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english_lady03's review against another edition
5.0
I've had the pleasure of reading all three titles of debut author Carolyn Miller's Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace trilogy since March, thanks to Kregel (and Netgalley in part).
The story has been told with the striking realism and humour the author has established in the previous two works; as well as a genuine treatment of the role of faith in the characters' lives, which does not degenerate into the preachy or contrived. Also, it has to be mentioned, that the cover is simply gorgeous.
A sunrise that would entice the photographer in the family. I'm also coming to appreciate the parts of this book which were set in Brighton, a popular seaside resort in East Sussex. I've only visited the city a handful of times, but I do remember some of the streets named, and its great to come across references to places I have actually been in a book like this. It just allows me to relate to it more.
Lady Clara DeLancey was a relatively minor character who appeared as the antagonist in the two previous titles. Making a hero or heroine out of an antagonist can be a challenge, but I think, in this case, the author has done very well.
The reader cannot help but grow in sympathy for Clara, and the circumstances (often beyond her control) that drove her to her previous deeds. In desperation, she sees the extreme which she has reached and wants to start turning her life around after she strikes up an unlikely friendship with a young woman she meets when her parents retire to their house in Brighton.
Much to the consternation of her family, Tessa Kemsley, the sister in law of the local vicar, is not a highborn Lady, but Clara cannot seem to avoid her, or her brother Benjamin, a former sea captain and war hero: and a man who sees past the facades that the men and women of High Society erect to preserve reputations and hard-won connections. I had one or two quibbles with a couple of parts of the story, a few terms and phrases, and the ending bordered on being a little far-fetched, but nothing major.
I'd heartily recommend this boom and the entire trilogy to anyone who loves Regencies, Inspiration or simply meaningful' historical fiction.
I requested this title as part of the Kregel Blog Tours programme (as well as an ebook version from Netgalley) I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
The story has been told with the striking realism and humour the author has established in the previous two works; as well as a genuine treatment of the role of faith in the characters' lives, which does not degenerate into the preachy or contrived. Also, it has to be mentioned, that the cover is simply gorgeous.
A sunrise that would entice the photographer in the family. I'm also coming to appreciate the parts of this book which were set in Brighton, a popular seaside resort in East Sussex. I've only visited the city a handful of times, but I do remember some of the streets named, and its great to come across references to places I have actually been in a book like this. It just allows me to relate to it more.
Lady Clara DeLancey was a relatively minor character who appeared as the antagonist in the two previous titles. Making a hero or heroine out of an antagonist can be a challenge, but I think, in this case, the author has done very well.
The reader cannot help but grow in sympathy for Clara, and the circumstances (often beyond her control) that drove her to her previous deeds. In desperation, she sees the extreme which she has reached and wants to start turning her life around after she strikes up an unlikely friendship with a young woman she meets when her parents retire to their house in Brighton.
Much to the consternation of her family, Tessa Kemsley, the sister in law of the local vicar, is not a highborn Lady, but Clara cannot seem to avoid her, or her brother Benjamin, a former sea captain and war hero: and a man who sees past the facades that the men and women of High Society erect to preserve reputations and hard-won connections. I had one or two quibbles with a couple of parts of the story, a few terms and phrases, and the ending bordered on being a little far-fetched, but nothing major.
I'd heartily recommend this boom and the entire trilogy to anyone who loves Regencies, Inspiration or simply meaningful' historical fiction.
I requested this title as part of the Kregel Blog Tours programme (as well as an ebook version from Netgalley) I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
erincataldi's review against another edition
3.0
This inspirational Regency romance was a surprisingly quick read. I also neglected to realize that this was the third in the series until after I finished it but that didn't seem to matter as I understood the story perfectly well and didn't feel like their were any missing pieces. Clara was forced to flee London and any prospects of marrying again after she befell some unspeakable scandal. The seaside does little to mend her broken heart until she encounters a dashing man who happens to save her life one stormy night. She soon begins to encounter him again and again as she has become friends with his younger sisters, and tries in vain to avoid opening her heart to him. Captain Kemsley isn't in high standing like Clara's family and doesn't have money or fancy titles to offer her, but worse than that is the scandal surrounding her, she'll be mortified if he ever discovers her past dark secrets. If she allows her faith to take flight and her new friends to guide her, there is no telling where it might lead her heart.
rbmommareads's review against another edition
4.0
This book might be my favorite of the 3! The redemption in her story is really great. She didn't just change overnight, and we get to see her grow, with grace and maturity. How she begins to pray for those that she calls 'enemy' is just really good, too. I've had to spend time praying for others whom I've struggled to like, and it really is nearly impossible to have strong feelings of dislike for someone when you're 1.praying for them, 2. and remembering that God loves them and Jesus died for them as well.
lovegirl30's review against another edition
4.0
Previously posted on The Young Girl Who Loved Books>
This book was a solid 4.5 stars for me.
I have really been wanting to read The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey for a while. I had previously heard about the writing of Carolyn Miller. Many people seem to really enjoy reading her books. So I thought I would give this book a go! Boy, did she not disappoint. I really believe the hype about this author is actually warranted for a change.
The characters in her novels feel so real and multi-dimensional, that I sometimes forget that I am just reading a novel. I love that her writing is captivating and so very engaging. Before I get into this book I do want to put a disclaimer out there that I did not have a chance to read her first two books in the Regency Brides series. I do plan on reading them in the future. I did enjoy this book but recommend you read the first two as the characters are revisited and you sometimes need context for scenes.
While this is a Christian fiction novel, I felt that it could be enjoyed by readers of faith and those of other belief systems. The story has a great moral purpose too it, which is something I really look for when reading faith-inspired books.
This book follows Miss Claire DeLancey, who is a mysterious character. She could be a villain or she could be a hero, it is rather hard to tell at the beginning of the novel. The book seems to imply she is a rather villainous woman. I found the character growth in this book to be some of the best I have ever read. I really began to enjoy Claire's character before the middle of the book.
The themes of this book are very interesting indeed. They include finding yourself, trusting God, forgiveness, redemption, finding a purpose, and relationships. I really feel like these various aspects just made this a great book.
This is a super clean book. I will put a disclaimer out there that The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey does contain a scene about potentially contemplating suicide, a scene where a woman is taken advantage of. There is some gambling. All of these are serious topics but are well done and not over the top.
I can't recommend this book enough. I really think you should check out this book. This is a quick fast paced book. It will be an instant classic for fans of the Historical Fiction novel.
I received a copy of The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey from Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own!
This book was a solid 4.5 stars for me.
I have really been wanting to read The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey for a while. I had previously heard about the writing of Carolyn Miller. Many people seem to really enjoy reading her books. So I thought I would give this book a go! Boy, did she not disappoint. I really believe the hype about this author is actually warranted for a change.
The characters in her novels feel so real and multi-dimensional, that I sometimes forget that I am just reading a novel. I love that her writing is captivating and so very engaging. Before I get into this book I do want to put a disclaimer out there that I did not have a chance to read her first two books in the Regency Brides series. I do plan on reading them in the future. I did enjoy this book but recommend you read the first two as the characters are revisited and you sometimes need context for scenes.
While this is a Christian fiction novel, I felt that it could be enjoyed by readers of faith and those of other belief systems. The story has a great moral purpose too it, which is something I really look for when reading faith-inspired books.
This book follows Miss Claire DeLancey, who is a mysterious character. She could be a villain or she could be a hero, it is rather hard to tell at the beginning of the novel. The book seems to imply she is a rather villainous woman. I found the character growth in this book to be some of the best I have ever read. I really began to enjoy Claire's character before the middle of the book.
The themes of this book are very interesting indeed. They include finding yourself, trusting God, forgiveness, redemption, finding a purpose, and relationships. I really feel like these various aspects just made this a great book.
This is a super clean book. I will put a disclaimer out there that The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey does contain a scene about potentially contemplating suicide, a scene where a woman is taken advantage of. There is some gambling. All of these are serious topics but are well done and not over the top.
I can't recommend this book enough. I really think you should check out this book. This is a quick fast paced book. It will be an instant classic for fans of the Historical Fiction novel.
I received a copy of The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey from Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own!
meezcarrie's review against another edition
4.0
I have loved this series (and the covers!) from Carolyn Miller so much! It’s everything you want Regency romances to be, with delicious back-and-forth between the characters as well as a supporting cast to rival any that Austen or Heyer dreamed up.
In this third and final (sob!) book, The Dishonorable Miss Delancey, we home in on the character I’ve liked the least in the first two books – Miss Clara Delancey. Here in book three, I can honestly say that Clara is now a friend; Miller crafts such a compelling and heart-tugging backstory for Clara as heroine that you can’t help but embrace her. Your heart will break for her circumstances, for her emotional pain, and for her self-esteem that has been crushed by one rejection after another. Not to mention the scandal that taints her in every social circle – save perhaps one. And that one exception proves life-changing.
Because of Ben, yes. (Get ready to swoon, ladies!) But also because of the hand of friendship extended by a family who a) cares little for society’s opinions and b) cares everything for Clara’s soul. Their persistence in grace, their unconditional embrace, and their heart for those who need God’s rescue – all of these combine to leave a reminder for any of us who have ever personally needed or extended grace.
Bottom Line: Perfect for fans of Heyer, Austen, Klaasen, Ladd and/or Hunter, Carolyn Miller’s A Legacy of Grace series is witty, romantic and heartwarming with a gentle dose of faith-boldness too. Layered characters and attention to historical detail make each read a great read, and while each book can be read as a standalone the whole series is a must for enjoyment’s sake! The Dishonorable Miss Delancey is all of these things and more – with a tender message of grace and restoration and of course romance. Looking forward to the author’s new series in 2018!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
In this third and final (sob!) book, The Dishonorable Miss Delancey, we home in on the character I’ve liked the least in the first two books – Miss Clara Delancey. Here in book three, I can honestly say that Clara is now a friend; Miller crafts such a compelling and heart-tugging backstory for Clara as heroine that you can’t help but embrace her. Your heart will break for her circumstances, for her emotional pain, and for her self-esteem that has been crushed by one rejection after another. Not to mention the scandal that taints her in every social circle – save perhaps one. And that one exception proves life-changing.
Because of Ben, yes. (Get ready to swoon, ladies!) But also because of the hand of friendship extended by a family who a) cares little for society’s opinions and b) cares everything for Clara’s soul. Their persistence in grace, their unconditional embrace, and their heart for those who need God’s rescue – all of these combine to leave a reminder for any of us who have ever personally needed or extended grace.
Bottom Line: Perfect for fans of Heyer, Austen, Klaasen, Ladd and/or Hunter, Carolyn Miller’s A Legacy of Grace series is witty, romantic and heartwarming with a gentle dose of faith-boldness too. Layered characters and attention to historical detail make each read a great read, and while each book can be read as a standalone the whole series is a must for enjoyment’s sake! The Dishonorable Miss Delancey is all of these things and more – with a tender message of grace and restoration and of course romance. Looking forward to the author’s new series in 2018!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
betherin02's review against another edition
5.0
Full series review on Faithfully Bookish
When authors reveal the painful brokenness beneath the surface of their selfish, wicked characters, we readers have the opportunity to open our hearts to compassion and our minds to new perspectives… and these are life exercises worthy of practicing!
Miss Clara DeLancey certainly is in a nasty pickle, some of her own doing, some not. My heart breaks for this young lady who feels so crushed by her circumstances. Benjamin Kemsley knows a thing or two about difficult situations from his experiences in the Royal Navy. Ben is the kind of man all fathers should want for their daughters.
Each book in this series has touched on biblical truths and characters have come to faith and/or grown in their faith in genuine, authentic ways yet the trials and struggles in this third story dig especially deep and it is so good to dig deep with God! This entire series is going straight to my all-time favorites shelf!
I requested the opportunity to read this book through the publisher.
The opinions expressed are my own.
When authors reveal the painful brokenness beneath the surface of their selfish, wicked characters, we readers have the opportunity to open our hearts to compassion and our minds to new perspectives… and these are life exercises worthy of practicing!
Miss Clara DeLancey certainly is in a nasty pickle, some of her own doing, some not. My heart breaks for this young lady who feels so crushed by her circumstances. Benjamin Kemsley knows a thing or two about difficult situations from his experiences in the Royal Navy. Ben is the kind of man all fathers should want for their daughters.
Each book in this series has touched on biblical truths and characters have come to faith and/or grown in their faith in genuine, authentic ways yet the trials and struggles in this third story dig especially deep and it is so good to dig deep with God! This entire series is going straight to my all-time favorites shelf!
I requested the opportunity to read this book through the publisher.
The opinions expressed are my own.
melissasbookshelf's review
4.0
Loved this third book in the Regency Brides series! I was skeptical to think Miss DeLancey could be redeemed as an enjoyable character after how she was in the first and second books. I was definitely proven wrong. This third book starts out with a literal cliff hanger as Miss DeLancey faced with her and her brother’s disgrace contemplates ending her life on the cliffs of Brighton. She is saved by a handsome gentleman who rescues her from falling.
Ben is a recently returned naval hero who struggles with past decisions regarding a harrowing shipwreck. He is immediately intrigued by the woman he saved and when he sees her again, desires to get to know her and what led to her fateful decision. Clara realizing she has been given a second chance and intrigued by her handsome rescuer decides to turn her life around and try to forget the man she was supposed to marry. As she begins the slow process of repentance, she begins to find happiness in getting to know Ben’s sisters and Ben himself. But, her past comes back to haunt her. Romance and danger lead up to a stirring conclusion.
I really enjoyed the audiobook version of this book and felt like the narrator did a fantastic job introducing and distinguishing between the characters. I love reading this author’s stories and look forward to reading more from her!
Ben is a recently returned naval hero who struggles with past decisions regarding a harrowing shipwreck. He is immediately intrigued by the woman he saved and when he sees her again, desires to get to know her and what led to her fateful decision. Clara realizing she has been given a second chance and intrigued by her handsome rescuer decides to turn her life around and try to forget the man she was supposed to marry. As she begins the slow process of repentance, she begins to find happiness in getting to know Ben’s sisters and Ben himself. But, her past comes back to haunt her. Romance and danger lead up to a stirring conclusion.
I really enjoyed the audiobook version of this book and felt like the narrator did a fantastic job introducing and distinguishing between the characters. I love reading this author’s stories and look forward to reading more from her!
anke_books's review against another edition
4.0
De personages waren goed beschreven, ik kon me helemaal inleven in Clara DeLancey, terwijl ze in de eerste twee boeken best wel negatief afgeschilderd werd. Vooral de openingsscène zette meteen de toon.
Wat ik jammer vond, is dat Benjamin Kemsley zo druk bezig is om aan prijzengeld en een huis te komen, en een titel, omdat zijn gewenste schoonvader anders nooit akkoord zou gaan met een huwelijk. Maar.. hij had toch ook gewoon een baan kunnen zoeken??!! Of denk ik nu te modern voor Regencytijden? Ik vond het nogal oppervlakkig en teveel een tunnelvisie.
De setting rondom het Paviljoen van de Prins Regent vond ik leuk en interessant.
Zoals altijd ligt het geloof en het belang ervan er duimendik bovenop in de boeken van Carolyn Miller. Er zijn meerdere love matches in dit boek en ze hangen allemaal af of ze op geloofsgebied een gelijk span zullen vormen, ook precies zo benoemd. Het is voor mij iets teveel van het goede.
Zoals altijd gooit Carolyn Miller op het laatste moment nog een onverwachte plotwending in de mix. Net als je denkt: nog een laatste obstakel overwinnen en ze kunnen voor altijd samen zijn, gebeurt er iets wat roet in het eten gooit.
Ondanks de niet altijd even originele plot, en het iets te dikke laagje geloof, toch vier sterren, vanwege de personages en de plottwist.
Wat ik jammer vond, is dat Benjamin Kemsley zo druk bezig is om aan prijzengeld en een huis te komen, en een titel, omdat zijn gewenste schoonvader anders nooit akkoord zou gaan met een huwelijk. Maar.. hij had toch ook gewoon een baan kunnen zoeken??!! Of denk ik nu te modern voor Regencytijden? Ik vond het nogal oppervlakkig en teveel een tunnelvisie.
De setting rondom het Paviljoen van de Prins Regent vond ik leuk en interessant.
Zoals altijd ligt het geloof en het belang ervan er duimendik bovenop in de boeken van Carolyn Miller. Er zijn meerdere love matches in dit boek en ze hangen allemaal af of ze op geloofsgebied een gelijk span zullen vormen, ook precies zo benoemd. Het is voor mij iets teveel van het goede.
Zoals altijd gooit Carolyn Miller op het laatste moment nog een onverwachte plotwending in de mix. Net als je denkt: nog een laatste obstakel overwinnen en ze kunnen voor altijd samen zijn, gebeurt er iets wat roet in het eten gooit.
Ondanks de niet altijd even originele plot, en het iets te dikke laagje geloof, toch vier sterren, vanwege de personages en de plottwist.
rcooper's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
beckys_bookshelves's review against another edition
5.0
I have enjoyed and savored each page of The Dishonorable Miss DeLancy by Carolyn Miller. The amazing descriptions of the Prince Regents Pavilion in Brighton, the period clothing, and sea bathing transported me to 1815. I am an avid reader of Regency fiction and feel Ms. Miller is becoming one of the best authors of this time period. Her descriptions and her knowledge of the time period make this an enjoyable read.
Ms. Miller has an amazing way of weaving someone's journey with God into her stories. I felt like I was walking with the titular character Clara as she learned of her value in God's sight. I was encouraged in my own faith. I started the book unsure if I could like Clara DeLancey and ended it feeling like we had much in common.
This is the final installment of a three part series. I recommend this book and the first two in the series. Now I must anxiously await for Ms. Miller's new series to come out in 2018. Wish me luck!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Ms. Miller has an amazing way of weaving someone's journey with God into her stories. I felt like I was walking with the titular character Clara as she learned of her value in God's sight. I was encouraged in my own faith. I started the book unsure if I could like Clara DeLancey and ended it feeling like we had much in common.
This is the final installment of a three part series. I recommend this book and the first two in the series. Now I must anxiously await for Ms. Miller's new series to come out in 2018. Wish me luck!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.