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Regency Wallflowers #1
Dusk's Darkest Shores
How can a meek wallflower help a returning war hero whose dreams are plunged into darkness?Mary Bloomfield has no illusions. Her chances for matrimony have long since passed her by. Still, her circumstances are pleasant enough, especially now that she has found purpose in assisting her father with his medical practice in England's beautiful Lake District. Even without love, it's a peaceful life.That is until Adam Edgerton returns to the sleepy district. This decorated war hero did not arrive home to acclaim and rest, but to a new battle against the repercussions of an insidious disease. Mary's caring nature cannot stand to see someone suffer--but how can she help this man see any brightness in his future when he's plunged into melancholic darkness, his dreams laid waste by his condition?Adam wants no charity, but he's also no coward. If this gentle woman can work hard, how can he do less? Together they struggle to find a way forward for him. Frustration and antipathy slowly develop into friendship and esteem. Then a summer storm atop a mountain peak leads to scandal--and both Mary and Adam must search the depths of their closed hearts for answers if they hope to find any future path with happiness at its end.Best-selling author Carolyn Miller is back with a fresh series that will not only thrill readers eager for more of her work, but bring in new fans looking for beautiful writing, fascinating research, deftly woven love stories, and real faith lived out in the Regency period.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2021
22 people are currently reading
707 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews
June 5, 2021
“Our challenge is to trust Him when it does not seem to go our way.”
I picked up Carolyn Miller’s newest book, Dusk’s Darkest Shores, fully expecting to chuckle at witty banter and swoon over great romantical tension and gush over smart writing & layered characters… and I did all of those things! But I was not expecting my heart to fill with such tenderness for these characters, nor was I expecting my eyes to fill with such sweet tears at the end. But I did those things too. Miller is one of my very fave Regency romance writers, and I’ve loved every single one of her books. But this one, my friends, will long hold a special place in my heart.
I instantly loved Mary – her sweet spirit, her wry humor, her honesty, her strong faith, and her compassion for people who are struggling. She is refreshingly without guile, and she has no patience for, nor desire to cater to, all the two-faced games and gossip that can still be found in small towns the world over. Yet, despite her genuine contentment with her life, she still has a heart that can be burdened & wounded & even broken. I loved these various layers to her character – she was real and relatable and exactly like someone I’d want as a friend.
Adam is equally layered, but for different reasons. Once a lauded war hero, he’s now instead pitied & whispered about by the very people who once planned grand celebrations for his return. The illness he suffers has affected every facet of his present and every hope for his future, and for a time he is understandably consumed by grief and self-pity. Even then, however, I could see wisps of what I came to adore about him as the story progressed – his own wry humor, his inner strength, his faith, and his hero’s heart. Y’all, he and Mary are so perfectly matched that it was a true pleasure to watch them figure that out too. The banter & tender moments of their interactions, as Mary helps Adam acclimate to living a meaningful life even with his new challenges, were just perfection. Exactly the right amount of grin-inducing levity or swoons when needed, but also the right amount of time spent wrestling with authentic emotions and faith.
The theme of Dusk’s Darkest Shores particularly resonated with me. Miller conveys this message so organically to the story and with such gentle wisdom that, even if I hadn’t already been pondering these things, it would have stood out to me anyway. The quote I included above and this one – “Sometimes I wonder if trusting in God even despite a lack of seeming answers might be the faith God is really looking for.” – have stayed close to my heart.
Bottom Line: My heart is still absorbing this gorgeous story. Dusk’s Darkest Shores by Carolyn Miller is witty and smart and so very touching. Mary and Adam’s friendship took me through a range of emotions but always made me smile, even through my tears or swoons. (And those first kisses! Still fanning at the thought…) I loved that Mary is a woman of prayer, and I loved the authenticity with which the author depicts believers living out their faith, even when questions arise for which there are no easy answers. A must read for everyone, and one of my top reads of 2021!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
I picked up Carolyn Miller’s newest book, Dusk’s Darkest Shores, fully expecting to chuckle at witty banter and swoon over great romantical tension and gush over smart writing & layered characters… and I did all of those things! But I was not expecting my heart to fill with such tenderness for these characters, nor was I expecting my eyes to fill with such sweet tears at the end. But I did those things too. Miller is one of my very fave Regency romance writers, and I’ve loved every single one of her books. But this one, my friends, will long hold a special place in my heart.
I instantly loved Mary – her sweet spirit, her wry humor, her honesty, her strong faith, and her compassion for people who are struggling. She is refreshingly without guile, and she has no patience for, nor desire to cater to, all the two-faced games and gossip that can still be found in small towns the world over. Yet, despite her genuine contentment with her life, she still has a heart that can be burdened & wounded & even broken. I loved these various layers to her character – she was real and relatable and exactly like someone I’d want as a friend.
Adam is equally layered, but for different reasons. Once a lauded war hero, he’s now instead pitied & whispered about by the very people who once planned grand celebrations for his return. The illness he suffers has affected every facet of his present and every hope for his future, and for a time he is understandably consumed by grief and self-pity. Even then, however, I could see wisps of what I came to adore about him as the story progressed – his own wry humor, his inner strength, his faith, and his hero’s heart. Y’all, he and Mary are so perfectly matched that it was a true pleasure to watch them figure that out too. The banter & tender moments of their interactions, as Mary helps Adam acclimate to living a meaningful life even with his new challenges, were just perfection. Exactly the right amount of grin-inducing levity or swoons when needed, but also the right amount of time spent wrestling with authentic emotions and faith.
The theme of Dusk’s Darkest Shores particularly resonated with me. Miller conveys this message so organically to the story and with such gentle wisdom that, even if I hadn’t already been pondering these things, it would have stood out to me anyway. The quote I included above and this one – “Sometimes I wonder if trusting in God even despite a lack of seeming answers might be the faith God is really looking for.” – have stayed close to my heart.
Bottom Line: My heart is still absorbing this gorgeous story. Dusk’s Darkest Shores by Carolyn Miller is witty and smart and so very touching. Mary and Adam’s friendship took me through a range of emotions but always made me smile, even through my tears or swoons. (And those first kisses! Still fanning at the thought…) I loved that Mary is a woman of prayer, and I loved the authenticity with which the author depicts believers living out their faith, even when questions arise for which there are no easy answers. A must read for everyone, and one of my top reads of 2021!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
June 22, 2021
OH. MY. I wasn't even sure about this book when I started it, considering it was slow then and a tad boring. But after a few chapters...BOOM! There you go. ;) I was hooked.
It's purely simple. The romance development between the characters was superb and oh-so-sweet, and the entire storyline and its flow was flowy and absorbing (juuust except for the first few chapters for me). I can see why people are finding this to be their favorite of the author's.
Dusk's Darkest Shores is more memorable. It's slightly more different than her other books, I feel, and it held a depth that was more present here than some in her previous latest series. Mary is that typical old maid character that gets married in the end, (spoiler?) XD but her and Adam's circumstances were so different, and I reveled in seeing them get together.
And Adam! Oh, I think the author did so wonderfully at portraying his character. If he hadn't been such a grump and an offensive dude, I wouldn't have found it believable. Yet, he did something about his grumpiness, so I just loved him. :) Only thing though is that I wish there was more...something on his side in the romance department. Not that I felt that Mary was the only one in the falling-in-love equation, but I wanted a bit more affirmation?/musings? on Adam's part regarding his feelings for Mary. So, it just didn't feel super complete or satisfying for me.
I also do wish there was more of everything more towards the end, like maybe a few more chapters so that the romance could have been even more slowly developed towards then and even more absorbing. It felt rushed, so it didn't give me that full feeling I like to find when reading a romance novel.
Nevertheless, the romance was so beautifully done and so tender and so purely WONDERFUL!
I could go on allll day.
But I won't. :p
Well! (Don't you just love it when that very-much-used word is used by ticked off regency Mamas?) I don't think my rumpled sentences can sum up my feelings for this book. Feelings which are bursting with LOVE FOR THE BOOK *clears throat*.
Anyhoo. Carolyn Miller is one of my all-time favorite regency writers, and while some of her books had left me a little :0, I'm now siding with the majority (at least, I think it's majority) and say that this is my favorite of the author's! I'm SO SOOO excited for more in this series!
*
God was good. The evidence lay in jeweled tones before her. She had seen His faithfulness time and again. Just because the sun might feel hidden for a time did not mean it was not there. God’s goodness did not fade away simply because she did not perceive it. Circumstances were not a faithful prism through which to see God’s love. God’s love, like the sun, always remained.
It's purely simple. The romance development between the characters was superb and oh-so-sweet, and the entire storyline and its flow was flowy and absorbing (juuust except for the first few chapters for me). I can see why people are finding this to be their favorite of the author's.
Dusk's Darkest Shores is more memorable. It's slightly more different than her other books, I feel, and it held a depth that was more present here than some in her previous latest series. Mary is that typical old maid character that gets married in the end, (spoiler?) XD but her and Adam's circumstances were so different, and I reveled in seeing them get together.
And Adam! Oh, I think the author did so wonderfully at portraying his character. If he hadn't been such a grump and an offensive dude, I wouldn't have found it believable. Yet, he did something about his grumpiness, so I just loved him. :) Only thing though is that I wish there was more...something on his side in the romance department. Not that I felt that Mary was the only one in the falling-in-love equation, but I wanted a bit more affirmation?/musings? on Adam's part regarding his feelings for Mary. So, it just didn't feel super complete or satisfying for me.
I also do wish there was more of everything more towards the end, like maybe a few more chapters so that the romance could have been even more slowly developed towards then and even more absorbing. It felt rushed, so it didn't give me that full feeling I like to find when reading a romance novel.
Nevertheless, the romance was so beautifully done and so tender and so purely WONDERFUL!
I could go on allll day.
But I won't. :p
Well! (Don't you just love it when that very-much-used word is used by ticked off regency Mamas?) I don't think my rumpled sentences can sum up my feelings for this book. Feelings which are bursting with LOVE FOR THE BOOK *clears throat*.
Anyhoo. Carolyn Miller is one of my all-time favorite regency writers, and while some of her books had left me a little :0, I'm now siding with the majority (at least, I think it's majority) and say that this is my favorite of the author's! I'm SO SOOO excited for more in this series!
*
God was good. The evidence lay in jeweled tones before her. She had seen His faithfulness time and again. Just because the sun might feel hidden for a time did not mean it was not there. God’s goodness did not fade away simply because she did not perceive it. Circumstances were not a faithful prism through which to see God’s love. God’s love, like the sun, always remained.
Read
February 1, 2021From Endorsement:
"Fans of Mary Balogh and Sarah Ladd will be entranced by Carolyn Miller’s latest Regency offering. Balancing authentic period details with a resplendent setting Dusk’s Darkest Shores is not only a redemptive story of love between two dimensional and unforgettable characters; but a love letter to one of the most glorious offerings in creation: England’s legendary Lake District. Prepare to be swept away."
"Fans of Mary Balogh and Sarah Ladd will be entranced by Carolyn Miller’s latest Regency offering. Balancing authentic period details with a resplendent setting Dusk’s Darkest Shores is not only a redemptive story of love between two dimensional and unforgettable characters; but a love letter to one of the most glorious offerings in creation: England’s legendary Lake District. Prepare to be swept away."
July 18, 2022
This was my first read by this author and I’m very glad I didn’t let myself be put off by the amateurishly blended cover image. The story itself is well written and contained a deep Christian message that I really enjoyed. The romance is quiet and understated but quite satisfying.
Definitely will be reading more of her books!
Definitely will be reading more of her books!
May 20, 2021
This is not the typical Regency story with aristocratic characters. Mary Bloomfield is a spinster. Everyone assumes she does not want marriage or children but she longs to be loved for who she is. She helps her father in his doctoring profession. She has the heart for helping people and sees it as a calling from God. Adam Edgerton is not typical either, having grown up expecting to inherit his father’s farm. But he is also a war hero struggling with a debilitating disease. “The heart was a strange country, filled with odd fancies, twists and turns. Adam barely knew himself these days.”
The author brought the emotions of her characters to the point where they sought God for the answers. She aptly portrayed Mary as having the personality to be able to help Adam. “God’s goodness did not fade away simply because she did not perceive it. Circumstances were not a faithful prism through which to see God’s love. God’s love, like the sun, always remained.”
The story was true to life and dealt with some hard issues but Ms. Miller gave us the perfect way to overcome: to have Faith in God. “Trusting God seems to be about pushing away the confines of the easy and explained, to a daring place where one needed God in a deep, profound way.”
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel through Read With Audra Jennings Tour, I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
The author brought the emotions of her characters to the point where they sought God for the answers. She aptly portrayed Mary as having the personality to be able to help Adam. “God’s goodness did not fade away simply because she did not perceive it. Circumstances were not a faithful prism through which to see God’s love. God’s love, like the sun, always remained.”
The story was true to life and dealt with some hard issues but Ms. Miller gave us the perfect way to overcome: to have Faith in God. “Trusting God seems to be about pushing away the confines of the easy and explained, to a daring place where one needed God in a deep, profound way.”
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel through Read With Audra Jennings Tour, I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
June 5, 2021
Wow! This novel was such a pleasure to read. It has taken its place high on my list of favorites! I loved that the inner beauty and kindness of Mary shone through as she cared for and helped Adam. Her caring nature stood out especially as certain people in the community made various remarks regarding her spinster status and held others up as better than her.
The emotional journey that Adam had to go through in this story was profound. Instead of the hero that everyone was excited to welcome home, the man who returned had an uphill battle with his health ahead of him and he discovered that people did not hold him in the same regard as they once had.
I loved the interactions between Adam and Mary. There were a few instances where Adam said things that were hurtful toward Mary and my heart hurt right along with her. I appreciated Adam’s growth and the way he began to connect with Mary as friends and then more. This was such a beautiful story!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
The emotional journey that Adam had to go through in this story was profound. Instead of the hero that everyone was excited to welcome home, the man who returned had an uphill battle with his health ahead of him and he discovered that people did not hold him in the same regard as they once had.
I loved the interactions between Adam and Mary. There were a few instances where Adam said things that were hurtful toward Mary and my heart hurt right along with her. I appreciated Adam’s growth and the way he began to connect with Mary as friends and then more. This was such a beautiful story!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
May 18, 2021
'I have so little, Lord.'
Carolyn Miller begins a new series with Dusk's Darkest Shores, and if this book is any indication, the series will be wonderful.
Mary Bloomfield is twenty nine in 1811 England, and considered a spinster in that era. She has resigned herself to that fate and is content with her life, helping her physician father with caring for those in the village. When wounded war hero Adam Edgerton, with whom her older brother was friends, returns home from the war, he is depressed to be confronted with his disease. Mary resolves to offer support and care to Adam as best she can, for that is her nature. After all, his dreams have been dashed and she wants to show God's love to everyone she comes in contact with.
'Why had God allowed this to happen? He could have intervened at the last and performed a miracle to demonstrate His awesome power. Yet He hadn't. It was as if He didn't care. That did not acord with what she knew of God.'
As Miller takes the reader along on this most precious journey, we are an audience to Adam and Mary's hearts being opened to a life neither of them had ever dreamed of. Her description of t he heart's struggle with pain, real life issues and the sovereignty of God are so accurately portrayed and stunningly poignant. One word comes to mind about this novel: exquisite. For it is indeed exquisite. This is one for the keeper shelf, folks, and one I'm happy to have there. Well done! I loved it so very much.
My thanks to Kregel Publications for a copy of this book. I was not required to leave a positive review. The thoughts here are entirely and expressly my own.
Carolyn Miller begins a new series with Dusk's Darkest Shores, and if this book is any indication, the series will be wonderful.
Mary Bloomfield is twenty nine in 1811 England, and considered a spinster in that era. She has resigned herself to that fate and is content with her life, helping her physician father with caring for those in the village. When wounded war hero Adam Edgerton, with whom her older brother was friends, returns home from the war, he is depressed to be confronted with his disease. Mary resolves to offer support and care to Adam as best she can, for that is her nature. After all, his dreams have been dashed and she wants to show God's love to everyone she comes in contact with.
'Why had God allowed this to happen? He could have intervened at the last and performed a miracle to demonstrate His awesome power. Yet He hadn't. It was as if He didn't care. That did not acord with what she knew of God.'
As Miller takes the reader along on this most precious journey, we are an audience to Adam and Mary's hearts being opened to a life neither of them had ever dreamed of. Her description of t he heart's struggle with pain, real life issues and the sovereignty of God are so accurately portrayed and stunningly poignant. One word comes to mind about this novel: exquisite. For it is indeed exquisite. This is one for the keeper shelf, folks, and one I'm happy to have there. Well done! I loved it so very much.
My thanks to Kregel Publications for a copy of this book. I was not required to leave a positive review. The thoughts here are entirely and expressly my own.
May 24, 2021
Two of my favorite types of characters were featured in this story- a military hero recovering from injury, and a stalwart heroine who finds purpose in being helpful. The author authentically depicted the range of emotions Adam went through as he grieved his former life and adjusted to his new reality. I loved how Mary balanced compassion with bluntness, like her father. It proved to be the soul-healing medicine Adam needed, even though he fought against it at times. I loved how they interacted and their friendship blossomed in difficult circumstances. Mary's tender feelings are hidden as she puts on a strong front, but she is vulnerable to thoughtless comments about her lack of marital prospects. Her younger sister is blunt without the compassion and the girls clash like oil and water, yet there is a strong thread of family loyalty and love that emerges. Their friend Emily who was engaged to Adam is a complication that provides an interesting study of human nature and self-preservation. What I liked most about this book is the hope that emerges from the darkness as Adam makes the shift from depression to determination, and the role Mary plays in supporting him. A wonderful story!
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
August 20, 2022
4.5 stars
"The heart was a strange country, filled with odd fancies, twists and turns." . . . . . .
. . . . especially when life's path suddenly darkened. Such was Adam Edgerton's new view of his future. Having once had the promise of forevermore with the loveliest of creatures, he found himself struggling to remember why it had mattered, and why it even mattered still. He had become useless; to himself, to his family, to his friends. . . . . . until, along came Mary.
"You are a tonic, equal parts sweet and astringent, and excellent for bucking one's spirits."
A compliment? Mary Bloomfield was never sure when it came to Adam Edgerton. Having agreed, as the daughter of the local physician, to grace Adam with her presence in order to encourage his progress towards wellness, she did the best she could to keep her heart in the platonic friendship category, for even though the Adam she had remembered from her childhood had been utterly broken, she saw the man he could still become. What to do? What to say? When to start? When to stop? Thankfully, the Lord God Almighty had their future secured within the palm of His hand.
"Sometimes I wonder if trusting in God even despite a lack of seeming answers might be the faith God is really looking for."
What a magnificent display of story! This author's fan base will confidently declare that this is her best work to date, for there's an underlying passion of faith that rises to the top to declare God's faithfulness even in, and especially in, the darkness.
"The heart was a strange country, filled with odd fancies, twists and turns." . . . . . .
. . . . especially when life's path suddenly darkened. Such was Adam Edgerton's new view of his future. Having once had the promise of forevermore with the loveliest of creatures, he found himself struggling to remember why it had mattered, and why it even mattered still. He had become useless; to himself, to his family, to his friends. . . . . . until, along came Mary.
"You are a tonic, equal parts sweet and astringent, and excellent for bucking one's spirits."
A compliment? Mary Bloomfield was never sure when it came to Adam Edgerton. Having agreed, as the daughter of the local physician, to grace Adam with her presence in order to encourage his progress towards wellness, she did the best she could to keep her heart in the platonic friendship category, for even though the Adam she had remembered from her childhood had been utterly broken, she saw the man he could still become. What to do? What to say? When to start? When to stop? Thankfully, the Lord God Almighty had their future secured within the palm of His hand.
"Sometimes I wonder if trusting in God even despite a lack of seeming answers might be the faith God is really looking for."
What a magnificent display of story! This author's fan base will confidently declare that this is her best work to date, for there's an underlying passion of faith that rises to the top to declare God's faithfulness even in, and especially in, the darkness.
May 16, 2022
So unfair for society to restrict and define one's life by standards honed from a rule-governed society. Where is the love and compassion?
Mary dedicates her life to helping others through her patience and remedies. But can she help a blind man who "sees" her through pity and relegates her to an unmarriageable box?
Bravo, once again, Carolyn!
#2 is already in my TBR stack!
Mary dedicates her life to helping others through her patience and remedies. But can she help a blind man who "sees" her through pity and relegates her to an unmarriageable box?
Bravo, once again, Carolyn!
#2 is already in my TBR stack!
Read
May 27, 2021THOUGHTS
I’ve read one other book from Miller which I didn’t love… Dusk’s Darkest Shores redeemed her for me!
Adam and Mary are just so sweet, I love seeing them together and apart, their story was darling, everything had such a warm feeling.
The fact that Adam was a soldier sold me on needing to read this book, and it being a regency romance, and the cover, and Mary’s description in the blurb, okay, everything sold me on this book and it turned out even better than I had hoped it would.
I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
I’ve read one other book from Miller which I didn’t love… Dusk’s Darkest Shores redeemed her for me!
Adam and Mary are just so sweet, I love seeing them together and apart, their story was darling, everything had such a warm feeling.
The fact that Adam was a soldier sold me on needing to read this book, and it being a regency romance, and the cover, and Mary’s description in the blurb, okay, everything sold me on this book and it turned out even better than I had hoped it would.
I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
December 17, 2021
Dusk’s Darkest Shores brings Regency England to life with a delightful and inspiring romance that is sure to warm readers’ hearts. They will fall in love with the strong but wounded hero, Adam Edgerton and the kind and caring heroine, Mary Bloomfield. This delightful story will keep you turning pages until you reach the very romantic and satisfying ending. Well-written and highly recommended!
October 10, 2021
First of all, I was very attracted to this book because of the beautiful cover. It shows a young woman overlooking a beautiful lake district in the English countryside.
Mary Bloomfield is a very caring woman who accompanies her father on his doctor's visits. She is an able assistant to her father. She has a keen mind and sees the needs that others have.
The town's people were anxiously awaiting the arrival of a hero from the war. Adam Edgerton is soon to be married and this causes more excitement in the town. The only thing that dampened the celebration was that Adam was hurt and needed to recover. This caused concern with his impending marriage to Emily. Adam was very depressed and when Mary's father examined Adam, a shocking revelation became known.
Emily could not marry Adam and this caused Adam to go into deeper depression. Mary's father and the parents of Adam needed help so the three of them suggested that Mary come to visit to use her great observation skills to get Adam to begin his recovery and new life. Mary has a way of speaking very directly to Adam. At first, Adam did not like the way Mary spoke to him, but later on, he admired her kindness and dedication.
Mary helped a neighbor deliver a baby that was born breech. The mother survived this trying birth and Mary kept visiting afterward to make sure that all was well. Mary was always helping her neighbors.
Mary also suggested to Adam that a dog would help Adam to live his life more independently. Again Mary had great insight into what Adam needed.
I loved that Mary was always praying for her family and friends She had such strong faith. She was even more Biblical in her thinking than the local pastor. In the beginning, the pastor was looking for a wife, but Mary made sure that she let him know her viewpoint of the Bible and this man backed down because his view was different than hers.
I would like to read another book by this author. She described the area very well and that makes me want to visit the English countryside very much.
This book was provided courtesy of Kregel Publishers through Interviews & Reviews, for my honest opinion.
Mary Bloomfield is a very caring woman who accompanies her father on his doctor's visits. She is an able assistant to her father. She has a keen mind and sees the needs that others have.
The town's people were anxiously awaiting the arrival of a hero from the war. Adam Edgerton is soon to be married and this causes more excitement in the town. The only thing that dampened the celebration was that Adam was hurt and needed to recover. This caused concern with his impending marriage to Emily. Adam was very depressed and when Mary's father examined Adam, a shocking revelation became known.
Emily could not marry Adam and this caused Adam to go into deeper depression. Mary's father and the parents of Adam needed help so the three of them suggested that Mary come to visit to use her great observation skills to get Adam to begin his recovery and new life. Mary has a way of speaking very directly to Adam. At first, Adam did not like the way Mary spoke to him, but later on, he admired her kindness and dedication.
Mary helped a neighbor deliver a baby that was born breech. The mother survived this trying birth and Mary kept visiting afterward to make sure that all was well. Mary was always helping her neighbors.
Mary also suggested to Adam that a dog would help Adam to live his life more independently. Again Mary had great insight into what Adam needed.
I loved that Mary was always praying for her family and friends She had such strong faith. She was even more Biblical in her thinking than the local pastor. In the beginning, the pastor was looking for a wife, but Mary made sure that she let him know her viewpoint of the Bible and this man backed down because his view was different than hers.
I would like to read another book by this author. She described the area very well and that makes me want to visit the English countryside very much.
This book was provided courtesy of Kregel Publishers through Interviews & Reviews, for my honest opinion.
August 3, 2022
5+++ stars!!! This book is SO good….ah!! I think it may be my favorite of the year so far. It’s simple and sweet yet it covers some fascinating topics such as dealing with blindness during the Regency Era and the practice of medicine during that time. The faith content was superb. Some of the best I’ve read in CF! I loved the character development of Mary and Adam. Both struggle with hard circumstances yet they allow the circumstances to redirect their faith towards God. The discussions about whether God still heals and performs miracles today were so relevant. And I really enjoyed the Authors note discussing this at the end.
Overall, I was to swept to the English countryside as I read this. It does have some heavier themes yet it still feels like such a sweet AND impactful read. And the ending 😍😍 SO sweet!!!
This book is SO GOOD!! Delightful! Powerful!
Overall, I was to swept to the English countryside as I read this. It does have some heavier themes yet it still feels like such a sweet AND impactful read. And the ending 😍😍 SO sweet!!!
This book is SO GOOD!! Delightful! Powerful!
August 1, 2023
I will often read regency romance for challenges, but rarely select them on my own. I read this one for a challenge, and really loved it. The writing style is five stars in itself.
Set in a small community, Mary is an assistant to her father, the community doctor. She's passed the usual marriage age, is blunt, and plain. But kind, smart and a unique type of woman for her time. Adam returns to home, the same small community, blinded from his days as a solider. While the town is excited about his return, once he arrives and it's determined his blindness will likely be permanent, no one know's how to approach him so they just avoid him all together. While he's in the depths of his despair, Mary is tasked to help Adam learn how to function without his sight and the friendship that develops makes for a read that is just good for the soul. The only problem is, he is blind, and Mary is plain. Neither of them think they are worth marrying. Will they be able to overcome their own insecurities? You'll have to go read the book! It's a sweet story that I very much enjoyed!
Set in a small community, Mary is an assistant to her father, the community doctor. She's passed the usual marriage age, is blunt, and plain. But kind, smart and a unique type of woman for her time. Adam returns to home, the same small community, blinded from his days as a solider. While the town is excited about his return, once he arrives and it's determined his blindness will likely be permanent, no one know's how to approach him so they just avoid him all together. While he's in the depths of his despair, Mary is tasked to help Adam learn how to function without his sight and the friendship that develops makes for a read that is just good for the soul. The only problem is, he is blind, and Mary is plain. Neither of them think they are worth marrying. Will they be able to overcome their own insecurities? You'll have to go read the book! It's a sweet story that I very much enjoyed!
March 16, 2022
I realized long ago that I was never going to be the target audience to read Regency romances. Granted, I looove watching every adaptation ever made of Pride & Prejudice, Sense & Sensibility, etc., but my attention span for reading this era never seems to be long enough. Upon starting Dusk's Darkest Shores, I was afraid those assumptions would continue to be true. Well, here I am. . .eating those words.
Oh, the story was simply glorious, due in large part to the audiobook narrator. She took her time telling this story so eloquently and with such emotion. The wit and charm between Mary and Adam was so enjoyable to hear, and I daresay, would not have come across quite as well had I read it instead.
I appreciated Mary, an older heroine destined for spinsterhood, as being well-suited to Adam. He needed someone with Mary's quiet patience and understanding, someone he had overlooked many years ago. This author did an amazing job creating him as a hero who did not wish to be pitied. Mary did not pity him, nor did I. Instead, I longed to witness him overcome this new, life-altering blindness and for him to see Mary in a new way. Their frequent conversations and long walks exploded with romantic tension that was some of the best I've read - ever.
My reading days may soon become filled with more Regency fiction...or at least, they will be as soon as the second and third books in this series are released. This will not be my last time reading this author, I can promise you that!
Oh, the story was simply glorious, due in large part to the audiobook narrator. She took her time telling this story so eloquently and with such emotion. The wit and charm between Mary and Adam was so enjoyable to hear, and I daresay, would not have come across quite as well had I read it instead.
I appreciated Mary, an older heroine destined for spinsterhood, as being well-suited to Adam. He needed someone with Mary's quiet patience and understanding, someone he had overlooked many years ago. This author did an amazing job creating him as a hero who did not wish to be pitied. Mary did not pity him, nor did I. Instead, I longed to witness him overcome this new, life-altering blindness and for him to see Mary in a new way. Their frequent conversations and long walks exploded with romantic tension that was some of the best I've read - ever.
My reading days may soon become filled with more Regency fiction...or at least, they will be as soon as the second and third books in this series are released. This will not be my last time reading this author, I can promise you that!
March 28, 2023
This is a beautifully written book, filled with heartbreak, love, grief, and healing.
Mary is a gem. Also, can we talk about how sassy she can be sometimes? I was so here for that. 🤣 She was just what Adam needed to stop him feeling sorry for himself.
Adam was so charming and thoughtful. I appreciated how both of the main characters continually went to God for direction and help. Our Lord will lead us where He wants us to go and we only need to listen to His voice, just like Mary in this story did.
I loved the scene where Adam cries on his mother's lap. I felt it was very touching and just showed the true grief he felt from losing his eyesight and for hurting the one person he knew he could count on.
This was my first Carolyn Miller book and you will be seeing some more reviews for her books coming up soon! I'm hoping to add this one to my physical collection.
Mary is a gem. Also, can we talk about how sassy she can be sometimes? I was so here for that. 🤣 She was just what Adam needed to stop him feeling sorry for himself.
Adam was so charming and thoughtful. I appreciated how both of the main characters continually went to God for direction and help. Our Lord will lead us where He wants us to go and we only need to listen to His voice, just like Mary in this story did.
I loved the scene where Adam cries on his mother's lap. I felt it was very touching and just showed the true grief he felt from losing his eyesight and for hurting the one person he knew he could count on.
This was my first Carolyn Miller book and you will be seeing some more reviews for her books coming up soon! I'm hoping to add this one to my physical collection.
April 4, 2023
Exquisite storytelling. Miller weaves struggle, strength, humor, heart, and faith into this captivating and inspiring novel. The resulting tapestry of words is as comforting and desirable as a cozy blanket on a brisk evening. I highly recommend this and all previous books penned by the author. Miller's stories are destined for a happily ever after on my shelves among my favorites.
I purchased this book. The opinions expressed are my own.
I purchased this book. The opinions expressed are my own.
June 7, 2021
Carolyn Miller has written a Regency Romance that readers will absolutely adore. This story is of a Mary, a woman everyone assumes is more than happy to be a spinster and doesn’t want to be a wife and mother. But more than anything, Mary just wants to be accepted as herself. This makes her easy to relate to, because who doesn’t want to be accepted as themselves. And then there is Adam, he’s a war hero who has inherited his father’s farm. But due to a debilitating war injury, he is struggling to deal with life. This beautiful story brings these two struggling characters together and they form a friendship and eventually a sweet romance. And entwined in it all, this story shows their faith in God that life will work out. This story will warm the hearts of readers, causing them to fall in love with the easily relatable characters and root for them as they lean on God and figure out how to move forward in life. A wonderful Regency romance that readers will adore.
Genre: historical, romance, regency
Publisher: Kregel
Publication date: May 18, 2021
Number of pages: 320
Other books in the series:
2-Midnight’s Budding Morrow (coming 2022)
3-Dawn’s Untrodden Green (coming 2023)
Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Genre: historical, romance, regency
Publisher: Kregel
Publication date: May 18, 2021
Number of pages: 320
Other books in the series:
2-Midnight’s Budding Morrow (coming 2022)
3-Dawn’s Untrodden Green (coming 2023)
Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
November 28, 2021
At twenty-eight, Mary Bloomfield is not likely to marry. Despite being unmarried, Mary’s life is full.She helps her father, the local doctor, with his patients. Mary has a strong personal Christian faith which she shares with others to encourage and build them up. She should be content.
Adam Edgerton has been shipped home to England, the fate of those who can no longer fight. Worse, he’s blind. He can’t see the world around him, and he can’t see a future. With Mary’s help, he learns to live despite his lack of vision.
Carolyn Miller is an excellent writer who doesn’t shy away from the hard things in life. Dusk’s Darkest Shores touches on difficult topics, including rape, suicide, and disability. There are no easy answers in her novels, just as there aren’t easy answers in life.
Dusk’s Darkest Shores is Christian fiction of the best kind. Despite the sometimes dark subject matter and the fact Carolyn Miller refuses to allow her characters to take the easy path in their search for a happy-ever-after, Dusk’s Darkest Shores is ultimately an uplifting novel. It reminds us that God is with us even in those dark hours, and that when we let Him direct our paths, we will know his peace.
Recommended for fans of faith-building Christian fiction.
Thanks to Kregel Books and Netgalley for providing a free ebook for review.
Adam Edgerton has been shipped home to England, the fate of those who can no longer fight. Worse, he’s blind. He can’t see the world around him, and he can’t see a future. With Mary’s help, he learns to live despite his lack of vision.
Carolyn Miller is an excellent writer who doesn’t shy away from the hard things in life. Dusk’s Darkest Shores touches on difficult topics, including rape, suicide, and disability. There are no easy answers in her novels, just as there aren’t easy answers in life.
Dusk’s Darkest Shores is Christian fiction of the best kind. Despite the sometimes dark subject matter and the fact Carolyn Miller refuses to allow her characters to take the easy path in their search for a happy-ever-after, Dusk’s Darkest Shores is ultimately an uplifting novel. It reminds us that God is with us even in those dark hours, and that when we let Him direct our paths, we will know his peace.
Recommended for fans of faith-building Christian fiction.
Thanks to Kregel Books and Netgalley for providing a free ebook for review.
May 20, 2021
Carolyn Miller's newest series, Regency Wallflowers, begins with the story of Mary Bloomfield and Adam Edgerton. Mary is 29 and unmarried in a society that frowns upon singleness. She helps her father with his medical practice and has become almost indispensable to him as a nurse, yet she is widely regarded as a plain, unattractive spinster. When Adam Edgerton returns from the Napoleonic wars with an incurable, impairing disease, Mary goes above and beyond her duties to encourage him and show him that life is still worth living in spite of his limitations. Through a series of events, both Mary and Adam will learn more about life, relationships, and God's guiding hand as they spend more time together.
This book is absolutely incredible. I believe it's Carolyn Miller's best book yet, and her writing touched my heart in a deeper, more personal way than most books have. I personally identified with Mary and her aching heart and I was moved to tears more than once throughout the story. I was thankful that the often neglected subject of singleness was addressed genuinely and biblically. The descriptive, realistic writing instantly transported me to rural England and I didn't want to leave. The unapologetic biblical stance taken by the author encouraged and convicted me, and one event near the end of the book was one of the most beautiful scenes that I have ever read. It will certainly be difficult to wait for the next book!
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
June 7, 2021
Today, I’m delighted to introduce you to the latest book Dusk’s Darkest Secret from my friend Caroline Miller. Y’all know I love historical romances sent in Regency England. This novel has a wallflower spinster stuck in small village who’s goal is to help an injured solider returning from the Napoleonic Wars. She also becomes entwined in several other events that are happening in their village. Through it all she has to wrestle with what it means to trust God and match her faith with whether He chooses to move or not. Her questions mirror those we still have today. I enjoyed this novel very much and recommend it to those who love the Regency timeperiod and heroes and heroines from the working classes. If you pick it up, you will be engaged in a story with characters that will intrigue you and keep the pages turning.
May 26, 2021
This fine Regency novel is worthy of its many 5 star ratings. I was entertained, uplifted, and inspired after reading it. Each character is so well-rounded I felt like I'd come across them in the flesh. The setting is delicious and yet not overplayed. The dialogue is true to the era yet not stilted. There's no doubt Carolyn has a way with words, enough that I'm hanging in there awaiting the next in the Wallflower series. A beautiful story.
May 24, 2023
It's been a long time since I stayed up late to finish a book, but I did with this one. I really loved the two main characters. One of two side plots I didn't love, but the main story drew me in and kept me going.
July 15, 2024
Beautiful story! Carolyn Miller is becoming a favorite author!
June 8, 2024
Absolutely amazing! Definitely tragic but it’s really good. Great writing! Great Christian Content. Mmc has recently become blind and struggles with it. FMC helps take care of him. Has a happy ending.
Content(SPOILER ALERT): rape(referred to, and woman suffers with the after effects), poison, death occurs(woman tries to abort baby by taking poison and they both die, this scene is pretty intense)
Content(SPOILER ALERT): rape(referred to, and woman suffers with the after effects), poison, death occurs(woman tries to abort baby by taking poison and they both die, this scene is pretty intense)
May 20, 2021
A gripping story of unexpected love, with captivating characters that hooked me from the very beginning.
Mary assists her father's medical practice running a stillroom and helping the people of the community. I loved that she is a capable, content, and compassionate woman, with a knack for problem solving. Mary has a big heart, and truly cares for the well fare of each of her patients, including Adam.
Adam goes through a lot over the course of the story. I think that his struggles were realistically handled in a way that made him relatable and a strong character. I admired his determination and faith.
Engaging book with strong likable characters, even ones that I didn't think that I would like at first, grew on me over the course of the book. There are a lot of things going with various characters in the community, fleshing it out with more wonderful characters. This book had so much to love, with a fantastic plot, characters with stellar natural chemistry, and great interactions. I really appreciated that this book book featured an "older" heroine content with her full and meaningful life. I also loved the adorable dog of Adam's. Probably my favorite of all of Ms. Miller's books so far! Definitely recommend!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Mary assists her father's medical practice running a stillroom and helping the people of the community. I loved that she is a capable, content, and compassionate woman, with a knack for problem solving. Mary has a big heart, and truly cares for the well fare of each of her patients, including Adam.
Adam goes through a lot over the course of the story. I think that his struggles were realistically handled in a way that made him relatable and a strong character. I admired his determination and faith.
Engaging book with strong likable characters, even ones that I didn't think that I would like at first, grew on me over the course of the book. There are a lot of things going with various characters in the community, fleshing it out with more wonderful characters. This book had so much to love, with a fantastic plot, characters with stellar natural chemistry, and great interactions. I really appreciated that this book book featured an "older" heroine content with her full and meaningful life. I also loved the adorable dog of Adam's. Probably my favorite of all of Ms. Miller's books so far! Definitely recommend!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
May 11, 2021
Loved loved this book!
When I opened the book I had no idea what to expect but I was soon immersed and finished this book in a day!
Such a beautiful story! Very well written with awesome characters!
Yes, Adam was a bit ornery but who wouldn't be after he went through! I found myself rooting for him throughout the story and clapped my hands too!
Sweet Mary? Gotta love her. She wears her feelings on her sleeve for everyone to see just like me! Just like me she loves helping everyone in need. I admired her very much.
The scenery was absolutely gorgeous! The Ms. Miller wrote, I felt like I was there!
I really love how this story encourages and offers hope at the same time.
It is chalk full of inspirational messages that we can use even today.
God's word never changes. It's us who do. We think we can do it all on our own but really we can't. It's why God sends us certain people to help is along the way.
I was very happy with the ending. It left me thinking about Adam and Mary long after the book was over. I know they still have a story to tell! I hope to see more of them in future books!
My thanks for a copy of this awesome book. I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own!
When I opened the book I had no idea what to expect but I was soon immersed and finished this book in a day!
Such a beautiful story! Very well written with awesome characters!
Yes, Adam was a bit ornery but who wouldn't be after he went through! I found myself rooting for him throughout the story and clapped my hands too!
Sweet Mary? Gotta love her. She wears her feelings on her sleeve for everyone to see just like me! Just like me she loves helping everyone in need. I admired her very much.
The scenery was absolutely gorgeous! The Ms. Miller wrote, I felt like I was there!
I really love how this story encourages and offers hope at the same time.
It is chalk full of inspirational messages that we can use even today.
God's word never changes. It's us who do. We think we can do it all on our own but really we can't. It's why God sends us certain people to help is along the way.
I was very happy with the ending. It left me thinking about Adam and Mary long after the book was over. I know they still have a story to tell! I hope to see more of them in future books!
My thanks for a copy of this awesome book. I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own!
May 12, 2021
I have read many books by this author, and this one does not disappoint. The title resonates in so many ways, and was quickly pulled into this page turning read.
A man who had it all, a brilliant military career, an estate/farm to come home to and a beautiful young woman to marry waiting for him, but alas life is not how it appears. Adam has sustained sever injuries, and his recovery is in jeopardy.
At nine and twenty Mary Bloomfield has resigned herself to being a spinster, and she loves working with her doctor father. She has a love of the Lord and a very kind heart, and some of the happenings she deals with so compassionately, will break your heart.
She does become a catalyst towards Adams healing, and you will love the banter between them.
I loved that the author brought us answers to many questions, and I had guessed wrong.
You don't want to miss this inspiring read, it will linger with you long after the cover is closed.
I received this book through Read With Audra and the Publisher Kregel, and was not required to give a positive review.
A man who had it all, a brilliant military career, an estate/farm to come home to and a beautiful young woman to marry waiting for him, but alas life is not how it appears. Adam has sustained sever injuries, and his recovery is in jeopardy.
At nine and twenty Mary Bloomfield has resigned herself to being a spinster, and she loves working with her doctor father. She has a love of the Lord and a very kind heart, and some of the happenings she deals with so compassionately, will break your heart.
She does become a catalyst towards Adams healing, and you will love the banter between them.
I loved that the author brought us answers to many questions, and I had guessed wrong.
You don't want to miss this inspiring read, it will linger with you long after the cover is closed.
I received this book through Read With Audra and the Publisher Kregel, and was not required to give a positive review.
October 31, 2021
I loved the premise of this story. Interesting from the start I wanted to see how it would all play out.
I loved getting to know Mary, smart kind and thoughtful. Though seen as a wallflower by some, I love her spirit and how she carried herself. She strong on the surface and blunt took when needed but beneath all that strength is a girl with a tender heart. I love how she took care of Adam being a friend when needed and a firm hand when necessary. It was an absolute delight to see their relationship grow.
Adam was your typical war hero. Initially being prepared to be celebrated by the people of the village, was now whispered about because of his sickness. He tried to be strong at times but he struggles. Especially with the notion that these might be his new reality.
I love the slow process to love. They are so perfect for each other without even realising it. The banter, the tender and swoon worthy moments. It was all so beautiful.
This is a tender and wonderful tale that gives you all the joyful and romantic moments but then also touches your heart in the most perfect way.
I loved getting to know Mary, smart kind and thoughtful. Though seen as a wallflower by some, I love her spirit and how she carried herself. She strong on the surface and blunt took when needed but beneath all that strength is a girl with a tender heart. I love how she took care of Adam being a friend when needed and a firm hand when necessary. It was an absolute delight to see their relationship grow.
Adam was your typical war hero. Initially being prepared to be celebrated by the people of the village, was now whispered about because of his sickness. He tried to be strong at times but he struggles. Especially with the notion that these might be his new reality.
I love the slow process to love. They are so perfect for each other without even realising it. The banter, the tender and swoon worthy moments. It was all so beautiful.
This is a tender and wonderful tale that gives you all the joyful and romantic moments but then also touches your heart in the most perfect way.
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