Monday, April 1, 2019

Book Review: A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh by Carolyn Miller


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Title: A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh

Author: Carolyn Miller

Series: Regency Brides: Daughters of Aynsley #1

Genre: Historical (Regency Romance)

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

Can a proper noble lady find a future with a fossil-hunting man of faith?

As the daughter of Viscount Aynsley, Caroline Hatherleigh knows every rule of society - and she's always followed them precisely. But when she visits south Devonshire and encounters a fossil-hunting scientist and his sister, her assumptions about what is right are shaken. Questions she has never considered about the importance of friendship and faith suddenly confront her - and her comfortable understanding about how the world works is thrown off balance. What if God wants to be the center of her life, rather than merely a social obligation?

Gideon Kirby loves science, and hunting down proof of past lives is a joy he won't willingly give up. But his scientific leanings are being challenged both by his personal beliefs and by local smugglers in the Devonshire countryside. And every day his sister's illness becomes more desperate, her care growing more demanding. Adding a viscount's daughter to the mix is a complication Gideon never expected - especially since he must stay far away from this young woman he's falling for in order to protect his beloved sister's secret.

When a mysterious stranger visits the village, that secret will be exposed, no matter how Gideon fights. Then tragedy strikes in a smugglers' cave. And the threat of scandal may lead to broken hearts and passionless propriety. Will the shaky bond these two have nurtured be strong enough to overcome their differences - or will the trust they've withheld from each other tear three lives apart?

~ MY REVIEW ~
**4 stars**

Carolyn Miller is a writer of unique and heartfelt regency romance novels. I'm quite a fan of this historical era, so it was a delight to discover these books! A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh was such an enjoyable read, and I so look forward to delving into the next two books in the REGENCY BRIDES: DAUGHTERS OF AYNSLEY series.

This story is about Caroline, the eldest daughter of Viscount Aynsley. Tying into Carolyn Miller's most recent series, REGENCY BRIDES: A PROMISE OF HOPE (Winning Miss WinthropMiss Serena's Secret, & The Making of Mrs. Hale), this book follows Caroline as she goes to stay with her grandmama in Devon as to sidestep possible scandal. There she meets a mysterious couple, gets involved in some scientific escapades, and is forced to confront her own selfishness and lack of faith. What does she believe about God?

I really liked the faith theme in this book, how it was woven so deep into the story. Caroline's journey to Jesus Christ was honest and profound, and brought tears to my eyes. It's not often you see a genuine coming to faith in fiction these days, so I very much value that aspect of this author's work.

There was excitement, drama, danger, tenderness, and a lovely thoughtful air about A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh. Gideon Kirby's interest in science and fossils lent a different aspect to this book than other regency romances. The love story was very sweet and clean. I loved getting a glimpse of characters from previous books, and also briefly meeting Caroline's younger sisters, Cecilia and Verity. So excited to read their tales!

My caution is that there are some difficult topics raised, so be careful if you're a sensitive reader. Abuse and abortion are mentioned, and there was one or two scenes of violence. (view spoiler)

Overall, a very lovely Christian historical novel set during the early 1800s. As always with Carolyn Miller, I look forward to reading more.

FTC DisclosureI received a complimentary copy of A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh from Kregel publications through their blogger program. This review is honest and completely my own.

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