Caroline Miller (3)

Hidden tunnels, a castle, Paris, a mystery, deceit, and a questionable inheritance. Rachel Farraday was the lucky one to be chosen by Madame de Villier to assist in researching the history of her chateau and also in a surprise that may have or may not have been planned and a surprise that turned out to not be a good one. The fun began along with mystery and tragedy not too long after Rachel arrived.

The writing was excellent as usual when it comes to Caroline Miller, but I enjoyed Gothic show more Spring much more. The characters and plot were unique, but the plot was also a bit confusing....perhaps over my head??? Mrs. de Toi, the cook, was my favorite character because of her demeanor and the delicious foods she prepared. Madame de Villier was a bit eccentric and moody. Rachel was trying to be helpful but not always succeeding. Mathiam was a bit on the odd side. Christian and the other characters were frightening and quite shady.

This book was filled with all my favorite things: castles, family secrets, cooks, cooks and butlers with secrets, surprises, and many twists and turns. At times, the plot became a bit tedious, but Ms. Miller again didn't disappoint as the ending revealed it all and the book stood up to its title.

The book was part history, part mystery, and just plain good old European living. All the things I enjoy reading about. 4/5

This book was given to me free of charge by the author without compensation in exchange for an honest review. show less

A maiden aunt, a new Vicar with a book and secrets, and a curious, precocious young lady. Gothic Spring will grab you from page one....the setting, the time period, the charming, small town, and the storyline are very alluring. The storyline was focused on Victorine and her relationship and fascination with the Vicar and a secret she just knows he has and secrets they both will eventually share.

Victorine, the main character, has an air about her that makes her likable for her intelligence show more and her persistence. You will dislike her for her insistence, her false innocence, her trouble making, her desire to hurt people, her cunning ways, and her way of risking anything to get what she wants....nothing short of deceit. Despite her negative traits, I was thoroughly taken by her as was everyone in the small, gossip-laden town of Braxton, and I wanted to see what she would do next to get what she wanted. She always did get what she wanted while she also ruined lives.

Each character in the book is fascinating and very well developed so that you can perfectly visualize their clothing, their feelings, and their facial expressions. The characters were profound, and they all had great depth especially Victorine and the Vicar's wife. She and Victorine definitely were at odds and both prodded and prodded until they found the information they were looking for even though Victorine always came out the victor with her sly nature and way of turning things around for her benefit. Every character seemed to have something hidden and churning under their politeness.

Once I began reading, I didn't want to stop. Once you are nearing the end, you will just want more and more. Ms. Miller is a powerful, eloquent writer. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves an evil heroine, an English setting, and an unforgettable, splendid ending. My rating is a 5/5....oh did I enjoy this book. :) show less

Nostalgia at its best.

Ms. Miller pulls you in with wonderful characters and the life folks lead in a cozy, Ohio pre-war town. From the depression and pre-World War II eras, the characters are true to life and have antics that you can just see happening in a used-to-be safe environment.

Folks didn't lock their doors, folks helped each other when times were tough, and children were still mischievous but innocent.

The characters were all loveable. You would want to be in the kitchens of the show more characters so you could enjoy the wonderful homemade dishes and share the family times.

​Oliver and Herman were the main characters, and they were filled with mischief.

Ms. Miller excels in writing and storytelling. ENJOY this book when you read it. And....do NOT miss reading her other two books.

Tromp L'oeil and Gothic Spring

They both are quite different from HEART LAND, but oh so EXCELLENT.

I normally do not like memoirs, but this was more of a looking back and feeling at home in the era and wishing our lives could still be this cozy. But then again..could we be without a phone in every home and no Internet? :)

This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the author in return for an honest review. show less

GOTHIC SPRING by Caroline Miller is a gothic historical romance. It is written with vivid descriptions of the era,place,and with characters who will capture your heart and soul. A dark look into a self-aborbed,adultery,violence,and a gothic tale of betrayal and love with tragic consequences. "Gothic Spring" is a young women's journey into sexual awakening,her imagination,and the conflict that follows her,a vicar,his wife,and young Jeremy. A fast paced story that shows the dark side to life show more and love.A haunting Gothic story. Anyone who enjoys historical fiction and gothic romance will enjoy "Gothic Spring". Received for an honest review from the author/publisher.Details can be found at Koho Pono,LLC, the author's website,and My Book Addiction and More.

RATING: 4

HEAT: Sweet: No sex or scenes of physical intimacy except some kissing. No graphic violence or profanity.

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction and More show less