Catherine Winthrop has cried out to God too many times to count. Years ago, the man who stole her heart rejected her–and she’s never recovered. Now tragedy has brought him back into her life. This time it isn’t her heart he’s taking, it’s her home and her family’s good name–and she has no one to share her grief. Jonathan Carlew’s life may look enviable from the outside–wealthy, handsome, … handsome, landed–but the mystery surrounding his birth has shadowed his entire life. Now as he ascends to the barony, fresh challenges await, including a scheming mama who wants him to embrace power, even at the cost of losing love. How can he remain the kind, honorable man he strives to be and still meet the demands of his new society responsibilities?
These two broken hearts must decide whether their painful past and bitter present will be all they can share, or if forgiveness can provide a path to freedom for the future.
Set in the sumptuous salons of Bath, Regency England’s royal breeding ground for gossip, Winning Miss Winthrop is the first volume in Carolyn Miller’s new series. Fans of the wholesome and richly drawn first series won’t want to miss this new set of characters.
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Carolyn Miller writes wonderful Regency novels with just the right mix of romance and inspiration. She has done her research and that makes it feel like you are stepping back in time when you read one of her novels. Winning Miss Winthrop was a delightful story, and I’ll look forward to reading more from Carolyn Miller.
Carolyn Miller hits another home run with Winning Miss Winthrop. The book is superbly written, the plot is completely engaging, the characters are so real and lovable, and the steady thread of faith and prayer in the story adds more depth and dimensions to the characters and their lives. Anyone who enjoys a good Regency romance will love this book.
This book has more action in the storyline than her novels in the Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace series. Still, the author’s trademark of revealing and carrying the plot through witty, fun, and clever dialogue amongst the characters and heart-wrenching emotional inner monologue of the two main characters shines brilliantly in this book that starts the new series Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope. And, indeed, the hope that cannot be extinguished propels the main characters through many adversities.
Catherine is a baron’s daughter, now penniless and destitute after the death of her father. She is resilient, though, and works hard to get rid of bitterness, selfish ambition, and conceit even in the midst of unbearable trials. She has an admirable spirit and patience and compassion which are quite inspiring. And yet, she harbors heartache and loss that grabbed my heart at every turn. Jonathan is a merchant’s stepson who unwittingly inherits the title of barony and its lands as well as the debts of his predecessor. He and Catherine have a history full of misunderstanding, angst, and meddlesome family members. Jonathan is a loyal, faithful, intelligent, studious, and industrious man but does have a temper and a tendency to judge too quickly, As their lives converge and collide, both Catherine and Jonathan must mature in their faith and perspective if they are to find true fulfillment.
I so enjoyed this first installment in Carolyn Miller’s novels of hope. I cannot wait for the second book which will feature Catherine’s younger sister Serena. And the third book is to be about Jonathan’s half-sister Julia, which should be very interesting!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. I was not required to write a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own and subjective.
“…trials are merely opportunities for faith to grow.”
Having fallen in love three years before, Mr. Carlew, a member of the merchant class with a questionable background, and Miss Winthrop, a baron’s daughter, were thwarted in their romance. Due to unanticipated circumstances, they are thrown in to close proximity. Indicative of classic Regency, copious misunderstandings persist between them. Will the interference of their mother’s cause them to remain estranged? Or will Jonathan and Catherine, through many trials, discover that loves flame has not been extinguished?
While I enjoyed this novel, my attention wandered. Jon and Catherine did not sizzle. And I’m a fan of more dialogue. I felt like I was hearing second hand about their past. But, it was delightful to see Lavinia and Nicholas from The Elusive Miss Ellison appearing throughout the book. Catching up on their life was a highlight for me. Catherine’s Aunt Drusilla and General Whitby are lovable characters that found a place in my heart.
Miller is a gifted writer who knows the Regency period. The descriptions of the unusual weather taking place were vivid, making me cringe at the thought of all that mud! The masquerade ball was most expressive, drawing me right into the scene. Undertones of Persuasion are recognizable which makes me positive historical fiction lovers and fans of Jane Austen will undoubtedly enjoy a few hours of escapism with Winning Miss Winthrop. I look forward to the next book in the series because Miller is more than proficient at conveying the Regency Era and all it entails, and it is my favorite historical period to read about.
I was provided an electronic copy of the book from the publisher through Netgalley. I was not obligated to write a review. No compensation has been received.
Winning Ms. Winthrop Carolyn Miller
Carolyn Miller is not only a fairly new to me author, but also a newcomer to the Regency novel world. Although I’ve found two other of the Regency Bride series, I realized I’ve only read one of them. Winning Ms. Winthrop is the second and it most definitely is not the last.
Following the death of her father, Catherine Winthrop is broken hearted and awaits the naming of the next in line of the Winthrop Estate. Jonathan Carlew inherits the estate, a responsibility he does not want.
With Catherine and her mother seemingly banished to the ill-repaired cottage on the estate, Jonathan takes on learning about the estate, it’s financial health, and the repairs needed on the mansion house, both are engulfed in a misery that is almost too much to bear.
This regency era novel takes place in and around picturesque Bath England. Enjoyable, with well developed characters, Winning Ms. Winthrop will not soon be forgotten.
Ms. Miller has done it again! At once, THRILLED me to the core with her descriptions, deep characters, and the ups and downs of their joys and regrets, while all the while teaching a few lessons we should all learn well: “Trusting God with the outcome of your story” and “Forgiveness, even when the sins against you seem unforgivable.”
I don’t know how she does it, but each new novel this author releases seems to focus on EXACTLY what I, myself, am dealing with and what I need to hear.
That being said, this storyline put me in mind of Jane Austen’s “Persuasion” (my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE Jane Austen novel!) and I LOVED it!
Lord Winthrop (a.k.a. Mr. Carlew) and Catherine find themselves at odds with each other when the death of Miss Winthrop’s father throws them together after years apart, following a painful case of “love-lost” (…or is it?)
Ms. Miller is SUCH a talented author. I know I’ve said this before (in nearly EVERY review I’ve written on her novels), but I’ve just gotta say it once more… One of my FAVORITE authors EVER!! Her books NEVER disappoint and they always hold fast to the truths of God’s Word that are so VITAL in our own daily lives!
In conclusion: If you have to read ONE book this year, I advise that it be one penned by Ms. Miller. ANY of them will do! They are all SO good!
Winning Miss Winthrop is the first book in Carolyn Miller’s Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope series and a lovely start to a brand new series. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more books in this series.
Carolyn Miller weaves stories filled with heartache, love and inspiration that we can all find hope and forgiveness if we only seek it.
Years ago Catherine Winthrop and Jonathan Carlew’s love for each other left them brokenhearted, but now they have the opportunity to let the past stay in the past and move on without bitterness. Can this couple find freedom in forgiveness?
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
The two main characters, Jonathan and Catherine, tell the story of Winning Miss Winthrop. I have seen this done well and I’ve seen it done poorly. In this story, I loved seeing the way each of the characters saw the situations, especially the vastly different ways they saw Jonathan’s mother.
I was touched by Catherine’s plight – the way she lost her home to the man she lost her heart to and then had to watch as he began to court another woman. The circumstances that separated Jonathan and Catherine and continued to draw them together and yet keep them apart made sense.
This review was originally posted on AmongTheReads.net
I would like to thank Netgalley for giving me this item. My opinion and review were not influenced by this gift.
My new favorite Carolyn Miller story- that seems to happen with each new release she has!!! I loved it.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review 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.
Winning Miss Winthrop #1 Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope by Carolyn Miller
1816, Gloucestershire and Bath, England….
Catherine Winthrop is an enchanting, compassionate and kind, loyally devoted and long-suffering (she has to be with her mother!) godly woman. I was pleasantly surprised by the growth of character and faith she developed, evident in the way she carries herself and deals with those around her…especially her mother. However, she carries a deep wound of the heart that I could “feel” as she tries to put on a smile for those around her. Will she ever find love again that will heal her broken, shattered heart?
Jonathan “Jon” Carlew is an honorable man of faith, integrity and compassionate for all in his care. He suddenly finds himself thrust into the role as head of the Winthrop family as the Baron and takes his responsibilities very seriously and strives to preserve the family’s legacy. He does have one problem though, he can’t seem to express his love for a certain young woman. She as well, is unable to express hers for the man she loves. Maybe if they would actually talk…without their respective mothers interference…and air past hurts and misunderstandings they could possibly resolve their estrangement.
I enjoyed the descriptions of the masquerade ball and the dancing. It certainly was an “eye-opener” for a couple of the characters and could bring about more problems for a certain person. I was delighted to see Lavinia and Nicholas, from The Elusive Miss Ellison, at different times throughout the book. It is like seeing “old friends”. I enjoyed Catherine’s Aunt Drusilla and General Whitby and found them to be lovable characters which soon became favorites.
This is a delightful story filled with family drama, some unforeseen surprises, hope, faith…I especially appreciate the inspirational elements woven throughout the story and the importance of faith to the characters, romance, and redemption.
~I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~
I adored this story! Miller has crafted an exquisite masterpiece. I was immediately engaged in the drama. This novel is well written and nicely paced. So swoon worthy!
Recommend to readers who enjoy Regency romance.
I purchased a Kindle copy. I’ve expressed my honest opinion.
The book starts with a tragedy as Catherine Winthrop’s father suddenly passes away. The life of Miss Winthrop was about to drastically change. When the new Lord Winthrop appears to take on his new title, Catherine is anguished. The pain comes from a previous romantic relationship that was abruptly cut off without any correspondence since. How was she going to be able to live so close to him again without heart ache?
My heart ached for the lack of communication between Catherine and Jonathan when they were clearly hurting. Catherine was easy to relate to as things seemed to fall apart. Her reactions to events were believable. It did seem to be stretched out in the middle but I was anxious to see how it would be end so I kept reading.
Having read the Elusive Miss Ellison and thoroughly enjoyed it, I was anxious to read another book by Carolyn Miller. I was glad to see some of the same characters from the first book I read by Carolyn Miller. Her descriptions are vivid and colorful, which invites the reader into the scene. The characters are diverse, and each have their own personalities, which is more believable. The circumstances of Catherine and her mother being moved on to the Dower House, made me wonder how exactly the widow and her family would have been treated in a typical situation.
I would really recommend reading this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.
Winning Miss Winthrop by author Carolyn Miller is a Christian Regency Historical Romance novel. It is the first book in the author’s new Regency Brides Series, The Promise of Hope. I found it delightful and a wonderful start for the series.
This is the story of Catherine Winthrop. She is a beautiful, caring young woman with a heart for others. Life has not been kind to her. Catherine’s father died leaving financial difficulties for Catherine and her mother. Not only that, but a very distant relative, Jonathan Carlew, is the male heir to inherit his title and things. He and Catherine have a bit of history and now must try to work together.
The author has done exemplary research on this time period. Her detailed writing whirled me back in time to the Regency Age. I could imagine the homes and attire. The dialog sounded authentic. Everything in this novel was perfect.
Ms. Miller has an inviting style of writing. The story was interesting and flowed evenly. Characters were multi-layered and believable. I loved Catherine and thought she would make a nice friend. Some characters were familiar from another book, but it is not required to read that book first.
I adore that the author includes many life and spiritual lessons in her books. In this one I found forgiveness, trusting God, grace, charity, healing, and growing in faith. There is mention of prayer, reading scripture, and devotions. It is so nice to read about Christians in a Christian novel.
I highly recommend this beautiful, sweet regency novel by gifted author Carolyn Miller. It would make all fans of Jane Austen happy as well as any historical fiction buff. It gets a 4 out of 5 star rating from me. A cop was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.
Catherine Winthrop has just lost her father. They’re having his funeral and family over when they meet the new Lord who takes away their home. Of course, it’s not the man that everyone thought it would be. It’s a different relative that everyone wants to forget about.
Everyone that is except Catherine. And that’s just because she can’t forget about him. Or how much she loved him until he broke her heart. Well, she tries to stop loving him at least.
Sparks are still flying as both feel wronged by the other and Jonathan tries to bring the estate out of the shambles that it has gotten into.
Can the two find out what really drew them apart and see each other for who they have grown up into being? Will they ever become friends and maybe something more? When Charlotte’s reputation is in tatters can Jonathan make it all right again?
I really enjoyed this book. It read quickly and kept me interested. I highly recommend that you give it a read and know that you’ll enjoy it as well.
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.
Winning Miss Winthrop is a historical work of fiction that deserves to be read. Imagine falling in love only to believe the person does not love you back. This situation happens to Catherine Winthrop and Jonathan Calrew. God has a way of bringing people back together, and such is the case for this pair.
Catherine’s father dies and Jonathan inherits essentially everything. So Catherine has to find joy in circumstances that are less than ideal. She shows faith, courage, and love. I respected and admired her character traits. I loved how the storyline progressed and how I learned about Catherine, Jonathan, and the other characters in the book. It illustrates how our perceptions sometimes can cloud our judgment.
Sometimes love deserves a second chance. Even though Jonathan becomes engaged to another woman and Catherine finds herself amid a scandal resulting from her father’s actions, this book captured my attention and imagination from the beginning.
Catherine shows Christian love by caring for the tenants of her father’s estate, but when he dies unexpectedly, her life transforms. I love how various characters such as her aunt, her best friend, and even a general support her. The author illustrates even though the path may be rocky, love requires faith, work, and diligence. So check out this book for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Winning Miss Winthrop is the first book in the Regency Brides: A Promise to Hope series by Carolyn Miller. This is a sweet story of Catherine Winthrop as she helps serves others despite the situations life has given her. After the death of her father, the truth of their financial situation comes out as she and her mother are forced to move into a small cottage. Even this little cottage was left to deteriate under her father’s care. With her father’s passing, the home and title of Lord Winthrop passes to a very distant relative, Jonathan Carlew. Catherine and Jonathan have a past that they are now forced to work through to move forward.
This is an enjoyable story to get lost on. The story is a story of strength and faith. Catherine loses so much in such a short time and quickly becomes the one her mother leans on. Yet even in time of despair, she is there for others. The story is well written with well introduced character and very descriptive. I could almost see the rundown conditions of the cottage as well as the main home and could see the fields Catherine walked through to help others.
I voluntarily reviewed this story which was provided by NetGalley and Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review.
Winning Miss Winthrop is the first book from the Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope series by Carolyn Miller. I thought this was such a wonderful story. Catherine Winthrop and Jonathan Carlew were quite the pair of the tale and I enjoyed their chemistry. Catherine is a character that I believe many readers will be able to relate to like I did. I love how there was an element of hope, faith and inspiration within the pages.
I am giving Winning Miss Winthrop a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy Regency era clean romance. I look forward to reading the next installment from the Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope series, Miss Serena’s Secret. I have no doubt it will be as good as this one.
I received Winning Miss Winthrop from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
Despite being an avid reader of Jane Austen, until recently I have not read a lot of Regency era books written by contemporary authors. Winning Miss Winthrop is an excellent story with dialogue that evokes the era without making the book difficult to read. The author sprinkles descriptions and terms throughout that also immerse the reader in the time period. The characters are well-developed and complex, dealing with difficulties and sorrow in realistic ways. Catherine is strong-willed without being a “modern” woman or acting out of character for her point in history. Jonathan is a swoon-worthy hero whose struggle to overcome society’s prejudices based on class and assumptions shows him to be a man of integrity and faith. He graciously manages to put several people in their place to find his own path. I love him! Themes of forgiveness and second chances are handled with sensitivity, and the message of salvation is presented without being preachy. I will read this story again.
I was fortunate to receive Winning Miss Winthrop in a random drawing. A positive review was not required, and all opinions are my own.
As a lover of Jane Austen, I am always looking for good Regency novels. This is a good one! It has all the drama and historical flair of the period with a lovely spiritual depth. Catherine and Jon’s circumstances do their best to keep them apart, but some love stories just feel meant to be. This closet romantic gives her firm blessing!
Set against the backdrop of Regency England and populated by memorable, engaging, and sometimes quirky characters, Carolyn Miller’s newest book, Winning Miss Winthrop, was an absolute treat to read. With her attention to historical detail and knowledge of societal proprieties of the time period, the author brought this story to life vividly in my mind. My emotions came into play as I alternately laughed out loud at some of the brilliantly witty, sarcastic dialogue and then wanted to slap a couple of the characters.
Themes of faith, hope, and forgiveness were woven into the story and added to my enjoyment of it. Carolyn Miller has fast become one of my favorite authors. I can always count on a satisfying, delightful read, and this new series promises to be captivating.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy by the author/publisher. All opinions are my own.
Winning Miss Winthrop (2018) by Carolyn Miller is the first book in her brand new series, Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope. This novel comes in all forms including eBook, and is 356 pages in length. With a full-time job, a very busy five-year old at home, and some news that took me away from my reading time this week, Winning Miss Winthrop took me four days to read. I received a copy of this novel in paperback form from Kregel Publications. In no way has this influenced my opinion of the story. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. I give Winning Miss Winthrop 5+++++++++++++++ STARS. This story is a Christian Historical Romance set in England in 1816.
Carolyn Miller has done it again! Winning Miss Winthrop is an excellent story. The characters are beautifully written, the depth of emotion is exquisite, the moments of wit are pure perfection, and the romantic tension is pretty palpable. I loved every minute of this story and hated when I had to put the book down.
The main characters, Catherine and Jonathan, struggle with one another on many levels because of a misunderstanding three years prior to the start of this story. This leads to some serious romantic tension. My heart broke for Catherine time and time again. What I really loved about Catherine is her willingness to go to her Bible daily, but especially in times of distress. Catherine has a pretty tough go of it in this story. Her father dies, she’s removed from her home, her mother is insufferable most of the time, her reputation gets put through the ringer, she is lonely, she is sad, and she has to be responsible for so much. At times, I was stressed for Catherine. Catherine is a very realistic character in that she would get frustrated, she would cry herself to sleep, she would get angry, BUT she constantly turns to God. And, she is always reminding herself of Bible verses and trying to put them into practice. I loved that so much!!! It has been a source of comfort and a great reminder to me this week. My family and I received notice from our landlord that we have to move in 60 days. It’s a little scary, and it has come at a rather inconvenient time — it’s the end of my school year when I’m deep into AP test prep and study with my Seniors, finishing up Romeo and Juliet with my Freshmen, and working with Bella to end her Kindergarten year successfully. No 5 year old understands being removed from her house. So there has been a bit of fear and tension in my house this week. BUT, Catherine has been a great example to me. Instead of living in my fear, I have turned to my Bible. And, I am also trying to live the verses that God has put in front of me this week. God’s got us and I have to trust that just as Catherine does in Winning Miss Winthrop.
Jonathan is an excellent hero. He is handsome. He is kind-hearted. He is thoughtful of others and wants to do what is right at all times. But, he is stubborn and prideful. These two qualities are his one downfall. Three years prior to the story, Jonathan’s pride was hurt and he ran away. What frustrated me about Jonathan is that he doesn’t talk. As soon as someone says something he doesn’t want to discuss he walks out of the room. He makes assumptions based on what he thinks he sees, but he never confirms with the person if what he saw is the truth. He is such a MAN! This all sounds frustrating and bad, but it’s what makes this novel so good. It’s what causes the delicious tension in the story line. It truly felt like reading Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion, and Jane Eyre all at the same time. I love when a novel has me talking to the characters, wishing I could slap some of them upside their heads for their stupid stubbornness, or wanting to hug them because they need some friendly comfort.
There is so much more to discuss with this book! I love the settings. The reader is in Gloucestershire at the formidable Winthrop residence, then London at Jonathan’s fancy club, then in Bath with the elderly upper class. The secondary characters are excellent — Lady Milton and her double chins and nose she sticks into everyone’s supposed business, General Whitby and his sweet, grandfatherly heart, Aunt Drusilla and her unwillingness to sugar coat anything, and Lavinia from The Elusive Miss Ellison is back with her gumption and spunk!!! And, the set-ups for the next two books in this series are wonderfully done. I cannot wait to read Serena’s story next. Serena, Catherine’s younger sister, reminds me of Catherine Hepburn and I cannot wait to see how she interacts with Lord Carmichael. And, I’m eager to see how things go with Julia, Jonathan’s younger half-sister.
Winning Miss Winthrop is an EXCELLENT story. I cannot recommend it enough. It is a beautifully written, engaging page-turner. I loved every minute of this story and I am sad that my time with it is over. If you are looking for a superior Regency-era novel that will steal your breath, break your heart, and leave you wanting more, then I say run to your nearest bookstore and purchase a copy of this book. You will be so happy that you did!