Historical Romance Regency (1811-1820) Reads

Hello, my reader friends! Today I want to share with you a few novels that I've enjoyed. The genre? Historical Romance set during the regency era (1811-1820). If I recall correctly, each story is set somewhere in England. Think Jane Austen and all the loveliness! *heart eyes*

Also, most of these are Christian fiction, though a scant few are clean, secular fiction. Almost all are geared toward adults, some YA.

(A note on that: some of these books I read years ago and can't remember all the details content-wise. Sometimes even Christian-fiction can get a little edgy as I have lamented about in a couple blog posts [Does What I Read Honor God? and Sexy Christians], so exercise caution. Be intentional about what you read. And be obedient if you feel a check in your spirit.)

I hope you enjoy and find some lovely, new reads! ^_^

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Melanie Dickerson

A fun, suspenseful romance series! I wouldn't say these made my favorites shelf, but this author does have lovely characters and entertaining tales.

A Spy's Devotion {The Regency Spies of London #1} by Melanie Dickerson

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A Viscount's Proposal {The Regency Spies of London #2} by Melanie Dickerson

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A Dangerous Engagement {The Regency Spies of London #3} by Melanie Dickerson

Read My Review

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Julianne Donaldson

These two books are absolutely delightful, clean, darling romances. They are not classified as Christian fiction, and I think they might be YA. (Blackmoore did have a darker theme to it, actually, as I recall.)

Edenbrooke {A Proper Romance} by Julianne Donaldson

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Blackmoore {A Proper Romance} by Julianne Donaldson

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Camille Elliot

I've only read one book by this author (Prelude for a Lord), but was it ever delightful! Intriguing and unique! I hope to read some more regency romance from her!

Prelude for a Lord by Camille Elliot

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The Spinster's Christmas {Lady Wynwood #1} by Camille Elliot

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Kristi Ann Hunter

I've only read perhaps three of these, but enough to know that this author writes some thought-provoking and sweet regency tales! They have some danger and drama, and the faith theme is usually stirring.

A Lady of Esteem {Hawthorne House #0.5} by Kristi Ann Hunter

A Noble Masquerade {Hawthorne House #1}

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An Elegant Facade {Hawthorne House #2} by Kristi Ann Hunter

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An Uncommon Courtship {Hawthorne House #3} by Kristi Ann Hunter

An Inconvenient Beauty {Hawthorne House #4} by Kristi Ann Hunter

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A Search for Refuge {Haven Manor #0.5} by Kristi Ann Hunter

A Defense of Honor {Haven Manor #1} by Kristi Ann Hunter

A Return of Devotion {Haven Manor #2} by Kristi Ann Hunter

A Pursuit of Home {Haven Manor #3} by Kristi Ann Hunter

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Julie Klassen

This author writes absolutely phenomenal historical fiction. So rich and authentic-feeling! I have fallen in love with her novels. I believe she writes with subtle themes of faith. A note of caution: I have found a couple of her books to have some edgy romance scenes, in my opinion. I probably mention it in my reviews. Use your own discretion.

Lady of Milkweed Manor by Julie Klassen

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The Apothecary's Daughter by Julie Klassen

The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen

The Girl in the Gatehouse by Julie Klassen

The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen

The Tutor's Daughter by Julie Klassen

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The Dancing Master by Julie Klassen

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The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen

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The Painter's Daughter by Julie Klassen

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The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill {Tales from Ivy Hill #1} by Julie Klassen

The Ladies of Ivy Cottage {Tales from Ivy Hill #2} by Julie Klassen

The Bride of Ivy Green {Tales from Ivy Hill #3} by Julie Klassen

The Bridge to Belle Island by Julie Klassen

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Carolyn Miller

One of my favorite regency romance authors! She weaves such wonderful themes of faith into these clean, sweet love stories! They're unique, endearing, and adventurous.

The Elusive Miss Ellison {Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace #1} by Carolyn Miller

The Captivating Lady Charlotte {Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace #2} by Carolyn Miller

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The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey {Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace #3} by Carolyn Miller

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Winning Miss Winthrop {Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope #1} by Carolyn Miller

Miss Serena's Secret {Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope #2} by Carolyn Miller

The Making of Mrs. Hale {Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope #3} by Carolyn Miller

A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh {Regency Brides: Daughters of Aynsley #1} by Carolyn Miller

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Underestimating Miss Cecilia {Regency Brides: Daughters of Aynsley #2} by Carolyn Miller

Misleading Miss Verity {Regency Brides: Daughters of Aynsley #3} by Carolyn Miller

Book Review: Love Defined by Kristen Clark & Bethany Baird

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Title: Love Defined: Embracing God's Vision for Lasting Love and Satisfying Relationships

Author: Kristen Clark & Bethany Baird

Series: Standalone

Genre: Christian Living/Non-ficion

Audience: Young Adult/Adult

Published: May 1st, 2018 (Baker Books)

ABOUT THE BOOK

Our culture is obsessed with love and romance - so why are so few women experiencing satisfying, long-term love?

In this insightful and encouraging book, sisters Kristen Clark and Bethany Baird help single women of all ages discover a radically better approach to navigating their love lives. Covering topics such as true love, romance, purposeful relationships, purity, boundaries, singleness, and glorifying God in every stage of our relationships, Love Defined unpacks God's original design for romance, showing modern women how to experience God's best for them in their relationships.

Full of biblical truths and step-by-step application of concepts discussed, the book also includes a chapter-by-chapter study guide to be used individually or in small groups, as well as four letters from godly women who have been married for 30, 40, and 50+ years, offering priceless, hard-won advice to single women.

~ My Review ~

**5 stars**

Love Defined is another incredible book from sisters Kristen Clark and Bethany Baird. After reading and loving their first book, Girl Defined, I was beyond excited to read a book from them about love and relationships. And, oh, I was not disappointed. With honesty, humor, wisdom, and real-life examples, Kristen and Bethany present a Biblically-sound and beautiful Christian Living book on navigating the world of romance.

I so enjoyed reading this book - finished it in under a week. It had a lot of insight and great advice to impart. I loved that there were chapters on ways to respond and steps to take when a man expresses an interest in you, and also red flags to watch for in relationships! The things shared in these chapters were so incredibly helpful. I know so many Christian girls/women are going to benefit from reading Love Defined!

The theme of this book is about radiantly glorifying God in how we respond to love and romance. Glorifying Him in our relationships. In our singleness. In our marriages. I've been gaining an understanding of how romantic love and marriage are so deeply entwined in pointing to God - His covenant love for us and Jesus Christ's relationship with the Church, His Bride. My future marriage (if that's in God's plan for my life) is going to be an exciting and amazing chance for me to illuminate my God and His love. Wow, this is powerful! And Love Defined just grew me in understanding this intriguing concept even better. Whether single or married, reading this book greatly encouraged me to get excited about making much of God's name wherever I am and in whatever I do.

A lovely thing about Love Defined is that it's written by a married woman and a single woman (they finished the book before Bethany entered her current relationship). It's great to get both perspectives - a peek into Kristen's marriage and awesome insight from Bethany's season of singleness. While writing this book, she was in her late twenties (twenty-nine?) with no idea if she'd ever marry. I'd say she knows a thing or two about singleness! It was so encouraging to hear from her on this topic. Finding satisfaction and joy in Christ alone is an amazing thing and I loved reading Bethany's story of finding that.

Truly, this is a book worth your time. I only wished I could have read it even before this! I really believe that God is going to use it to change women's perspectives on romance and marriage, and help girls who have the right heart - but are uncertain how to put this into practice - to figure out how to navigate these areas of life in a way that honors God, as they desire to!

Covering topics such as infatuation, romance, boundaries, warning signs in relationships, practical tips for approaching dating, friendship, singleness, being intentional, advice for marriage, sexual purity, and so on, it is packed with great content. I'm wanting to do a girl's Bible study with Love Defined now! Such a needed message! Definitely going to share with my seventeen-year-old sister.

I highly recommend to women! Love Defined is a must-read. I can hardly wait to read Kristen and Bethany's next book!

I received a copy of Love Defined from the authors and/or Baker Books in exchange for my honest review.

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• Girl Defined Website/Blog
• Girl Defined Youtube Channel
• Girl Defined Facebook Page
• Girl Defined on Twitter
• Girl Defined on Pinterest

Book Review: The Captivating Lady Charlotte by Carolyn Miller

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Title: The Captivating Lady Charlotte

Author: Carolyn Miller

Series: Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace #2

Genre: Historical

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

Her heart is her own - but her hand in marriage is another matter.

Lady Charlotte Featherington is destined for great things on the marriage market. After all, as the beautiful daughter of a marquess, she should have her pick of the eligible nobility hen she debuts. She, however, has love at the top of her list of marriageable attributes. And her romantic heart falls hard for one particularly dashing, attentive suitor. Sadly for Charlotte, her noble father intends her betrothed to be someone far more dull.

William Hartwell may be a duke, but he knows he was Charlotte's father's pick, not the young lady's own choice. And the captivating Lady Charlotte does not strike him as a woman who will be wooed by his wealth or title. While she has captured his heart, he has no idea how to win hers in return - and the betrayal and scandal his first wife put him through makes it difficult for him to believe that love can ever be trusted. His only hope is that Charlotte's sense of responsibility will win out over her romantic notions.

Can a widowed duke and a romantically inclined lady negotiate a future and discover love beyond duty? Will they be able to find healing and hope from the legacy of grace? Poignant and charming, this is another beautifully written, clean and wholesome Regency romance from Carolyn Miller.

~ MY REVIEW ~

**5 stars**

This book was so beautifully written, from the unique romance, to the authentic faith theme. From the painful experiences, to the heartwarming friendships. I think I have found a new favorite author in Carolyn Miller—The Captivating Lady Charlotte was definitely a five-star read for me.

Book Two in the REGENCY BRIDES: A LEGACY OF GRACE, this novel brings us to St. James’s Palace where the beautiful Lady Charlotte Featherington is officially being brought out into society. From thence forth, there will be many a ball and marriage prospect before her.

Little does she expect an older man to approach her, and her parents to jump on the idea … because he’s a duke.

But scandal and danger surround the Duke of Hartington. Will Charlotte and William learn to love and trust before it’s too late?

*sigh* The regency era ... there's just something so delightful about it. And Carolyn Miller did a lovely job bringing this time period to life. The Captivating Lady Charlotte made me think of the newest movie versions of both "Pride and Prejudice" and "Sense and Sensibility" more than once, and I loved it! So much fun.

But beyond that, this author writes with such depth! Her characters think, are challenged, grow. They take their walk with God seriously. And it is a walk—a real relationship. I especially liked some of William Hartington's prayers and his mention of Proverbs 3:5-6 (some of my favorite verses!).

Charlotte was young and a little flighty in the beginning, but still she desired to do the right thing. And as the book progressed, she grew and matured and walked closer with the Lord. I simply felt the faith theme was so authentic and heart-touching. It really blessed me. ^_^

And the romance. William, the duke of Hartington. Ah, everything about the love story was unusual and beautiful! Charlotte is young (seventeen or eighteen?), just brought out into society, dazzled by the attention and flattery of masses of striking young men.

William is a widower (with scandal surrounding his late wife), ten years Charlotte's senior, and short-ish, more lean of build, and not particularly dashing.

Let me tell you, this was so refreshing. Why do all the men in novels have to be tall and devastatingly handsome, with "distractingly muscled biceps"? Ha! What about the short guys? Who don't have glorious blue eyes? What about their stories and adventures?

Anyway, enough of the rant. It was amazing to watch Charlotte realize that deep faith and strong character are what matter most. Realize that love is not just a feeling—butterflies in the stomach and heart skipping a beat—but something much, much deeper and beautiful.

To watch William's gentle and heartfelt pursuit! Eep! What a man. Though I did get frustrated with him a couple times, his struggles were understandable ... and overall, I just really, really loved his character. He was so unique. Such a gentleman. Such a godly man.

So there was a slowly-unfolding love story of beautiful depth. A few lovely and poignant peeks at the two main character from Book One. Just the normal Regency delightfulness. Lots of faith content. A generous dash of suspense and danger toward the end. Fun. Lessons. Pain. Beauty.

I loved it.

Absolutely can't wait to read The Elusive Miss Ellison (book one) and The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey (book three). Carolyn Miller, you have a new fan! *smiles*

I received a copy of The Captivating Lady Charlotte from Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest review.