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A review by fiction_aficionado
Underestimating Miss Cecilia by Carolyn Miller
4.0
Carolyn Miller has once again delivered an enjoyable read for Regency lovers looking for character-driven fiction—particularly character-driven fiction with a strong spiritual thread. Set against the wonderfully authentic Regency backdrop Miller is known for, Edward and Cecilia mature both personally and spiritually before reaching their happy ending. Her books also bring the era to life by including some of the political and social issues relevant to the times, in this case the prevailing attitudes of the upper classes towards the disadvantaged—not just the poor, but also immigrant workers and gypsies.
Unrequited love can make for a painful read, but while I definitely shared Cecilia’s pain, Carolyn Miller doesn’t allow the reader (or her characters) to wallow. Through focusing their time and energy on others’ needs (and, oddly enough, in time apart), Cecilia and Ned mature and come to appreciate all they can truly be to one another. And having met Ned briefly in The Making of Mrs. Hale as a young gentleman making unwise decisions, I loved seeing him not only taking responsibility for his past mistakes but also learning about the grace of God as he did so.
The focus on Cecy’s and Ned’s personal growth made this a leisurely dip-in-and-out read for the most part, but then an unexpected turn in the plot had me glued to the pages until the end. Readers who enjoy immersing themselves in Regency life should definitely add Carolyn Miller to their reading list.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Unrequited love can make for a painful read, but while I definitely shared Cecilia’s pain, Carolyn Miller doesn’t allow the reader (or her characters) to wallow. Through focusing their time and energy on others’ needs (and, oddly enough, in time apart), Cecilia and Ned mature and come to appreciate all they can truly be to one another. And having met Ned briefly in The Making of Mrs. Hale as a young gentleman making unwise decisions, I loved seeing him not only taking responsibility for his past mistakes but also learning about the grace of God as he did so.
The focus on Cecy’s and Ned’s personal growth made this a leisurely dip-in-and-out read for the most part, but then an unexpected turn in the plot had me glued to the pages until the end. Readers who enjoy immersing themselves in Regency life should definitely add Carolyn Miller to their reading list.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.