What do you think?
Rate this book
Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace #2
The Captivating Lady Charlotte
Her 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 when 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? Poignant and charming, this is another beautifully written, clean and wholesome Regency romance from Carolyn Miller.
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 when 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? Poignant and charming, this is another beautifully written, clean and wholesome Regency romance from Carolyn Miller.
310 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2017
181 people are currently reading
1344 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Miller
57 books1,037 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Carolyn Miller lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. A longtime lover of romance, Carolyn loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives. Her bestselling, award-winning Regency and contemporary novels are stories that offer hope, heart, and a twist of Aussie humour. Connect with her at www.carolynmillerauthor.com where you can find our more about her books, and sign up for her newsletter to be the first to know her book news.
Carolyn Miller lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. A longtime lover of romance, Carolyn loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives. Her bestselling, award-winning Regency and contemporary novels are stories that offer hope, heart, and a twist of Aussie humour. Connect with her at www.carolynmillerauthor.com where you can find our more about her books, and sign up for her newsletter to be the first to know her book news.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 251 reviews
August 18, 2019
Loving these characters and this series so much!!!
Lady Charlotte doesn't want to marry the "dull Duke". She has her eyes on a handsome rake whose character is lacking.
I love that this one picks up where book 1 left off with all the same characters!
Lady Charlotte doesn't want to marry the "dull Duke". She has her eyes on a handsome rake whose character is lacking.
I love that this one picks up where book 1 left off with all the same characters!
June 15, 2017
Carolyn Miller has definitely earned a spot as one of my favorite authors. Miller's love of the regency period and well-researched historical detail combine into an entertaining story, one that is full of wit, romance and a bit of gothic mystery. However, it is with her gifted writing that delves into the trials and fears of the human spirit that caused this reader to be invested in this story. I found this to be humorous, entertaining but mostly inspiring as Miller's characters struggle to find the meaning of real, everlasting love. Can they learn to trust others as they find their strength in God?
William is a man of faith, honor and integrity. He definitely belongs on the swoon-worthy hero list. Can Charlotte find love that exists beyond the superficial level, one that is unselfish and filled passion? Can she find love with a man of faith that will cherish her, not use her for his own advancement? While the end result was not a surprise, I cheered Charlotte's journey as she grew from a young lady who at first appears rather shallow, to one of maturing depth, seeking to become selfless, showing grace to others. Fans of Jane Austen and Julie Klassen will love this series.
Carolyn Miller's books will always find a spot at the top of my To-Be-Read pile.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
4 likes
William is a man of faith, honor and integrity. He definitely belongs on the swoon-worthy hero list. Can Charlotte find love that exists beyond the superficial level, one that is unselfish and filled passion? Can she find love with a man of faith that will cherish her, not use her for his own advancement? While the end result was not a surprise, I cheered Charlotte's journey as she grew from a young lady who at first appears rather shallow, to one of maturing depth, seeking to become selfless, showing grace to others. Fans of Jane Austen and Julie Klassen will love this series.
Carolyn Miller's books will always find a spot at the top of my To-Be-Read pile.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
4 likes
August 24, 2017
I'm surprised at all the 4 and 5 star reviews. The story was intriguing and well written, but it lacked in character development. Outside of Lavinia and her husband (book 1) everyone else was unlikable from start to finish.
The heroine was a twit easily manipulated by every dandy in London. She fell in/out of love as many times as most people change socks. The hero was not much better. I found him to be a pompous, self righteous, vindictive, and judgmental man. I thought it interesting that one moment they would quote scripture and pray for the lord's help, yet the very next moment their actions would be mean spirited and selfish. The ending was also rushed and not very credible.
Definitely not one of my favorites. Redeeming Love and Love Unexpected continue to remain favorites of mine.
The heroine was a twit easily manipulated by every dandy in London. She fell in/out of love as many times as most people change socks. The hero was not much better. I found him to be a pompous, self righteous, vindictive, and judgmental man. I thought it interesting that one moment they would quote scripture and pray for the lord's help, yet the very next moment their actions would be mean spirited and selfish. The ending was also rushed and not very credible.
Definitely not one of my favorites. Redeeming Love and Love Unexpected continue to remain favorites of mine.
July 31, 2017
This book was so beautifully written, from the unique romance, to the authentic faith theme. From the painful experiences, to the heartwarming friendships. I think I have found a new favorite author in Carolyn Miller—The Captivating Lady Charlotte was definitely a five-star read for me.
Book Two in the REGENCY BRIDES: A LEGACY OF GRACE, this novel brings us to St. James’s Palace where the beautiful Lady Charlotte Featherington is officially being brought out into society. From thence forth, there will be many a ball and marriage prospect before her.
Little does she expect an older man to approach her, and her parents to jump on the idea … because he’s a duke.
But scandal and danger surround the Duke of Hartington. Will Charlotte and William learn to love and trust before it’s too late?
*sigh* The regency era ... there's just something so delightful about it. And Carolyn Miller did a lovely job bringing this time period to life. The Captivating Lady Charlotte made me think of the newest movie versions of both "Pride and Prejudice" and "Sense and Sensibility" more than once, and I loved it! So much fun.
But beyond that, this author writes with such depth! Her characters think, are challenged, grow. They take their walk with God seriously. And it is a walk—a real relationship. I especially liked some of William Hartington's prayers and his mention of Proverbs 3:5-6 (some of my favorite verses!).
Charlotte was young and a little flighty in the beginning, but still she desired to do the right thing. And as the book progressed, she grew and matured and walked closer with the Lord. I simply felt the faith theme was so authentic and heart-touching. It really blessed me. ^_^
And the romance. William, the duke of Hartington. Ah, everything about the love story was unusual and beautiful! Charlotte is young (seventeen or eighteen?), just brought out into society, dazzled by the attention and flattery of masses of striking young men.
William is a widower (with scandal surrounding his late wife), ten years Charlotte's senior, and short-ish, more lean of build, and not particularly dashing.
Let me tell you, this was so refreshing. Why do all the men in novels have to be tall and devastatingly handsome, with "distractingly muscled biceps"? Ha! What about the short guys? Who don't have glorious blue eyes? What about their stories and adventures?
Anyway, enough of the rant. It was amazing to watch Charlotte realize that deep faith and strong character are what matter most. Realize that love is not just a feeling—butterflies in the stomach and heart skipping a beat—but something much, much deeper and beautiful.
To watch William's gentle and heartfelt pursuit! Eep! What a man. Though I did get frustrated with him a couple times, his struggles were understandable ... and overall, I just really, really loved his character. He was so unique. Such a gentleman. Such a godly man.
So there was a slowly-unfolding love story of beautiful depth. A few lovely and poignant peeks at the two main character from Book One. Just the normal Regency delightfulness. Lots of faith content. A generous dash of suspense and danger toward the end. Fun. Lessons. Pain. Beauty.
I loved it.
Absolutely can't wait to read The Elusive Miss Ellison (book one) and The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey (book three). Carolyn Miller, you have a new fan! *smiles*
I received a copy of The Captivating Lady Charlotte from Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest review.
Book Two in the REGENCY BRIDES: A LEGACY OF GRACE, this novel brings us to St. James’s Palace where the beautiful Lady Charlotte Featherington is officially being brought out into society. From thence forth, there will be many a ball and marriage prospect before her.
Little does she expect an older man to approach her, and her parents to jump on the idea … because he’s a duke.
But scandal and danger surround the Duke of Hartington. Will Charlotte and William learn to love and trust before it’s too late?
*sigh* The regency era ... there's just something so delightful about it. And Carolyn Miller did a lovely job bringing this time period to life. The Captivating Lady Charlotte made me think of the newest movie versions of both "Pride and Prejudice" and "Sense and Sensibility" more than once, and I loved it! So much fun.
But beyond that, this author writes with such depth! Her characters think, are challenged, grow. They take their walk with God seriously. And it is a walk—a real relationship. I especially liked some of William Hartington's prayers and his mention of Proverbs 3:5-6 (some of my favorite verses!).
Charlotte was young and a little flighty in the beginning, but still she desired to do the right thing. And as the book progressed, she grew and matured and walked closer with the Lord. I simply felt the faith theme was so authentic and heart-touching. It really blessed me. ^_^
And the romance. William, the duke of Hartington. Ah, everything about the love story was unusual and beautiful! Charlotte is young (seventeen or eighteen?), just brought out into society, dazzled by the attention and flattery of masses of striking young men.
William is a widower (with scandal surrounding his late wife), ten years Charlotte's senior, and short-ish, more lean of build, and not particularly dashing.
Let me tell you, this was so refreshing. Why do all the men in novels have to be tall and devastatingly handsome, with "distractingly muscled biceps"? Ha! What about the short guys? Who don't have glorious blue eyes? What about their stories and adventures?
Anyway, enough of the rant. It was amazing to watch Charlotte realize that deep faith and strong character are what matter most. Realize that love is not just a feeling—butterflies in the stomach and heart skipping a beat—but something much, much deeper and beautiful.
To watch William's gentle and heartfelt pursuit! Eep! What a man. Though I did get frustrated with him a couple times, his struggles were understandable ... and overall, I just really, really loved his character. He was so unique. Such a gentleman. Such a godly man.
So there was a slowly-unfolding love story of beautiful depth. A few lovely and poignant peeks at the two main character from Book One. Just the normal Regency delightfulness. Lots of faith content. A generous dash of suspense and danger toward the end. Fun. Lessons. Pain. Beauty.
I loved it.
Absolutely can't wait to read The Elusive Miss Ellison (book one) and The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey (book three). Carolyn Miller, you have a new fan! *smiles*
I received a copy of The Captivating Lady Charlotte from Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest review.
August 2, 2017
About this book:
“Her 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?”
Series: Book #2 in the “Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace” series. Review of the Book #1 Here!
Spiritual Content- Scriptures are mentioned, remembered, thought over, & talked about; Bible reading; Many prayers; Being witnessed to & discussions; Talks about God, trusting Him, Christians, & Jesus’ teachings; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; William doesn’t feel God’ s presences recently; Many mentions of God & trusting Him; Many mentions of prayers & praying; Many mentions of thanking God; Mentions of praying out loud; Mentions of Bibles & Bible reading; Mentions of those & events in the Bible; Mentions of churches, services, worship, hymns, & ministers; Mentions of strong faiths; Mentions of faiths & Christians; Mentions of miracles; Mentions of being blessed & blessings; Mentions of sins; A few mentions of monks & monasteries; A couple mentions of a godsend;
*Note: The phrase “Good God!” and other forms are exclaimed many times; Mentions of curses & someone being cursed; Mentions of ghosts; Mentions of evil; A few mentions of bad luck; A mention of the last three days being hell; A mention of dueling with Satan; A mention of demons.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a form of ‘biddy’, a ‘shut up’, and ten forms of ‘stupid’; Mentions of curses (said, not written); Sarcasm & Eye rolling; Shooting, being shot, & blood/bleeding (up to semi-detailed); A kidnapping, pain, blood/bleeding (semi-detailed); Pain, being poisoned, & passing out (up to semi-detailed); Rocks being thrown at someone & being in danger (up to semi-detailed); A fire (up to semi-detailed); A duel (up to semi-detailed); A bit of drinking; Many mentions of gossip & rumors; Mentions of deaths; Mentions of killing; Mentions of being hanged; Mentions of a duel & shooting someone; Mentions of an injured person, blood/bleeding, & how it happened (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of an attack, crimes, & injuries; Mentions of a war & fighting; Mentions of gunshots; Mentions of assailants/troublemakers & threats; Mentions of hitting & wanting to hit someone; Mentions of a fire & how it started; Mentions of being in danger; Mentions of inhumane treatments at an asylum (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of injuries; Mentions of poisons; Mentions of gambling & bets; Mentions of alcohol, drinking, & drunks; Mentions of poachers, thieves, & stealing; Mentions of lies & lying; Mentions of nightmares; A few mentions of an accident & deaths; A few mentions of throwing up; A couple mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of divorces.
Sexual Content- a palm kiss, a cheek kiss, two almost kisses, a barely-above-not-detailed kiss, a semi-detailed kiss, a forced semi-detailed kiss, and a detailed kiss; Remembering kisses (up to semi-detailed); Touches, Embraces, & Heat (up to semi-detailed); Nearness & Smelling (up to semi-detailed); Noticing (up to semi-detailed); Blushes; a ‘harlot’, a ‘strumpet’, and a ‘whore’; A man is obsessed with Charlotte & forces kisses and touches onto her (up to semi-detailed); Many mentions of affairs, lovers, infidelity, & a child conceived from an affair (William’s wife); Mentions of a man leaving the bedroom of a married woman not fully dressed; Mentions of men and women enjoying the “company” of many of the opposite gender; Mentions of desires; Mentions of touches (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of kisses, kissing, almost kissing, & wanting to kiss; Mentions of seeing couples kissing; Mentions of noticing; Mentions of scandals, reputations, & couples alone together; Mentions of flirting & flirts; Mentions of jealousy; A few mentions/hints of a husband showing his wife his love for a desperate attempt for an heir; A few mentions of hand kisses; Love, falling in love & the emotions;
*Note: Seeing a woman die during childbirth & blood (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of a woman dying in childbirth, blood/bleeding, & her screams (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of a miscarriage & the aftermath; Mentions of the possibility of a pregnant wife & her baby’s lives in danger; A few mentions of dresses suiting a woman’s curves (and it being noticed by a man); A mention of a wife not needing her husband’s love or his seed; A mention of William desiring a woman’s curves; A mention of a woman’s form.
-Charlotte Featherington, age 18
-William Hartwell
P.O.V. switches between them
Set in 1814-1815
308 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- One Star (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Two Stars
My personal Rating- Two Stars
Since I did enjoy the first book of this series, I was interested in this one and seeing how it would compare to “The Elusive Miss Ellison”. Unfortunately, I definitely didn’t enjoy this sequel anywhere near as much. The first half of the book, I’ll admit, I wasn’t enjoying it at all. William—while understandable upset at times—came across mean and bitter. His wife is expecting with another man’s child, so while, yes, that’s not really the ideal situation for William, it really wasn’t the best time for readers to “meet” him, if that makes sense. Charlotte, on the other hand, did seem the naïve girl that many side-characters called her.
I was looking forward to seeing the couple from the first book, but, oh man! So much heartache and pain for them in this book. :(
There was a lot of faith content that I enjoyed seeing and the message of trusting God is why I’d like to give a bit of a higher rating, but unfortunately, I don’t feel like I can.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Kregel) for this honest review.
“Her 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?”
Series: Book #2 in the “Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace” series. Review of the Book #1 Here!
Spiritual Content- Scriptures are mentioned, remembered, thought over, & talked about; Bible reading; Many prayers; Being witnessed to & discussions; Talks about God, trusting Him, Christians, & Jesus’ teachings; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; William doesn’t feel God’ s presences recently; Many mentions of God & trusting Him; Many mentions of prayers & praying; Many mentions of thanking God; Mentions of praying out loud; Mentions of Bibles & Bible reading; Mentions of those & events in the Bible; Mentions of churches, services, worship, hymns, & ministers; Mentions of strong faiths; Mentions of faiths & Christians; Mentions of miracles; Mentions of being blessed & blessings; Mentions of sins; A few mentions of monks & monasteries; A couple mentions of a godsend;
*Note: The phrase “Good God!” and other forms are exclaimed many times; Mentions of curses & someone being cursed; Mentions of ghosts; Mentions of evil; A few mentions of bad luck; A mention of the last three days being hell; A mention of dueling with Satan; A mention of demons.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a form of ‘biddy’, a ‘shut up’, and ten forms of ‘stupid’; Mentions of curses (said, not written); Sarcasm & Eye rolling; Shooting, being shot, & blood/bleeding (up to semi-detailed); A kidnapping, pain, blood/bleeding (semi-detailed); Pain, being poisoned, & passing out (up to semi-detailed); Rocks being thrown at someone & being in danger (up to semi-detailed); A fire (up to semi-detailed); A duel (up to semi-detailed); A bit of drinking; Many mentions of gossip & rumors; Mentions of deaths; Mentions of killing; Mentions of being hanged; Mentions of a duel & shooting someone; Mentions of an injured person, blood/bleeding, & how it happened (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of an attack, crimes, & injuries; Mentions of a war & fighting; Mentions of gunshots; Mentions of assailants/troublemakers & threats; Mentions of hitting & wanting to hit someone; Mentions of a fire & how it started; Mentions of being in danger; Mentions of inhumane treatments at an asylum (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of injuries; Mentions of poisons; Mentions of gambling & bets; Mentions of alcohol, drinking, & drunks; Mentions of poachers, thieves, & stealing; Mentions of lies & lying; Mentions of nightmares; A few mentions of an accident & deaths; A few mentions of throwing up; A couple mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of divorces.
Sexual Content- a palm kiss, a cheek kiss, two almost kisses, a barely-above-not-detailed kiss, a semi-detailed kiss, a forced semi-detailed kiss, and a detailed kiss; Remembering kisses (up to semi-detailed); Touches, Embraces, & Heat (up to semi-detailed); Nearness & Smelling (up to semi-detailed); Noticing (up to semi-detailed); Blushes; a ‘harlot’, a ‘strumpet’, and a ‘whore’; A man is obsessed with Charlotte & forces kisses and touches onto her (up to semi-detailed); Many mentions of affairs, lovers, infidelity, & a child conceived from an affair (William’s wife); Mentions of a man leaving the bedroom of a married woman not fully dressed; Mentions of men and women enjoying the “company” of many of the opposite gender; Mentions of desires; Mentions of touches (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of kisses, kissing, almost kissing, & wanting to kiss; Mentions of seeing couples kissing; Mentions of noticing; Mentions of scandals, reputations, & couples alone together; Mentions of flirting & flirts; Mentions of jealousy; A few mentions/hints of a husband showing his wife his love for a desperate attempt for an heir; A few mentions of hand kisses; Love, falling in love & the emotions;
*Note: Seeing a woman die during childbirth & blood (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of a woman dying in childbirth, blood/bleeding, & her screams (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of a miscarriage & the aftermath; Mentions of the possibility of a pregnant wife & her baby’s lives in danger; A few mentions of dresses suiting a woman’s curves (and it being noticed by a man); A mention of a wife not needing her husband’s love or his seed; A mention of William desiring a woman’s curves; A mention of a woman’s form.
-Charlotte Featherington, age 18
-William Hartwell
P.O.V. switches between them
Set in 1814-1815
308 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- One Star (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Two Stars
My personal Rating- Two Stars
Since I did enjoy the first book of this series, I was interested in this one and seeing how it would compare to “The Elusive Miss Ellison”. Unfortunately, I definitely didn’t enjoy this sequel anywhere near as much. The first half of the book, I’ll admit, I wasn’t enjoying it at all. William—while understandable upset at times—came across mean and bitter. His wife is expecting with another man’s child, so while, yes, that’s not really the ideal situation for William, it really wasn’t the best time for readers to “meet” him, if that makes sense. Charlotte, on the other hand, did seem the naïve girl that many side-characters called her.
I was looking forward to seeing the couple from the first book, but, oh man! So much heartache and pain for them in this book. :(
There was a lot of faith content that I enjoyed seeing and the message of trusting God is why I’d like to give a bit of a higher rating, but unfortunately, I don’t feel like I can.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Kregel) for this honest review.
August 2, 2017
Why do I say this is a must-read for teenage girls?
Because the heroine was young, looking to her future, trying to make decisions that will impact her life, and deciding which way to go. She is being pulled in many directions by many people, including her family and friends, those that may want the best for her or not... and ultimately her own heart. She will have to weigh the immediate gratifications and longings to the long-term ramifications of her choices. She must decide what true love looks and feels like as compared to momentary lust or infatuations...
I appreciated the chance the author took in making the male main character not the 6 foot 5 inch, Adonis that every other story typically uses.
He is shorter, and not physical perfection to look upon. But, upon closer inspection, he is everything that is needed for long-term happiness and success in marriage.
I think the author made this book very realistic to the time period involved with the high's and low's that truly would have occurred. There was no sugar coating in this book, and honestly I thought there may not be a happily every after for everyone involved. A "sure thing" in most books of this genre. The author took a big chance on this one and I think it was a total success. Congrats!
I received this book from the publisher but was not required to leave a review. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Because the heroine was young, looking to her future, trying to make decisions that will impact her life, and deciding which way to go. She is being pulled in many directions by many people, including her family and friends, those that may want the best for her or not... and ultimately her own heart. She will have to weigh the immediate gratifications and longings to the long-term ramifications of her choices. She must decide what true love looks and feels like as compared to momentary lust or infatuations...
I appreciated the chance the author took in making the male main character not the 6 foot 5 inch, Adonis that every other story typically uses.
He is shorter, and not physical perfection to look upon. But, upon closer inspection, he is everything that is needed for long-term happiness and success in marriage.
I think the author made this book very realistic to the time period involved with the high's and low's that truly would have occurred. There was no sugar coating in this book, and honestly I thought there may not be a happily every after for everyone involved. A "sure thing" in most books of this genre. The author took a big chance on this one and I think it was a total success. Congrats!
I received this book from the publisher but was not required to leave a review. All opinions expressed here are my own.
August 21, 2017
The Captivating Lady Charlotte is another delightful Regency romance from Aussie author Carolyn Miller. The tone is different than in the first book of the Regency Brides series – The Elusive Miss Ellison – but I love them both! In Miss Ellison, Lavinia and Nicholas and their delicious banter reminded me of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy while Lady Charlotte’s hero and heroine made me think of Marianne Dashwood and Colonel Brandon.
Perhaps my favorite thing about Miller’s new book is its approach to love and romance. It’s a story of true love – the kind that endures, trusts, and hopes. The kind of love formed not from fairy tales but from trials and obstacles. The kind of love that requires dying to self and putting someone else and their needs first. Along those lines, it’s also a story which sees refreshing character growth. At the beginning of the story, Charlotte is rather shallow and self-centered, her young age in stark contrast to William’s maturity (yet he’s still younger than me, so let’s not ship him off to Shady Acres quite yet.) She has an ‘others-focused’ side just waiting to be set free and as the story progresses, so does Charlotte – and William too for that matter.
I also loved revisiting Lavinia and Nicholas who, while not the stars of this particular show, still play a prominent role. Seeing them married and doing life together made my romantical heart smile. Of course, Nicholas’ momma as well as Charlotte’s both still need a good reticule whomping, but every good Regency romance needs a character or two like that to liven things up a bit!
Bottom Line: If you’re a fan of Julie Klassen, Julianne Donaldson, Kristi Ann Hunter and/or Sarah Ladd, you need to make sure this series is on your TBR list! The Captivating Lady Charlotte is poignant and gentle while at the same time boldly showing faith lived out and love lived in. I’m so looking forward to the next book, where we finally get to see more of Clara’s story!!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
Perhaps my favorite thing about Miller’s new book is its approach to love and romance. It’s a story of true love – the kind that endures, trusts, and hopes. The kind of love formed not from fairy tales but from trials and obstacles. The kind of love that requires dying to self and putting someone else and their needs first. Along those lines, it’s also a story which sees refreshing character growth. At the beginning of the story, Charlotte is rather shallow and self-centered, her young age in stark contrast to William’s maturity (yet he’s still younger than me, so let’s not ship him off to Shady Acres quite yet.) She has an ‘others-focused’ side just waiting to be set free and as the story progresses, so does Charlotte – and William too for that matter.
I also loved revisiting Lavinia and Nicholas who, while not the stars of this particular show, still play a prominent role. Seeing them married and doing life together made my romantical heart smile. Of course, Nicholas’ momma as well as Charlotte’s both still need a good reticule whomping, but every good Regency romance needs a character or two like that to liven things up a bit!
Bottom Line: If you’re a fan of Julie Klassen, Julianne Donaldson, Kristi Ann Hunter and/or Sarah Ladd, you need to make sure this series is on your TBR list! The Captivating Lady Charlotte is poignant and gentle while at the same time boldly showing faith lived out and love lived in. I’m so looking forward to the next book, where we finally get to see more of Clara’s story!!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
June 12, 2017
When Carolyn Miller's first novel, The Elusive Miss Ellison, debuted, I knew right then I wanted to follow her. She has burst upon the scene and written an impeccable Regency novel! Perfect in every way. Now, with her sophomore offering, The Captivating Lady Charlotte, my opinion has only been further cemented. Miller can do Regency and do it well.
Her dialogue is witty, her plot and scenes compelling. Miller will absolutely delight Regency fans. Her two novels thus far will draw the reader in at once and hold on until the end. The book is just beautifully written and totally enjoyable. And Miller's spiritual theme is awesome, too: God's forgiveness, grace and mercy and indeed, His healing of emotions runs throughout. I loved how she has portrayed the praising of God to overcome burdens. I am now looking forward to her next novel.
*I was given a preview copy of this book by Kregel Publications and my opinion is my own and honest.
Her dialogue is witty, her plot and scenes compelling. Miller will absolutely delight Regency fans. Her two novels thus far will draw the reader in at once and hold on until the end. The book is just beautifully written and totally enjoyable. And Miller's spiritual theme is awesome, too: God's forgiveness, grace and mercy and indeed, His healing of emotions runs throughout. I loved how she has portrayed the praising of God to overcome burdens. I am now looking forward to her next novel.
*I was given a preview copy of this book by Kregel Publications and my opinion is my own and honest.
August 11, 2017
An honest and heartfelt review in exchange of ‘Two’ copies of the book! ;p
This review may contain spoilers.
Where do I start? There's so much I have to say, and I'm at a loss for framing it! Nonetheless, I shall try my level best :)
About The Captivating Lady Charlotte:
“Real love perseveres through the hard times, never giving up. True love trusts.”
The Captivating Lady Charlotte is the second book in the Legacy of Grace series by Carolyn Miller. And as bowled over as I was after reading the first one, The Elusive Miss Ellison, I can earnestly say I continue with the sentiment with TCLC.
Lady Charlotte Featherington is the estranged cousin to Lavinia Stamford, Countess Hawkesbury, the protagonist from TEME, and they have only recently been acknowledged and united (towards the last third of TEME). The book follows the adventures and growth of Lady Charlotte and is indeed very interesting and engaging.
If I could summarise what I feel about the book in a word, it would be: Unputdownable! ;p One just can't shut it (and go to sleep!) And one is always curious to know what turn events will take with absolutely no clue as to what to expect.
The Story:
The story play is interesting, as in you understand things from the perspective of not only Charlotte, but also William. What I find really different, and believable, about the story is it is very realistic, with actual human reactions, especially to things which are not to one's liking. There are no excessive or profuse declarations, but expressions that are understandable and imminent. The overall feeling to me was of subtlety, and that makes the book a classy one for me.
With a major part of the story happening at Hartwell Abbey, the story has a gothic appeal to it with the secret passages, tunnels and priest holes. I loved the feel I got with the descriptions of the rose gardens, endearing the location to me.
Once again, the author has managed to keep the reader engaged up to the last page of the book with her distinctive style and story flow. And nothing in the story is unwanted or excessive.
William Hartwell, Duke of Hartington:
The Farmer Duke. Imperfect, yet perfect is how I’d like to describe William. Once bitten, twice shy. Having been scandalized and betrayed by his first wife, he has difficulty trusting women and love. He is flawed, is unable to express his feelings, though he feels deeply. And being reserved by nature doesn’t help him either, with verbosity a far trait from his character.
But at the same time he is straightforward, kind, compassionate, forgiving (eventually, yes), faithful and full of Grace. He is generous, loving, caring, loyal, perceptive and selfless. Even after having been made to suffer emotionally, by his family and first wife, mostly for his physical flaws, he holds onto himself with dignity.
William is very intelligent, nature loving, interesting, scientific, innovative, patient and a kind master. He has an exemplary character and a distinctive dry humour. There are a myriad of facets to his personality, which are clearly visible if one overlooks his physical imperfections and tries to understand him closely. But unfortunately, most people are too shallow to go beyond his looks and physical stature.
My heart goes out for him so many times through the course of the book, as he is trying to please Charlotte and I was annoyed many a times with her, on being unable to truly see him and failing to recognise his efforts.
The author has sketched such a believable character in William, it definitely needs praise, as it is very easy to depict a spotless character, but very difficult to bring out the flaws in pen and yet make them lovable.
Lady Charlotte Featherington:
Charlotte is beautiful, and has great expectations from her future and her marriage. She is destined for great things, but her romantic heart has listed love a top priority as an essential attribute in her future husband.
Charlotte, unlike her cousin Lavinia, is fairly naïve. She is very young, and over protected and basically unaware of people's duplicity and deviousness. But she is not a fool. She may be swayed by first impressions, but is also a thinker. Initially, she is not a fair judge of character, and suffers from infatuation, but eventually there is a growth in her that brings out maturity and proper judgement. The initial flaw is majorly due to the fact of being over protected and considered too young to be acquainted with life's realities and has not been given the space for growth and expression.
These aren't the only facets to her. She is compassionate, obedient, respectful and kind. She is accommodating. Like any young girl, she enjoys the fun surrounding her and is apparently frivolous, but with proper influence, she also grows to recognise her Faith. Like William, she too has a dry humour.
She has formed distinct opinions about her requirements from her husband, chiefly being influenced by Lavinia and Nicholas. She also suffers from certain pangs of jealousies with comparisons, and wishes for a similar marriage and relationship. She is so influenced by the fact of Nicholas’s being a handsome and loving husband that she makes it a standard and expects the same in her life, and overlooks the character underneath the skin. And that is majorly why she is not chiefly interested in William initially and is unimpressed by him and finds him dull and boring. But on closer observations, she understands that no one leads a perfect life and have their sets of problems to deal with. Also, she grows to recognise the exceptional character that William is blessed with, how interesting he is as a person and values him for all his worth and understands and acknowledges that she would never find his equal.
William and Charlotte:
“Charity … beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.”
Their thinking is very relatable. Both are flawed. Both have trust issues. Each has it's own doubts and reservations, but where William is quick in realising his heart, Charlotte takes a long way to come and meet him at the same point.
Then, there is always this juggling in the feelings of both, with trust, distrust, doubts, affection, love, Hope and Faith playing an acceding-receding game. While Charlotte wants profuse declarations, William is the passive loving kind who feels deeply but is unable to express. But thankfully, his deeds do the speaking. His love and feelings are apparent in the way he treats Charlotte. And thankfully again, Charlotte recognises it.
The story is not just about Charlotte understanding and following her Faith, but is also a test of the endurance of the Faith, for her and William as well.
Together, I find them to be perfect for each other. Her vivacity balancing his cool, reserved ways, her youth giving him a buoyant feel, while his staid ways bringing her stability and maturity. They complement each other exceptionally.
The Ensemble Cast:
As the blurb mentions, we meet old friends here. More about them under a separate heading :)
Amongst the other characters, a major role is played by Lady Exeter, Charlotte’s mother. Overbearing, manipulative, managing, interfering, a stickler to suit her own purposes, verbose and indiscreet in many instances, she reminded me of Mrs. Bennett from Pride and Prejudice. Once again putting us in mind of some similarities the author bears in her style of characterisation and writing with the exceptional Jane Austen.
While Lord Exeter is reserved, he still cares for how Charlotte feels and Henry is a loving brother, and is kind to her. Lord Markham is devious and uses his charm and looks to entrap Charlotte. Lord and Lady Ware are fine people trying to play their part by William. The staff at Hartwell Abbey also have some involvement in the story. Overall, there is not a crush of characters, and the concentration is on the storyline.
Elements form The Elusive Miss Ellison:
I loved this part of the book as well. We have Lavinia and Nicholas playing major parts in this book, and yet they do not overshadow Charlotte and William. We understand what is currently happening in their lives and how they are handling the ups and downs. So, for all the readers who, like me, were inquisitive about Lavinia and Nicholas’s future, you will get not just a glimpse but a chunk of a view from their lives. It was interesting and satisfying, yet not overboard.
To summarise:
A DEFINITE RECOMMENDATION FOR ALL ROMANCE READERS AND SPECIALLY FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR A POIGNANT TALE OF TRUE LOVE, HOPE, TRUST AND FAITH, NOT IMPUNGNED BY TRIVIALTIES AND SHALLOWNESS.
I look forward in all earnestness and enthusiasm for The Dishonourable Miss Delancy releasing in October.
About the author:
Carolyn Miller lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia. She is married, with four gorgeous children, who all love to read (and write!).
A longtime lover of Regency romance, Carolyn's novels have won a number of Romance Writers of American (RWA) and American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) contests. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Australasian Christian Writers. Her favourite authors are classics like Jane Austen (of course!), Georgette Heyer, and Agatha Christie, but she also enjoys contemporary authors like Susan May Warren and Becky Wade.
Her stories are fun and witty, yet also deal with real issues, such as dealing with forgiveness, the nature of really loving versus 'true love', and other challenges we all face at different times.
Her books include:
Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace
The Elusive Miss Ellison
The Captivating Lady Charlotte
The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey
This review may contain spoilers.
Where do I start? There's so much I have to say, and I'm at a loss for framing it! Nonetheless, I shall try my level best :)
About The Captivating Lady Charlotte:
“Real love perseveres through the hard times, never giving up. True love trusts.”
The Captivating Lady Charlotte is the second book in the Legacy of Grace series by Carolyn Miller. And as bowled over as I was after reading the first one, The Elusive Miss Ellison, I can earnestly say I continue with the sentiment with TCLC.
Lady Charlotte Featherington is the estranged cousin to Lavinia Stamford, Countess Hawkesbury, the protagonist from TEME, and they have only recently been acknowledged and united (towards the last third of TEME). The book follows the adventures and growth of Lady Charlotte and is indeed very interesting and engaging.
If I could summarise what I feel about the book in a word, it would be: Unputdownable! ;p One just can't shut it (and go to sleep!) And one is always curious to know what turn events will take with absolutely no clue as to what to expect.
The Story:
The story play is interesting, as in you understand things from the perspective of not only Charlotte, but also William. What I find really different, and believable, about the story is it is very realistic, with actual human reactions, especially to things which are not to one's liking. There are no excessive or profuse declarations, but expressions that are understandable and imminent. The overall feeling to me was of subtlety, and that makes the book a classy one for me.
With a major part of the story happening at Hartwell Abbey, the story has a gothic appeal to it with the secret passages, tunnels and priest holes. I loved the feel I got with the descriptions of the rose gardens, endearing the location to me.
Once again, the author has managed to keep the reader engaged up to the last page of the book with her distinctive style and story flow. And nothing in the story is unwanted or excessive.
William Hartwell, Duke of Hartington:
The Farmer Duke. Imperfect, yet perfect is how I’d like to describe William. Once bitten, twice shy. Having been scandalized and betrayed by his first wife, he has difficulty trusting women and love. He is flawed, is unable to express his feelings, though he feels deeply. And being reserved by nature doesn’t help him either, with verbosity a far trait from his character.
But at the same time he is straightforward, kind, compassionate, forgiving (eventually, yes), faithful and full of Grace. He is generous, loving, caring, loyal, perceptive and selfless. Even after having been made to suffer emotionally, by his family and first wife, mostly for his physical flaws, he holds onto himself with dignity.
William is very intelligent, nature loving, interesting, scientific, innovative, patient and a kind master. He has an exemplary character and a distinctive dry humour. There are a myriad of facets to his personality, which are clearly visible if one overlooks his physical imperfections and tries to understand him closely. But unfortunately, most people are too shallow to go beyond his looks and physical stature.
My heart goes out for him so many times through the course of the book, as he is trying to please Charlotte and I was annoyed many a times with her, on being unable to truly see him and failing to recognise his efforts.
The author has sketched such a believable character in William, it definitely needs praise, as it is very easy to depict a spotless character, but very difficult to bring out the flaws in pen and yet make them lovable.
Lady Charlotte Featherington:
Charlotte is beautiful, and has great expectations from her future and her marriage. She is destined for great things, but her romantic heart has listed love a top priority as an essential attribute in her future husband.
Charlotte, unlike her cousin Lavinia, is fairly naïve. She is very young, and over protected and basically unaware of people's duplicity and deviousness. But she is not a fool. She may be swayed by first impressions, but is also a thinker. Initially, she is not a fair judge of character, and suffers from infatuation, but eventually there is a growth in her that brings out maturity and proper judgement. The initial flaw is majorly due to the fact of being over protected and considered too young to be acquainted with life's realities and has not been given the space for growth and expression.
These aren't the only facets to her. She is compassionate, obedient, respectful and kind. She is accommodating. Like any young girl, she enjoys the fun surrounding her and is apparently frivolous, but with proper influence, she also grows to recognise her Faith. Like William, she too has a dry humour.
She has formed distinct opinions about her requirements from her husband, chiefly being influenced by Lavinia and Nicholas. She also suffers from certain pangs of jealousies with comparisons, and wishes for a similar marriage and relationship. She is so influenced by the fact of Nicholas’s being a handsome and loving husband that she makes it a standard and expects the same in her life, and overlooks the character underneath the skin. And that is majorly why she is not chiefly interested in William initially and is unimpressed by him and finds him dull and boring. But on closer observations, she understands that no one leads a perfect life and have their sets of problems to deal with. Also, she grows to recognise the exceptional character that William is blessed with, how interesting he is as a person and values him for all his worth and understands and acknowledges that she would never find his equal.
William and Charlotte:
“Charity … beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.”
Their thinking is very relatable. Both are flawed. Both have trust issues. Each has it's own doubts and reservations, but where William is quick in realising his heart, Charlotte takes a long way to come and meet him at the same point.
Then, there is always this juggling in the feelings of both, with trust, distrust, doubts, affection, love, Hope and Faith playing an acceding-receding game. While Charlotte wants profuse declarations, William is the passive loving kind who feels deeply but is unable to express. But thankfully, his deeds do the speaking. His love and feelings are apparent in the way he treats Charlotte. And thankfully again, Charlotte recognises it.
The story is not just about Charlotte understanding and following her Faith, but is also a test of the endurance of the Faith, for her and William as well.
Together, I find them to be perfect for each other. Her vivacity balancing his cool, reserved ways, her youth giving him a buoyant feel, while his staid ways bringing her stability and maturity. They complement each other exceptionally.
The Ensemble Cast:
As the blurb mentions, we meet old friends here. More about them under a separate heading :)
Amongst the other characters, a major role is played by Lady Exeter, Charlotte’s mother. Overbearing, manipulative, managing, interfering, a stickler to suit her own purposes, verbose and indiscreet in many instances, she reminded me of Mrs. Bennett from Pride and Prejudice. Once again putting us in mind of some similarities the author bears in her style of characterisation and writing with the exceptional Jane Austen.
While Lord Exeter is reserved, he still cares for how Charlotte feels and Henry is a loving brother, and is kind to her. Lord Markham is devious and uses his charm and looks to entrap Charlotte. Lord and Lady Ware are fine people trying to play their part by William. The staff at Hartwell Abbey also have some involvement in the story. Overall, there is not a crush of characters, and the concentration is on the storyline.
Elements form The Elusive Miss Ellison:
I loved this part of the book as well. We have Lavinia and Nicholas playing major parts in this book, and yet they do not overshadow Charlotte and William. We understand what is currently happening in their lives and how they are handling the ups and downs. So, for all the readers who, like me, were inquisitive about Lavinia and Nicholas’s future, you will get not just a glimpse but a chunk of a view from their lives. It was interesting and satisfying, yet not overboard.
To summarise:
A DEFINITE RECOMMENDATION FOR ALL ROMANCE READERS AND SPECIALLY FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR A POIGNANT TALE OF TRUE LOVE, HOPE, TRUST AND FAITH, NOT IMPUNGNED BY TRIVIALTIES AND SHALLOWNESS.
I look forward in all earnestness and enthusiasm for The Dishonourable Miss Delancy releasing in October.
About the author:
Carolyn Miller lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia. She is married, with four gorgeous children, who all love to read (and write!).
A longtime lover of Regency romance, Carolyn's novels have won a number of Romance Writers of American (RWA) and American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) contests. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Australasian Christian Writers. Her favourite authors are classics like Jane Austen (of course!), Georgette Heyer, and Agatha Christie, but she also enjoys contemporary authors like Susan May Warren and Becky Wade.
Her stories are fun and witty, yet also deal with real issues, such as dealing with forgiveness, the nature of really loving versus 'true love', and other challenges we all face at different times.
Her books include:
Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace
The Elusive Miss Ellison
The Captivating Lady Charlotte
The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey
November 7, 2017
Lovers of Regency romance, look no further. This is one of the most satisfying Regencies I have read in a long time, partly because the style of writing hearkens to that of Austen and Heyer, but mostly because of everything this story holds: I love that it gives the ‘arranged marriage’ trope a thoughtful treatment that I haven’t come across before; I love the way Lady Charlotte matures over the course of the story; and I love that it was full of wonderful period detail, such as Charlotte’s presentation at Court, a visit to Vauxhall Gardens, and the general experiences of both Town and country life.
Like most eighteen-year-olds, Lady Charlotte chafes under that sense of being an adult, yet not quite an adult. She’s been presented at Court and now has some freedom to move about in society, but her mother dictates where she may or may not go, and whom she will associate with and speak to. She comes across as a little petulant and self-absorbed at the beginning of the story, but it is to her credit that she allows her cousin Lavinia’s (The Elusive Miss Ellison) gentle reproofs to take root as she considers the truth that while she may not have as much control over her circumstances as she wishes, she does control how she responds to those circumstances. And thus begins the maturation of the captivating Lady Charlotte.
It was lovely to see Lavinia and Nicholas feature so prominently in this story, and especially to see the way in which Lavinia’s Godly example paved the way for Charlotte to think more deeply about what true love is: that it is more than feelings and emotions; that it is patient, always seeking the good of the other person; that it is steadfast in all things; and that it can be cultivated. Charlotte definitely blossoms through this friendship, as does her relationship with William, hesitant though it may be.
And William...there’s something about the quite ones that always squeezes my heart. They’re harder to pull off in fiction, but Carolyn Miller manages to capture the nuances that bring warmth and vitality to William’s character, despite his less gregarious nature. Sometimes it truly is slow and steady that wins the race!
If you love Regency romance, don’t pass this one up!
I received a copy of this novel from the author. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Like most eighteen-year-olds, Lady Charlotte chafes under that sense of being an adult, yet not quite an adult. She’s been presented at Court and now has some freedom to move about in society, but her mother dictates where she may or may not go, and whom she will associate with and speak to. She comes across as a little petulant and self-absorbed at the beginning of the story, but it is to her credit that she allows her cousin Lavinia’s (The Elusive Miss Ellison) gentle reproofs to take root as she considers the truth that while she may not have as much control over her circumstances as she wishes, she does control how she responds to those circumstances. And thus begins the maturation of the captivating Lady Charlotte.
It was lovely to see Lavinia and Nicholas feature so prominently in this story, and especially to see the way in which Lavinia’s Godly example paved the way for Charlotte to think more deeply about what true love is: that it is more than feelings and emotions; that it is patient, always seeking the good of the other person; that it is steadfast in all things; and that it can be cultivated. Charlotte definitely blossoms through this friendship, as does her relationship with William, hesitant though it may be.
And William...there’s something about the quite ones that always squeezes my heart. They’re harder to pull off in fiction, but Carolyn Miller manages to capture the nuances that bring warmth and vitality to William’s character, despite his less gregarious nature. Sometimes it truly is slow and steady that wins the race!
If you love Regency romance, don’t pass this one up!
I received a copy of this novel from the author. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
October 29, 2017
Full series review on Faithfully Bookish
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!
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. William Hartwell is a man of faith who has been sorely tested in the marriage department.
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.
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!
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. William Hartwell is a man of faith who has been sorely tested in the marriage department.
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.
October 3, 2017
Are you ready for my trademark Regency Romance squeal? Plug your ears -- Sqqqqquuuueeeeeee! I adored Carolyn Miller's debut novel, The Illusive Miss Ellison, which I read earlier this year and I'm happy to report she's wowed me again with Book Two in her Regency Brides : a Legacy of Grace series.
If you've read the first book, you'll be thrilled to discover Lavinia and Nicholas play a major role in this one, though The Captivating Lady Charlotte reads beautifully as a standalone so no worries if you haven't.
It features Lavinia's cousin, Charlotte -- the captivating lady who catches the eye of a duke. It's drawing rooms and balls and genteel conversation and all the social niceties associated with a young lady's 'coming out'. Including a dragonish mother's determination to find the perfect (aka rich and powerful) match for her marriageable daughter, which provided many laugh-out-loud (in a cringing kind of way) moments.
Honestly -- such a delight to read! The staid Duke; the guileless young miss. He's a little world weary and cynical. She's wide-eyed with wonder -- though I have to admit that Charlotte irked me in the beginning. Her husband hunting seemed so shallow. Like she hadn't thought much further than achieving a proposal. But this is the kind of story that shows growth in the heroine which was a privilege to be privy to. Particularly her spiritual growth as she comes to understand that being a Christian and living as a Christian are two entirely different things.
And then the author throws a bit of Gothic in with suspicious happenings at Hartwell Abbey and the sinister specter of danger threatens the Duke and all he holds dear. (Cue alarming organ music,) Soul-stirring, toe-curling and completely captivating.
Book provided courtesy of Kregel Pulications
If you've read the first book, you'll be thrilled to discover Lavinia and Nicholas play a major role in this one, though The Captivating Lady Charlotte reads beautifully as a standalone so no worries if you haven't.
It features Lavinia's cousin, Charlotte -- the captivating lady who catches the eye of a duke. It's drawing rooms and balls and genteel conversation and all the social niceties associated with a young lady's 'coming out'. Including a dragonish mother's determination to find the perfect (aka rich and powerful) match for her marriageable daughter, which provided many laugh-out-loud (in a cringing kind of way) moments.
Honestly -- such a delight to read! The staid Duke; the guileless young miss. He's a little world weary and cynical. She's wide-eyed with wonder -- though I have to admit that Charlotte irked me in the beginning. Her husband hunting seemed so shallow. Like she hadn't thought much further than achieving a proposal. But this is the kind of story that shows growth in the heroine which was a privilege to be privy to. Particularly her spiritual growth as she comes to understand that being a Christian and living as a Christian are two entirely different things.
And then the author throws a bit of Gothic in with suspicious happenings at Hartwell Abbey and the sinister specter of danger threatens the Duke and all he holds dear. (Cue alarming organ music,) Soul-stirring, toe-curling and completely captivating.
Book provided courtesy of Kregel Pulications
June 11, 2017
This read truly was captivating. There were several elements that made this a great one and different from other reads.
First, this book delves deeper into real love. It isn't just the blushing, butterflies, and emotional feelings. It is an action word and a choice as well. I love that about this read. " She's wrong I know that love is more than just a feeling, more than just emotion....Real love perseveres through the hard times, never giving up. True love trusts." Oh, how I loved reading words like this. The words more people need to understand.
This book doesn't treat life as a fairy tale either. Difficulties come, and faith is needed. Bringing the lesson that no matter the circumstances, God IS good, we just must trust He knows best.
I loved that characters from the previous novel continue in this one. It's like meeting old friends. Charlotte is easy to be drawn to as she starts her season young and naive, but she learns and grows through the book!
I loved the characters, plot, and the beautiful faith theme. I guess I thought the ending a bit rushed. However, I think perhaps I was just sad to see it end. It was an enjoyable read, and I stayed up past midnight to finish.
" Did God promise a life of roses? Or was faith more about remembering His presence and strength in the midst of suffering."
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
First, this book delves deeper into real love. It isn't just the blushing, butterflies, and emotional feelings. It is an action word and a choice as well. I love that about this read. " She's wrong I know that love is more than just a feeling, more than just emotion....Real love perseveres through the hard times, never giving up. True love trusts." Oh, how I loved reading words like this. The words more people need to understand.
This book doesn't treat life as a fairy tale either. Difficulties come, and faith is needed. Bringing the lesson that no matter the circumstances, God IS good, we just must trust He knows best.
I loved that characters from the previous novel continue in this one. It's like meeting old friends. Charlotte is easy to be drawn to as she starts her season young and naive, but she learns and grows through the book!
I loved the characters, plot, and the beautiful faith theme. I guess I thought the ending a bit rushed. However, I think perhaps I was just sad to see it end. It was an enjoyable read, and I stayed up past midnight to finish.
" Did God promise a life of roses? Or was faith more about remembering His presence and strength in the midst of suffering."
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
August 29, 2020
I was completely swept into this book right from the beginning! I loved the premise of the novel and found the love story similar to Marianne & Colonel Brandon from Sense & Sensibility. Charlotte is young and seeking true love & passion. She finds herself falling for what the reader knows to be a cad while her parents are setting her up with a brooding yet sensitive duke with secrets & an awesome gothic manor. Her incessant need for people to “not treat her as a child” gets a bit old, but overall she is a likable & sweet heroine. William the Duke is such a lovable hero! His love for her really began at first sight and I was rooting for him to find happiness the whole book. He is just so sweet and such a gentleman.
This is my second Carolyn Miller book and I really enjoyed it! I will say that so far I’ve noticed that in her novels the characters don’t get together until rightttttt at the end of the book. As I approached the last quarter of the book it was like JUST LOVE HIM ALREADY!!! I really wish they would get together a little sooner because I just need more time seeing the couple happily together! I’m happy that this book has an epilogue to help conclude their love story.
This is my second Carolyn Miller book and I really enjoyed it! I will say that so far I’ve noticed that in her novels the characters don’t get together until rightttttt at the end of the book. As I approached the last quarter of the book it was like JUST LOVE HIM ALREADY!!! I really wish they would get together a little sooner because I just need more time seeing the couple happily together! I’m happy that this book has an epilogue to help conclude their love story.
August 20, 2017
I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next in the series. This book will have me thinking about what it means to truly love for awhile. That love is a choice. There's a touch of the gothic and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
January 13, 2020
The ending was so intense!
February 17, 2018
This book has so much potential. I wanted to like it more than I did. I would give it 2.5 stars if I could, because I loved the characters. I thought the development of these characters was pretty good. It’s not perfect, but humans never are perfect, so I can live with that.
The thing that bothers me about this book is that it is what I would call “running on fumes.” In my opinion, you can use misunderstanding, miscommunication, and characters fighting their own stupidity only so many times before you should really change up your tactics. It gets so tedious. And that is what this story runs on as far as conflict goes. Oh, there is the whole “who is sabotaging my estate” thing. But when the reader has that figured out right from the get go and is wondering why it takes the hero the entire book to figure it out when he is supposed to be so smart, then that’s a problem.
While I’m sure there are many readers out there who would appreciate a plot such as this, I am, unfortunately, not one of them. This book really dragged on for me. Usually plot devices such as these lessen the effect of the characters for me, I’m glad I was able to hold on to my regard for them.
The thing that bothers me about this book is that it is what I would call “running on fumes.” In my opinion, you can use misunderstanding, miscommunication, and characters fighting their own stupidity only so many times before you should really change up your tactics. It gets so tedious. And that is what this story runs on as far as conflict goes. Oh, there is the whole “who is sabotaging my estate” thing. But when the reader has that figured out right from the get go and is wondering why it takes the hero the entire book to figure it out when he is supposed to be so smart, then that’s a problem.
While I’m sure there are many readers out there who would appreciate a plot such as this, I am, unfortunately, not one of them. This book really dragged on for me. Usually plot devices such as these lessen the effect of the characters for me, I’m glad I was able to hold on to my regard for them.
August 30, 2018
Lady Charlotte is a gently bred woman in the Regency Period. She has grown up with expectations on what her life should be. As she has her presentation to the Queen and is accepted for her Season, her hopes for love in a marriage are dashed when she realizes that her parents will not approve of the men who are turning her head.
Charlotte grows up a lot in this book. She starts as a silly girl and becomes a woman of grace and compassion. She grew on me as the book progressed. She has to learn what love really looks like, what she wants in her life, and how to serve others.
The Duke is a complex man. He lived a lie with his late wife and is still hurting from deceit. For some reason he is drawn to Charlotte from the moment he met her, but he is not wanting to put his heart in the hand of another and be hurt again.
This book was a interesting. Carolyn Miller's tale takes us into ballrooms, drawing rooms, London, and the countryside. The book's romance is not sudden, but it is built upon and nurtured. There is also a mystery on the side that adds intrigue.
This book contains some kissing and a little violence. It is also a Christian Regency Romance
Charlotte grows up a lot in this book. She starts as a silly girl and becomes a woman of grace and compassion. She grew on me as the book progressed. She has to learn what love really looks like, what she wants in her life, and how to serve others.
The Duke is a complex man. He lived a lie with his late wife and is still hurting from deceit. For some reason he is drawn to Charlotte from the moment he met her, but he is not wanting to put his heart in the hand of another and be hurt again.
This book was a interesting. Carolyn Miller's tale takes us into ballrooms, drawing rooms, London, and the countryside. The book's romance is not sudden, but it is built upon and nurtured. There is also a mystery on the side that adds intrigue.
This book contains some kissing and a little violence. It is also a Christian Regency Romance
April 11, 2018
A clean Regency read
3.5
This novel has much to say about real love verses the feeling of being in love. I liked the Duke more than Charlotte who seemed to require a lot in a husband for a young girl. This is well-written but I didn’t strongly engage with either the characters or the plot.
3.5
This novel has much to say about real love verses the feeling of being in love. I liked the Duke more than Charlotte who seemed to require a lot in a husband for a young girl. This is well-written but I didn’t strongly engage with either the characters or the plot.
August 5, 2017
3 1/2.
This one was reminiscent of Persuasion and William made a great Colonel Brandon. I didn't like Charlotte as much. For all her protests about not being too young, she did act a bit too fickle at times. Well written story that kept me reading.
This one was reminiscent of Persuasion and William made a great Colonel Brandon. I didn't like Charlotte as much. For all her protests about not being too young, she did act a bit too fickle at times. Well written story that kept me reading.
June 29, 2017
Regency is my favorite genre without a doubt. Though the number of Christian fiction books set in that time period has decreased in number, there are several authors who prove the genre is not dead and that quality writing does exist. Carolyn Miller is quickly becoming one of my favorites, and The Captivating Lady Charlotte, only her second published novel, is even better than the first book in the Regency Brides series.
As with her first book, the historical details Miller shares are fascinating and help set the stage for the action and the plot. I love the descriptions of the Vauxhall Gardens—I do believe this is one of the first times I have read anything other than the name of the pleasure garden and it helped me get a fuller picture of entertainment at the time.
The character of Lady Charlotte is fascinating and watching her grow during the novel made this book almost impossible to put down. While the heroine wanting to marry for love rather than rank or wealth may be an often used device in Regency fiction, Miller deftly puts her own spin on in by having her heroine learn what love really is before allowing her to decide which man she will marry. It is a beautiful picture of a woman beginning to know her own mind and heart, thankfully before disaster strikes.
I love William’s character, too—an honorable hero who has been badly burned by past experience, his learning to trust again gives hope to those who struggle. His patience and repeated demonstrations of love, though not of the kissing variety, are just as romantic and give him a swoon-factor that has nothing to do with his appearance.
The other thing that sets this novel apart from many others is the suspenseful and even gothic feel it takes on about halfway through. I wasn’t expecting it, but I enjoyed the added depth as a result. The element of danger helps both the hero and heroine to focus on what is important and refines their relationship until doubt is removed.
There are some sensitive topics included in this novel such as adultery and death during childbirth, so I would recommend this novel for older teens and up. The writing is realistic without becoming offensive, though at times it definitely shakes my own romantic notions of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy during this time. This is a thinking book and will engage the reader in some introspective exploration of her own heart—it has left me valuing my own marriage and family more highly, and determined to treasure them more dearly.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and publisher, but no compensation for this review. I was not required to write a favorable one and the opinions expressed are both honest and my own.
As with her first book, the historical details Miller shares are fascinating and help set the stage for the action and the plot. I love the descriptions of the Vauxhall Gardens—I do believe this is one of the first times I have read anything other than the name of the pleasure garden and it helped me get a fuller picture of entertainment at the time.
The character of Lady Charlotte is fascinating and watching her grow during the novel made this book almost impossible to put down. While the heroine wanting to marry for love rather than rank or wealth may be an often used device in Regency fiction, Miller deftly puts her own spin on in by having her heroine learn what love really is before allowing her to decide which man she will marry. It is a beautiful picture of a woman beginning to know her own mind and heart, thankfully before disaster strikes.
I love William’s character, too—an honorable hero who has been badly burned by past experience, his learning to trust again gives hope to those who struggle. His patience and repeated demonstrations of love, though not of the kissing variety, are just as romantic and give him a swoon-factor that has nothing to do with his appearance.
The other thing that sets this novel apart from many others is the suspenseful and even gothic feel it takes on about halfway through. I wasn’t expecting it, but I enjoyed the added depth as a result. The element of danger helps both the hero and heroine to focus on what is important and refines their relationship until doubt is removed.
There are some sensitive topics included in this novel such as adultery and death during childbirth, so I would recommend this novel for older teens and up. The writing is realistic without becoming offensive, though at times it definitely shakes my own romantic notions of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy during this time. This is a thinking book and will engage the reader in some introspective exploration of her own heart—it has left me valuing my own marriage and family more highly, and determined to treasure them more dearly.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and publisher, but no compensation for this review. I was not required to write a favorable one and the opinions expressed are both honest and my own.
July 27, 2017
The Captivating Lady Charlotte #2 Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace
by Carolyn Miller
It’s 1814, London and beautiful Lady Charlotte Featherington, daughter of a marquess, has her heart set on marrying for love. However, her parents have other plans regarding her marriage, plans that do not necessarily include love but a duke...a very dull duke. The “dull” duke her parents have picked, William Hartwell, knows full well that the captivating Lady Charlotte did not choose him, her father did. However, his heart has chosen her. Can, in time, he win her heart as well?
With each page I was swept up into the lives of Charlotte and William as they attempt to form at least a friendship and possibly a marriage. William is a cautious man in opening his heart, he doesn’t want a repeat of his first marriage (I don’t blame him) plus he has a secret he has not divulged as yet to Charlotte. Will that secret send her packing or will she accept him secrets and all? There is much more to William than Charlotte is aware of. He is far from being dull, if she will only give him half a chance...will she?
Charlotte is romantic at heart and wants romance in her life (what young girl doesn’t). However, will she learn the true meaning of love as she gets to know William? Will her time with her cousin and her husband shed some light on what true love and trust really is? I like that this book delves much deeper into what real love is, not only between a husband and wife but the spiritual aspect of love as well. It is fun watching Charlotte as she matures into a strong young woman and her faith grows deeper.
I was glad to see characters from the first book return in this book. It was like visiting “old friends” and catching up on their lives. There are some unsavory characters with evil plots, causing William—and thereby those close to him—much havoc and dangerous situations.
Carolyn Miller has penned a story that takes the reader…at least this reader...on an amazing journey as we step through the pages and follow Charlotte and William’s story. We experience their emotions, the suspense and danger, secrets, joys and sorrows as well as the beautiful London landscape. I appreciate the spiritual theme woven throughout the story-line revealing God's forgiveness, grace, trust, healing and mercy and especially how praising God—even in the most painful circumstances and heartaches—our sorrow is eased as portrayed by Lavinia and Nicholas. The Captivating Lady Charlotte is a remarkable, heartwarming story.
~I received a copy of this book from the author via TBCN (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~
by Carolyn Miller
It’s 1814, London and beautiful Lady Charlotte Featherington, daughter of a marquess, has her heart set on marrying for love. However, her parents have other plans regarding her marriage, plans that do not necessarily include love but a duke...a very dull duke. The “dull” duke her parents have picked, William Hartwell, knows full well that the captivating Lady Charlotte did not choose him, her father did. However, his heart has chosen her. Can, in time, he win her heart as well?
With each page I was swept up into the lives of Charlotte and William as they attempt to form at least a friendship and possibly a marriage. William is a cautious man in opening his heart, he doesn’t want a repeat of his first marriage (I don’t blame him) plus he has a secret he has not divulged as yet to Charlotte. Will that secret send her packing or will she accept him secrets and all? There is much more to William than Charlotte is aware of. He is far from being dull, if she will only give him half a chance...will she?
Charlotte is romantic at heart and wants romance in her life (what young girl doesn’t). However, will she learn the true meaning of love as she gets to know William? Will her time with her cousin and her husband shed some light on what true love and trust really is? I like that this book delves much deeper into what real love is, not only between a husband and wife but the spiritual aspect of love as well. It is fun watching Charlotte as she matures into a strong young woman and her faith grows deeper.
I was glad to see characters from the first book return in this book. It was like visiting “old friends” and catching up on their lives. There are some unsavory characters with evil plots, causing William—and thereby those close to him—much havoc and dangerous situations.
Carolyn Miller has penned a story that takes the reader…at least this reader...on an amazing journey as we step through the pages and follow Charlotte and William’s story. We experience their emotions, the suspense and danger, secrets, joys and sorrows as well as the beautiful London landscape. I appreciate the spiritual theme woven throughout the story-line revealing God's forgiveness, grace, trust, healing and mercy and especially how praising God—even in the most painful circumstances and heartaches—our sorrow is eased as portrayed by Lavinia and Nicholas. The Captivating Lady Charlotte is a remarkable, heartwarming story.
~I received a copy of this book from the author via TBCN (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~
June 27, 2017
Much like the first book of Carolyn Miller’s, I thought this novel was beautifully written and full of spiritual truths subtly wound into the story. Any lover of Jane Austen’s works is sure to love the story of Lady Charlotte. I felt as though every word were carefully thought out and cleverly expressed, making this book a pleasure to read.
Charlotte was presented as an immature but compassionate young lady willing to grow. Her openness and humility made her likeable from the start and every step of the way I wanted the very best for her. Her mistakes made her real; a character I could connect with in my own humanity.
The Duke of Hartington, (William) was a favourite of mine from the beginning and I was delighted when Lady Charlotte began to recognise his value. His mild, gentle manner disguised a strength and self- control that was worthy of great respect. The betrayal of his previous wife caused him to have trust issues, but these were dealt with beautifully by the author in a satisfying and timely manner.
I found myself responding to the spiritual truths in the novel. My favourite lines relating to a character deeply grieving the loss of a loved one, were: ‘Did God promise a life of roses? Or was faith more about remembering His presence and strength in the midst of suffering?’
Pain was not dismissed but realistically faced by the characters. The author took the opportunity to let her characters feel deeply, face their pain with honesty and then trust. There were no glib responses or brushing over the real issues or questions created by such hurt.
I was pleased to find characters from ‘The Elusive Miss Ellison’ significantly involved in this story. It satisfied my desire to hear more of them after finishing the first book.
My only issue with the novel was that when I first began reading I found it hard to take in all the clever ideas and expressions, feeling as though I was not doing the story justice. However, I believe this was purely where I was at and I was soon drawn into the story and completely absorbed. Every bit of effort put into reading this novel was well worth it.
A clever, satisfying, beautifully written tale.
Charlotte was presented as an immature but compassionate young lady willing to grow. Her openness and humility made her likeable from the start and every step of the way I wanted the very best for her. Her mistakes made her real; a character I could connect with in my own humanity.
The Duke of Hartington, (William) was a favourite of mine from the beginning and I was delighted when Lady Charlotte began to recognise his value. His mild, gentle manner disguised a strength and self- control that was worthy of great respect. The betrayal of his previous wife caused him to have trust issues, but these were dealt with beautifully by the author in a satisfying and timely manner.
I found myself responding to the spiritual truths in the novel. My favourite lines relating to a character deeply grieving the loss of a loved one, were: ‘Did God promise a life of roses? Or was faith more about remembering His presence and strength in the midst of suffering?’
Pain was not dismissed but realistically faced by the characters. The author took the opportunity to let her characters feel deeply, face their pain with honesty and then trust. There were no glib responses or brushing over the real issues or questions created by such hurt.
I was pleased to find characters from ‘The Elusive Miss Ellison’ significantly involved in this story. It satisfied my desire to hear more of them after finishing the first book.
My only issue with the novel was that when I first began reading I found it hard to take in all the clever ideas and expressions, feeling as though I was not doing the story justice. However, I believe this was purely where I was at and I was soon drawn into the story and completely absorbed. Every bit of effort put into reading this novel was well worth it.
A clever, satisfying, beautifully written tale.
October 13, 2017
This is the second of a trilogy set in Regency England. I enjoyed it immensely.
William, the Duke of Hartington, has lost his wife in childbirth. But is the girl child his? Now he is wary of every female that comes to his notice. Is this one after his fortune? His faith has taken a beating. Who can he trust? William is called “The Farmer Duke” because of his interest in new scientific ideas having to do with plants. He is very caring about his villagers outside of Hartwell Abbey, his country estate.
Lady Charlotte- a cousin of Lavinia’s from the first book- has just had her come-out into London’s society. Her mama is seeking a good match for her daughter. Charlotte ‘s eye is caught by someone who is deemed unsuitable by her parents, Lord Markham. He seems solicitous but what are his real motives? Are her father’s deep pockets what attracts him?
When William and Charlotte meet they don’t see beyond the surface to underlying motivations. Is the Duke really boring and stand-offish or just hurting? Is Charlotte just interested in Balls and outings or is she growing in her faith, while trying to please her parents?
The supporting characters are some we have met in The Elusive Miss Ellison, primarily Lavinia and her husband Nicholas, the Duke of Hawkesbury. They befriend William when the rumors about his wife fly and bolster his faith in this time of questioning. Several characters seem to be obstacles to the cause of a happy ending for Charlotte and William. Other things at play in this novel are strange happenings about the Abbey. There is a fire in the stables, a coachman is hurt, a road is tampered with.. Are these accidents or something more sinister? The suspense builds but is not overdone.
Carolyn Miller just gets better and better. Her dialogue and descriptions are wonderful. Her novels are one of the reasons Regency stories are some of my very favorites.
William, the Duke of Hartington, has lost his wife in childbirth. But is the girl child his? Now he is wary of every female that comes to his notice. Is this one after his fortune? His faith has taken a beating. Who can he trust? William is called “The Farmer Duke” because of his interest in new scientific ideas having to do with plants. He is very caring about his villagers outside of Hartwell Abbey, his country estate.
Lady Charlotte- a cousin of Lavinia’s from the first book- has just had her come-out into London’s society. Her mama is seeking a good match for her daughter. Charlotte ‘s eye is caught by someone who is deemed unsuitable by her parents, Lord Markham. He seems solicitous but what are his real motives? Are her father’s deep pockets what attracts him?
When William and Charlotte meet they don’t see beyond the surface to underlying motivations. Is the Duke really boring and stand-offish or just hurting? Is Charlotte just interested in Balls and outings or is she growing in her faith, while trying to please her parents?
The supporting characters are some we have met in The Elusive Miss Ellison, primarily Lavinia and her husband Nicholas, the Duke of Hawkesbury. They befriend William when the rumors about his wife fly and bolster his faith in this time of questioning. Several characters seem to be obstacles to the cause of a happy ending for Charlotte and William. Other things at play in this novel are strange happenings about the Abbey. There is a fire in the stables, a coachman is hurt, a road is tampered with.. Are these accidents or something more sinister? The suspense builds but is not overdone.
Carolyn Miller just gets better and better. Her dialogue and descriptions are wonderful. Her novels are one of the reasons Regency stories are some of my very favorites.
August 23, 2017
I am new to Ms. Miller's work but I will tell you now, I will not be missing any more of her work! She is fabulous! I came into this series on this second book, but I wasn't confused in anyway and I loved Charlotte and the Duke so very much. I am a big fan of the regency era when I read historical books so this book is going on my keeper shelf for sure.
Charlotte's character really gripped me. I loved how Ms. Miller portrayed her and her unsuredness in having to choose who to marry if there aren't feelings there. I really felt for her so much through this story. And the Duke!! Oh my heavens, yes please! I loved his character possibly more than I loved Charlotte's! He's a Godly character and I loved that in him, as it's often times you see the women in stories as the more Godly ones. These characters truly came together in a wonderful way and I was so excited to feel a part of the regency era, watching them come to light in the faith and feelings!
I definitely recommend this book to all historical romance lovers. It's the perfect blend of hope, longing, faith and God's timing, and love. The characters will quickly become a part of you and you will get lost in a society of regency. This is 5 star worthy in my opinion and I can't wait to go back and read book one, as well as anxious for the next faith-filled novel from this talented author. This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads
Charlotte's character really gripped me. I loved how Ms. Miller portrayed her and her unsuredness in having to choose who to marry if there aren't feelings there. I really felt for her so much through this story. And the Duke!! Oh my heavens, yes please! I loved his character possibly more than I loved Charlotte's! He's a Godly character and I loved that in him, as it's often times you see the women in stories as the more Godly ones. These characters truly came together in a wonderful way and I was so excited to feel a part of the regency era, watching them come to light in the faith and feelings!
I definitely recommend this book to all historical romance lovers. It's the perfect blend of hope, longing, faith and God's timing, and love. The characters will quickly become a part of you and you will get lost in a society of regency. This is 5 star worthy in my opinion and I can't wait to go back and read book one, as well as anxious for the next faith-filled novel from this talented author. This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads
December 30, 2017
The opulence of high society Regency England is well-described in the beginning of this story, with Charlotte's life seeming perfect and ideal. She has several suitors to choose from, yet wants more from her marriage than a title- she wants the affection and lasting love she witnesses in a few couples around her. She's a bit naive and judgmental, but I grew to like her more as she matured and learned to look beyond shallow appearances. William is in a vulnerable position- being attracted to Charlotte but not allowing himself to fall in love with her for fear of being hurt again. A sweet Regency romance with some angst and drama.
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
August 1, 2017
You know what? I hate to say this (because I am always saying don’t judge a book by its cover) but it was the cover that intrigued me to read this book. It is just so…elegant that I had to read the synopsis and sign up for this blog tour.
So, here I am, reviewing this book. And, there you are, waiting to see what I rating I give it.
Anyway, this book is a very well-written story of the regency era. I haven’t read to many stories in the regency era, just a few. This one did not disappoint. I am going to definitely keep reading more of Carolyn Miller’s books!
I do have to say one thing. I was confused with the characters at some points. They were called some many different “titles” that I had a tough time keeping track with who was who. That only took away a little bit of the story. Because, as I was trying to read more into the plot, I was still trying to figure the characters. That was the only down fall for me. Everything else was wonderfully written.
Carolyn Miller is a wonderful author. There were some parts where I just wanted to cry and some parts I wanted to squeal. She wrote a mix of everything, which was great!
The cover, as I said earlier, is very, very, elegant. I just love it. I am going to give it 5 stars! And, I must tell you what it reminds me of. Have any of you watched the 2009 BBC version of Emma? If you have, this cover reminds me of the scene where she is watching Mr. Knightly walk through the gardens towards the house, and then she waves at him. Do you remember that scene? Because that is so what the cover reminds me of!
The story itself I am going to give 4 stars. Due to the fact that the characters were a bit confusing, I unfortunately have to dock it 1 star. But I still definitely recommend this story to fans of the regency era and fans of Kristi Ann Hunter! I cannot wait to read the other stories in this series!
Title: The Captivating Lady Charlotte
Author: Carolyn Miller
Author’s Website: https://www.carolynmillerauthor.com/
Reading Resolution: #37
I received this book from Kregel Publications (http://www.kregel.com/) for this review.
This review is written in my own opinions and words.
So, here I am, reviewing this book. And, there you are, waiting to see what I rating I give it.
Anyway, this book is a very well-written story of the regency era. I haven’t read to many stories in the regency era, just a few. This one did not disappoint. I am going to definitely keep reading more of Carolyn Miller’s books!
I do have to say one thing. I was confused with the characters at some points. They were called some many different “titles” that I had a tough time keeping track with who was who. That only took away a little bit of the story. Because, as I was trying to read more into the plot, I was still trying to figure the characters. That was the only down fall for me. Everything else was wonderfully written.
Carolyn Miller is a wonderful author. There were some parts where I just wanted to cry and some parts I wanted to squeal. She wrote a mix of everything, which was great!
The cover, as I said earlier, is very, very, elegant. I just love it. I am going to give it 5 stars! And, I must tell you what it reminds me of. Have any of you watched the 2009 BBC version of Emma? If you have, this cover reminds me of the scene where she is watching Mr. Knightly walk through the gardens towards the house, and then she waves at him. Do you remember that scene? Because that is so what the cover reminds me of!
The story itself I am going to give 4 stars. Due to the fact that the characters were a bit confusing, I unfortunately have to dock it 1 star. But I still definitely recommend this story to fans of the regency era and fans of Kristi Ann Hunter! I cannot wait to read the other stories in this series!
Title: The Captivating Lady Charlotte
Author: Carolyn Miller
Author’s Website: https://www.carolynmillerauthor.com/
Reading Resolution: #37
I received this book from Kregel Publications (http://www.kregel.com/) for this review.
This review is written in my own opinions and words.
September 21, 2017
"Because you are good, and faithful, and not self-seeking." (300)
Another wonderful read by Carolyn Miller! Regency & gothic fans of Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights will want to pick up the next Legacy of Grace novel, The Captivating Lady Charlotte. I'm a little surprised only because the first book of the series, The Elusive Miss Ellison seems to have such a different vibe than this second one. Yet, the author's writing style is still evident. I'm not the biggest fan of the characters in this second installment, minus the reemergence of the main characters in book 1, Lavinia and Nicholas. I did get a kick out of this little assessment of Lavinia by Charlotte:
"She possessed a measure of grace that seem to permit her to smile and turn the other cheek, even as she must surely writhe inside." (9)
Despite not loving the characters, I find the this book captivating enough to overlook it completely, just like I did with Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights. What stood out was, yes, the storyline, but it had more to do with the message of love that brewed and manifests through the pages.
"Real love perseveres through the hard times, never giving up. True love trusts." (303)
It's profound and with such depth that it stops you in your tracks after you turn the last page and contemplate a bit. I can tell you the sensitivity on this subject mixed with the boldness of one's courage in faith and hope, well, the author had me in awe. With that said, I look forward to Book 3, The Dishonorable Miss Delaney with quite the anticipation.
This review first appeared on Just Commonly blog.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
Another wonderful read by Carolyn Miller! Regency & gothic fans of Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights will want to pick up the next Legacy of Grace novel, The Captivating Lady Charlotte. I'm a little surprised only because the first book of the series, The Elusive Miss Ellison seems to have such a different vibe than this second one. Yet, the author's writing style is still evident. I'm not the biggest fan of the characters in this second installment, minus the reemergence of the main characters in book 1, Lavinia and Nicholas. I did get a kick out of this little assessment of Lavinia by Charlotte:
"She possessed a measure of grace that seem to permit her to smile and turn the other cheek, even as she must surely writhe inside." (9)
Despite not loving the characters, I find the this book captivating enough to overlook it completely, just like I did with Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights. What stood out was, yes, the storyline, but it had more to do with the message of love that brewed and manifests through the pages.
"Real love perseveres through the hard times, never giving up. True love trusts." (303)
It's profound and with such depth that it stops you in your tracks after you turn the last page and contemplate a bit. I can tell you the sensitivity on this subject mixed with the boldness of one's courage in faith and hope, well, the author had me in awe. With that said, I look forward to Book 3, The Dishonorable Miss Delaney with quite the anticipation.
This review first appeared on Just Commonly blog.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
July 31, 2017
It was a delight to crack the spin of this second book in the Regency Brides, A Legacy of Grace series by Carolyn Miller. The book is relatively short but certainly not short on enjoyment. Sometimes a story is seemingly endless as it nears or surpasses 400 pages. This delightful read is right at 300 pages and is just right.
The pace is gentle but does not drag. The story is gentle and yet lively. The characters perfect for the time and social standing. It is quite enjoyable to read how gentlemen and ladies conducted themselves in early 1800s English society. And it was very nice to read a bit about the lead characters in the first book of the series and their interaction with the Lady Charlotte family.
This is Christian fiction and a book that I could easily hand to a teen or a grandmother to read and feel comfortable. While romantic interludes occur, they are within the bounds of propriety both to the social era and to Christian morals. Simply stated, this is a good book and I am most certainly looking forward to the next in the series.
Carolyn Miller is an author to watch and await new works.
I received a complimentary copy from Kregel Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and freely given.
The pace is gentle but does not drag. The story is gentle and yet lively. The characters perfect for the time and social standing. It is quite enjoyable to read how gentlemen and ladies conducted themselves in early 1800s English society. And it was very nice to read a bit about the lead characters in the first book of the series and their interaction with the Lady Charlotte family.
This is Christian fiction and a book that I could easily hand to a teen or a grandmother to read and feel comfortable. While romantic interludes occur, they are within the bounds of propriety both to the social era and to Christian morals. Simply stated, this is a good book and I am most certainly looking forward to the next in the series.
Carolyn Miller is an author to watch and await new works.
I received a complimentary copy from Kregel Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and freely given.
July 13, 2020
I enjoyed this clean regency tale so much! It is not necessary to read the first book in the series in order to understand this novel. I have read The Elusive Miss Ellison and was thrilled to see the main characters show up at various times in this book, giving us a peek at their continuing love story.
In this novel, Charlotte grows so much. She begins the story as a rather flighty young lady who is easily swayed into believing that attraction is the same as love. By the end, she has not only learned that true love is an entirely deeper emotion, but has also made a beautiful faith journey, as well.
The Duke, William, was a wonderful character who deserved a wife who would love him wholeheartedly. He struggled with trusting Charlotte and was not always forthcoming about troubling events in his life. He also grew in his emotional and spiritual walk throughout the story.
(4.5 stars)
In this novel, Charlotte grows so much. She begins the story as a rather flighty young lady who is easily swayed into believing that attraction is the same as love. By the end, she has not only learned that true love is an entirely deeper emotion, but has also made a beautiful faith journey, as well.
The Duke, William, was a wonderful character who deserved a wife who would love him wholeheartedly. He struggled with trusting Charlotte and was not always forthcoming about troubling events in his life. He also grew in his emotional and spiritual walk throughout the story.
(4.5 stars)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 251 reviews