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english_lady03's review
4.0
Another excellent beginning to a new Regency series from Carolyn Miller. As before the author delivers a memorable tale blending Romance and family drama with a flavouring of mystery and adventure.
Mrs Miller transports readers to the rugged and rough beauty of the Cornish coastline bring together Caroline Hatherleigh, the eldest of three daughters of a country Viscount with Gideon Kirby. The author often has a way of incoporating unsual or little known historical details into her stories, and in this one it really delivers.
All good Cornish tales have smugglers or wreckers, but this one also includes fossil hunters because it explored the growth of the study of prehistoric geology and life in the Regency period. I must admit a personal connection here, because I wanted to be a Paleontologist when I was younger, and so had more than a usual interest in dinosaurs.
So the references to Mary Anning, an early pioneer of fossil hunting, and the search for the remains of an Ichthyosaur - or large sea dwelling dinosaur were a real selling point for me.
This novel doesn't show away from difficult themes, and I felt the spiritual content was well handled without being heavy handed as well. I also appreciated the exploration of how man of science like Gideon were able to reconcile their work with their faith.
My only complaints were the misunderstandings which kept the characters apart. They could have been resolved so easily, with just talking, and it was so obvious that declarations mads in a particular situation near the end were not sincere. Caroline should have understood that.
Also, I feel that whilst the author was brave, and did a good job exploring the theme of domestic abuse, I personally would like to see more attention paid to male victims of DA, and cases with female perpetrators.
They are all too often ignored, IMHO. This is not in any way an indictment of the author or her work, just a personal observation.
Thanks to Kregel books for my copy for the Blog Tour. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Mrs Miller transports readers to the rugged and rough beauty of the Cornish coastline bring together Caroline Hatherleigh, the eldest of three daughters of a country Viscount with Gideon Kirby. The author often has a way of incoporating unsual or little known historical details into her stories, and in this one it really delivers.
All good Cornish tales have smugglers or wreckers, but this one also includes fossil hunters because it explored the growth of the study of prehistoric geology and life in the Regency period. I must admit a personal connection here, because I wanted to be a Paleontologist when I was younger, and so had more than a usual interest in dinosaurs.
So the references to Mary Anning, an early pioneer of fossil hunting, and the search for the remains of an Ichthyosaur - or large sea dwelling dinosaur were a real selling point for me.
This novel doesn't show away from difficult themes, and I felt the spiritual content was well handled without being heavy handed as well. I also appreciated the exploration of how man of science like Gideon were able to reconcile their work with their faith.
My only complaints were the misunderstandings which kept the characters apart. They could have been resolved so easily, with just talking, and it was so obvious that declarations mads in a particular situation near the end were not sincere. Caroline should have understood that.
Also, I feel that whilst the author was brave, and did a good job exploring the theme of domestic abuse, I personally would like to see more attention paid to male victims of DA, and cases with female perpetrators.
They are all too often ignored, IMHO. This is not in any way an indictment of the author or her work, just a personal observation.
Thanks to Kregel books for my copy for the Blog Tour. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
blissfulmayhem's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Took me quite a while to finish reading this book.
Writing is extremely drawn out, which makes for a boring read.
I found myself having to but the book down and come back to it, since I would lose interest mid page.
This is supposed to be a romance novel however the two main characters don’t share their feelings towards one another until the very end - then get marry THE END.
I did enjoy the religious growth that the main character, Caroline, went through.
Not sure if I would read from this author again.
Writing is extremely drawn out, which makes for a boring read.
I found myself having to but the book down and come back to it, since I would lose interest mid page.
This is supposed to be a romance novel however the two main characters don’t share their feelings towards one another until the very end - then get marry THE END.
I did enjoy the religious growth that the main character, Caroline, went through.
Not sure if I would read from this author again.
kristi518's review
3.0
While I enjoyed this story I have to admit it isn't my favorite from this author. I'm not a fan of science, fossils, and the like so that aspect of the story I found to be a bit boring. Not the fault of the author at all, it's just not my cup of tea. But I did enjoy the rest of the story and the buildup to a breathtaking climax. Miss Hatherleigh was a very likable character and I loved the relationship she had with Emma, Gideon's sister. The way the two became friends and the bond they had was so nice to read about. I also liked the chemistry between Caroline and Gideon. It was so natural and I'm so glad the author went with an attraction between the two instead of them not liking each other. I liked the way their feelings toward each other progressed. I can't wait to read more about these two and Emma and Lord Kenmore in future books in the series.
The story itself is nice and I liked the faith theme that ran throughout. I liked the way Caroline questioned things instead of automatically believing everything she read or heard. It made the character and the story seem more authentic. As always the author has a way of using words and descriptions to transport readers to the time period. I always feel like I'm stepping back in time when reading one of her books.
A new series from Carolyn Miller is cause for celebration and readers won't be disappointed in A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh. This story has characters to love and despise and a story that I found to be unique to the genre. I can't wait to read the rest of the series and to see what's in store for these characters and their friends!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.
The story itself is nice and I liked the faith theme that ran throughout. I liked the way Caroline questioned things instead of automatically believing everything she read or heard. It made the character and the story seem more authentic. As always the author has a way of using words and descriptions to transport readers to the time period. I always feel like I'm stepping back in time when reading one of her books.
A new series from Carolyn Miller is cause for celebration and readers won't be disappointed in A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh. This story has characters to love and despise and a story that I found to be unique to the genre. I can't wait to read the rest of the series and to see what's in store for these characters and their friends!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.
farmfreshlisa's review
4.0
A solid regency! Sometimes a bit long winded character dialogue. But still good.
meezcarrie's review
5.0
4.5 stars
I must say, first of all, that I had never previously lamented the absence of undergroundologist heroes in Regency romance, but now after reading A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh I will forevermore wish for one or two amongst the nobility. However, other undergroundologist heroes will have a difficult time measuring up to the goodness and sacrificial love that Gideon displays, so perhaps I’m okay after all with him being the only one.
Caroline’s faith journey is one of the most beautiful aspects of this novel (sharing the honor with Gideon’s protection of his sister), and I love how tenderly and non-preachily it was presented. While Caroline began as not a favorite heroine of mine, her story touched me perhaps more than Miller’s others, simply because of its authenticity and redeeming transformation. And then there’s Emma (whose world of chronic illness I can easily identify with, though thankfully not with her reasons for hiding away) and Lord Kenmore (who added some delightful banter and cheekiness – as well as heart – to the story).
Bottom Line: This slow-burn romance is so much more than a story of two people falling in love. (The romance is well-written and everything swoony in its own right, don’t get me wrong. Lol.) Miller also weaves the gospel naturally throughout the pages, keeping it organic to the characters so it never feels forced or trite. It’s also a tale of sacrificial love – of a brother taking care of his sister, of a friend risking her life for another, of a heart putting someone else’s needs ahead of its own. There is, after all, no greater love than this – and the beautiful way Miller depicts this truth – through unexpected people and unexpected ways – elevated this novel to more than just an entertaining read.
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I purchased for my own collection.)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
I must say, first of all, that I had never previously lamented the absence of undergroundologist heroes in Regency romance, but now after reading A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh I will forevermore wish for one or two amongst the nobility. However, other undergroundologist heroes will have a difficult time measuring up to the goodness and sacrificial love that Gideon displays, so perhaps I’m okay after all with him being the only one.
Caroline’s faith journey is one of the most beautiful aspects of this novel (sharing the honor with Gideon’s protection of his sister), and I love how tenderly and non-preachily it was presented. While Caroline began as not a favorite heroine of mine, her story touched me perhaps more than Miller’s others, simply because of its authenticity and redeeming transformation. And then there’s Emma (whose world of chronic illness I can easily identify with, though thankfully not with her reasons for hiding away) and Lord Kenmore (who added some delightful banter and cheekiness – as well as heart – to the story).
Bottom Line: This slow-burn romance is so much more than a story of two people falling in love. (The romance is well-written and everything swoony in its own right, don’t get me wrong. Lol.) Miller also weaves the gospel naturally throughout the pages, keeping it organic to the characters so it never feels forced or trite. It’s also a tale of sacrificial love – of a brother taking care of his sister, of a friend risking her life for another, of a heart putting someone else’s needs ahead of its own. There is, after all, no greater love than this – and the beautiful way Miller depicts this truth – through unexpected people and unexpected ways – elevated this novel to more than just an entertaining read.
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I purchased for my own collection.)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
betherin02's review
Reviewed for the Spring 2019 issue of Hope By The Book magazine
addy1991's review
3.0
The story is good and the characters are likeable but a few things kept it from being a great read. Too much description when it comes to Gideon's finds. I can understand his being passionate about the subject but surely he was raised to know that his enthusiasm isn't more important than the company he keeps. Caroline's questioning/search for religion seems a bit bumbling and drawn out. She became interested enough to look in the Bible for a passage Gideon mentioned but didn't discuss her thoughts with Emma or Gideon who would have gladly enjoyed sharing their views. No ... she decides to question their reverend AT church in front of others and did it in a confrontational manner. It's no wonder he looked down on her and cut her questioning short.
melissasbookshelf's review
4.0
Carolyn Miller is quickly becoming a favorite of mine! I enjoy her characters and the transformation that they undergo during the story. In the beginning, I didn’t like Caroline (Miss Hatherleigh). She is spoiled, self-centered, and follows the rules of society without regard for people. When she’s sent to live with her grandmother in a small village south of Devonshire, she meets the Kirbys and immediately is attracted to Gideon. She becomes fast friends with him and his sister.
Gideon is there to make a name for himself searching for fossils while at the same time protecting his sister’s fragile health. As danger strikes the Kirbys and Miss Hatherleigh, Caroline has to decide what she believes and whether to follow the dictates of society or seek real love.
I enjoyed the way faith was included in this story. There is such a great discussion through the characters of what faith is and what role science plays in faith. I enjoyed seeing Caroline’s journey from unbeliever to one who becomes open to faith. It’s a quick read full of romance, suspense, and great messages seamlessly woven in with the characters.
Gideon is there to make a name for himself searching for fossils while at the same time protecting his sister’s fragile health. As danger strikes the Kirbys and Miss Hatherleigh, Caroline has to decide what she believes and whether to follow the dictates of society or seek real love.
I enjoyed the way faith was included in this story. There is such a great discussion through the characters of what faith is and what role science plays in faith. I enjoyed seeing Caroline’s journey from unbeliever to one who becomes open to faith. It’s a quick read full of romance, suspense, and great messages seamlessly woven in with the characters.
anke_books's review
4.0
Carolyn schrijft zoals altijd fantastisch! Je wordt meteen meegesleurd het verhaal in. Er is intrige, en een opbloeiende romance.
Caroline is de oudste, verantwoordelijke zus, die graag haar zusjes en vriendinnen aanspreekt op hoe het hoort. Tot vervelens toe. Dan komt ze in een lastige positie terecht, omdat een vriend en buurman met wie ze veel in het openbaar gezien wordt, in een schandaal betrokken is. Om haar tijd uit te zitten tot de gemoederen bedaard zijn, wordt ze naar oma in Devonshire gestuurd. Daar begint ze langzaam in te zien dat er meer is dan etiquette.
Gideon Kirby is een interessante man, die we beetje bij beetje leren kennen. Hij houdt een deel van zichzelf geheim voor Caroline en ons. Zijn grootste wens is een beroemde fossielenvondst te doen en zo naam te maken in de wetenschap, zodat hij daar zijn levenswerk van kan maken.
Terwijl de twee elkaar beter leren kennen, blijken er mysterieuze tegenstanders te zijn. Zowel gelieerd aan de zus van Gideon als aan de smokkelaars in wiens grotten Gideon loopt te snuffelen op zoek naar fossielen.
Op een gegeven moment komt alles in een explosieve situatie bij elkaar...
Gideon en Caroline worden uit elkaar gehaald...
Carolyn weet dit verhaal spannend te vertellen en ik kon het boek met moeite wegleggen. Zoals altijd maar vier sterren omdat De Bekering een te grote rol speelt, alsof de waarde van een persoon dan pas volledig is.
Caroline is de oudste, verantwoordelijke zus, die graag haar zusjes en vriendinnen aanspreekt op hoe het hoort. Tot vervelens toe. Dan komt ze in een lastige positie terecht, omdat een vriend en buurman met wie ze veel in het openbaar gezien wordt, in een schandaal betrokken is. Om haar tijd uit te zitten tot de gemoederen bedaard zijn, wordt ze naar oma in Devonshire gestuurd. Daar begint ze langzaam in te zien dat er meer is dan etiquette.
Gideon Kirby is een interessante man, die we beetje bij beetje leren kennen. Hij houdt een deel van zichzelf geheim voor Caroline en ons. Zijn grootste wens is een beroemde fossielenvondst te doen en zo naam te maken in de wetenschap, zodat hij daar zijn levenswerk van kan maken.
Terwijl de twee elkaar beter leren kennen, blijken er mysterieuze tegenstanders te zijn. Zowel gelieerd aan de zus van Gideon als aan de smokkelaars in wiens grotten Gideon loopt te snuffelen op zoek naar fossielen.
Op een gegeven moment komt alles in een explosieve situatie bij elkaar...
Gideon en Caroline worden uit elkaar gehaald...
Carolyn weet dit verhaal spannend te vertellen en ik kon het boek met moeite wegleggen. Zoals altijd maar vier sterren omdat De Bekering een te grote rol speelt, alsof de waarde van een persoon dan pas volledig is.
beckys_bookshelves's review against another edition
5.0
A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh by Carolyn Miller is the first book in the Daughters of Aynsley series. This new series follows the three daughters of Viscount Aynsley. In A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh, the oldest daughter, Caroline Hatherleigh, is sent to Devonshire to visit her grandmother and to get away from a current problem. While she is in Devonshire, she meets a scientist-fossil hunter named Mr. Kirby and his sister who have secrets of their own. This is a delightful book with a very satisfying ending.
A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh has an absolutely stunning cover. You feel like you are standing with Miss Hatherleigh on the cliffs of Devonshire. I believe the cover is as fabulous as the book. This book is a great example of regency writing at its best. A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh includes balls, high society, and delightfully interesting characters. But on top of all that, it includes a fossil scientist. I really enjoyed reading and thinking about how a fossil hunting scientist fit into the regency time period.
Ms Miller brings the gospel into her stories in such a natural way. I loved watching Caroline's faith grow throughout the story.
This is one of my new favorite books from Carolyn Miller. I look forward to the next two books in the series. I highly recommend A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh.
I was given the book by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.
A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh has an absolutely stunning cover. You feel like you are standing with Miss Hatherleigh on the cliffs of Devonshire. I believe the cover is as fabulous as the book. This book is a great example of regency writing at its best. A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh includes balls, high society, and delightfully interesting characters. But on top of all that, it includes a fossil scientist. I really enjoyed reading and thinking about how a fossil hunting scientist fit into the regency time period.
Ms Miller brings the gospel into her stories in such a natural way. I loved watching Caroline's faith grow throughout the story.
This is one of my new favorite books from Carolyn Miller. I look forward to the next two books in the series. I highly recommend A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh.
I was given the book by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.