Wednesday, March 15, 2017

My Review: The Elusive Miss Ellison


Description:
Handsome appearance counts for naught unless matched by good character and actions.


That's the firm opinion of not-so-meek minister's daughter Lavinia Ellison. So even though all the other villagers of St. Hampton Heath are swooning over the newly returned seventh Earl of Hawkesbury, she is not impressed. If a man won't take his responsibilities seriously and help those who are supposed to be able to depend on him, he deserves no respect from her. In Lavinia's pretty, gray eyes, Nicholas Stamford is just as arrogant and reckless as his brother--who stole the most important person in Livvie's world.

Nicholas is weighed down by his own guilt and responsibility, by the pain his careless brother caused, and by the legacy of war he's just left. This quick visit home to St. Hampton Heath will be just long enough to ease a small part of that burden. Asking him to bother with the lives of the villagers when there's already a bailiff on the job is simply too much to expect.

That is, until the hoydenish, intelligent, and very opinionated Miss Ellison challenges him to see past his pain and pride. With her angelic voice in his head, he may even be beginning to care. But his isn't the only heart that needs to change.

These two lonely hearts may each have something the other needs. But with society's opposition, ancestral obligations, and a shocking family secret, there may be too many obstacles in their way.


About the Author: Carolyn Miller


Im an Inspirational Regency romance author who lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wale, Australia with my husband and four children.  I love reading (especially Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer), music, films, gardens, art, travel, and food.  I really enjoy creating worlds where flawed people can grow in faith, hope, and love.



My Review: 3.5 stars
I’m going to be honest: I’m not typically a huge fan of Regency novels, though I do enjoy them on occasion and have a couple particular authors whose books I always snatch up and devour.  That being said, I was intrigued by this book - the title, cover, and I love checking out debut authors, so I decided to give it a go.  And while it wasn’t a favorite, I did enjoy it.  The characters were interesting and it is most definitely a Regency novel.  Ms. Miller did an excellent job of making it period correct and it’s obvious she studied her craft and made sure the wording and behaviors would be accurate.  Despite these things, I think this book simply falls into the category of “just not my cup of tea.”
As mentioned, the writing is excellent, but it didn’t capture my attention as quickly as I had hoped.  I struggled, at first, to connect with the characters and found them a bit annoying.  But as the story progressed, I slowly found myself liking them more and cheering them on in the end.  It definitely helped to see them grow through the story and become better versions of themselves.  One of my favorite things about this story was how the author didn’t have them change overnight, but showed them struggling to hold their tongue, or let go of their pride, or not react in the same old manner.  It was a great reminder that we’re all a work in progress.  I know some may dub this book “preachy” because of that very aspect, but I loved the scripture references and spiritual discussions (Lavinia is a rector’s daughter, after all) and seeing Nicholas gradually find peace for his past.
Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Regency romance that challenges the heart.

My thanks to the author and Kregel Publishing for my complimentary copy of this book!  I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.   


Again, I thank you for taking the time to stop by and read my blog!  Your time spent here is much appreciated!
I made the comment that this book simply wasn't my "cup of tea" - have you read a book that you couldn't explain why, but it just wasn't your favorite?  Or is that just me?

I hope your day is wonderful!


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