Hello, reader friends! Join me in welcoming author friend Carolyn Miller for a little chat about her favorite heroes, a few quick questions, and giveaway celebrating the latest new release from Carolyn Miller, A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh!
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. 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, and A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh, all available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, Koorong, etc.
five favorite heroes
Who are your five favorite (or favourite for you proper English spellers) heroes of your published books?
C: With seven books now released, and another two releasing later this year, that’s an excellent question!
Nicholas Stamford, Earl of Hawkesbury from The Elusive Miss Ellison
I love Nicholas because he’s a classic Mr. Darcy-type character, misunderstood by the heroine, but on a God journey to faith and change. He might appear arrogant, but he possesses a witty sense of humor that makes some of his exchanges with Lavinia Ellison very entertaining to read. His experiences in war have scarred him, and his family history means his new role feels more noose than joy, yet he struggles on with his obligations to duty and family, thus demonstrating his perseverance.
B: I’d also say he’s a mister steady, my very favorite type of hero!
Lord Henry Carmichael from Miss Serena’s Secret
I do love a man with a sense of humor, and Harry Carmichael has such a delight in wordplay that, combined with an easy manner and charm, make him quite a dashing gentleman. His town polish of flirtatious sophistication hides a warm and affectionate heart towards his niece and nephew and his beloved grandmother, and that he holds a secret passion for an industry that could possibly save his father’s estate. But his past catches up with him, and when he meets the artistic Miss Serena Winthrop she’s less than impressed by the rumors about his rakish reputation, and it’s only a return to God that will help him see his future.
B: Humor is a must!
Gideon Kirby, from A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh
Gideon is a man of science with a protective streak a mile wide. He’s juggling responsibilities to his ill sister, and to his family and work, which means he’s also juggling a secret he can’t afford to tell. He’s got character and commitment, and just might be the hero Caroline Hatherleigh is looking for…
B: I love Gideon, he is such a sweet man!
William Hartington, from The Captivating Lady Charlotte
I really like that William is not the alpha male; he may be a duke, but his looks and demeanor are far more humble. His wounded heart and scientific interests aren’t necessarily going to captivate many young ladies, but his kindness and protectiveness towards his daughter and to Lady Charlotte slowly win her heart. Who says nice guys always finish last?
B: I would never say something like that, nice guys for the win!
Thomas Hale, from The Making of Mrs. Hale
Thomas wouldn’t be everybody’s first pick as a quality hero; he’s done a lot of things he regrets. But his heart has (mostly) been in the right place, something he’s counting on his estranged wife understanding, should he ever find her. Someone’s got some apologizing to do! And who doesn’t love to see a bad boy come good?
B: Oh, dear Thomas!!! I love his story!
q&a
What book are you reading right now?
C: Right now I’m re-reading Death Comes to Pemberley, having (re)watched the film recently. I like to get into the Regency period with appropriate films, as the language and style all help me maintain a good headspace for historical fiction. But I have a TBR pile which includes new releases from Kara Isaac, Laura Frantz, and Lindsay Harrel. Looking forward to lots of good reads!
B: I’ve not read the book or seen the movie, I’ll have to fix that!
What is your go-to beverage?
C: A cup of tea! Preferably English breakfast, with a little milk, no sugar. And you might as well leave the teabag in. I don’t mind some tannin in my tea! 🙂
B: A cuppa! Why am I not surprised? 😉
What is your comfort food?
C: I love Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate – the real stuff, made in Australia. It’s just so more-ish!
B: Yum! You had me at chocolate!
Do you prefer print or ebook?
C: I love real books – which is a problem as my bookshelves are already packed to the brim and groaning. I think my husband would prefer me to prefer ebooks, but I love the feel of paper and ink – it’s like holding someone’s dream! 🙂
B: Can’t argue that!
Describe your writing style in five words.
C: Researched, witty, God-threads, romantic, hopeful.
B: YES!
books
Tell us about your latest release.
Carolyn Miller: A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh is the first book in my new series Regency Brides: The Daughters of Aynsley. It examines the challenges of social obligations versus family duty, and particularly centers on a fossil hunting scientist and the adventures he and Caroline Hatherleigh experience on England’s south coast.
I was partly inspired for this by the tongue twister “she sells seashells by the seashore” which is reputed to be about Mary Anning, a poor woman from Lyme Regis who went on to discover a number of England’s most important fossils on the 1800s. Research into her life and work convinced me that this would prove a really interesting part of history – on a coastline renowned for smugglers, too!
B: I loved the fascinating fossils in this story!
about the book
new release from Carolyn Miller A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh (Regency Brides: Daughters of Aynsley book 1)
Can a proper noble lady find a future with a fossil-hunting man of faith?
As the daughter of Viscount Aynsley, Caroline Hatherleigh knows every rule of society–and she’s always followed them precisely. But when she visits south Devonshire and encounters a fossil-hunting scientist and his sister, her assumptions about what is right are shaken. Questions she has never considered about the importance of friendship and faith suddenly confront her–and her comfortable understanding about how the world works is thrown off balance. What if God wants to be the center of her life, rather than merely a social obligation?
Gideon Kirby loves science, and hunting down proof of past lives is a joy he won’t willingly give up. But his scientific leanings are being challenged both by his personal beliefs and by local smugglers in the Devonshire countryside. And every day his sister’s illness becomes more desperate, her care growing more demanding. Adding a viscount’s daughter to the mix is a complication Gideon never expected–especially since he must stay far away from this young woman he’s falling for in order to protect his beloved sister’s secret.
When a mysterious stranger visits the village, that secret will be exposed, no matter how Gideon fights. Then tragedy strikes in a smugglers’ cave. And the threat of scandal may lead to broken hearts and passionless propriety. Will the shaky bond these two have nurtured be strong enough to overcome their differences–or will the trust they’ve withheld from each other tear three lives apart?
goodreads | amazon | bookdepository | christianbook | bookbub
bookmarked review
A complex combination of secrets, tragedy, and scandal creates a riveting and memorable reading experience. Caroline’s tepid faith and shallow friendships are a stark contrast to Emma’s sweet, compassionate spirit and the sacrificial love Gideon exudes for his sister. Miller’s fans will delight in her unapologetic references to scripture as well as subtle connections to previous works. Readers are also treated to a completely fascinating foray into the world of Regency-era archeology and beautifully descriptive breathtaking treks along the coast of south Devonshire. Genuine characters and heartfelt expressions of biblical truths are the stars of this sweet romance.
I wrote this unpaid review, originally featured by Hope By The Book magazine. It is my honest opinion.
What are you working on now?
C: I’m just finishing final edits on Underestimating Miss Cecilia (releases July 2019), and will no doubt have more edits soon for my November release, Misleading Miss Verity
. In the meantime, I’m tossing up ideas for a new historical series 🙂
B: You are on fire! The way you are pumping out wonderful stories is amazing! Thank you for taking the time to visit with us today, Carolyn!
Regency Brides: Daughters of Aynsley series
Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope series
Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace series
giveaway
Carolyn Miller has generously offered to send one fortunate Faithfully Bookish reader friend one ebook or print copy of a single title. Winner’s choice of her new release, A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh, or a previous title, The Elusive Miss Ellison, The Captivating Lady Charlotte, The Dishonorable Miss Delancey, Winning Miss Winthrop, Miss Serena’s Secret, or The Making of Mrs. Hale.
ends 3/27/19 | complete giveaway rules
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Say hi to Carolyn in the comments! Which hero most appeals to you, reader friends?
Be sure to add the latest title by Carolyn Miller, A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh to your tbr!
Hello Carolyn! Lord Henry Carmichael is totally swoonworthy.
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Indeed!
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I’m quite partial to Henry myself, Amy! ?
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I truly cannot wait for this series.
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Yay! Happy reading, Sonnetta!
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Yay Sonnetta!
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I wish I could say but I haven’t read any of her books yet (and I call myself an avid reader!!!) I really must get started they all sound great and the covers are so pretty!
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We can’t read all the books but we can try! These stories will be a wonderful addition to your tbr, Emilee!
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HI Emilee! I do hope you’ll get the chance to meet some (all! ?) of these heroes and check out my books soon. If you like witty banter, historical details, romance, and a solid spiritual thread then I hope you’ll enjoy these books too ?
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Hi, Carolyn! I haven’t read the book, but William Hartington sounds like he would be a hero I would like to read about.
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I hope you get a chance to meet him soon, Kenzie!
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HI Kenzie! Oh, yes, William definitely deserves to be met. Underrated heroes always do. If you enjoy a more sensitive and less alpha male kind of man, then I hope you’ll check out The Captivating Lady Charlotte. 🙂
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Your new release sounds great as well as some of the others. This is the first time though that I have heard of your books. I can’t wait to get one and read it,.
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Yay! I’m delighted to introduce you to Carolyn and her books!
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I hope you enjoy reading them, Patricia! If you want to start at the very beginning, then The Elusive Miss Ellison is the first book in the first Regency Brides series. Then the whole world of Regency fabulousness will open up to you! Happy reading! ?
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Hi Carolyn and Beth!
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*waves enthusiastically* Hi, Nancy!
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G’day Nancy!!!
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The most appealing hero to me has to be Lord Henry Carmichael from “Miss Serena’s Secret”. 🙂 However, I would love to read about all of them. Each has their own special attributes, but to me humor and how he shows his love of family had me.
Enjoyed learning more about Carolyn Miller through the Q&A.
2clowns at arkansas dot net
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Yes! Carolyn gives each book and character their own personality. I’m glad you could join us and get to know Carolyn a bit better!
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HI Kay! Yes, Henry is so fun, so lively and witty, but with a tender heart I adore. (He’s real, right?) I hope you enjoy reading the other books, too!
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Hi Beth and Carolyn! Thanks for the fun spotlight. Lord Henry Carmichael is one of my favorite heroes. Congratulations on your new book, Carolyn!
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Winnie! It’s even more fun now that you are here!
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Thanks so much, Winnie! Yep, Henry is rather gorgeous, isn’t he? ?
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Carolyn Miller is phenomenal thank you for the opportunity ? !
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I couldn’t agree more!
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Oh, God bless you! Happy reading! xx
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Thank you. That is a great interview, Carolyn and Beth! I really liked reading about your five favorite heroes, Carolyn. My picks are Gideon first, then Thomas and William. Should your Regency and newest series be read in order?
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Great question, Sharon! Each series is loosely connected so I would recommend starting at the very beginning for maximum reading pleasure! If one of the middle books appeals more to you, no harm in starting there and going back when you want more!
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Okay, sounds good! Thank you, Beth.
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You’re welcome, Sharon! Happy reading!
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Thanks so much Sharon (and Beth)! Yes, I wanted to write stories that could be read as standalone, but also that works in a series, and also works in a broad overarching series as well (whew!). It’s been a fun experience! But, as Beth says, if you start with The Elusive Miss Ellison, the first of the Regency Brides: Legacy of Grace series, then read the others in that series, then the Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope series, THEN the Regency Brides: Daughters of Aynsley then you’ll experience the fullness and understand the references to other characters and events. Hope this makes sense! Happy reading ?
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I have loved ALL of her books! Carolyn is easily one of my top favorite authors. I think Nicholas was probably my favorite hero.
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Oh, thank you Brandi! Yes, I love Nicholas. He’s rather Mr Darcy-like, isn’t he, in that his demeanour hides his true feelings. And I LOVE his interactions with Lavinia. And he can be so charming! ?
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You’re exactly right, and that’s probably why I like him so much. Mr. Darcy is my favorite literary gentleman ?
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I really like Gideon Kirby. He is a believer, he is very protective of his sister and he truly loves Caroline!
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Hi Connie! Oh, yes. Gideon is good value, isn’t he? Faith-filled, faithful, family oriented, and loving. (Sighs…) ?
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Hello!! Now I have a craving for Cadbury chocolates. ? I love Carolyn Miller’s books and am excited for the first adventure in this new series!! Thanks for the interview. ?
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Hi Becky! Oh yes, Cadbury chocolate is pretty cravable! Thanks so much for stopping by xx
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Hi Carolyn, I have really enjoyed your interview, learning about you and your books. My favorite hero would be Gideon Kirby, he sounds very mysterious and faithful. Your books sound intriguing and the covers are really nice!
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Hi Alicia! Kregel have done a great job with the covers, haven’t they? Yes, Gideon is a bit of a sweetheart. Okay, a LOT of a sweetheart! ?
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Hey Beth and Carolyn! I’m excited to meet my hero in your books! 😉
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Hi Cary! Oohh, now there’s no pressure there…!!! ?
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Hello Carolyn ? I love all of the leading men but I am partial to NIcholas.
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Hi Heather! Yes, Nicholas has a lot going for him, doesn’t he? I like a man who is y’all, dark and charming… and who knows his Shakespeare. ??
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What a neat giveaway! I like the covers on your books.
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Hi Vivian! I’m so glad you like the covers! The Kregel team have done a great job, haven’t they? If you enjoy historical romance then I hope you get the chance to read them ?
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Fabulous interview!!! I love Death Comes to Pemberley! And Cadbury Fruit & Nut candy bar. 🙂
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Hi Anne! Well obviously you are a woman of excellent taste!
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Henry Carmichael would be my pick because I love a good sense of humor!
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Oh my…what hero to pick….I think I am leaning towards Lord Henry Carmichael from Miss Serena’s Secret. I’m so excited for your next book release, A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh, Carolyn!! Thanks for the chance to win one of your books!!! ~Alison Boss
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