A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh

If you love Regency fiction with plenty of romance, history, family drama along with some science and suspense thrown in then you won't want to miss out on Carolyn Miller's new book A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh. It is the first book in her new Regency Brides: Daughters of Aynsley series and definitely worth reading. I'm looking forward to reading more books in this wonderful series! I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.

A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh Regency Brides: Daughters of Aynsley #1 By Carolyn Miller If one read Carolyn Miller's previous book The Making of Mrs. Hale the opening chapter borrows a scene from that book in which we are introduced to Caroline Hatherleigh and Edward (Ned) Amherst. And from this chapter, a set of actions is put into place - one that finds Caroline being sent from London to Sidmouth, Devon, to the home of her grandmother Lady Aynsley. Fearing that Caroline's reputation could be tarnished by her association with Ned her mother would brook no opposition to her plan. Gideon Kirby has taken refuge with his sister Emma in Sidmouth hiding he hopes from society and any chance of his true identity being discovered. Gideon has no time for courting or matters of the heart. He has come to the coastal region for two purposes - protect his sister and make a scientific discovery of renown. But his sister Emma has other plans once she makes the acquaintance of Miss Hatherleigh. A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh is every bit as engaging a story as Carolyn Miller's previous Regency Brides series have been and it promises to an equally delightful series if this first book is any indication. This book doesn't have much in the way of interactions with previous characters as it mainly focuses on Caroline, Gideon, Emma and Lord Kenmore (friend of the Kirbys). I really liked how Caroline grew as a person through her interactions with her new acquaintances/friends. This change allowed her to see herself in a new light - one of a spiritual nature rather than through the looking glass of society. This book falls in the gentle reads category but there are a few scenes that deal with the harsh realities of a world that is home to evil and sin. Overall a highly recommended read for any who enjoys Jane Austen, Regency fiction or historical English fiction. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher Kregel with no expectation but that I offer my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

The first in a new Regency Brides series, this book begins the stories of the Aynsley sisters as they try to find love in the midst of difficult circumstances and the proud upper echelon of London society. Caroline, the oldest Aynsley sister, is sent to her grandmother's house by the seashore when her longtime friend Ned Amherst is embroiled in a scandal. At first, Caroline is upset and bored, but she soon makes friends with Emma and Gideon Kirby and ends up spending a great deal of time with them. However, all is not as it appears, and Emma has a debilitating illness that gets worse over time and they seem to be hiding from someone. As she grows closer to Gideon, Caroline begins to fall in love with him, in spite of the fact that her parents wouldn't approve. Soon Caroline finds herself in the midst of dangerous events, and she must learn to trust God and allow Him to protect her and her friends. I absolutely loved this new book from Carolyn Miller! It was so unique and atmospheric that it made me feel like I was at the beach near the cliffside in England. The scientific and archaeological nature of this book was fascinating, and the biblical truths presented were clear and relevant. The domestic violence issue was addressed in a heartbreaking and realistic way that made my stomach twist with nausea, and I found myself with tears in my eyes more than once. Aidan provided some much needed comical relief (he was one of my favorites), and the romance between Gideon and Caroline was sweet and heart wrenching. One of the scenes at the end of the book left me gasping and on the edge of my seat in suspense, and the scene at the very end was one of the most beautiful scenes I've ever read in Christian fiction. I highly recommend this book and all of Carolyn Miller's books. She is one of the best Christian fiction writers today, in my opinion. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and the author. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.