Scan barcode
A review by kristi518
Miss Serena's Secret by Carolyn Miller
5.0
Usually, when I receive a Carolyn Miller novel I tear into it like a kid does their presents on Christmas morning. This time I decided to read the book more slowly and enjoy my time with the characters. After all, once a book is read you never have the chance to read it for the first time again and the wait for a new Miller novel can seem as long as that wait for Santa Claus.
To be completely honest this book started out a bit slow. Once I got a bit into the story I found it a delightful story to read. I really liked Serena's character and her way of saying what she thought even though it wasn't always the proper thing to say. We've all been there, right? Even though Serena spoke her mind I never found her to be rude or too overbearing as a character. In fact, I found her character to be refreshing. The perfect balance to her was Harry, Viscount Carmichael. Now, he's a bit of a rake but he's trying to shed that nasty little label and at times struggles a bit. Serena and Harry together were wonderful to read about. There is a tension between the two that even though it didn't take center stage still leaped off the pages at times. I liked the progression of their relationship, and I just really, really enjoyed these two together. Other favorite characters were Melanie, Harry's sister, and his grandmama. These characters were almost upstaged by the one and only M. Despard. The French art instructor added a bit of humor to the story with his opinions and the way he advised Serena. And not only in matters of art. I loved his accent. It was "ze best" and added to his charm. I would love to see him in more stories!!!
It is clear the author does a thorough job of researching the subject matter for her books. From the way she describes the settings to naming off paint colors and art techniques to dialogue, she does a fantastic job of making the reader forget everything around them and making them feel as if they are part of the story and time period. This along with her ability to tell an excellent story has made her one of my favorite authors. I haven't yet met a Carolyn Miller book I haven't liked and I honestly doubt I ever will.
I highly recommend this book. It has complex characters and an excellent storyline. Even though it's the second book in the series it completely stands on its own. Grab a copy of Miss Serena's Secret today. You won't be disappointed!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.
To be completely honest this book started out a bit slow. Once I got a bit into the story I found it a delightful story to read. I really liked Serena's character and her way of saying what she thought even though it wasn't always the proper thing to say. We've all been there, right? Even though Serena spoke her mind I never found her to be rude or too overbearing as a character. In fact, I found her character to be refreshing. The perfect balance to her was Harry, Viscount Carmichael. Now, he's a bit of a rake but he's trying to shed that nasty little label and at times struggles a bit. Serena and Harry together were wonderful to read about. There is a tension between the two that even though it didn't take center stage still leaped off the pages at times. I liked the progression of their relationship, and I just really, really enjoyed these two together. Other favorite characters were Melanie, Harry's sister, and his grandmama. These characters were almost upstaged by the one and only M. Despard. The French art instructor added a bit of humor to the story with his opinions and the way he advised Serena. And not only in matters of art. I loved his accent. It was "ze best" and added to his charm. I would love to see him in more stories!!!
It is clear the author does a thorough job of researching the subject matter for her books. From the way she describes the settings to naming off paint colors and art techniques to dialogue, she does a fantastic job of making the reader forget everything around them and making them feel as if they are part of the story and time period. This along with her ability to tell an excellent story has made her one of my favorite authors. I haven't yet met a Carolyn Miller book I haven't liked and I honestly doubt I ever will.
I highly recommend this book. It has complex characters and an excellent storyline. Even though it's the second book in the series it completely stands on its own. Grab a copy of Miss Serena's Secret today. You won't be disappointed!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.