Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope: Miss Serena's Secret (Paperback)

First off let me say I am not a big Regency fan.....gasp....sorry for this shocking news, but this author has such a way of making you want more. I enjoy reading it more for a Historical aspect, as my ancestors are English, and seeing how different the Era was. A vivid picture is painted of the scenery, architecture, and clothing, as well as an interesting story of changed lives. The characters stretch and grow through learning to trust again and putting off the old man and being renewed in Christ, as they grow in their affections for one another. I loved catching up with some characters from previous novels as well. The addition of the lighthearted moments with the children and grandmama give us a chance to smile. This book deals with dementia, scars left from bad choices, and untoward advances to a young lady and living with the mental consequences. They are handled with kid gloves while faith, love, and forgiveness are interwoven. Great read and can't wait for the third book in this series. I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

Ah. What a delightfully delicious follow up novel to Winning Miss Winthrop! If you haven't read the first novel in the series, that's ok; Miss Serena's Secret can absolutely be read as a stand alone. The author Carolyn Miller's trademarks shine in this novel; her beautiful and eloquent writing style, the dynamic dialogue that engages and propels the plot line seamlessly, the deeply feeling and enchanting characters, and a bold thread of faith and belief in God coalesce to produce a fine Regency novel so intensely satisfying. If you love a well-written Regency book, this one is not to be missed. The main characters Harry and Serena are opposites at the beginning of the book. Harry is a fun-loving, humorous, happy-go-lucky viscount looking for ways to enjoy life. Yet, underneath his charming and seemingly superficial ways lies a man who desires stability, honesty, integrity, and someone to love and someone who'll understand him, respect him, and return his love. His gentleness and kindness draw Serena to him and she doesn't fully realize his character until much later in their friendship. Serena is a deeply emotional artist who has been scarred by a man's advances and attempts to hide her loving feisty self in the country. She is tender-hearted but has a quick wit and a sharp tongue. She revels in stability and having a purpose in life. The banter between Serena and Harry is hilarious and oh so clever! I really liked the continuation of Catherine and Jon's story (Winning Miss Winthrop) as well Lavinia and Nicholas' story (The Elusive Miss Ellison). I also appreciated that Harry is a different kind of a hero from Jon and Nicholas. Harry has a lot of learning to do in the midst of his insecurity, self-doubt, and regrets ; he needs to understand who he is, what he wants, what his purpose is, and to Whom he belongs. Harry's slow-growing faith is encouraging, heart-warming, and very real. The references to 1 Corinthians 13 struck me deeply as Harry grew to realize that this passage signifies God's love for him as well as His command to love likewise. And the next book will be about Jon's half sister Julia! I can not wait to read her story! I was given a copy of this book by the author and Kregel Publications and was under no obligation to post a review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.