Finding Miss Giles

Hearts of the Hall #1

by Philippa Jane Keyworth

Bath, 1780: Without family or fortune, Miss Araminta Giles must rely on her wit alone.

Engaged by Mr Derringer to be companion to his sister for the Bath Season, Ary views this position as merely another in a line of employments necessary to her survival.

So when she finds herself warming to Charlotte, and shivering under the intense gaze of Mr Derringer, she is surprised to find herself hoping for more than just a roof over her head. But a series of intriguing encounters in polite Society cause Ary to realise her position with the Derringers may not be the fruit of her own labours after all. As she tries to make sense of the revelations, she is forced to consider what she really wants.

Will she keep going through life relying only on herself? Or is she willing to take a chance on a home, family and… love?

This is the first book in the Hearts of the Hall multi-author series of faith-based novellas:

1. Finding Miss Giles by Philippa Jane Keyworth set in 1780
2. Engaging Miss Shaw by Rachel Knowles set in 1815
3. Restoring Miss Hastings by Edwina Kiernan set in 1850

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical Fiction, Regency, Historical

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2022

About the author

Philippa Jane Keyworth, also known as P. J. Keyworth, writes historical romance and fantasy novels you'll want to escape into.

She loves strong heroines, challenging heroes and backdrops that read like you're watching a movie. She creates complex, believable characters you want to get to know and worlds that are as dramatic as they are beautiful.

Keyworth's historical romance novels include Regency and Georgian romances that trace the steps of indomitable heroes and heroines through historic British streets. From London's glittering ballrooms to its dark gaming hells, characters experience the hopes and joys of love while avoiding a coil or two! Travel with them through London, Bath, Cornwall and beyond and you'll find yourself falling in love.

Keyworth's fantasy series The Emrilion Trilogy follows strong love stories and epic adventure. Unveiling a world of nomadic warrior tribes and peaceful forest-dwelling folk, you can explore the hills, deserts and cities of Emrilion and the history that is woven through them. With so many different races in the same kingdom it's become a melting pot of drama and intrigue where the ultimate struggle between good and evil will bring it all to the brink of destruction.

Reviews

[Rod · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clean story. I enjoyed this story of how a foundling comes to find a true home, and discover her history. I thought the characters were very good. I was a little surprised that whilst there was a focus on Ari’s father and was he dishonourable or not, there was little reference to her mother. We know her family disowned her, but I don’t think Ari/we were told who her mother’s family were, and how they fit in society. We understand they were ‘gentry’. Were any of the family still around? Would a later generation seek a reconciliation? Given people in Bath knew her mother, including her original intended, was the family from that area? Sadly we don’t hear about them.
This book seems to be the first of a trilogy by three authors centring around the Hall each book from what I can see is probably about a different generations. Given this I am a little disappointed we may not hear how Charlotte goes on, and also what happens to Roberts and the Sades once the truth about Ari’s father comes out? It would have been interesting even if only to have had it referred to on the Epilogue. Maybe there will be some reference in the later books, but I am not expecting it.

[Rebekah Carulli Hanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an inspiring story! Clean Christian romance. The story had me smiling and crying. The characters have depth and are inspiring, with the exception of Mrs. and Miss Sade. We mustn’t forget the despicable Mr. Roberts. I have read all three of the Hearts of the Hall books and loved them all. R. K. Hanson

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Miss Giles was so cleverly written! Right from the start, it was clear that there was a secret, a mystery. that could perhaps, when revealed, have devastating consequences. So I felt compelled to keep reading and reading until I knew what it was, and then when the secret was finally revealed there was the question of what it would mean for the various characters. It was a real page-turner.

I accidentally read Book 2 of the series first, and in some ways, I can see that it would have been better to read them in the correct order. At the same time, there were particular details and events that took on new significance because I knew of future happenings in Duriel Hall. So read this series in order if you can, but if not, it is still worthwhile reading all the books.

[Patrizia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I libri di Philippa Jane Keyworth sono tra i pochi 'fake regency' nei quali la cura per la ricostruzione storica soddisfa il lettore un po' informato. Ma questa volta, se posso dirlo, ha 'toppato': l'intreccio, a dir poco, è tiepido e ben poco coinvolgente; e, soprattutto, il potere che, nello svolgersi degli eventi, viene attribuito al 'gossip' di due o tre donne vendicative – fino al definitivo disonore di persone venute casualmente a contatto con la vittima – travalica ogni credibilità, ed è degno di scrittrici di ben più scarso livello...

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was a little harder for me to stay into than the third book (not realizing it was the 3rd book!), but I did enjoy getting to know the background characters of book three.

Miss Giles has had a difficult life. She was orphaned as a baby and didn't know who her parents were, but someone in the background of her life was helping her to find positions and to keep her from becoming destitute. When she is given a position as companion to a young lady ready for her London season, she finds out how cruel the elite of society can be and realizes that her confusing past may just hurt the people that she's come to love.

This is a clean read, no bad language or sexual content.

[Susan Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the fist two books in the series - this one and Engaging Miss Shaw -back to back because I wanted to carry on with the story and, having met both the authors, I was curious to see how they worked together. Finding Miss Giles is a gentle story, and the title is a play on words, as not only is she literally sought for (and after), but as the novella progresses she, and others around her, find out who she truly is as a person. If you are tired of steamy regencies, this series may be for you.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how Mr Derringer was so gentlemanly, kind, and generous to Araminta. The way she interacted with his sister was also so lovely, touching, and yet brave and witty. The characters of this book and the twists and turns of the plot, especially Araminta’s heritage, were all enjoyable. Ara was a selfless and composed character that I enjoyed reading about. Thanks to the author for my ARC; all opinions are mine.

[Danielle Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I liked this story, but it took a few chapters to really engage with the story. Once engaged the malice of the few who think they can gain by destroying the life of a human being is terrible.I think the problem was solved rather naivily by the author. It's good that Miss Giles gets the man, but how would their marriage work out in society? None of those questions are really answered, because it is all neatly packaged up.

[Lilly Guirguis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really charming novel!

And some great emotional depth!

Best parts;
Charlotte and William as a sibling duo.
Mr. Pinchley, a sweet old man.
The fashion 😍😍
Kissing in the carriage!!

Things that made me frustrated:
Third act breakup (least fave trope)
And Miss Sade and Mr. Robert’s were TERRIBLE people!! Ugh 😣

But, I do like that God’s sovereignty and protection are mentioned throughout this book.
TW: family death, grief, attempted assault, gossiping, infidelity, classist and sexist comments about women from “worse” families.

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

We know very little of Miss Giles throughout most of this story. We do see her upright character, but who is she?

Just as she starts warming up to her place in Duriel Hall, her past is made known and it appears that her presence could harm Charlotte.

I thought the story was really well done.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was good, but not quite 5-star good. It’s clean with a hint of faith showing up here and there. Almost seems like it may have been thrown in at the last minute because the plot didn’t seem to require it. Other than that and a couple of oddly worded sentences, I have no complaints. If you enjoy historical romance which is clean, you might enjoy this book.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story about how a young woman, from a foundling home, becomes a companion for a young lady ready to debut into society. There is much more going on than she is aware and when she is caught up in it she must overcome rumors and complications to find her hea.

[Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful tale about the subtle love between hero and heroine. Keeps you turning the pages, hoping for complete affection. Knowing how to deal with someone who stutters and how embarrassing it is for them to draw needless attention is enlightening!

[Heidi Morrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic Historical Christian fiction series starter. The story was believable and the characters were heartwarming. I was able to read a copy of this book via Overdrive, but it did not in any way affect my review. All opinions are my own.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Derringer has a secret. When will he reveal what he knows?
That looms large in the first half of the book. This is a well written story with many questions that need to be answered. Not too sappy with the histrionics of the women.

[Scott Sillars]

Compelling

This story was very compelling from the beginning until the end
It grabs you which is what I want in a story
I would have to recommend it

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Review to follow

[Iris · Rating 2 out of 5]

The romance was bleh. Story was clean, no language or violence.

[Jennifer Rosenberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

[Lyna Reyes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book! I really hope that I get to read the other two books.

[Kendall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every book I read that involves English Society reminds me how insidious gossip is. It's so easy for things to get twisted and for people to be hurt. I'm glad there was an easy solution for Ary.

[Mary T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relaxing and enjoyable
This story is a wonderful chance to escape the troubles of life today. I enjoyed it immensely.

[Sam Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming tale

[Beverly W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1

This is a wonderful start to this series. I enjoyed the interactions between the main characters and their developing relationship.