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english_lady03's review against another edition
4.0
Another great Regency from Carolyn Miller. I find the second book in a Trilogy can lag sometimes, before picking up in the 3rd novel. The 'Middle Child' syndrome of the literary world so to speak. The second books in Miller's first two series have not been weak: and this one generally lived up to expectations.
Cecelia was a strong and fierce lady who did not appear to be so. Unlike her sister she doesn't openly defy convention, but she does stick by what she believes in. She doesn't give up because it’s easy or comfortable: except in the case of Edward Amburst. I think she gave up on him rather too easily, and because of misunderstandings that could have been easily resolved.
Edward was I think my favourite character: he made a brief appearance in the last novel of the last series 'The Making of Mrs Hale' as a rakish aristocrat who courted scandal by stepping out with a married woman. Now he is transformed and has found faith: with Cecelia's inspiration he decides he wants to help the poor and marginalized people of Regency society. Including Gypsies and Irish migrants.
For much of the book though, Edward believes he must earn forgiveness, from God as well as his family to make up for his past misdeeds. He avoids Cecelia despite feelings for her, because he believes he doesn't deserve happiness.
One of the strengths of this author's books is the way the characters must work through real struggles and problems like this. This theme did allow for adding of certain historical details which enrich this series, including the Peterloo massacre of 1819.
It’s a very good book overall, I just wonder if too much was squeezed into it with all the political events and social commentary. Some of this involved a lot of telling rather that showing, just came across as a bit simplistic or not fully developed. Some events and people were just mentioned for a few scenes and then forgotten about. Perhaps the story was a little too ambitious in blending all the politics with a simple Regency romance.
That romance between Cecelia and Edward was probably the best part of this story, developing and burning slowly, as well as her relationship with her sister Verity. Apart from Cecelia’s immediate family my only other minor niggle is that there were rather a lot of characters to keep up with in this novel, many of whom enter halfway or two thirds of the way through.
This book was still a four-star read, which fans of Carolyn Miller and Inspirational Regencies will enjoy.
I signed up for the Kregel Blog Tour of this book and was sent a copy. This did not influence my review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Cecelia was a strong and fierce lady who did not appear to be so. Unlike her sister she doesn't openly defy convention, but she does stick by what she believes in. She doesn't give up because it’s easy or comfortable: except in the case of Edward Amburst. I think she gave up on him rather too easily, and because of misunderstandings that could have been easily resolved.
Edward was I think my favourite character: he made a brief appearance in the last novel of the last series 'The Making of Mrs Hale' as a rakish aristocrat who courted scandal by stepping out with a married woman. Now he is transformed and has found faith: with Cecelia's inspiration he decides he wants to help the poor and marginalized people of Regency society. Including Gypsies and Irish migrants.
For much of the book though, Edward believes he must earn forgiveness, from God as well as his family to make up for his past misdeeds. He avoids Cecelia despite feelings for her, because he believes he doesn't deserve happiness.
One of the strengths of this author's books is the way the characters must work through real struggles and problems like this. This theme did allow for adding of certain historical details which enrich this series, including the Peterloo massacre of 1819.
It’s a very good book overall, I just wonder if too much was squeezed into it with all the political events and social commentary. Some of this involved a lot of telling rather that showing, just came across as a bit simplistic or not fully developed. Some events and people were just mentioned for a few scenes and then forgotten about. Perhaps the story was a little too ambitious in blending all the politics with a simple Regency romance.
That romance between Cecelia and Edward was probably the best part of this story, developing and burning slowly, as well as her relationship with her sister Verity. Apart from Cecelia’s immediate family my only other minor niggle is that there were rather a lot of characters to keep up with in this novel, many of whom enter halfway or two thirds of the way through.
This book was still a four-star read, which fans of Carolyn Miller and Inspirational Regencies will enjoy.
I signed up for the Kregel Blog Tour of this book and was sent a copy. This did not influence my review and all opinions expressed are my own.
meezcarrie's review against another edition
4.0
I do so love a redeemed rogue, and Ned Amherst definitely fits the bill. His is a life brought up from the pit, and the glimpses that Miller gives us into his transformed heart (with shades of the Prodigal Son’s story from Scripture) are so tenderly painted. I also loved seeing into Cecilia’s relationship with Christ – despite the fact that her parents want nothing to do with ‘religion’; both protagonists have sweet encounters with grace in their backstories and, again as with book 1 in this series, this enhances my enjoyment of their romance as well.
In Underestimating Miss Cecilia, Miller highlights yet another not-often-mentioned aspect of life in England at the time. While A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh introduced me to the ‘fossil-hunting craze’ going on around England back then, this 2nd book of the trilogy spotlights a rather disturbing aspect of regency history – that of the extreme prejudice toward the working class, the Irish, and the gypsies. Yet amid the despicable attitudes of the day, Ned (and his parents) and Cecily reminded me that there is always a remnant of people following after God’s heart, whose own hearts are broken by the mistreatment around them & spurred on to enact change. So, too, I could see how the way Cecily has always been overlooked and the way Ned’s past caused him to be an outcast in certain circles had softened their hearts toward these situations – a gentle reminder that God never wastes what we’ve never been through.
It’s not all seriousness though. Mrs. Cherry has many lovely moments throughout, and the house party with its parlor games provides diversion for the readers as well as the characters. And with a story that begins, “It was, perhaps, the greatest torment to love someone who barely seemed to notice one’s existence,” you know the romance will be everything delicious and swoonworthy too (once poor Ned starts being less clueless, anyway lol).
Bottom Line: Carolyn Miller has penned another soul-touching novel, one that beckons the reader to be a little uncomfortable for the sake of true growth – much as the author does for characters. As I’ve come to expect from this author, the setting & characters & plot come brilliantly to life and immerse you in their world until you’ve turned the last page. A sweet romance with an even deeper message. (And lest you think I’ve forsaken my KissingBook-loving ways…. there’s a particular scene in the library of a particular house that still has me a bit twitterpated!)
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
In Underestimating Miss Cecilia, Miller highlights yet another not-often-mentioned aspect of life in England at the time. While A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh introduced me to the ‘fossil-hunting craze’ going on around England back then, this 2nd book of the trilogy spotlights a rather disturbing aspect of regency history – that of the extreme prejudice toward the working class, the Irish, and the gypsies. Yet amid the despicable attitudes of the day, Ned (and his parents) and Cecily reminded me that there is always a remnant of people following after God’s heart, whose own hearts are broken by the mistreatment around them & spurred on to enact change. So, too, I could see how the way Cecily has always been overlooked and the way Ned’s past caused him to be an outcast in certain circles had softened their hearts toward these situations – a gentle reminder that God never wastes what we’ve never been through.
It’s not all seriousness though. Mrs. Cherry has many lovely moments throughout, and the house party with its parlor games provides diversion for the readers as well as the characters. And with a story that begins, “It was, perhaps, the greatest torment to love someone who barely seemed to notice one’s existence,” you know the romance will be everything delicious and swoonworthy too (once poor Ned starts being less clueless, anyway lol).
Bottom Line: Carolyn Miller has penned another soul-touching novel, one that beckons the reader to be a little uncomfortable for the sake of true growth – much as the author does for characters. As I’ve come to expect from this author, the setting & characters & plot come brilliantly to life and immerse you in their world until you’ve turned the last page. A sweet romance with an even deeper message. (And lest you think I’ve forsaken my KissingBook-loving ways…. there’s a particular scene in the library of a particular house that still has me a bit twitterpated!)
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
betherin02's review
5.0
full review on FaithfullyBookish.com
What I thought was sure to be a sweet yet predictable plot spun my reader heart for a loop and challenged me to examine my own relationships as well.
Sweet Miss Cece reminded me that while it’s truly wonderful to be loyal and optimistically devoted to the one you love, doing so with a heavenly focus is our ultimate goal. God’s will and His glory trump our happily ever afters, my friends! Edward’s genuine repentance doesn’t cause his life to fall into perfect alignment and walking with him as he endured the consequences of his actions flooded my heart with compassion.
The story of Underestimating Miss Cecilia is told with extraordinary depth and heart. I am a devoted fan of Carolyn Miller’s unapologetic approach to faith, life, and all the struggles and triumphs her characters (and the rest of us) encounter. This book is one of my special favorites and I’ve found the entire Regency Brides saga thus far to be completely delightful and often heart-changing.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
What I thought was sure to be a sweet yet predictable plot spun my reader heart for a loop and challenged me to examine my own relationships as well.
Sweet Miss Cece reminded me that while it’s truly wonderful to be loyal and optimistically devoted to the one you love, doing so with a heavenly focus is our ultimate goal. God’s will and His glory trump our happily ever afters, my friends! Edward’s genuine repentance doesn’t cause his life to fall into perfect alignment and walking with him as he endured the consequences of his actions flooded my heart with compassion.
The story of Underestimating Miss Cecilia is told with extraordinary depth and heart. I am a devoted fan of Carolyn Miller’s unapologetic approach to faith, life, and all the struggles and triumphs her characters (and the rest of us) encounter. This book is one of my special favorites and I’ve found the entire Regency Brides saga thus far to be completely delightful and often heart-changing.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
anke_books's review
5.0
Het verlegen karakter van Cecilia wordt goed beschreven en vooral getoond aan ons door Carolyn Miller. Ze heeft al een eeuwigheid een crush op buurman Edward Amherst, die meer een goede vriend is van haar zus Caroline, en haar altijd als het jonge zusje heeft gezien. Haar moeder wil niet dat ze een verbintenis aangaat met Amherst, die nog aan het bijkomen is van een beschadigde reputatie.
Amherst ziet Cecilia nog altijd niet als het verlegen zusje waar hij niet echt hoogte van kan krijgen. Als hij hoort dat Cecilia al een eeuwigheid gek is op hem, kan hij dat niet geloven, haar gedrag getuigt daar helemaal niet van. Ze komt vaak niet uit haar woorden in zijn aanwezigheid, valt stil, of rent de kamer uit. Maar hoe verder het verhaal vordert, hoe meer hij haar als vrouw begint te zien, en misschien wel iemand die voor dezelfde nobele doelen strijdt als hij.
Edward Amherst voelt zich nog altijd schuldig over het schandaal waar hij bij betrokken was. Hij gedroeg zich al een paar jaar als een onverantwoordelijke jongeman en genoot van het leven en de uitdagingen die zijn vrienden hem boden. Ze haalden de meest bizarre streken uit en daagden elkaar uit voor geld om provocerende dingen te doen. Op een gegeven moment liep dat uit de hand en ook daar voelt hij zich schuldig over. Wat er precies is gebeurd, houdt Carolyn lang geheim voor ons en dat maakt het boek extra spannend.
Dit boek bevat geen grote bekering, aangezien Cecilia en Edward allebei al in God geloven, Edward nog niet zo heel lang, maar sinds het schandaal heeft hij zich aan God gegeven en is hij vastbesloten zijn leven te beteren. Toch speelt het geloof nog altijd een grote rol in dit boek, als beiden een belangrijke les te leren hebben in hun relatie met God. Maar ik was blij dat er geen Grote Bekering aan te pas kwam. Dus deze keer alle vijf de sterren voor een prachtig boek!
Amherst ziet Cecilia nog altijd niet als het verlegen zusje waar hij niet echt hoogte van kan krijgen. Als hij hoort dat Cecilia al een eeuwigheid gek is op hem, kan hij dat niet geloven, haar gedrag getuigt daar helemaal niet van. Ze komt vaak niet uit haar woorden in zijn aanwezigheid, valt stil, of rent de kamer uit. Maar hoe verder het verhaal vordert, hoe meer hij haar als vrouw begint te zien, en misschien wel iemand die voor dezelfde nobele doelen strijdt als hij.
Edward Amherst voelt zich nog altijd schuldig over het schandaal waar hij bij betrokken was. Hij gedroeg zich al een paar jaar als een onverantwoordelijke jongeman en genoot van het leven en de uitdagingen die zijn vrienden hem boden. Ze haalden de meest bizarre streken uit en daagden elkaar uit voor geld om provocerende dingen te doen. Op een gegeven moment liep dat uit de hand en ook daar voelt hij zich schuldig over. Wat er precies is gebeurd, houdt Carolyn lang geheim voor ons en dat maakt het boek extra spannend.
Dit boek bevat geen grote bekering, aangezien Cecilia en Edward allebei al in God geloven, Edward nog niet zo heel lang, maar sinds het schandaal heeft hij zich aan God gegeven en is hij vastbesloten zijn leven te beteren. Toch speelt het geloof nog altijd een grote rol in dit boek, als beiden een belangrijke les te leren hebben in hun relatie met God. Maar ik was blij dat er geen Grote Bekering aan te pas kwam. Dus deze keer alle vijf de sterren voor een prachtig boek!
beckys_bookshelves's review against another edition
5.0
Underestimating Miss Cecilia is the second book in the Daughters of Aynsley series by Carolyn Miller. This is the story of Cecilia Hatherleigh, the shy and sweet Aynsey daughter. She is in love with the boy next door, Edward Amherst, who is also the earl’s younger son. This lovely regency story traces their story as they both grow in their relationship with Christ, learn about God’s heart for those in need, and learn how to love unselfishly.
Underestimating Miss Cecilia talks of Gypsies, rebellions, and Regency house parties.I loved learning about the different games played at house parties and imagining myself there. But more than the charm of the Regency time, Ms. Miller has a unique way of helping the reader examine their faith as they share in the story of her characters. Her stories are so rich and her characters are so well developed. Ms. Miller carried me back in time and I felt like I am sharing a cup of tea with Cecy’s family in their lovely home in Somerset, England. Cecy is painfully shy and compliant. Ms. Miller does a wonderful job getting the reader into Cecy’s head and seeing things from her perspective. I also enjoyed the perspective of Edward as the prodigal son. Ms. Miller made our Heavenly Father’s grace real through Edwards’s character. I
I really enjoyed reading this story. I highly recommend Underestimating Miss Cecilia.
I received this book from the publisher and was not required to write a review.
cctblog's review against another edition
4.0
This is the second book in Carolyn Miller's Daughter's of Aynsley series. While it connects to previous books and directly follows the events of A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh, it can be read as a stand-alone novel.
I went into the book not liking Ned (Edward), due to his actions in prior books in which he appeared. But here, he quickly won me over, thanks in large part to the change Christ made in his life. I also loved Cecilia and her kind and steadfast heart. While Ned and Cecilia's slow-burn romance kept me flying through the pages, I also loved their joint concern for society's outcasts; they approached this problem in different ways that ended up complementing each other.
One criticism: There are now so many characters in Miller's regency world, many of whom have two names (their given names and their titles), that it's difficult to keep track of them all. So when Lord So-and-so shows up, I often struggle to remember just which story he belongs to and what his given name is. A character list at the beginning of the book would be oh so helpful!
Underestimating Miss Cecilia fits in well in the regency romance world, and I can't wait to continue the series with Verity's story soon! 4-1/2 stars.
Disclosure of material connection: I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.
I went into the book not liking Ned (Edward), due to his actions in prior books in which he appeared. But here, he quickly won me over, thanks in large part to the change Christ made in his life. I also loved Cecilia and her kind and steadfast heart. While Ned and Cecilia's slow-burn romance kept me flying through the pages, I also loved their joint concern for society's outcasts; they approached this problem in different ways that ended up complementing each other.
One criticism: There are now so many characters in Miller's regency world, many of whom have two names (their given names and their titles), that it's difficult to keep track of them all. So when Lord So-and-so shows up, I often struggle to remember just which story he belongs to and what his given name is. A character list at the beginning of the book would be oh so helpful!
Underestimating Miss Cecilia fits in well in the regency romance world, and I can't wait to continue the series with Verity's story soon! 4-1/2 stars.
Disclosure of material connection: I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.
kristi518's review against another edition
4.0
Not really loving the first book in this series I was anxious to read this one. I was hoping to get all those wonderful feelings back that I normally have when reading a Carolyn Miller novel. I'm excited to say that those feelings were back and I enjoyed this story immensely.
The premise of the story sounded interesting and the author didn't disappoint. The story moves along at a respectable pace and the buildup to the climax is perfect. I have to admit that some of my favorite parts are between Cecilia and her mother towards the end of the story. The author made me laugh at some of the dialogue between the two and it was such a bright spot in the story and added to Cecilia's likability.
As far as the characters go in addition to liking Cecilia I found Ned to be a likable character. He was very believable in his feelings and the fact that he struggled in overcoming the actions of his past made him that much more realistic. I also liked Verity and can't wait to read her story. She is a fun character and adds mischief and lightness to the story.
Regency romance fans won't want to miss out on this book. It's an easy read and one that will stay with readers long after the last page is read. Definitely one for the keeper shelf. Happy reading!!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.
The premise of the story sounded interesting and the author didn't disappoint. The story moves along at a respectable pace and the buildup to the climax is perfect. I have to admit that some of my favorite parts are between Cecilia and her mother towards the end of the story. The author made me laugh at some of the dialogue between the two and it was such a bright spot in the story and added to Cecilia's likability.
As far as the characters go in addition to liking Cecilia I found Ned to be a likable character. He was very believable in his feelings and the fact that he struggled in overcoming the actions of his past made him that much more realistic. I also liked Verity and can't wait to read her story. She is a fun character and adds mischief and lightness to the story.
Regency romance fans won't want to miss out on this book. It's an easy read and one that will stay with readers long after the last page is read. Definitely one for the keeper shelf. Happy reading!!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.
rjd's review against another edition
4.0
Nice
I liked this one better than the first. I am eager to read the final book of the series as well. I thought this was a good book and I will probably reread it!
I liked this one better than the first. I am eager to read the final book of the series as well. I thought this was a good book and I will probably reread it!
insearchof_wonder_'s review against another edition
3.0
This is not my favorite by this author. I normally love her consistent and yet fresh approach to Regency. And normally, my dislike of characters doesn't necessarily translate into disliking the book itself - I kind of see it as a reflection of real life, in that we don't always like every one we meet (true story even if we don't want to admit it lol). However, I felt like both hero and heroine were extremely immature at the start of the story. They both grew but the growing was excessively awkward in my opinion. There were quite a few cringe-worthy scenes that I really didn't need to live through even if they were realistic. I read through to the end, though, because I was at least invested enough to want to know how everything worked out. And the book improved as I read. But it's still not my favorite by this author.
If you're interested, my personal favorite by Carolyn Miller is The Dishonorable Miss Delancey. I really admired her handling of the heroine's struggle with depression in that novel.
If you're interested, my personal favorite by Carolyn Miller is The Dishonorable Miss Delancey. I really admired her handling of the heroine's struggle with depression in that novel.
abigailharder's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars
This was my first Carolyn Miller book and it will not be my last. Her writing style is beautiful and it grabs you and pulls you in right from the beginning.
I loved the characters in this book. I loved getting to know Cecy and Ned. I loved seeing them grow and become closer to the people God wants them to be.
I had a love-hate relationship with their relationship though only because both parties were infuriating at times with their feelings.
This was my first Carolyn Miller book and it will not be my last. Her writing style is beautiful and it grabs you and pulls you in right from the beginning.
I loved the characters in this book. I loved getting to know Cecy and Ned. I loved seeing them grow and become closer to the people God wants them to be.
I had a love-hate relationship with their relationship though only because both parties were infuriating at times with their feelings.