t say more and spoil anything). I also enjoyed watching as his faith grew, which has a huge impact on everything in his life.
Serena’s new art master, Monsieur Despard, was a delight to watch as he instructs Serena in her craft and the way he “flitted” around the studio. He certainly is her advocate, one she sorely needs.
I appreciate the way Carolyn Miller handles some sensitive and distressing subjects and in a way that fits the era. I understand that in ‘genteel circles’ of the time these subject matters were often not discussed.
With historical detail and vivid descriptions of the Gloucestershire countryside, the “Treasure” Lord Henry’s father speaks of and Serena’s painting and art of the era are such I could envision them as I read. I would like to see this “Treasure” myself.
I enjoyed reading the author’s notes at the end of the story, which gives more historical information related to the book and characters. The ending is a perfect lead into the next novel in the series, The Making of Mrs. Hale, I am looking forward to reading.
~I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~
I absolutely loved this story by Carolyn Miller! It is the second book in her Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope series and definitely worth reading.
If you love stories filled with romance, Regency lifestyle, fashion along with society gossip and rules then this series is just for you and what makes it even better is the inspirational/biblical guidelines that she weaves throughout each story.
In Miss Serena’s Secret we follow the love story of Serena Winthrop and Henry, Lord Carmichael. Serena is carrying around scars from her past that prevent her from ever feeling like she can trust any man…ever…With his ever-present charm and his orchestrated flirting Henry is able to break down some of the barriers Serena has built in order to protect herself physically and emotionally. With her resistance crumbling their friendship soon blooms into love, but is it enough for Henry to leave his old habits behind and take on the responsibility of a wife and running his family estate.
I’m really looking forward to the next book in this wonderful series!
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Serena’s Secret of Carolyn Miller’s Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope Series.
Finding Carolyn Miller’s books late last year has been a welcome addition to my list of favorited authors.
Ms. Serena is a young woman of diminutive size with an artistic gift incomparable to many of the male artist of the day. Due to the era in which she lives, and her diminutive size, no one takes her or her artistry seriously.
Lord Carmichael is a bit of a flirt and gadabout who does not seem to take much seriously, including Serena and his father’s estate.
With her mother, Serena spends several weeks at Lord Carmichael’s family estate. There she falls in love with the beauty of the countryside of the estate, and despite herself, with the Lord Carmichael.
Henry finds himself much attracted to the young woman who seems to shrink away from his touch whenever he is near. Is it just him specifically or men in general from whom Serena remains aloof?
Returning from the estate, Serena finds herself dealing with a broken heart. Under the tutelage of a new art teacher, Serena paints through her emotions. Only one other has seen the painting besides Serena, her art teacher. When he determines that the painting is stunningly exquisite and that it must be entered in the upcoming art show, Serena agrees with much trepidation only if her given name is not used.
The day of the art show arrives and hordes are gathered around the area where Serena’s painting has been hung, center row of all things! For a new artist, whoever heard it? Everyone is in awe and quite stunned.
Yet, no one is more stunned than Lord Carmichael himself.
In our current society, women seem to have the freedom to do or achieve anything they desire – sometimes to the extreme. For that reason, it is eye-opening to read historical novels set during an era where there were stringent expectations of women in general, especially those who moved with the higher circles of society. Miss Serena’s Secret is one of those novels and it is so well written that the reader could almost feel as though she had stepped back in time.
Both Serena Winthrop and Henry Carmichael are strong, realistic characters, both with underlying pain that they strive to keep hidden. Although Serena wants nothing to do with any man, especially such a proud flirt like Lord Carmichael, she reluctantly finds herself drawn to him. Henry has promised Serena’s guardian that he will avoid any romantic entanglement with Serena but soon regrets that promise.
The author’s vivid descriptions sparked my imagination. I could easily have been on the sidelines observing this story as it played out. I liked the way both Serena and Henry seemed to bring out the best in the other and inspired the desire to change for the better as they grew in their faith. It was also fun to catch up with characters from Miller’s previous novels. Carolyn Miller has quickly become a favorite author and I eagerly await the next installment in this wonderful series.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
“Miss Selena’s Secret” opens with an episode of sexual harassment but it is handled tastefully and readers will be encouraged by the roles that faith and prayer play in this story. Many of us have had secret crushes on our teachers and Serena Winthrop was no different. When her art instructor seemed impressed with her talent she was thrilled but his attentions soon became bold and personal and her happiness turned to fear and dismay. Suddenly Selena’s joy of painting became tainted with horrible memories and a sense of shame and she lost her desire to create with paints and canvas. She also believed that she could never trust a man again so she had many reservations about her new association with Lord Henry Carlisle. His reputation as a gambler and a popular lady’s man was exactly what she hated and she didn’t hesitate to make her feelings very clear to him! It is when circumstances demand that they continue to spend time together that Henry begins to question his own past and wonder if he can change his habits so that he might become someone that Selena can respect and even love. Their journey to acceptance of each other’s pasts and the realization of their mutual attraction leads to a pathway filled with secrecy, misunderstandings, and eventually the understanding that all things are possible.
This is the fifth book that I’ve read by Carolyn Miller and her books just keep getting better! It is apparent that she loves the Regency era and she shares this love with those of us who also enjoy this time period. Her stories transport us back to a time of modest maidens and roguish heroes and she introduces us to multi-faceted characters and the different social classes that were so prevalent during that time. As I read this book I felt as though I was traveling the countryside and seeing the beautiful homes and gardens first hand. I suffered along with the characters as they experience their trials and I rejoiced when their faith carried them through. I appreciate that all of Ms. Miller’s stories feature the underlying theme of trusting in God and believing in prayer and I always enjoy being able to briefly revisit familiar characters from her previous books.
I highly recommend “Miss Selena’s Secret” to all who enjoy Regency romance and Christian fiction. Carolyn Miller is quickly earning a spot along side of Georgette Heyer and I am looking forward to her next book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Thoroughly enjoyed..and the best yet from this author. I stayed up late reading this one. I really enjoyed the characters in this book, and the setting was described so beautifully. So, yes, I read it in one day!
It was a well done novel with plenty to keep the reader hooked to the book! I have enjoyed this series, and though reading the first isn’t required…I highly recommend reading it before this one.
It was a well done regency novel that I very much enjoyed. I do want to mention that this is an adult book. There are a few topics touched on that aren’t meant for YA readers. I often feel this should have to go unsaid, but it just seems it doesn’t these days.
It’s a good, clean read with well done, realistic characters, a lovely setting, and a great story! It has a place on my forever shelves.
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Notable quotes-
Do you not see? Each time you deny your gift, you let the evil continue to win.”
“I know that I’m imperfect, in many ways not ideal, but God is working on my and in me. I feel his love changing me…”
For herself, painting again seemed to have drawn her closer to God. She held a new appreciation for the Master Craftsman who had created such beauty…”
Love she knew. Well, she knew what it should be. The Bible spoke of love proved by actions…