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celeste57's review against another edition
4.0
Full review now posted!
Sometimes, you need a radical change of pace. Since October, I’ve read more fantasy in a shorter period of time than I’ve ever read in my life. Don’t get me wrong; fantasy is my favorite genre, and it always will be. But there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. So I decided that I needed a little fantasy break. This book was about as far away from fantasy as is possible, and it was a breath of fresh air.
The Elusive Miss Ellison is a Christian historical romance, set in the Regency era. This is a genre that is very hit or miss for me, but this one was a hit. There were occasional sections that felt stilted, but all in all the book flowed well. The writing, while not that of the classic authors emulated, was solid. The romance was compelling, and the differences between our two main characters added interest. The setting was convincing, and felt exactly like Regency England. There were a couple of instances where modernity made itself felt, generally in medical practices, but the instances were few and understandable. As for the faith aspect, it was heavy-handed in places, but for the most part it was very well-handled and seemed neither forced nor an afterthought, either of which seem to be the case with a lot of Christian fiction.
I really enjoyed this book. It felt light and fresh to me in a way that historical fiction often does not. It was a nice departure from the fantasy and horror I’ve been consuming almost exclusively these past eight months. I needed it. I’m going to start making more room for Christian fiction in my life again, because it’s something my mind and spirit need that I’ve missed. And this was a good book to restart that habit with.
For more of my reviews, as well as my own fiction and thoughts on life, check out my blog, Celestial Musings.
Sometimes, you need a radical change of pace. Since October, I’ve read more fantasy in a shorter period of time than I’ve ever read in my life. Don’t get me wrong; fantasy is my favorite genre, and it always will be. But there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. So I decided that I needed a little fantasy break. This book was about as far away from fantasy as is possible, and it was a breath of fresh air.
The Elusive Miss Ellison is a Christian historical romance, set in the Regency era. This is a genre that is very hit or miss for me, but this one was a hit. There were occasional sections that felt stilted, but all in all the book flowed well. The writing, while not that of the classic authors emulated, was solid. The romance was compelling, and the differences between our two main characters added interest. The setting was convincing, and felt exactly like Regency England. There were a couple of instances where modernity made itself felt, generally in medical practices, but the instances were few and understandable. As for the faith aspect, it was heavy-handed in places, but for the most part it was very well-handled and seemed neither forced nor an afterthought, either of which seem to be the case with a lot of Christian fiction.
I really enjoyed this book. It felt light and fresh to me in a way that historical fiction often does not. It was a nice departure from the fantasy and horror I’ve been consuming almost exclusively these past eight months. I needed it. I’m going to start making more room for Christian fiction in my life again, because it’s something my mind and spirit need that I’ve missed. And this was a good book to restart that habit with.
For more of my reviews, as well as my own fiction and thoughts on life, check out my blog, Celestial Musings.
books_n_blossoms's review against another edition
2.0
Overall I enjoyed this novel. It was my first time reading any work from the author and I hope to read more of her novels. The first chapter, chapter and a half I wasn't so sure, but as I got comfortable with the writing and the characters, I began to enjoy the overall story. By the middle of the book, I was happy to pick up the book and continue the story.
nataliesboooks's review against another edition
3.0
A sweet little romance. A bit predictable, but overall enjoyable. I didn't always relate to Lavinia. She seemed kind of stubborn and unwilling to forgive. She was also a little preachy and judgmental. Nicholas was better but I was fairly ambivalent towards him. It seemed like the obstacles in their relationship weren't as insurmountable as they believed them to be.
Still a pretty good novel - especially considering this is a debut author. I will probably check out the next one in the series.
Still a pretty good novel - especially considering this is a debut author. I will probably check out the next one in the series.
cctblog's review against another edition
4.0
I'll be honest: when I started reading The Elusive Miss Ellison, I wasn't sure what I'd gotten myself into. I had a hard time getting into the rhythm of the writing—I felt like I was reading something from Jane Austen's time, rather than something written now, and I encountered several words I was unfamiliar with. I also didn't have much love for either Lavinia—who was quick to judge, unforgiving, and prideful—or Nicholas—who was haughty and rather mean.
If I hadn't agreed to review this book, I might have given up about four chapters into it. And if I'd done that, I would have missed out on a really great story!
With shades of Pride & Prejudice and Beauty and the Beast, The Elusive Miss Ellison really picked up (at least for me) about a third of the way into the novel. At that point, events caused Lavinia and Nicholas to spend more time together and really get to know each other—to see past their preconceived notions. Also, both had a spiritual awakening of sorts—I was pleasantly surprised by the faith thread in this book, which felt realistic and showed the importance of not just having faith in Christ, but in allowing Him to continually refine you.
There's also a twist in the novel that I didn't anticipate and greatly enjoyed, and I loved the interactions between Lavinia and Nicholas, as well as with their friends and family.
The Elusive Miss Ellison is, overall, a very enjoyable novel, and I'm glad I kept going past the first few chapters! I highly recommend it to regency romance fans.
Disclosure of material connection: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.
If I hadn't agreed to review this book, I might have given up about four chapters into it. And if I'd done that, I would have missed out on a really great story!
With shades of Pride & Prejudice and Beauty and the Beast, The Elusive Miss Ellison really picked up (at least for me) about a third of the way into the novel. At that point, events caused Lavinia and Nicholas to spend more time together and really get to know each other—to see past their preconceived notions. Also, both had a spiritual awakening of sorts—I was pleasantly surprised by the faith thread in this book, which felt realistic and showed the importance of not just having faith in Christ, but in allowing Him to continually refine you.
There's also a twist in the novel that I didn't anticipate and greatly enjoyed, and I loved the interactions between Lavinia and Nicholas, as well as with their friends and family.
The Elusive Miss Ellison is, overall, a very enjoyable novel, and I'm glad I kept going past the first few chapters! I highly recommend it to regency romance fans.
Disclosure of material connection: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.
kimberlyb's review against another edition
3.0
I'm not finished yet. But I should be tonight. The story is nice. But it turns into a sermon.
That's not even the worst for me.
The worst is that the trite conflict gets a overly convenient fix.
The earl is too weak to stand up to his mother. So he wont marry Lovenia. He wont marry her because she is "common "
His mother KNEW she comes from aristocracy on her mother's side! and it didnt stop her from thinking her "unsuitable"
Like his mother's knows. Her aunt knows. His mother and her aunt knew each other in their youth. So I'm going to predict the ending, now that lovenia is in London meeting her estranged genteel family. Getting introductions with her Marques uncle he status will be elevated. And the earl will be surprised and marry her because she wasn't worthy on her own. But now that she is the ton she can be his lady wife. And all is forgiven because the lady is a Christian.
That's not even the worst for me.
The worst is that the trite conflict gets a overly convenient fix.
The earl is too weak to stand up to his mother. So he wont marry Lovenia. He wont marry her because she is "common "
His mother KNEW she comes from aristocracy on her mother's side! and it didnt stop her from thinking her "unsuitable"
Like his mother's knows. Her aunt knows. His mother and her aunt knew each other in their youth. So I'm going to predict the ending, now that lovenia is in London meeting her estranged genteel family. Getting introductions with her Marques uncle he status will be elevated. And the earl will be surprised and marry her because she wasn't worthy on her own. But now that she is the ton she can be his lady wife. And all is forgiven because the lady is a Christian.
kristi518's review against another edition
5.0
This book was a bit slow for me at the beginning and I was worried that perhaps it was going to be one I wasn't going to enjoy. Once I got into the book a few chapters it really took off and I found I couldn't put the book down! This slow starter quickly became a fast read for me.
I like books with female characters who know their mind but yet aren't overbearing. Miss Lavinia Ellison is just that kind of person. She is comfortable in her own skin and knows her mind but she is still a lady. I liked her wit and found her to be a character that I was soon able to forget was fictional. Nicholas, Earl of Hawkesbury, was the perfect match for Lavinia in so many ways. I liked that he wasn't put off by her more direct speech and that even though he didn't agree with her at times he let her be herself. The way he was protective of her and cared about her feelings was so well written that I may have developed a bit of a book crush on this character.
There were some twists and turns to the storyline that I didn't expect but found to be interesting and fit well in the story. I enjoyed the pace of the book once it got going. The author has a way of keeping you going for "just one more chapter". In fact, I loved the author's attention to detail. The descriptions of settings and wardrobe, as well as the speech the characters used, really gave the book a regency feel to it that added to the story.
Carolyn Miller did a wonderful job in her debut novel. Solid characters who experience growth throughout the story and a storyline that is captivating made this book an enjoyable read. I would compare her writing style to that of Dawn Crandall so if you like Dawn's books be sure to pick up a copy of Carolyn's. If you are a fan of regency romances then you will fall in love with this book. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are mine.
I like books with female characters who know their mind but yet aren't overbearing. Miss Lavinia Ellison is just that kind of person. She is comfortable in her own skin and knows her mind but she is still a lady. I liked her wit and found her to be a character that I was soon able to forget was fictional. Nicholas, Earl of Hawkesbury, was the perfect match for Lavinia in so many ways. I liked that he wasn't put off by her more direct speech and that even though he didn't agree with her at times he let her be herself. The way he was protective of her and cared about her feelings was so well written that I may have developed a bit of a book crush on this character.
There were some twists and turns to the storyline that I didn't expect but found to be interesting and fit well in the story. I enjoyed the pace of the book once it got going. The author has a way of keeping you going for "just one more chapter". In fact, I loved the author's attention to detail. The descriptions of settings and wardrobe, as well as the speech the characters used, really gave the book a regency feel to it that added to the story.
Carolyn Miller did a wonderful job in her debut novel. Solid characters who experience growth throughout the story and a storyline that is captivating made this book an enjoyable read. I would compare her writing style to that of Dawn Crandall so if you like Dawn's books be sure to pick up a copy of Carolyn's. If you are a fan of regency romances then you will fall in love with this book. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are mine.
blackngoldgirlsbookspot's review against another edition
3.0
Stellar Regency romances in the Christian genre seem to be less prevalent than in previous years. Luckily, Carolyn Miller has introduced a new series to entertain fans of the genre, with three installments to be published this year, and book one indicating that the series has promise. While The Elusive Miss Ellison isn't my favorite historical of the year, it certainly has me intrigued and ready to find out more of the residents of this 19th century community.
Lavinia Ellison is a rather prim and proper heroine, but still remains likeable. Nicholas, Earl of Hawkesbury is handsome and wealthy, reminiscent of Mr Darcy, but unfortunately he comes off as a bit more of a jerk than our favorite timeless hero. His conduct leads him to apologize to Miss Ellison more times than I could count, however, he does redeem himself by the end of the book. There was a super swoony scene near the end of the story that was simply delightful (apologies...so much alliteration, but I don't care, because I can't think of anything other than "super swoony" to describe it). I like the romance trope of "poor county lass meets wealthy gentleman", so I was well pleased with the plot!
The Elusive Miss Ellison is a sweet Christian read. While I can't say it's completely amazing, I'll definitely recommend it to fans of Regencys like those by Kristi Ann Hunter or Lori Wick.
*I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. 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.*
Lavinia Ellison is a rather prim and proper heroine, but still remains likeable. Nicholas, Earl of Hawkesbury is handsome and wealthy, reminiscent of Mr Darcy, but unfortunately he comes off as a bit more of a jerk than our favorite timeless hero. His conduct leads him to apologize to Miss Ellison more times than I could count, however, he does redeem himself by the end of the book. There was a super swoony scene near the end of the story that was simply delightful (apologies...so much alliteration, but I don't care, because I can't think of anything other than "super swoony" to describe it). I like the romance trope of "poor county lass meets wealthy gentleman", so I was well pleased with the plot!
The Elusive Miss Ellison is a sweet Christian read. While I can't say it's completely amazing, I'll definitely recommend it to fans of Regencys like those by Kristi Ann Hunter or Lori Wick.
*I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. 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.*
delightful_reading's review against another edition
4.0
I read some of the praises going into this book, and most of them were [b:Pride and Prejudice|1885|Pride and Prejudice|Jane Austen|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1320399351s/1885.jpg|3060926] related. So I went in expecting a ok P&P retelling. I was wrong. This book isn't a retelling per say, it's more like it's [a:Jane Austen|1265|Jane Austen|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1380085320p2/1265.jpg] inspired. I saw hints of [b:Persuasion|2156|Persuasion|Jane Austen|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1385172413s/2156.jpg|2534720] and [b:Sense and Sensibility|14935|Sense and Sensibility|Jane Austen|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1397245675s/14935.jpg|2809709]. Plus some [b:Mansfield Park|45032|Mansfield Park|Jane Austen|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1397063295s/45032.jpg|2722329].
I loved the banter between the two leads. In fact I loved the whole book. It reminded me why I like to read regency type books. And I loved how the plot was more than a typical romance. It was about forgiveness and self-discovery too. And not letting the past define your tomorrows. All in all, if you like Austen type books, give this one a shot, you may just find that you enjoy it.
I loved the banter between the two leads. In fact I loved the whole book. It reminded me why I like to read regency type books. And I loved how the plot was more than a typical romance. It was about forgiveness and self-discovery too. And not letting the past define your tomorrows. All in all, if you like Austen type books, give this one a shot, you may just find that you enjoy it.
mjagears's review against another edition
5.0
4.5
I really enjoyed that the hero was not a stellar man to begin with, and even after his conversion he didn't turn into the best man ever. I like real flawed characters finding someone to love them as they are...and to be turned into better people because of them. That's essentially me and the hubby, we weren't that great before we met each other, we might not be that great now, but we're better for loving each other.
There were a few things at the end that confused me on how they fit. Such as after the hero found out who the heroine's grandmother was he said he lost all hope of being with the heroine yet the story went on as if he still held out hope...so there was some manufactured tension I think, but it didn't keep me from turning pages and wanting to see their happily ever after. Loved the scene where they got it, though I wish we got an epilogue since the happily ever after came so late. Here's hoping book #2 fulfills my wish for the epilogue.
I really enjoyed that the hero was not a stellar man to begin with, and even after his conversion he didn't turn into the best man ever. I like real flawed characters finding someone to love them as they are...and to be turned into better people because of them. That's essentially me and the hubby, we weren't that great before we met each other, we might not be that great now, but we're better for loving each other.
There were a few things at the end that confused me on how they fit. Such as after the hero found out who the heroine's grandmother was he said he lost all hope of being with the heroine yet the story went on as if he still held out hope...so there was some manufactured tension I think, but it didn't keep me from turning pages and wanting to see their happily ever after. Loved the scene where they got it, though I wish we got an epilogue since the happily ever after came so late. Here's hoping book #2 fulfills my wish for the epilogue.