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books_n_blossoms's review against another edition
4.0
This was such a great book! There was SO much going on I don't know how to review all of the pieces in a short way.
Caroline was rather uppity at the start of the story and she was easy to not care a whit about. When her circumstances take a hit because of her association with a man who has gotten himself into a scandal, she heads to her Grandmama's. And sakes alive, Caroline is definitely cut from the same cloth as her grandmother!
Their complete opposites come in the form of Emma and Gideon, who are kind, thoughtful, and don't act so high and mighty. They're easy to care for, especially with Emma's poor health and all she's been through with her husband. When Caroline meets their acquaintance they all fall into a quick friendship.
SO much is covered in this story: science vs Bible, spousal abuse, and unwanted pregnancy to name just a few.
I loved how the author handled the science vs Bible storyline through Gideon's character. How a person can stay true to their faith while believing the evidence of science. I also appreciated how the author covered Caroline's struggle with understanding what believing in God looks like. It's how I imagine many unbelievers wrestle with it when presented with Scripture and are questioning.
I can't wait to read the next two books about Caroline's sisters! This is a great start to getting to know the family!
Caroline was rather uppity at the start of the story and she was easy to not care a whit about. When her circumstances take a hit because of her association with a man who has gotten himself into a scandal, she heads to her Grandmama's. And sakes alive, Caroline is definitely cut from the same cloth as her grandmother!
Their complete opposites come in the form of Emma and Gideon, who are kind, thoughtful, and don't act so high and mighty. They're easy to care for, especially with Emma's poor health and all she's been through with her husband. When Caroline meets their acquaintance they all fall into a quick friendship.
SO much is covered in this story: science vs Bible, spousal abuse, and unwanted pregnancy to name just a few.
I loved how the author handled the science vs Bible storyline through Gideon's character. How a person can stay true to their faith while believing the evidence of science. I also appreciated how the author covered Caroline's struggle with understanding what believing in God looks like. It's how I imagine many unbelievers wrestle with it when presented with Scripture and are questioning.
I can't wait to read the next two books about Caroline's sisters! This is a great start to getting to know the family!
cctblog's review against another edition
4.0
A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh is a great beginning to Miller's Daughter's of Aynsley series! I honestly wasn't thrilled that Caroline Hatherleigh would be the heroine of this novel, as I knew—and disliked—her from Miller's previous A Promise of Hope series. But she so quickly won me over! I loved watching her change after her "banishment" to Devon; she became far less self-centered and much more caring, largely due to her acquaintance with Gideon and Emma Kirby and her growing desire to understand their faith, and then ultimately because of a new-found relationship with Christ.
Though immediately attracted to each other, Gideon and Caroline have a slow burn romance that kept me flying through the pages, wondering when they would finally confess their feelings. I so appreciated Gideon as a hero—he was ever so kind, cautious about falling for someone who didn't share his faith, and not at all "alpha male."
My favorite character in the novel was Gideon's sister Emma. As someone who deals with chronic illness, I was surprised to see someone similar to me in the pages of a regency novel. Emma's struggle to balance taking care of herself with being present in the world is one I know well, and I thought Miller did a wonderful job of portraying chronic illness. But aside from that, I just loved Emma's sweet spirit and the unconditional friendship she offered to Caroline.
The faith thread in this novel is strong, and it's written in a way that feels authentic and unforced. Caroline's interest in a relationship with Christ is piqued by her interactions with Gideon, but it's not an instant conversion; she takes time to search out answers and think things through. The scene where Caroline finally does surrender to Christ is probably one of the best conversions I've read.
Though the book did begin a little slowly for me, I soon found myself swept into its pages. It's a wonderful beginning to the Daughters of Aynsley series, which I definitely look forward to continuing!
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.
Though immediately attracted to each other, Gideon and Caroline have a slow burn romance that kept me flying through the pages, wondering when they would finally confess their feelings. I so appreciated Gideon as a hero—he was ever so kind, cautious about falling for someone who didn't share his faith, and not at all "alpha male."
My favorite character in the novel was Gideon's sister Emma. As someone who deals with chronic illness, I was surprised to see someone similar to me in the pages of a regency novel. Emma's struggle to balance taking care of herself with being present in the world is one I know well, and I thought Miller did a wonderful job of portraying chronic illness. But aside from that, I just loved Emma's sweet spirit and the unconditional friendship she offered to Caroline.
The faith thread in this novel is strong, and it's written in a way that feels authentic and unforced. Caroline's interest in a relationship with Christ is piqued by her interactions with Gideon, but it's not an instant conversion; she takes time to search out answers and think things through. The scene where Caroline finally does surrender to Christ is probably one of the best conversions I've read.
Though the book did begin a little slowly for me, I soon found myself swept into its pages. It's a wonderful beginning to the Daughters of Aynsley series, which I definitely look forward to continuing!
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
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.
audiobooks_sweettea's review against another edition
4.0
I absolutely adored this novel by the ever talented hands of Ms. Miller. She’s among some of my top historical authors on my list. I loved her quirky characters, her attention to historical details and her ability to create a breath taking plot line.
Ms. Miller’s characters are intricately chiseled and made to steal your heart. They did just that with me! I loved Caroline and Gideon so good. They’re quirky and charming, and really made a home in my heart forever. Both aren’t looking for love, both find themselves bonding in a way they didn’t know they could, and both realizing that God has the perfect plan for them, if they just open up and learn to trust.
In amazing Austen-esque fashion, Miller has created a lovely book that any regency lover will enjoy. This book is filled with so much hope, and comes to life with each and every page turn. I highly recommend this 4 star start to a sure-to-be-best-selling series to all who want a fast, romantic, and tender story that you won’t soon forget. Besides, who couldn’t fall in love with the story with a cover like this!?
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel Publications and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Ms. Miller’s characters are intricately chiseled and made to steal your heart. They did just that with me! I loved Caroline and Gideon so good. They’re quirky and charming, and really made a home in my heart forever. Both aren’t looking for love, both find themselves bonding in a way they didn’t know they could, and both realizing that God has the perfect plan for them, if they just open up and learn to trust.
In amazing Austen-esque fashion, Miller has created a lovely book that any regency lover will enjoy. This book is filled with so much hope, and comes to life with each and every page turn. I highly recommend this 4 star start to a sure-to-be-best-selling series to all who want a fast, romantic, and tender story that you won’t soon forget. Besides, who couldn’t fall in love with the story with a cover like this!?
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel Publications and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
rjd's review against another edition
4.0
Fun and different.
I have never read a book that featured Regency fossil hunters. This was fun and different. I enjoyed it. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
I have never read a book that featured Regency fossil hunters. This was fun and different. I enjoyed it. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
cakt1991's review against another edition
4.0
Review posted here: https://courtneyreadsromancesite.wordpress.com/2019/06/20/review-of-a-hero-for-miss-hatherleigh-regency-brides-daughters-of-aynsley-1-by-carolyn-miller/
bellesmoma2021's review against another edition
5.0
I have read and enjoyed every novel that Carolyn Miller has penned. With each novel I think, “Aw, this is her best book yet!” Carolyn Miller could not write a bad book if she tried. She is a truly gifted storyteller. A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh is a beautiful Regency-era story. The plot is highly engrossing — so much so I read way past my bedtime two nights in a row. The characters are wonderfully crafted and so realistic. And, the themes discussed throughout this book are timely. A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh is definitely a 2019 must read, especially if you love Regency-era stories.
At the start of this novel, Caroline Hatherleigh is not a believer in Christ. She is a product of her exceptionally wealthy society, and is her own god. I won’t lie — she bugged me so hard! I found her to be selfish, self-centered, and I could not stand how she initially treats others. But I didn’t give up on her. Through no fault of her own, Caroline is momentarily expelled from her society and sent to her grandmother’s house in the Devonshire countryside. It is during her exile that she meets Mr. Kirby, his sister Emma, and their good friend Mr. Kenmore. Kirby, Emma, and Kenmore all deeply love and respect God; it is evident in their words and actions. At first, Caroline struggles with the notion of believing in an “invisible being,” and finds their faith strange. But slowly she transforms and comes to understand God’s Truth. She also realizes how awful she’s been to others, and longs to be a better woman. I found Caroline’s transformation to be realistic and satisfying, and I could not help cheering for her. By the end of the story, Caroline completely endeared herself to my heart and she became my favorite character.
One of my greatest downfalls is that I judge others. It’s so ingrained in me, I don’t even realize I am doing it. A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh convicted me mightily. For 20 chapters, I disliked Caroline. I found myself thinking, “If she were real, I wouldn’t want anything to do with her.” At one point, I stopped and analyzed why I disliked a fake person so much, and realized it’s because she didn’t love God. Instead of being gracious and understanding of her background, I just refused to like her. When this understanding dawned on me I got really sad. What an awful christian I am. How can I be the Christian Fiction Girl and have such an ugly, rock-hard heart? Over time, I have convinced myself that my hours of study and prayer have made me better than those who are not christian. I didn’t even realize I was doing this. A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh really held a mirror to me and showed me that my Pride has taken great hold of me. I am so grateful and truly blessed to have read this wonderful story. I know I have a lot of work and prayer to do to fix myself (with God’s help, mercy, and forgiveness), but at least now it’s not too late. God has given me more time to work on becoming the woman He wants me to be. What a loving God we serve — He met me where I’m at in the pages of a beautifully crafted novel!
A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh is a wonderful story filled with endearing characters, fascinating seaside settings, a dash of danger, and lovely romance. I truly cannot recommend this book enough. If you are a fan of excellent writing and fantastic storytelling, and you love a good, clean romance with timely themes, then this is definitely the book for you!
I received a review copy of this novel in paperback form from the author via her publisher, Kregel Publications. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
At the start of this novel, Caroline Hatherleigh is not a believer in Christ. She is a product of her exceptionally wealthy society, and is her own god. I won’t lie — she bugged me so hard! I found her to be selfish, self-centered, and I could not stand how she initially treats others. But I didn’t give up on her. Through no fault of her own, Caroline is momentarily expelled from her society and sent to her grandmother’s house in the Devonshire countryside. It is during her exile that she meets Mr. Kirby, his sister Emma, and their good friend Mr. Kenmore. Kirby, Emma, and Kenmore all deeply love and respect God; it is evident in their words and actions. At first, Caroline struggles with the notion of believing in an “invisible being,” and finds their faith strange. But slowly she transforms and comes to understand God’s Truth. She also realizes how awful she’s been to others, and longs to be a better woman. I found Caroline’s transformation to be realistic and satisfying, and I could not help cheering for her. By the end of the story, Caroline completely endeared herself to my heart and she became my favorite character.
One of my greatest downfalls is that I judge others. It’s so ingrained in me, I don’t even realize I am doing it. A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh convicted me mightily. For 20 chapters, I disliked Caroline. I found myself thinking, “If she were real, I wouldn’t want anything to do with her.” At one point, I stopped and analyzed why I disliked a fake person so much, and realized it’s because she didn’t love God. Instead of being gracious and understanding of her background, I just refused to like her. When this understanding dawned on me I got really sad. What an awful christian I am. How can I be the Christian Fiction Girl and have such an ugly, rock-hard heart? Over time, I have convinced myself that my hours of study and prayer have made me better than those who are not christian. I didn’t even realize I was doing this. A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh really held a mirror to me and showed me that my Pride has taken great hold of me. I am so grateful and truly blessed to have read this wonderful story. I know I have a lot of work and prayer to do to fix myself (with God’s help, mercy, and forgiveness), but at least now it’s not too late. God has given me more time to work on becoming the woman He wants me to be. What a loving God we serve — He met me where I’m at in the pages of a beautifully crafted novel!
A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh is a wonderful story filled with endearing characters, fascinating seaside settings, a dash of danger, and lovely romance. I truly cannot recommend this book enough. If you are a fan of excellent writing and fantastic storytelling, and you love a good, clean romance with timely themes, then this is definitely the book for you!
I received a review copy of this novel in paperback form from the author via her publisher, Kregel Publications. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
fiction_aficionado's review against another edition
4.0
Just when you find yourself lamenting the lack of undergroundologists in Regency romance, along comes Carolyn Miller to set things right. And if you’re wondering what an undergroundologist is, it’s exactly what it sounds like—and they don’t come much more honourable than Erasmus Gideon Kirby Carstairs. That’s one of the things I love about Carolyn Miller’s heroes: they’re original and down-to-earth, not in-your-face, “look at me, I’m a Regency hero” type men. And in this case, Gideon’s search for the fossilised remains of an ichthyosaurus added an interesting dimension to the story.
But Gideon’s scientific pursuits are only one part of his story, as he’s also caring for his sister Emma in her poor health and trying to keep her hidden from her abusive husband. In many ways, Emma is the central figure in this story, because it’s her budding friendship with Caroline that brings Caroline into Gideon’s company and causes Caroline to begin examining not only her manner towards others but her lack of belief in God. Actually, if I can let you in on a little secret, I think Emma was probably my favourite character in this book—along with Lord Kenmore. They added just the right liveliness of manner to balance the less effusive Gideon and Caroline.
Speaking of Caroline… Having met her briefly in previous books, I wasn’t sure how much I would enjoy reading about her as a heroine in her own right, but the author does a good job of portraying her as a young woman who is making an effort to amend her character flaws, even if she occasionally reverts to old habits. I can’t say she’s my favourite of Miller’s heroines, but I loved the authenticity of her character growth.
In terms of the romance, this is definitely one for Regency lovers who enjoy a gradual build up in the romantic tension, despite both characters having felt the tug of attraction at first sight. It was actually a little surreal reading Gideon’s response when he first laid eyes on Caroline, because it put into words exactly how I felt the first time I saw my own husband: “He couldn’t help but feel like a connection deep and marvelous had suddenly wrenched into awareness, something he’d be forever helpless to ignore.” Nevertheless, the complexities of Gideon and Emma’s situation—not to mention the usual strictures of propriety—mean these two take very tentative steps toward exploring that instant connection they feel.
The story winds up with a nice little bit of suspense, and amidst all of that, the glimpses we get of Ned Amherst and Caroline’s sister Cecilia have definitely whetted my appetite for the next in the series.
Readers who delight in being thoroughly immersed in the Regency world that exists outside of London ballrooms should definitely be picking up Carolyn Miller’s novels.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
But Gideon’s scientific pursuits are only one part of his story, as he’s also caring for his sister Emma in her poor health and trying to keep her hidden from her abusive husband. In many ways, Emma is the central figure in this story, because it’s her budding friendship with Caroline that brings Caroline into Gideon’s company and causes Caroline to begin examining not only her manner towards others but her lack of belief in God. Actually, if I can let you in on a little secret, I think Emma was probably my favourite character in this book—along with Lord Kenmore. They added just the right liveliness of manner to balance the less effusive Gideon and Caroline.
Speaking of Caroline… Having met her briefly in previous books, I wasn’t sure how much I would enjoy reading about her as a heroine in her own right, but the author does a good job of portraying her as a young woman who is making an effort to amend her character flaws, even if she occasionally reverts to old habits. I can’t say she’s my favourite of Miller’s heroines, but I loved the authenticity of her character growth.
In terms of the romance, this is definitely one for Regency lovers who enjoy a gradual build up in the romantic tension, despite both characters having felt the tug of attraction at first sight. It was actually a little surreal reading Gideon’s response when he first laid eyes on Caroline, because it put into words exactly how I felt the first time I saw my own husband: “He couldn’t help but feel like a connection deep and marvelous had suddenly wrenched into awareness, something he’d be forever helpless to ignore.” Nevertheless, the complexities of Gideon and Emma’s situation—not to mention the usual strictures of propriety—mean these two take very tentative steps toward exploring that instant connection they feel.
The story winds up with a nice little bit of suspense, and amidst all of that, the glimpses we get of Ned Amherst and Caroline’s sister Cecilia have definitely whetted my appetite for the next in the series.
Readers who delight in being thoroughly immersed in the Regency world that exists outside of London ballrooms should definitely be picking up Carolyn Miller’s novels.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
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