Review ~ Miss Serena's Secret (Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope #2) by Carolyn Miller

Published July 24th, Kregel Publications

With devastating scars in her past, Serena Winthrop is sure no man can be trusted—especially not men like the far-too-smooth Viscount Charmichael. His reputation as a charmer and a gambler is everything she despises. And the young artist makes sure that this disreputable heir to an Earldom knows of her deep disapproval whenever they encounter one another.

Henry, Lord Carmichael, is perfectly aware of his charms to the women of the ton. He's gambled with plenty of their hearts as easily as he does their husband's money—it's all in good fun to him. But lately he's been wondering if there's more to life—and confronting the idea that his actions might not prove worthy of the admirable wives his friends have found.

When Serena's brother-in-law asks his best friend to protect his young ward, Henry promises to be on his best behavior and not woo her. But the more he learns of her, the more he realizes she might be his best reason for changing his character. Then the lady's art leads her to London infamy. Now Henry must choose between the life mapped out for him as the Earl apparent, and the love of his life. And Serena's secret may mean the end of his titled family line.

The second in a new series by internationally popular author Carolyn Miller is full of the same rich historical detail and evocative writing that readers enjoyed, and familiar characters make appearances here. The witty banter will continue to draw in fans of Jane Austen, Sarah Ladd, and Julie Klassen.

My Review
4.5 STARS!!!

Sharp wit, dramatic undertones, and romance equal a lovely Regency rendering in Miss Serena’s Secret.  Serena is a young woman highly gifted in the arts, making for lovely word pictures painted throughout the story. I had no trouble envisioning the scenery of England and was quite keen to be there to see something so beautifully grand for myself. After an unfortunate incident, Serena is left disillusioned toward men and filled with sorrow, thinking to put painting aside forever. What shall restore her spirit and cause her to pick up a brush once again, illuminating canvas with color?
 

Henry, Viscount Carmichael, is a bit older, making for the perfect rogue-turns-hero. He really does live a sin-filled life but isn’t that who Christ came to save…the sinner? Of course we know in the end he is going to turn to Christ but it is the getting there that makes the story. 

‘His thoughts darkened, yet he forced himself to act his part, all the while conscious of feeling like a snared hare, caught by this foppish, fleshly reputation he’d cultivated over many years, bound forever to expectation and obligation, even as the morals of the Winthrops whispered freedom for the man he wanted to be.’ 
~Henry, Viscount Carmichael, Miss Serena’s Secret

Henry senses something mysterious in Serena’s countenance upon meeting her and it intrigues him. He is decidedly focused in finding out what her secret is. As he gets to know her, a protective side that he had never built upon but one that will both frustrate and draw Serena to him, manifests itself. Will Henry be one of the instruments God uses to heal her fractured heart?

 ‘If he claimed affection for her in his heart, then that affection should be outworked in his attitude and actions.’ ~Henry, Viscount Carmichael, Miss Serena’s Secret

Broaching mysterious medical maladies in a heroine is not something you see often and I was quite surprised at Serena’s final diagnosis. It perplexed me the whole time and kept me guessing, which I have to say was quite good on the author’s part. Henry’s father, the Earl of Bevington, likewise suffers an ailment that today is quite openly spoken of but long ago could not possibly have been understood, causing much discomfiture and probably confinement in horrendous manners, although this does not happen to the earl in the book. I thought this aspect added much depth to the story between Henry and his parents, and it genuinely tugged at my emotions.

Fans of Regency and Christian fiction will enjoy the latest quintessential offering from Miller. I was provided a digital copy from the publisher through Netgalley. I was not required to write a review. No compensation has been received.

  

 ~Happy Reading~