A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh

“How did one keep a friend, anyway? Friendship seemed a delicate balance of openness about oneself whilst showing interest in others.”

I have been a fan of Carolyn Miller’s writing since her debut novels in A Legacy of Grace series and each book just gets better and better. Her newest release, A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh -the first book in the Daughters of Aynsley series, is captivating with its melodic lovely prose and witty clever dialogue. The pomp and circumstance of Regency era England is so vividly captured in the pages and you can almost feel and taste the coast as Gideon and Caroline become acquainted in a small seaside village. The plot is intricately woven and well laid-out, with just enough intrigue and mystery to keep show more the pages turning.

And the characters! Caroline starts out as a selfish, self-absorbed, self-righteous eldest daughter of Viscount Aynsley who is only looking for a husband. Sent away to stay with her grandmother, Caroline begins to see the world in a completely different way and learns about true friendship and faith. Gideon is a scientist, searching for fossils during this Regency era and attempting to reconcile his faith with science and the unfortunate circumstances of his and his family’s life. Gideon is steadfast, loyal to a fault, gentle, humble, and so tender. Their faith journey, especially Caroline’s, is amazing and heart-warming to behold. No spoilers here, but the last big scene of the book gave me shivers from Caroline’s beautifully spiritual perspective.

If you’re a fan of Regency romance, you will absolutely love this book. I can’t wait for the next book when we’ll meet Caroline’s younger sister Cecily! I received a copy of this book from Kregel Publications and the author and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own. show less

Carolyn Hatherleigh is in the upper echelon of Victorian London society. Her father is a viscount. At the ripe old age of 18 it is time for her to find a suitable husband. Forget about love and character being desirable in a spouse. Title and money are the name of the game. Due to a societal indiscretion of a young man Carolyn was seen with, her mother sends her off to her grandmother’s estate by the sea in Devon. Christmas has just passed and she is expected to stay until spring! To say Carolyn is upset is an understatement. All she can think about is how BORING it will be with her distant stuffy grandmother.
Carolyn is a brat! She is selfish, thoughtless, prideful, and is a very unkind in her dealings with others. By accident while show more out for a walk she meets a young man named Gideon. He is a Paleontologist whose interest in fossils is to show them not as part of evolution but God’s creation. He is kind and gentle. His sister Emma is just a sweetheart! Her health is bad and her body is frail but her spirit is joyful. Caroline begins visiting her and a friendship develops between the two girls and Emma’s brother.
Both Carolyn and Gideon find themselves attracted to each other but both try to dismiss the idea as they are not on the same level of society. They become dear friends. Something Carolyn realizes she has never had. She is swept up into their lives and secrets. Mysteries and danger follow. I won’t say anymore but it gets very exciting!
I found it sad that Carolyn’s extreme wealth and lofty heritage robbed her of the realities of life. She was not a Christian but worshiped the god of aristocracy which revolved around numerous customs and ridiculous etiquette. Most would think abundant riches would foster freedom as an individual however Carolyn’s life was nothing more than a prison.
Her relationship with Gideon and Emma not only helped her see Christ by their words and actions, but gave her a comparison with which to view herself This brought conviction in her heart of how she truly was and it was not a pretty sight. I thought it was wonderful that in spite of her snobbish upbringing, she didn’t make excuses but wanted to change. Gideon and Emma were beautiful examples of how Christians living out their faith will be a testimony for the Lord and change lives. True faith and salvation in Christ were they mainstay of this book! A truly wonderful book on many levels!
I received this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. show less

This new book from author Carolyn Miller affected so many of my emotions. It made me laugh at its humor; it made me "swoon" when Caroline and Gideon were discovering each other romantically; it frustrated me with the gossip that was so rampant and it angered me when Gideon's sister Emma was suffering abuse from her husband, Lord Pratt. But most of all, this book inspired me because it showed how no one is complete until they have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior.

Caroline Hatherleigh seemed to have it all. She was the daughter of Viscount Aynsley and enjoyed the perks of the uppercrust society in 1818 London. It is, however, her visit with her grandmother in south Devonshire that shows Caroline just how shallow her life really is. show more It is there in that coastal village that she finds true friendship and a chance at everlasting love. Caroline meets Emma Kirby and her brother Gideon and, even though they apparently aren't arisotcrats, they both possess an inner peace and a strong faith that only comes from believing in God and in prayer. Gideon is a research scientist and his passion is searching for fossils but this doesn't detract from his belief that God was responsible for all of Creation. Emma is very fragile and her health is very uncertain but she still trusts that God will see her through. The Kirby's influence and a dangerous cave accident show Caroline that she herself needs a relationship with a Higher Power. Miller's explanation of Caroline's acceptance of Jesus Christ is one of the most moving accounts of conversion that I have ever read! As Caroline wonders if God would even hear her prayers, she hears a voice that can only be God saying "Trust me". As she ponders "Oh, how wretched she was. Oh, how she needed hope. Oh, how she needed forgiveness" (p. 231) Caroline finally tells God "I know I am not good enough, but I believe that Jesus Christ's death paid for my sin, and that You will forgive me. Please help me trust You, help me to understand what you want me to do." (p.232)

The mention of smugglers, domestic abuse, and the discovery of a rare ancient fossil aren't topics normally discussed in a Regency novel but Miller has been able to weave them into this wonderful story of a young woman who discovers that one's social standing has nothing to do with one's value as a human being.

A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh is the first book in the Regency Brides: Daughters of Aynsley series and I believe that this may be Miller's best book yet! I recommend it to anyone who enjoys Regency romance and Christian fiction.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and Kregel Publications but my review is voluntary. show less

I love when an author can take a character from a previous book who maybe wasn’t all that likable and deliver as story of change and redemption that makes me see them in a new light. And that’s exactly what Carolyn Miller does with the previously gossip-minded, self-centered Caroline Hatherleigh.

When Caroline’s mother sends her to Devonshire to avoid a scandal, Caroline is none too happy. Then she meets Gideon and Emma Kirby. These two are unlike anyone in Caroline’s social circles and they challenge her to become a better person which naturally leads to her search into who God is. In fact, I really enjoyed Caroline’s faith journey as it was authentic and a challenge for her.

Miller gives readers a good introduction to the area show more with the sea, the cliffs, and the popularity of undergroundologists. Gideon’s excitement and interest in science, the subplot with Emma, and the growing attractions between Gideon and Caroline all work together to deliver an engaging story.
A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh once again proves why Miller is a must-read Regency author who consistently delivers books that are not to be missed.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. show less

My attraction to the regency genre is growing quickly. I’ve read several in recent months and I find this category intriguing.

A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh is unique, which I love. Some of the attention falls on science (which I’m not overly interested in) but also on history (which I love.) Add in chemistry—the romantic kind—and this is a great mixture.

Caroline and Gideon are interesting characters, full, challenged, and curious. And the details of England paint a vivid picture. But what really pulls me in fully is the wonderful thread of faith woven throughout. And oh…what a lovely cover.

I look forward to more in this series! A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh is book #1 in the Regency Brides: Daughters of Aynsley series. I received show more an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. Opinions expressed are completely my own. show less

I absolutely adored this novel by the ever talented hands of Ms. Miller. She’s among some of my top historical authors on my list. I loved her quirky characters, her attention to historical details and her ability to create a breath taking plot line.

Ms. Miller’s characters are intricately chiseled and made to steal your heart. They did just that with me! I loved Caroline and Gideon so good. They’re quirky and charming, and really made a home in my heart forever. Both aren’t looking for love, both find themselves bonding in a way they didn’t know they could, and both realizing that God has the perfect plan for them, if they just open up and learn to trust.

In amazing Austen-esque fashion, Miller has created a lovely book that show more any regency lover will enjoy. This book is filled with so much hope, and comes to life with each and every page turn. I highly recommend this 4 star start to a sure-to-be-best-selling series to all who want a fast, romantic, and tender story that you won’t soon forget. Besides, who couldn’t fall in love with the story with a cover like this!?

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel Publications and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.* show less

A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh by Carolyn Miller is the first novel in the Daughters of Aynsley series. I haven't read any of her previous books, but it was obvious that characters from other books appear in A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh. Having heard much about the author's previous books and seeing the lovely cover of this one, I was eager to read this novel.

A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh has a unique tone that is unlike any other Regency England novel I remember reading. I think it is a combination of her writing style and staying historically accurate to conventions of the day (at least as far as I am aware). The social classes and customs of the day extensively affect the main characters, leading occasionally to stilted and awkward show more conversation which was a bit uncomfortable to read. Still, if you enjoy the Regency period, you'll probably like her treatment of it.

In my opinion, the best aspect of the novel is Caroline's spiritual development. Readers encounter her in the beginning when she is both a snob and an atheist. As the novel progresses, Caroline is drawn to God through her friendship with Gideon and Emma. She is a complex character that undergoes heart-deep changes and emerges as a glorious, new creation with a future and a hope.

Despite my love of deep character development, I struggled to finish A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh as I wasn't ever “drawn in” by the story line or the leading lady. Gideon's work as an “undergroundologist” was interesting and the plot suspense builds up toward the end, but I'm sad to say it just wasn't my cup of tea. Regardless, the novel will likely appeal to those who have enjoyed Carolyn Miller's past works.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." show less