Handsome appearance counts for naught unless matched by good character and actions.That’s the firm opinion of not-so-meek minister’s daughter Lavinia Ellison. So even though all the other villagers of St. Hampton Heath are swooning over the newly returned seventh Earl of Hawkesbury, she is not impressed. If a man won’t take his responsibilities seriously and help those who are supposed to be able … who are supposed to be able to depend on him, he deserves no respect from her. In Lavinia’s pretty, gray eyes, Nicholas Stamford is just as arrogant and reckless as his brother–who stole the most important person in Livvie’s world.
Nicholas is weighed down by his own guilt and responsibility, by the pain his careless brother caused, and by the legacy of war he’s just left. This quick visit home to St. Hampton Heath will be just long enough to ease a small part of that burden. Asking him to bother with the lives of the villagers when there’s already a bailiff on the job is simply too much to expect.
That is, until the hoydenish, intelligent, and very opinionated Miss Ellison challenges him to see past his pain and pride. With her angelic voice in his head, he may even be beginning to care. But his isn’t the only heart that needs to change.
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.
Fans of Georgette Heyer, Lori Wick, and Julie Klassen will 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.
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Carolyn Miller brings the Regency Era to life with her wonderful stories! I enjoyed listening to the audio version of The Elusive Miss Ellison. The twists and turns in the story kept me listening closely, eager to hear what would happen to the characters. Well done! I’m looking forward to reading or listening to her next book!
I actually really enjoyed this!
This was my first time reading this author, and I will definitely be reading more by her.
I really liked the main characters. So many people have said that they disliked Lavinia, but I think that just depends on the reader, because I loved her! I loved that she spoke her mind, I loved her feisty spirit, and I loved her independence. A lot of people have also said that they couldn’t understand why Lavinia was so opposed to Nicholas, but I’m pretty sure this was loosely based on ‘Pride and Prejudice’ so duh! Prejudice! That was the whole point!
I personally LOVED every single one of Lavinia and Nicholas’ interactions. Their witty banter was so much fun to read, and the setting was just beautiful too!
The plot was great, with some unexpected twists, but although some parts did drag a tad bit, it was still enjoyable nonetheless.
I enjoyed Miller’s writing style, and the way she developed the characters was also well-done.
Overall, I would recommend this to all lovers of Christian Regency romance!
well written, caution for cursing.
I loved this book! I love this Author because she weaves so many life lessons in Godliness throughout her stories.
A sweet story. It seemed predictable, ’till it wasn’t.
I adored this novel! Miller expertly crafts this Regency romance seasoned with grace, love and forgiveness. It’s an exquisite masterpiece!
Recommend to readers who enjoy inspirational, Regency romance.
I borrowed a copy from my local library. I’ve expressed my honest opinion.
This book could have been shorter. I felt like the same problems repeated themselves over and over. They couldn’t learn to trust each other and seemed to make no progress in doing so for most of the book. It was a quick read though! I liked Miss Ellison’s dad’s character.
This is the first of Carolyn Miller’s Regency romance novels and met all expectations for a great read in Jane Austen’s era.
I think I just read a Jane Austen novel, but I didn’t.
I have read several regency novels, Ms. Austen included. I haven’t found one I haven’t liked, but never have I read one written in modern times that felt like an Austen novel. The complex characters, the way the story progress, even the location changes—all spoke of Austen. But it was Miller!
I am sad to say that this is my first time reading a Carolyn Miller novel. I’m proud to say it won’t be my last. I’ve always said, “I just want to understand what I am reading”, when I read Austen novels. The language is too complex for my simple mind, but Miller wrote in a way that was simple to understand while not deviating from the regency feeling.
Now, I think I need to give an honorable mention to one of the characters — Nicholas, Earl of Hawkesburry. He is prime regency suited material, and not because of his bank roll. He tries to become the man God wants him to be but that blasted temper gets the best of him sometimes. I can relate. But the do-gooder, Miss Ellison keeps him hopping while he keeps her guessing. I found their back and forth misunderstandings irritating at times, but not because it was overplayed. I just hate not having clear communication.
Overall, I loved this regency novel and I can’t wait to read another Carolyn Miller story.
**I was given a copy of this book from the publisher through CelebrateLit. I am not required to give a positive review but I will freely give it.
Daughter of St. Hampton Heath Village’s pastor, Lavinia Ellison, isn’t affected by riches or looks. She believes everyone should help the poor, live modestly and own up to their obligations.
Thwarted at every turn, Nicholas Stamford, Earl to St. Hampton Heath Village, just wants to turn his duties over to his bailiff and be done with it.
I especially enjoyed Lavinia’s wit and somewhat sharp tongue. Critical of those not living up to their legal and moral responsibilities, she often had an acerbic tone. However, she was equally as condemnatory of her own failings.
Interspersed throughout the story are rich portrayals of the villagers’ pitiable homes and the landscape of the area juxtaposed against the detailed narrative of the aristocrats’ estates and opulent lifestyle. The starkness of the contrasts leaves you feeling the despair and sadness against which Lavinia struggled.
An impressively written book rich in history, the novel abounds with faith, aspirations, romance and just the right amount of intrigue and family mystery. It is so beautifully written; I had a hard time comprehending this was Carolyn Miller’s debut novel.
The main characters’ development, tempered by their faith, added a unique perspective to this tale.
Regency Era fans will love Carolyn Miller’s debut book, The Elusive Miss Ellison.
I received The Elusive Miss Ellison from Celebrate Lit. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.
What I think you should know:
The Elusive Miss Ellison by Carolyn Miller is the first book in the Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace . The story is set in 1813 England with Lavinia Ellison the daughter of a small village minister and the New Lord Hawkesbury.
What I think about this book:
While the story was slow going at first , it did a good job of letting you get to know the characters and what made them who they are. Lavinia was almost an antihero when compared to the typical heroine in Regency Romances. Instead of being raised as a Lady of privilege she has been taught to devote her life to helping others, she nurses the sick of the village and helps provide food and education to those less privileged. I enjoyed watching Nicholas mature from a selfish young man into a man who cared for those around him. I enjoyed the interaction between Lavinia and Nicholas . The second half of the story moved at a much faster pace. The message of the Gospel was presented beautifully and naturally in the story. I look forward to reading the next books in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
The Elusive Miss Elliston is the first book in Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace Series. I love Ms. Miller’s books and enjoyed this one very much. It was fun and interesting for me reading the historical details of this small village in Regency England’s mid 1800’s. The author creates wonderful characters who tell their story so well. I like that faith is shown throughout the story. And the story was pretty predictable, but it is still intriguing to see how the event unfold. There is much that is happening to keep you reading and wanting to see just how the ending will be.
If you are a fan of Regency England, and Jane Austin, this is a book you are sure to enjoy. I highly recommend this for you. The Elusive Miss Elliston is a Five Star for me.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Elusive means difficult to find, catch, or achieve. That is an adequate way to describe Miss Lavinia Ellison when it comes to wanting to pursue a romance. As the Earl of Hawkesbury Nicholas comes into town to see the state of affairs. He meets Lavinia but is put off by her standoffish behavior. Then he become enamored with the very things that make her different than most ladies. As their friendship grows, appreciation grows from both characters. Unfortunately, a series of miscommunication adds up to a jumbled mess.
As I started reading the story, I enjoyed the banter between the two characters. I felt like I knew exactly where the story was taking the reader until a big twist came into the story. The story became even more twisted as I read to put the pieces together to see how the story would end. I knew how I wanted it to end but I had to find out how Carolyn Miller would end the story.
My favorite character was Lavinia Ellison because of the compassion she had for others. She was very quick to put others before herself. She found a way to make a difference to others wherever she went. I also enjoyed Nicholas and the heart change he had towards God which caused him to rethink his position and how he too could help others.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.
I adored this book. To me, it’s written in the style of the Bronte sisters. A good strong heroine who can take care of herself and isn’t afraid to speak her mind. Who then has to learn how to allow her heart to have a voice as well.
Poor Miss Ellison. I loved her character. She’s worked so hard to make herself the doer. The one who cares for the poor and unfortunate because she knows no one else will, certainly not the landed gentry who are supposed to do this. After all, they own the houses the poor live in, the ones that are crumbling.
Then she meets that new landowner. The new master of the village if you will. She’s already got her mind made up about him though. He’s horrible, he’s arrogant, he’s only out for a good time and spending money. And of course, he will never care for these people. Mainly because he and his brother caused the death of her mother. Something she’s never been able to let go of much less forgive.
Such a wonderful book. Well written. It flies when you’re reading it. I loved getting to know Miss Ellison and making her my new friend. And of course there is some suspense and danger as well. And you get the chance to love and hate the same character but at different times. I won’t give away the ending but I will say Miss Ellison, sweet Lavinia, learns a lot about herself and who she is. That may have to do with a side of the family she’s never known or it might have to do with who she is inside. I’ll let you find out whether she’s rich in money or love or both!!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
This is the first book in a series that does not need to be read in order. I think I started with the third book in the series. I enjoyed the characters. I love when Lavinia learns who her grandmother really is and how she meets her. I enjoyed the love story between Lavinia and Nicholas. Both characters have to forgive themselves over what happened when they were younger and it is handled very well. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
Looking for a clean, Regency romance with Christian values? The Elusive Miss Ellison by Carolyn Miller is a good choice. This was my second time reading the novel, and I daresay, I enjoyed it just as much the second time around.
Lavinia Ellison is a poor reverend’s daughter who lives with her father and aunt in Gloucester, England in 1813. There is much ado when the newest Earl of Hawkesbury Hall returns to his country estate. Lavinia holds Hawkesbury guilty of many sins, and she is the one young lady unaffected by Nicholas’s wealth and prestige. Somehow, this makes her very interesting to the earl.
I liked the quick wit that we see in Lavinia and Hawkesbury. Sometimes I wanted to shake them into talking to each other more honestly. Miller seems to make the point that pride and prejudice can be a two-way street. Lavinia is certainly quite surprised to discover this shortcoming in herself, while she holds many faults against Nicholas.
“How often do we hold sins against others, whether they be petty, imagined slights, or even grave miscarriages of justice, while allowing our own weaknesses to slip through our fingers of blame?”
Miller’s prose holds dry humor that often caused me to grin, even as I wondered how long Lavinia and the earl could treat each other so poorly. An unexpected twist totally changes the story in a way I had totally forgotten and didn’t see coming.
“A handsome appearance counted for naught unless matched by good character and actions.” So opines our heroine, yet the amount of change required of Nicholas was tremendous. I often forgot this as I got impatient with the earl’s indecisiveness and inability to choose one straight course of action.
Quite a few tidbits of wisdom are included in the novel, many of them spiritual. One that rang especially true:
“All things are forgivable when we realize how much we’ve been forgiven.”
The Elusive Miss Ellison is definitely a recommended read.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author and publisher through Celebrate Lit. I am voluntarily leaving this review. All opinions are my own.
Oh my. If you enjoy a regency romance then you must read The Elusive Miss Ellison. This story has a similar feel as a popular Austen story. Nicholas and Lavinia have “lively” conversations as they get to know each other. I often didn’t know whether to laugh or shake my head at their barbed wit. Both are flawed, human characters who need to get over themselves, their pasts, and move ahead. They were quite likeable!
The settings in the story were quite lovely, and I enjoyed the descriptions of gowns that were worn, etc.
An opposites attract story with a thread of forgiveness and even salvation, I enjoyed it and look forward to reading the next one in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
As Regency books go this was pretty typical of the time period with Lords and Queens . The people in the village are all a flutter with the arrival of the Earl of Hawkesbury. His presence will stir emotions and cause harsh words to be thrown around. Being an Earl is very prestigious and requires you to be in the best attires and surrounded by only the most important of people. Well I knew what was about to happen when our feature character Lavinia meets the Earl.
Lavinia is sweet and has a big heart for the poor. She takes it upon herself to make sure others do without. I liked how she visited families and helped out with their needs. She has never been one to care about frilly clothes or being prim and proper. I adored her attitude of being herself without worrying what others though. Her encounters with the Earl are quite funny at times and other times I found myself hoping her heart would not get broken.
Nicholas (Earl of Hawkesbury) was at times annoying to me. He had an air of arrogance and was quite direct at times. I do believe he has met his match though when Lavinia matches him with her oh so subtle distaste for him. The story seems to pick up when Lavinia takes ill and finds herself at the home of the one and only Earl. I won’t give any details about how she got there but here is where I began to see a softer side of Nicholas. The people in the town love to gossip and are so disrespectful when it comes to Lavinia’s unintended stay at the Earl’s. It really is about jealousy for the women who had high hopes of winning the Earl’s attention.
The faith element is good and I especially liked how Nicholas started to hunger for a relationship with God. There are moments in the story where we find the characters calling out to God for help. The author does give us a few surprises in the story which I loved. Her ability to describe the time period was intriguing and I liked how she set the story around people who were in need. This allowed Nicholas to really see how the village was desperate for provisions. The best part of the entire story for me is one scene when a particular character finds their way to God. Oh it is so glorious to read how they surrender theirselves and find peace.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
The Elusive Miss Ellison is set in the mid 1800’s in England. This is a story of love….loves lost, loves found, loves renewed. There is romance and differences in class structures. Throughout the book is the power of faith. I enjoyed this story – so much so that I plan to read the other books in the regency brides series.
This book was provided through Celebrate Lit and the author for me to read. The opinions expressed are my own.
Jane Austen fans should enjoy this historical novel and the entire Regency series by Carolyn Miller. It’s easy to get caught up in the story, but the characters in this book didn’t have quite the depth I longed for. I felt I couldn’t read their interior persona but they stayed more surface level. I did appreciate the intriguing plot and the fine surprises the author threw in. Lavinia Ellison, daughter of an English village pastor, encounters the earl of Hawkesbury, Nicholas Stamford, but he forms a false impression of her status. Thus sets off a tale of further encounters and mutual attraction, but evoking frowns from society. The interesting characters seem authentic and their interactions believable. How their entanglement progresses makes for a delightful drama. Lavinia is such a sweet person that it seems everyone would love her. Perhaps too perfect for real life but wonderful in fiction. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.