Keeping Faith Through the Darkness

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Source: Review Copy from Blog Tour

TYPE OF NOVEL: Regency Romance, Christian-Inspired Romance

SERIES: Regency Wallflowers #1

SETTING: The small village of Amberley in the Lake District, 1811.

SYNOPSIS: At the “advanced aged” of twenty-nine, Mary has almost resigned herself to her fate as an unmarried spinster, who will never have a family of her own, but instead continue to assist her father with his medical practice and anyone else in need. When her brother’s childhood friend, Adam Edgerton, returns home from the war severely injured and disabled, Mary is asked to lend her care and assistance by paying him some visits. Little does she know these kind and compassionate visits will lead to an unexpected friendship, a poignant attachment, and even scandal…

WHAT I LOVED:

• Amongst the Non-Gentry: I visit the Regency Era almost daily, it is a time period that I feel has become my second home. But I will admit, mosts of my time is spent with landed gentry and more affluent folk. This story takes us to a step below the landed-gentry – with a focus on farmers and the village doctor and his family. I enjoyed the refreshing change – these characters were hardworking, industrious, and active. And their concerns were less about what visits, dinners, and suitors, and more about prospering in their work and tending to their cares.

• Mary and Adam: Both of these characters are deftly drawn, extremely likable, and genuine. I appreciated the authenticity of their personalities, emotions, and struggles. Mary is so admirable – I love her cheerful attitude, steady nature, wry sense of humor, and sensitive heart. And Adam, who slowly progresses from despondency and bitterness of spirit to determination and capability, is equally just as admirable. But I especially loved these two characters and their relationship together – their banter, their earnest conversations, and the beautiful journey where readers can witness the leisurely and natural development of their feelings for each other. Their evolution from patient/helper to friends to lovers was exquisitely rendered.
• Faith: I am not one to read a lot of faith-based stories, but I appreciated the inspiring messages and reminders that were woven into the fabric of this tale. The concepts canvassed in this story include – does God still heal today? Why does He sometime not heal or protect? And several characters learn the importance of maintaining faith through their dark times and difficulties
• Disabilities and Women: In addition to romance and faith, this story also illustrates an insightful inspiring journey of learning to overcome limitations and obstacles. I greatly appreciated witnessing Adam’s non-linear journey to coping with his impairment – not just the physical challenges, but also the mental and emotional ones too. In addition, I also appreciated the times Ms. Miller subtly addressed the inequality and the lack of rights and freedoms for women during this time.
• Dogs and Hikes: I absolutely loved that some of the remedies that were prescribed to Adam were that he get a dog and go outdoors and enjoy some hikes! Seeing him interact with Frank and adjust to his new way of life was wonderfully endearing and inspiring.
• Wallflowers: I really love the theme for this series! As a wallflower myself, I am always very much interested and feel a strong affinity for heroines who are quiet, overlooked, and introspective. I will be sure to check out the rest of this series and other Regency romance series by Carolyn Miller – I think there are at least nine other distinct Regency romance tales by her to enjoy!

WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:

• Small Quibble: A few of the secondary storylines seemed to dispatch or resolve rather swiftly. But perhaps that was done in order to leave more page time for Mary and Adam (which was very much appreciated!)

NOTE: A secondary character is assaulted – which doesn’t take place on page, but the aftermath and emotional turmoil are described. Readers who are sensitive to such triggers should proceed with caution.

CONCLUSION:

I’m thrilled to have finally read a novel by Carolyn Miller and add her to my list of “Regency Romance Authors to Follow.” I greatly enjoyed this moving and well-crafted tale and loved feeling emotionally invested in, inspired by, and sympathetic towards the characters she created. I highly recommend for readers who love to read Regency novels and Inspirational romances.

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The lovely people at I Read with Audra Blog Tours are sponsoring a spectacular giveaway in conjunction with the Dusk’s Darkest Shores Blog Tour!

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

– a copy of Dusk’s Darkest Shores
– a canvas bag to carry your latest reads
– a fun pair of Jane Austen socks
– Novel Teas’ English Breakfast tea
– “Drink tea, read books, and be happy” tea spoon
– “Let your faith be bigger than your fear” mug
– Black currant preserves from England
– Wax Lyrical candle from England

a Rafflecopter giveaway

To enter this giveaway leave a comment on this post and  fill out the Rafflecopter form below.

• This giveaway ends June 15th.
• This giveaway is open to US residents.

My sincere gratitude to Audra Jennings for inviting me to take part in this lovely tour!