Historical Fiction, Review

Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace by Carolyn Miller

Beth Erin

Hello, reader friends!!! I don’t know about y’all but I love a good binge-read and series are just the perfect binge-reading material!
The Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace series by Carolyn Miller have been in my tbr from the time the first was released yet I wasn’t able to squeeze them in… until now!

 

The Elusive Miss Ellison

Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace book 1

Handsome appearance counts for naught… unless matched by good character and actions. 

The Elusive Miss Ellison by Carolyn MillerThat’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 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.

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my thoughts

The first book of the Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace series begins with a comfortably traditional approach to Regency romance. The country setting, character dynamics, and storyline gave me the initial impression of a lovely faith meets Pride & Prejudice inspired tale.

Lavinia Ellison has not only a heart for the poor but she also uses her hands and feet for their cause. Her passionate concern for and service of the less fortunate leaves her frustrated with those who have greater resources yet fail to meet even the basic needs of their dependents. Lavinia is shaped by her experiences but it is her solid foundation of faith that sees her through.

Nicholas Stamford is weighed down by his responsibilities and experiences. He wants to do the right thing but his predecessors have left him in a tight spot and crossing paths with Miss Ellison only makes him feel worse. Nicholas is a well-rounded character with his military background and willingness to learn and consider other perspectives.

Despite my high expectations, I found this story to be much more than everything that I hope for in a Regency romance! The historical, spiritual, and relational elements, the overall story flow, plot, and characters… everything about this story is exceptional. I ardently adore and highly recommend this book!

I purchased an ebook of this title and received the paperback from a friend. The opinions expressed are my own.

 

The Captivating Lady Charlotte

Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace book 2

The Captivating Lady Charlotte by Carolyn MillerHer 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 hen 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?

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my thoughts

Family duty and social expectations play a large role in finding one’s marriage partner during the Regency era. When young ladies want to be swept off their feet and widowers need someone they can trust, parents tend to have their own agenda altogether and may the most persistent party win!

The Captivating Lady Charlotte by Carolyn Miller quote

Charlotte Featherington is an eager debutante whose beauty and family situation gives her access to any of the season’s eligible bachelors her heart desires. Her innocence, naivety, and affectionate nature are both endearing and endangering. Like all young people, Charlotte needs to learn the difference between emotional attraction and committed affection.

William Hartwell is a man of faith who has been sorely tested in the marriage department. Following the failures of his first attempt, he bravely seeks to find a trustworthy and compassionate candidate, despite his doubts that such a person exists. William is not the kind of man that sweeps ladies off their feet but carefully chooses and patiently woos just one. (I adore him!)

This story is full to the brim with conflict and trials but also the peace of faith in those storms. While this second installment in the series flowed seamlessly from the first, the author provides adequate backstory for those who wish to enjoy this story on its own. I love this story just as much as the first and can’t wait to see what happens to who next!

I purchased an ebook of this title and requested a paperback through the publisher. The opinions expressed are my own.

 

The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey

Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace book 3

The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey by Carolyn MillerWill a damaged reputation and desire for society’s approval thwart the legacy of grace?

Tainted by scandal and forced to leave London for the quieter Brighton countryside, the Honorable Miss Clara DeLancey is a shadow of her former society self. She’s lost the man she loved to another and, in a culture that has no patience for self-pity, is struggling with depression. A chance encounter brings her a healing friendship with the sisters of an injured naval captain. But Clara’s society mama is appalled at the new company she’s keeping.

Captain Benjamin Kemsley is not looking for a wife. But his gallant spirit won’t let him ignore the penniless viscount’s daughter–not when she so obviously needs assistance to keep moving forward from day to day. Can he protect his heart and still keep her safe?

When they’re pushed into the highest echelons of society at the Prince Regent’s Brighton Pavilion, this mismatched couple must decide if family honor is more important than their hopes. Can they right the wrongs of the past and find future happiness together–without finances, family support, or royal favor?

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my thoughts

When authors reveal the painful brokenness beneath the surface of their selfish, wicked characters, we readers have the opportunity to open our hearts to compassion and our minds to new perspectives… and these are life exercises worthy of practicing!

Miss Clara DeLancey certainly is in a nasty pickle, some of her own doing, some not. My heart breaks for this young lady who feels so crushed by her circumstances. Clara has a lot of growing to do in this story. She tackles lessons of forgiveness, friendship, and faith, just to name a few, but I adore the young woman who blossoms out of the pain.

Benjamin Kemsley knows a thing or two about difficult situations from his experiences in the Royal Navy. His protective nature, steadfast faith, and friendly sisters set his heart on a collision course but he’s not one to abandon ship. Ben is the kind of man all fathers want for their daughters if money was no object and titles were of no consequence… but this IS a Regency.

Each book in this series has touched on biblical truths and characters have come to faith and/or grown in their faith in genuine, authentic ways yet the trials and struggles in this third story dig especially deep and it is so good to dig deep with God! This is the beauty of Christian fiction, y’all: redemption, restoration, and as the series title reminds us, “A Legacy of Grace.” This entire series is going straight to my all-time favorites shelf!

I requested the opportunity to read this book through the publisher. The opinions expressed are my own.

 

about the author

Carolyn Miller lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. Together with her husband she has pastored a church for ten years, and worked as a public high school English and Learning and Support teacher.

A longtime lover of romance, especially that of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer’s Regency era, Carolyn holds a BA in English Literature and loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives. She loves reading, music, films, gardens, art, travel and international food, and really enjoy creating worlds where flawed people can grow in faith, hope and love.

Her Regency novels include The Elusive Miss Ellison, The Captivating Lady Charlotte, The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey, Winning Miss Winthrop, Miss Serena’s Secret, The Making of Mrs. Hale, A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh, Underestimating Miss Cecilia, and Misleading Miss Verity, all published by Kregel Publications.

Carolyn is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency.

Visit her website or connect with Carolyn on facebook, twitter, or instagram! 

 

Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace series

The Elusive Miss Ellison by Carolyn Miller The Captivating Lady Charlotte by Carolyn Miller The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey by Carolyn Miller

 

Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope series

Winning Miss Winthrop by Carolyn Miller Miss Serena's Secret by Carolyn Miller The Making of Mrs Hale by Carolyn Miller

 

giveaway

Thanks to the publisher, I have one paperback copy of The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey for a fortunate Faithfully Bookish reader friend!

The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey by Carolyn Miller #giveaway on Faithfully Bookish

complete giveaway rules

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Do you have a favorite cover?
Which lady do you most relate to?
If you’ve read the Regency Brides: Legacy of Grace series, do you have a favorite?

96 thoughts on “Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace by Carolyn Miller”

  1. I have really enjoyed this series so far. Carolyn Miller has a good grasp on the time period and writes in a style similar to Georgette Heyer and Jane Austen. My favorite so far is, hands down, The Captivating Lady . I look forward to reading the third one.

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  2. Not only do I love the cover for The Elusive Miss Ellison but I also think this is the story I could relate to most. I’ve not read this series but after reading about it and your thoughts, I know I sure would love to.

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  3. Hi to you both. I haven’t read either one of these books but they sure seem to be interesting. I think if I picked by the cover I guess I would pick “The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey even tho each cover is beautiful. I just think it catches my eye just a bit more. I would love to read these books. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  5. I love the cover of The Captivating Lady Charlotte! The blue and white and the light coming through the window give it such a fresh, bright feeling!

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  6. I really want to read this series and binge reading them sounds like a good idea! I think the covers are all equally pretty. I relate most to Lavinia.

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  7. I haven’t read any of them (yet!), but all three are on my TBR pile. I love the cover of The Elusive Miss Ellison (so graceful), but the quote meme you posted for The Captivating Lady Charlotte just makes me want to pick that book up right now! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  8. I have heard of the series but not read any yet. I possibly relate more to the Miss Ellison, but I think the cover of the last book in the series, Miss DeLancey, is the most compelling. Thanks for the review and opportunity to participate.

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  11. Hey Beth and Carolyn! Devouring (binge) reading a series is one of my favorites! I love getting lost in a fabulous series! 😉

    The Elusive Miss Ellison’s cover is my favorite! I love the outdoors.

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  12. Hi, there! Braving the *gasp* snow today in Minnesota! I like the cover for The Captivating Lady Charlotte. I have only read the first book, which I immensely enjoyed, but I just purchased the second one for my Kindle and am hoping to get to read it this weekend. Thanks so much for your reviews of these books!

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  13. Carolyn Miller is an amazing author! I love her style and her attention to detail. Her settings and characters are so vividly drawn that I can see them distinctly in my mind! I can’t wait for the next series!

    Thanks for the reviews, Beth!

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  19. I haven’t read any this series yet but love all the covers..would love to win a copy .
    Thanks you for this giveaway.

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  22. I really love the second cover and concept. I love marriages that have to find their way as my parents struggle in their marriage. It gives me hope for them. I have only read the first but cannot wait for the second.

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  23. I have not read the series. they look and sound fascinating. I love the mystery look of the covers with her back turned.

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  26. I do love the Blue and white of The Captivating Lady Charlotte… haven’t read any of the series, but have heard good things about them.

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  27. Hi. I need to get back into my Regancy loves. I have been reading too many contemporaries lately! I love all the covers, peering over their shoulders into their futures! Thanx for the giveaway!!!

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  28. These are still on my TBR pile! I know I will love them once I start them, it’s just a matter of clearing some space in my schedule for them. Think my work will let me have the month of December off to catch up on reading?

    My favorite cover is The Captivating Lady Charlotte (probably because blue is my favorite color and this is a good shade of it)

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  29. I’ve read the first two–very good–and love the first book’s cover with the lavender…Thank you for the chance to win!

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  30. The Elusive Miss Ellison appeals to me greatly. Her views and the cover is wonderful and so perfect. I haven’t read this series but would love to start.

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  32. This series sounds wonderful and has been patiently waiting for me on my TBR list. But taking the time to read what each book is about, I’ll have to make the time to read these sooner rather than later. All the covers are beautiful too, but I especially like The Elusive Miss Ellison.

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  34. Thanks so much Beth for your lovely kind words! I’m so glad you enjoyed reading these stories (yay for binge reading!). Thanks for helping to share the love ❤️

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  38. Hello! I have the first two books but have not read them yet. Thanks for the chance for the 3rd book! I like all of the covers, but I think The Captivating Lady Charlotte is my favorite! Just reading the descriptions, I like the sound of Lavinia’s personality.

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  39. All three covers are gorgeous, but if I had to choose a favorite, it would be book 2, Miss Charlotte. I have read the first book in the series and would love to continue.

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  40. Hi! I’ve read the first two books and enjoyed them both. I think I relate to Miss Ellison more than to Lady Charlotte. I especially like the first two book covers. I look forward to reading the third installment of the series.

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  41. I would relate more to Clara DeLancey. The book sounds great! I love all the covers. I haven’t read any of the books in the series, but they all sound fabulous!

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  42. Hi! I have read the first two books. I like the cover of the second one the best because of the colors and the woman. I probably relate more to the character in the first book than the second. I enjoyed both books and am looking forward to reading the third. Thanks for having the giveaway!

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  43. I love the cover of The Captivating Miss Charlotte and that story appeals to me most! My husband is the steady Freddy sort, always dependable and a kind-hearted Christian. When he met me, he knew he wanted to get married but was patient for this skittish miss to warm up to the idea! Best decision of my life!????

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  46. I can’t wait to add this to my series The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey will be highly anticipated and well worth the wait.

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