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Fiction. Romance. Christian Fiction. Historical Fiction. HTML:Can a very proper noble lady find a future with a fossil-hunting man of faith? As the daughter of Viscount Aynsley, Caroline Heatherleigh knows every rule of society�??and she's always followed them precisely. It's simply the way things are done in her world. When she visits south Devonshire and encounters a fossil-hunting scientist and his sister, her assumptions about what is right are shaken. She is suddenly confronted by questions she has never considered about the importance of friendship and faith�??and her comfortable understanding about how the world works is thrown off balance. 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 by both his personal beliefs and by local smugglers in the Devonshire countryside. And every day his sister's illness is becoming more desperate and her care grows more demanding. Adding a proper Viscount's daughter to the mix is a complication Gideon never expected�??especially since he has a secret that demands he stays far away from this young woman he's falling for in order to protect his beloved sister. When a mysterious stranger visits the village, that secret is set to 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 managed to build be strong enough to overcome their differences�??or will the trust they've withheld from each other end up tearing three… (more)
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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. 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.
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,
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.
What I especially love about this book are the characters! They are very well fleshed out—even the side characters. The main characters, Caroline and Gideon, remind me of Elizabeth and Darcy from “Pride and Prejudice” in some parts, with their roles reversed. Caroline reminds me of Darcy with her pride and high social standing, while Gideon reminds me more of Elizabeth with a lower social standing and his quips and banter. It’s great that Gideon wants to make sure Caroline is a believer in Christ before letting himself fall fully in love with her.
I really appreciate the relationship Gideon has with his sister Emma. She ended up being my favorite character. I am very happy that the author decided to include a character that had something akin to an autoimmune disease. Chronic illness is very well represented in Emma’s sweet character and I think it’s something we need to see more of in Christian fiction. Emma is able to have peace, despite what is going on with her body, because of her faith. But she does experience fear and worry as well. The story has a slower pace at times, but I didn’t mind because the amazing characters make up for it.
If you appreciate well-researched Regency with great characters and lots of romance, this book is definitely for you!
Content: I give this book a PG-13, mostly because it deals with the topic of spousal abuse. Some examples of the content are: Mention of a man being drunk; a woman has been beaten and threatened by her husband; a man hits women; the word “devil” is used; a man calls a woman a derogatory name, but it is not written; the book deals with the issue of spousal abuse.
Rating: I give this book 4 stars!
Genre: Christian fiction; Romance; Regency; Historical fiction
I want to thank Carolyn Miller and Kregal Publications for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.
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 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."
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
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 an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
Carolyn is a brat! She is selfish, thoughtless, prideful, and is a very unkind in her dealings with others. By accident while 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.