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Refining the Debutante
Miss Miranda Bartley is in love with the Honorable Ethan Roderick, their engagement all but official. But as she basks in the success of her London Season, her joy is cut short when Ethan ends their courtship, claiming she is too insensitive. In the wake of her heartbreak, Miranda is dealt yet another blow, one that changes everything. In a harsh twist of fate, she quickly falls from Society darling to servant in her uncle’s home.
Believing he will never see Miranda again, Ethan is shocked when he encounters her by accident. Even more surprising is her dramatic change; she is no longer the self-centered young woman he left behind. Her eyes now open to the plight of poverty surrounding her, Miranda has become every bit the lady Ethan once imagined her to be. As he helps the woman he once loved, their tattered relationship returns to familiarity. But Ethan is determined to protect his heart and begins a courtship with his neighbor, who is predictable and safe—everything Miranda is not. Forced to perform a delicate dance, Miranda and Ethan must choose—follow the rules of Society or the longing of their hearts.
Believing he will never see Miranda again, Ethan is shocked when he encounters her by accident. Even more surprising is her dramatic change; she is no longer the self-centered young woman he left behind. Her eyes now open to the plight of poverty surrounding her, Miranda has become every bit the lady Ethan once imagined her to be. As he helps the woman he once loved, their tattered relationship returns to familiarity. But Ethan is determined to protect his heart and begins a courtship with his neighbor, who is predictable and safe—everything Miranda is not. Forced to perform a delicate dance, Miranda and Ethan must choose—follow the rules of Society or the longing of their hearts.
264 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2021
23 people are currently reading
625 people want to read
About the author
Anneka R. Walker
26 books610 followersAnneka Walker was raised by a librarian and an English teacher turned judge. After being fed a steady diet of books, she decided to learn about writing. The result was a bachelor's degree in English and History. When she isn't dreaming up a happy ending for a story, she's busy living her own together with her husband and adorable children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
March 14, 2021
Refining the Debutante is the first book by Anneka R. Walker that I have read. At first, I wasn't sure of it because Miranda was a little over the top for me. In the beginning, she is disgraced by her father's fall from society, and she is forced to go live as a servant at Gray House where her Uncle resides. Everything really seems to get worse before it gets better. Miranda is in love with Ethan Roderick, and she hopes to marry him but he claims she is too insensitive. This sends her on a path of finding out who she is even though she just wants to survive. I liked that Miranda in the process learns about herself, and learns to put others before herself. I thought as a character she grew exponentially. She laments that she didn't have a mother growing up but I think with Lady Calliste( to whom she is a lady's companion) she learns what family, love, friendship is and the cost she is willing to risk putting them before herself.
January 29, 2021
This was a sweet story of redemption and second chances for a couple who each need to do some "refining".
Ethan begins courting Miranda because he finds her personality and smile irresistible, but when she doesn't share his serious view of life, he calls off the relationship. At the same time, Miranda's wealthy father has just lost everything in business reversals and gambling debts, and the only protection now open to her is at her estranged uncle's home in the country. Once there, she is treated no better than a servant. A come-down indeed. I liked how Miranda's eyes were opened to the fact that her lady's maid Sarah, whom she hadn't been very nice to, might just turn out to be her best friend. The dynamics between the two girls were great.
Of course, Ethan and Miranda cross paths again, and Ethan is shocked by the changes in Miranda. He puts his mind to how he can best help her find a better situation, all while courting another woman who is more "suitable" for his lifestyle.
The side characters in this book were fun, especially Ethan's youngest sister Hannah, who absorbs whatever tips she can from Miranda about how to succeed in society, and Lady Callister, the slightly prickly but ultimately admirable lady who takes Miranda in at one point.
A sweet and pleasant read.
My review is of an advance copy of the book provided courtesy of the author, but opinions are my own!
Ethan begins courting Miranda because he finds her personality and smile irresistible, but when she doesn't share his serious view of life, he calls off the relationship. At the same time, Miranda's wealthy father has just lost everything in business reversals and gambling debts, and the only protection now open to her is at her estranged uncle's home in the country. Once there, she is treated no better than a servant. A come-down indeed. I liked how Miranda's eyes were opened to the fact that her lady's maid Sarah, whom she hadn't been very nice to, might just turn out to be her best friend. The dynamics between the two girls were great.
Of course, Ethan and Miranda cross paths again, and Ethan is shocked by the changes in Miranda. He puts his mind to how he can best help her find a better situation, all while courting another woman who is more "suitable" for his lifestyle.
The side characters in this book were fun, especially Ethan's youngest sister Hannah, who absorbs whatever tips she can from Miranda about how to succeed in society, and Lady Callister, the slightly prickly but ultimately admirable lady who takes Miranda in at one point.
A sweet and pleasant read.
My review is of an advance copy of the book provided courtesy of the author, but opinions are my own!
August 31, 2021
The hero in this book drove me a little crazy!!! He was a bit self righteous. Ha ha he was a stinker...but I did enjoy watching Miranda become a better person and loved her sweet relationship between her widowed companion and her maid Sarah🤗. A fun clean read.
March 21, 2021
This was my first book by Anneka R. Walker and, my goodness, it had my emotions – and my loyalties – all over the place! Such an engaging Regency romance with heart-tugging character growth and sweet notes of redemption.
At the very beginning of Refining the Debutante, I was intrigued by Miranda and her unconventional ways… and by Ethan & his heart for the poor. They made me smile, and the chemistry between them was instant & palpable. My greater affection for hero over heroine switched back and forth a few times, and there was even a brief moment where I didn’t like either one of them! (LOL – don’t worry, I loved them again before too long.) I felt deeply for both of them as they each were bound by choices which had unforeseen ramifications, and I couldn’t put the book down until I saw how it would all turn out. I also loved that the traits that initially drew me to Miranda and Ethan, respectively, were the very things that ultimately helped Miranda survive when her world fell apart.
While the romance is nearly always my favorite part of a novel, the tenderly-drawn themes of humility, empathy, courage, family, forgiveness and redemption are intrinsically linked with Miranda & Ethan’s love story. Separating the romance from the other themes would do the story a disservice and, frankly, it wouldn’t be the same story nor would I have appreciated it quite as much. These layers add further dimension to the main characters, often through the actions of one (or more) of the supporting characters, and serve as timely lessons for our world today, too. The author accomplishes this without being heavyhanded or maudlin; it just all fits together organically and leaves you very satisfied with the outcome.
Bottom Line: Refining the Debutante is a sweet romance that’s so much more than two people getting a second chance at love. It reminds us not to take our blessings (including people) for granted and, at the same time, to never become so consumed by those blessings that we lose the ability to see the world through someone else’s eyes. Walker draws you immediately into the story and keeps you engaged from beginning to end, with layered characters (both main & supporting) and an emotional journey to happily-ever-after. Perfect for fans of Sarah Ladd & Carolyn Miller!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
At the very beginning of Refining the Debutante, I was intrigued by Miranda and her unconventional ways… and by Ethan & his heart for the poor. They made me smile, and the chemistry between them was instant & palpable. My greater affection for hero over heroine switched back and forth a few times, and there was even a brief moment where I didn’t like either one of them! (LOL – don’t worry, I loved them again before too long.) I felt deeply for both of them as they each were bound by choices which had unforeseen ramifications, and I couldn’t put the book down until I saw how it would all turn out. I also loved that the traits that initially drew me to Miranda and Ethan, respectively, were the very things that ultimately helped Miranda survive when her world fell apart.
While the romance is nearly always my favorite part of a novel, the tenderly-drawn themes of humility, empathy, courage, family, forgiveness and redemption are intrinsically linked with Miranda & Ethan’s love story. Separating the romance from the other themes would do the story a disservice and, frankly, it wouldn’t be the same story nor would I have appreciated it quite as much. These layers add further dimension to the main characters, often through the actions of one (or more) of the supporting characters, and serve as timely lessons for our world today, too. The author accomplishes this without being heavyhanded or maudlin; it just all fits together organically and leaves you very satisfied with the outcome.
Bottom Line: Refining the Debutante is a sweet romance that’s so much more than two people getting a second chance at love. It reminds us not to take our blessings (including people) for granted and, at the same time, to never become so consumed by those blessings that we lose the ability to see the world through someone else’s eyes. Walker draws you immediately into the story and keeps you engaged from beginning to end, with layered characters (both main & supporting) and an emotional journey to happily-ever-after. Perfect for fans of Sarah Ladd & Carolyn Miller!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
March 17, 2021
I really enjoyed this book by Anneka Walker. I loved the story and I love the characters and watching them grow. I liked how they both had to change in order to be together and how Ethan had to see Miranda in a different setting to really see the really her and know that she was exactly who he needs. I also liked how Miranda grew as she struggled through some hard things and became a better person. I love Anneka’s books and this was another great one.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
March 15, 2021
This is not your average regency romance. This is a beautiful story of forgiveness, love, and the courage and humility it takes to become a better version of yourself. Told from a dual perspective, the story comes alive with complex characters, an engaging plot full of twists and turns, and a sweet love story. I loved the focus on the different types of relationships and how they all became more meaningful as the characters realized that not only that they needed to change, but accepted that they could. I truly could not put this one down. Highly recommend to any fan of regency romance!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but a positive review was not required.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but a positive review was not required.
March 24, 2021
This isn't your typical Regency romance. It's an amazing story of self-discovery and becoming a far better person than you were before. It's also a story of forgiveness, finding love, and learning to care more about others than yourself.
At the beginning, Miranda Bartley appears to have everything, but we (and she) soon find out it's all an illusion. In a matter of hours, she finds herself dependent on an uncle she doesn't know, who seems to care for her about as much as he cares for his servants. Her character goes from being spoiled and thinking only of herself, to asking her lady's maid to help her become a better person.
At times Miranda's story was heart-wrenching. The way she was treated at her uncle's home--even the other servants treated her badly--how embarrassed she must've felt when she unexpectedly ran into Ethan, but I loved watching her character change. When Miranda sells a piece of her jewelry to pay for a doctor for her lady's maid when she falls gravely ill, I knew she had it in her to change and become a better person.
I understood why Ethan called things off with Miranda, and wasn't at all surprised when he offered to help her once he discovered she was a servant in her uncle's household--Gray House (which totally lives up to its name, it was such a depressing place). He continues to help Miranda by getting her a position as a companion although he tells himself that he could never love her again.
I liked that the author tells the story with a dual perspective. I liked that Miranda's wasn't the only character that needed to change. Several others--Ethan's mother and one of his sisters are a couple that needed to learn to care more for others than what others would think of them. I liked the letters Miranda wrote to her uncle which helped lead to a surprise I didn't see coming. Forgiveness is definitely a theme in this story and not just for the main characters. Miranda and Ethan's journey to love was definitely a rough one, and may put you through the emotional wringer but the ending is worth it all.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Covenant. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own.
At the beginning, Miranda Bartley appears to have everything, but we (and she) soon find out it's all an illusion. In a matter of hours, she finds herself dependent on an uncle she doesn't know, who seems to care for her about as much as he cares for his servants. Her character goes from being spoiled and thinking only of herself, to asking her lady's maid to help her become a better person.
At times Miranda's story was heart-wrenching. The way she was treated at her uncle's home--even the other servants treated her badly--how embarrassed she must've felt when she unexpectedly ran into Ethan, but I loved watching her character change. When Miranda sells a piece of her jewelry to pay for a doctor for her lady's maid when she falls gravely ill, I knew she had it in her to change and become a better person.
I understood why Ethan called things off with Miranda, and wasn't at all surprised when he offered to help her once he discovered she was a servant in her uncle's household--Gray House (which totally lives up to its name, it was such a depressing place). He continues to help Miranda by getting her a position as a companion although he tells himself that he could never love her again.
I liked that the author tells the story with a dual perspective. I liked that Miranda's wasn't the only character that needed to change. Several others--Ethan's mother and one of his sisters are a couple that needed to learn to care more for others than what others would think of them. I liked the letters Miranda wrote to her uncle which helped lead to a surprise I didn't see coming. Forgiveness is definitely a theme in this story and not just for the main characters. Miranda and Ethan's journey to love was definitely a rough one, and may put you through the emotional wringer but the ending is worth it all.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Covenant. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own.
February 22, 2021
What a truly beautiful story! More to follow but I must get some sleep first 😂
Ok... as you can probably tell, I didn’t want to put this book down. Initially, it took me a little while to get into this story as I had quite a few interruptions (the bane of every bookworms existence right?!)... but once I finally had the chance to get in a good stint of uninterrupted reading, I took it! Resulting in a very late night 😂
At first, I honestly thought I was going to struggle with the heroine of this story. Her personality right from the start just struck me as being very superficial and spoilt honestly. I later realised that this was purposely done.
This story thankfully is told from both the heroine and hero’s perspectives. I truly enjoyed how both their characters grew throughout the story as well as the relationships they had with some of the other characters we meet. I adored Hannah and Sarah - even though they might not be “lead” characters they really helped bring the story to life for me.
Some characters I was not so fond of, but I’m pretty sure this is exactly the effect the author was going for.
I truly appreciated the historical aspects of this story. Sad as some points in history are, I appreciate that they are noted with as much accuracy as possible. It brings a realism and depth to historical fiction.
This is also a clean read which I am happy to recommend to anyone who appreciates clean regency era romance.
I received an arc of this book from the author however this in no way influenced my opinion and I am under no obligation to leave this review.
Ok... as you can probably tell, I didn’t want to put this book down. Initially, it took me a little while to get into this story as I had quite a few interruptions (the bane of every bookworms existence right?!)... but once I finally had the chance to get in a good stint of uninterrupted reading, I took it! Resulting in a very late night 😂
At first, I honestly thought I was going to struggle with the heroine of this story. Her personality right from the start just struck me as being very superficial and spoilt honestly. I later realised that this was purposely done.
This story thankfully is told from both the heroine and hero’s perspectives. I truly enjoyed how both their characters grew throughout the story as well as the relationships they had with some of the other characters we meet. I adored Hannah and Sarah - even though they might not be “lead” characters they really helped bring the story to life for me.
Some characters I was not so fond of, but I’m pretty sure this is exactly the effect the author was going for.
I truly appreciated the historical aspects of this story. Sad as some points in history are, I appreciate that they are noted with as much accuracy as possible. It brings a realism and depth to historical fiction.
This is also a clean read which I am happy to recommend to anyone who appreciates clean regency era romance.
I received an arc of this book from the author however this in no way influenced my opinion and I am under no obligation to leave this review.
February 17, 2021
Refining the Debutante was a regency read I could not put down! Lately I have been in a reading funk and this was just what I needed to pull me out of it. I loved Miranda's character from this first moment Ethan met her at the dressmaker's store. She was vibrant, outspoken, and bold. Watching her fall from her once elevated status was emotional, painful, and tear-inducing. Walker made me ache right along with Miranda and had me guessing how her story would turn out. Her metamorphosis was gradual, fragile, and beautiful. Refining the Debutante made me self reflect and hope that I am being the kind of person that I want to be. A truly good story makes you think about your own life, and that is what this story did for me. I received a copy of this book for free, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 12, 2022
It is somewhat rare, and therefore refreshing, in romance for the protagonists (particularly the heroine) to be deeply flawed and go on a journey of discovery and growth before the happy ending is possible or even desired by the reader. It was also refreshing that as Miranda learned to be a better person she sometimes found the change really difficult and was not immediately rewarded for her efforts. I did find the ending a little too good to be true but what does one read romance novels for except for those sorts of endings.
March 22, 2021
I loved this book by Anneka Walker! I love the way she wrote it. It had a different feel than a lot of the other Regency romance books do. That was a good thing!
Miranda Bartley is the female lead of this one. She’s a bit stuck up in the beginning. And unkind too. But it doesn’t take long for her to be humbled. First she’s dumped, for lack of a better word, by Ethan, the man she loves. Then, Miranda’s father loses all their money not very far into the book. Miranda is left to fend for herself in the dreary house of her drunk uncle. This changes her. She becomes a woman concerned with others. I especially loved the letters that she sent to her uncle, even though he was horrible to her. And the way her former lady’s maid became her very best friend was another great thing.
I really liked Ethan. He is part of the ton. But he’s concerned with others around him. That’s why he had to cry off with Miranda. She was not kind to his charitable friends. I loved the way he goes out of his way for Miranda. He gets her out of a horrible situation, takes her in and finds her a job. All while thinking he could never love her again.
But this is a story of second chances and redemption for both of our main characters. And it was beautiful. I loved it so much!
I was sent a copy of Refining the Debutante as a gift from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Miranda Bartley is the female lead of this one. She’s a bit stuck up in the beginning. And unkind too. But it doesn’t take long for her to be humbled. First she’s dumped, for lack of a better word, by Ethan, the man she loves. Then, Miranda’s father loses all their money not very far into the book. Miranda is left to fend for herself in the dreary house of her drunk uncle. This changes her. She becomes a woman concerned with others. I especially loved the letters that she sent to her uncle, even though he was horrible to her. And the way her former lady’s maid became her very best friend was another great thing.
I really liked Ethan. He is part of the ton. But he’s concerned with others around him. That’s why he had to cry off with Miranda. She was not kind to his charitable friends. I loved the way he goes out of his way for Miranda. He gets her out of a horrible situation, takes her in and finds her a job. All while thinking he could never love her again.
But this is a story of second chances and redemption for both of our main characters. And it was beautiful. I loved it so much!
I was sent a copy of Refining the Debutante as a gift from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
January 10, 2026
Great writing! A few plot twists, and definitely a nontraditional plot line in general. A sweet and fun story!
February 17, 2021
I wasn't sure about this one as the story began. I was with Ethan, I wasn't sure that Miranda was a good match. She was awkward and oblivious, even a little mean. I was very conflicted and unsure, but then I got into the story and found myself starting to see her growth, and boy was there growth. I even started worrying that Ethan was not going to see what I was seeing,
This book had so much about different relationships, familial relationships, romantic relationships, employer/employee. There was such complexity in the relationships interspersed into the story. The romance was the least of these.
This cast of characters was rich and full of complexity, but motives and actual feelings were revealed slowly throughout the story. I was connected to the story after I was able to have empathy for Miranda and found myself struggling to put it down. This is not the traditional story as I have read them and it is better for it. The complexity was refreshing. I found my perspective changing throughout the story as the characters grew.
I received an early copy and this is my honest review.
This book had so much about different relationships, familial relationships, romantic relationships, employer/employee. There was such complexity in the relationships interspersed into the story. The romance was the least of these.
This cast of characters was rich and full of complexity, but motives and actual feelings were revealed slowly throughout the story. I was connected to the story after I was able to have empathy for Miranda and found myself struggling to put it down. This is not the traditional story as I have read them and it is better for it. The complexity was refreshing. I found my perspective changing throughout the story as the characters grew.
I received an early copy and this is my honest review.
January 30, 2021
Deeply original and uplifting, this book was exactly what I needed to read right now! I truly enjoyed this story; it was so beautifully written and moving, with a depth to the characters that blew me away. The author, Anneka Walker, doesn't just create another Regency romance with her story, she brings to life characters who are not only relatable but super human and then shows how forgiveness, humility, and love can take those weaknesses and help them grow for the better all while providing a realistic and swoony romance. The story is uplifting and full of golden nuggets of inspiration while also containing humor and relationships on multiple levels that readers will latch on to.
Miranda is a charming debutante when she and Ethan first meet. She's everything society has taught her she should be and acts accordingly. Ethan wants someone with more depth of character and kindness, not superficial who focuses on what he sees as only surface level things. After a card party that goes poorly with friends, he breaks off his courtship with Miranda even while breaking his own heart. Miranda's circumstances soon face another difficult challenge thrusting her into unchartered territory where she is given the chance to either despair or learn and grow.
What I loved most was that both Miranda and Ethan learn that they had room for improvement so to say. The individual character arcs were super strong and the way the author masterfully brings them back together only strengthened them individually as well as a couple. There were some unexpected twists and moments I definitely wondered how it would all work out.
I highly recommend this book!
I received an advance reader copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Miranda is a charming debutante when she and Ethan first meet. She's everything society has taught her she should be and acts accordingly. Ethan wants someone with more depth of character and kindness, not superficial who focuses on what he sees as only surface level things. After a card party that goes poorly with friends, he breaks off his courtship with Miranda even while breaking his own heart. Miranda's circumstances soon face another difficult challenge thrusting her into unchartered territory where she is given the chance to either despair or learn and grow.
What I loved most was that both Miranda and Ethan learn that they had room for improvement so to say. The individual character arcs were super strong and the way the author masterfully brings them back together only strengthened them individually as well as a couple. There were some unexpected twists and moments I definitely wondered how it would all work out.
I highly recommend this book!
I received an advance reader copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 19, 2021
I love Walker’s books and was excited for this story.
🧽
Miranda has it all. A man on her arm, beauty and fashion and a mouth to go with it. Too bad no one else sees her charm. When Ethan, said man, takes her to a party to introduce his friends to her, she effectively puts her foot in her mouth to the point of cringeworthy. 😬 It was hard to like Miranda at the beginning. It reminds me of the Friends episode where Monica dates a man who writes a poem about an empty vessel. (Anytime a book reminds me of favorite tv shows/movies is always fun!)
🧽
Soon her circumstances change and she is at her unknown uncle’s doorstep only to be made to earn her living there. No one to turn to except her maid Sarah. Sarah is fantastic and a hoot!
🧽
Miranda, not happy with how life has panned out starts to see where she could’ve done better but she still misses Ethan. Fate cruelly tortures her as he appears and happens to see her in threadbare clothes and mud. Fan-freaking-tactic. And he’s paying attention to a perfect lady. Something Miranda clearly never was or will be.
🧽
This was a wild ride seeing unlikable Miranda grow and change. It’s never easy asking for help or letting others help you without it feeling like charity. But charity is the pure love of Christ, and Miranda questions if God is aware of her. It takes true humility and action to change.
🧽
This book has second chance romance, love triangle (square?), forgiveness, kindness, great quotes, growth and characters. I love Lady Callister.
🧽
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of the book for an honest review. These are my own thoughts.
🧽
Miranda has it all. A man on her arm, beauty and fashion and a mouth to go with it. Too bad no one else sees her charm. When Ethan, said man, takes her to a party to introduce his friends to her, she effectively puts her foot in her mouth to the point of cringeworthy. 😬 It was hard to like Miranda at the beginning. It reminds me of the Friends episode where Monica dates a man who writes a poem about an empty vessel. (Anytime a book reminds me of favorite tv shows/movies is always fun!)
🧽
Soon her circumstances change and she is at her unknown uncle’s doorstep only to be made to earn her living there. No one to turn to except her maid Sarah. Sarah is fantastic and a hoot!
🧽
Miranda, not happy with how life has panned out starts to see where she could’ve done better but she still misses Ethan. Fate cruelly tortures her as he appears and happens to see her in threadbare clothes and mud. Fan-freaking-tactic. And he’s paying attention to a perfect lady. Something Miranda clearly never was or will be.
🧽
This was a wild ride seeing unlikable Miranda grow and change. It’s never easy asking for help or letting others help you without it feeling like charity. But charity is the pure love of Christ, and Miranda questions if God is aware of her. It takes true humility and action to change.
🧽
This book has second chance romance, love triangle (square?), forgiveness, kindness, great quotes, growth and characters. I love Lady Callister.
🧽
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of the book for an honest review. These are my own thoughts.
March 23, 2021
Life is not always simple. Now and again I want to read a book that tends to turn more on the realistic side and Refining The Debutante does exactly that.
This novel, heart-wrenching at times, brings a romance with it's ups and many downs. It also brings characters with amazing growth that drew me into their lives even more. Author Anneka Walker has a way of writing characters that may appear to be larger than life, then strips them down where we see their inner core. Going on this journey with Miranda and Ethan had me ride the highs and lows as they experienced them. The supporting cast of characters from Miranda's father and her uncle, to Ethan's sisters and his parents, are all written brilliantly and go through many changes. As you end this novel you gain such satisfaction by the transformations that have taken place by the cast of characters. The romance is sweet and bittersweet at times but oh, what an ending.
All lovers of Regency Romance will appreciate reading Refining The Debutante with its many twists and turns and the excellent character development. Put this novel on your To-Read list today!
This novel, heart-wrenching at times, brings a romance with it's ups and many downs. It also brings characters with amazing growth that drew me into their lives even more. Author Anneka Walker has a way of writing characters that may appear to be larger than life, then strips them down where we see their inner core. Going on this journey with Miranda and Ethan had me ride the highs and lows as they experienced them. The supporting cast of characters from Miranda's father and her uncle, to Ethan's sisters and his parents, are all written brilliantly and go through many changes. As you end this novel you gain such satisfaction by the transformations that have taken place by the cast of characters. The romance is sweet and bittersweet at times but oh, what an ending.
All lovers of Regency Romance will appreciate reading Refining The Debutante with its many twists and turns and the excellent character development. Put this novel on your To-Read list today!
April 5, 2021
Miranda was once the epitome of spoiled, and like most young ladies in her position, was conceited and jealous. But fate had a different plan, and Miranda lost everything. It is then that she begins a change of heart and character to make her someone that seeks to help others.
Ugh, I kind of hated this book. It was hard to get through. I did not like Ethan, he comes across as indecisive and does not give a fig for what his actions might do to other’s reputations as long as it benefits him. I am all for character development, but this book makes it come across as development so that Miranda can be with Ethan again. I actually would’ve been happier if she found happiness with someone else in the end. With that being said, I guess my favorite part was when she starts to look towards others’ plights instead of her own.
Ugh, I kind of hated this book. It was hard to get through. I did not like Ethan, he comes across as indecisive and does not give a fig for what his actions might do to other’s reputations as long as it benefits him. I am all for character development, but this book makes it come across as development so that Miranda can be with Ethan again. I actually would’ve been happier if she found happiness with someone else in the end. With that being said, I guess my favorite part was when she starts to look towards others’ plights instead of her own.
June 1, 2021
I was interested in the plot of this book, however it didn’t wow me. I was waiting for the hero, Ethan,to really be a hero and I felt that he never quite stepped up. He seemed to keep himself at arms length from the trials of the heroine in order to preserve his own standing in society and I struggled with that. He was indecisive, selfish, and it seemed a bit hypocritical that he first cast her aside for not being more concerned with those less fortunate when he ultimately did the same to her. Instead of stepping up himself to offer her assistance he merely found her a job so she would no longer be his problem. Yikes. This book dragged on in several places and what little interest I had in the story line was lost due to the characters and lack of development. I would have been more than happy if Miranda chose to make her own way at the conclusion or found another suitor entirely.
September 25, 2021
2.5 stars
I love a good romance that has battles that must be overcome before they end up together. But unfortunately this book and story seemed to drag on forever. I love you but can’t have you, I’m marrying someone else but going to stare into your eyes. I can’t love him but how can I not. Edward and Miranda were very annoying and immature. And that ending was so dumb. Not much to enjoy with having everything Miranda had tried to overcome be handed on a silver platter yet again
I love a good romance that has battles that must be overcome before they end up together. But unfortunately this book and story seemed to drag on forever. I love you but can’t have you, I’m marrying someone else but going to stare into your eyes. I can’t love him but how can I not. Edward and Miranda were very annoying and immature. And that ending was so dumb. Not much to enjoy with having everything Miranda had tried to overcome be handed on a silver platter yet again
February 18, 2021
Great second chance clean regency romance
Want to read
March 22, 2021 Eligible for a 2021 Swoony Award, to nominate/vote click here: https://tinyurl.com/y593ce67
May 12, 2023
I liked the heroine and her development, but the hero was self righteous and insufferable for most of the book.
March 11, 2021
Enchanting Take
Miranda Bartley may be full of life and a quick wit to match, but she utterly lacks empathy. Ethan Roderick loves Miranda but can’t see himself married to a woman with such a shallow view of the world. Breaking their relationship proves to more difficult when Miranda ends destitute and in need of help. Can Evan help Miranda without falling under her spell again?
This is a story that will keeps you eagerly reading to find what happens to poor Miranda and stalwart Ethan. Enchanting from the first page, ‘Refining the Debutante’ leads you through a world of quick wit, second chances, feuds, maids, ballrooms, kindness and romance.
Miranda Bartley may be full of life and a quick wit to match, but she utterly lacks empathy. Ethan Roderick loves Miranda but can’t see himself married to a woman with such a shallow view of the world. Breaking their relationship proves to more difficult when Miranda ends destitute and in need of help. Can Evan help Miranda without falling under her spell again?
This is a story that will keeps you eagerly reading to find what happens to poor Miranda and stalwart Ethan. Enchanting from the first page, ‘Refining the Debutante’ leads you through a world of quick wit, second chances, feuds, maids, ballrooms, kindness and romance.
May 5, 2021
The will they/won't they is strong in this book!
Ethan and Miranda grew up together and it just fits that they will get married, but maybe next season... then circumstances change when Miranda's father has some challenges pop up that put Miranda out of their social circle and maybe it'd be easier to just let that relationship go.
The tension builds throughout the book and the characters learn and grow and become better.
Anneka writes so well and it's easy to read and fun (and always clean.)
Ethan and Miranda grew up together and it just fits that they will get married, but maybe next season... then circumstances change when Miranda's father has some challenges pop up that put Miranda out of their social circle and maybe it'd be easier to just let that relationship go.
The tension builds throughout the book and the characters learn and grow and become better.
Anneka writes so well and it's easy to read and fun (and always clean.)
June 7, 2021
Nice little piece of brain candy. It was an easy read, well written (that means that I wasn't made to pause because of continuity, spelling, grammar, or any other, errors) The story line kept me wondering if maybe it wouldn't be a "happily ever after", but maybe Miranda and Ethan would each find their h.e.a. with someone else - and I would have been okay with that. I liked that their stories had some difficulties that refined them both.
I may have to see what else Ms. Walker has written.
I may have to see what else Ms. Walker has written.
March 24, 2021
Refining the Debutante is more than a regency romance story. It explores what refining moments can do in a person's life and how a person can choose and grow into something different. This book explores what makes a person truly kind and a good character. Is it beyond the outward appearance of giving? What does it mean to be charitable? I felt like this book explores appearances vs. inward heart. It's a good clean book. The characters were engaging and interesting. The dialogue was well-written and seemed natural. The story is clean and it's something that I would feel comfortable sharing with my daughter when she becomes a teenager. It's well worth the read.
Please note that I received a free copy, however, this is my honest opinion
Please note that I received a free copy, however, this is my honest opinion
August 18, 2022
I absolutely loved this book.
Even though at times it was infuriating how oblivious the characters were, it was amazing how well both of their points of view were shown. I was sucked in at the very beginning and read the whole thing insanely quickly.
It led me to read other books by this author, which I loved just as much.
Even though at times it was infuriating how oblivious the characters were, it was amazing how well both of their points of view were shown. I was sucked in at the very beginning and read the whole thing insanely quickly.
It led me to read other books by this author, which I loved just as much.
March 5, 2024
I like the premise of mean girl getting knocked off her pedestal when harsh reality hits. It could do with a bit condensing though. I liked the voice of the narrator, it was a deeper feminine voice that was soothing to my ears.
March 19, 2021
More like a 3.5 star book, but I’m happy to round up. While I didn’t LOVE this story, I did like it. Ethan was a bit of a dolt, but he came through in the end. And Miranda definitely had some growing up to do, but who doesn’t. All in, there’s a happily ever after for everyone, and I have a smile on my face.
August 8, 2024
I really enjoyed this one!
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