The Ellusive Miss Ellsion has all the elements for the perfect read in my areas of interest. Set in 19th century England, we have two colorful main characters who struggle with some of the same issues found in Pride and Prejudice. There is the initial repulsion in their acquaintance. He comes from well-bred stock, while she is a meager minister’s daughter. There is at least one De Bourgh-like matron in the mix. The content is passionate, while still family friendly. Christians will appreciate the spiritual moments sprinkled through the narrative.

While I do commend author Carolyn Miller for the aforementioned choices, I am sad to say that I did not enjoy this novel. The amiable elements are there, but for some reason, I was not fond of the story. The characters seemed bland to me, and Miller’s writing wasn’t the strongest I’ve ever read. In fact, there were some overused phrases that became so frequent, they became an annoyance. The one in particular I’m thinking of is the mentioning of “flushed”, “heated” or “pinked” cheeks. It seemed on every other page, there was a mentioning of cheeks and how they were being warmed or tinted due to riled emotions, whether they be positive or negative feelings.

I do not want to be overly harsh in my criticism of The Ellusive Miss Ellison. While I did not find it fascinating, I can easily recommend it to lovers of Jane Austen, Georgette Heyer, Julie Klassen and other Christian authors, if only based on content-related issues. Perhaps others can look past the writing style, and perhaps they will find the characters to be more compelling than I did. As the beginning of a series, Ellison is a fair start, and perhaps as the collection continues, the storytelling will improve.

The first book of the Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace series begins with a comfortably traditional approach to Regency romance. The country setting, character dynamics, and storyline gave me the initial impression of a lovely faith meets Pride & Prejudice inspired tale.

Lavinia Ellison's passionate concern for and service of the less fortunate leaves her frustrated with those who have greater resources yet fail to meet even the basic needs of their dependents. Nicholas Stamford is a well-rounded character with his military background and willingness to learn and consider other perspectives.

Despite my high expectations, I found this story to be much more than everything that I hope for in a Regency romance! The historical, spiritual, and relational elements, the overall story flow, plot, and characters… everything about this story is exceptional.

Lavina was working in the garden when her best friend Sophy came to see her. Sophy said her mother would never let her work in the garden. Sophy felt Albert should have been doing the work in the garden but Lavina said he was tending a sick cow - Sally. Sally had good milk production and her family shared with the poor families of the community. Sophy said the new Earl was going to the musical. Lavina enjoyed music but not needlepoint Nicholas was the new Earl Of Hawkesbury and felt his inheritance was not a blessing but both a burden and a curse. Lavina’s father was the minister of the community. Her father had given the new Earl his forgiveness as well as Lavina’s for the accident that had killed Lavina’s mother. Lavina breather passed the resentment as the old hurts swelled past her good intentions. The terror in the moment before the horse struck. And her mother’s cry had haunted Lavina for a long time. Lavina is the granddaughter of a Duke and she had gone to London and she went about in society in all new clothes for awhile so she did have experience with the ton in London. But at home Lavina did worry about the poor and try to help them.
I did enjoy this book but it did drag quite a bit for me but not enough to spoil the story fr me or make me stop reading this book. I loved the touch of mystery in this book. I did enjoy reading this. I got a little frustrated with Nicholas at times. I didn’t like how Lavina blamed Nicholas for what his brother had been the one involved with the accident that had taken her mother’s life. I felt Lavina was looking down her nose at Nicholas and she didn’t think a lot of the rich but she was acting as judging, snobbish and opinionated as the rich she criticized. I loved seeing Nicholas change and grew in this story. I actually like Lavina and Nicholas together. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I recommend.

The Elusive Miss Ellison by Carolyn Miller is the most delightful Christian historical romance. It is a debut novel and the first in the Regency Brides series which promises to be wonderful.
The novel is very reminiscent of Jane Austen's Pride And Prejudice, my favourite read, with prejudices and misunderstandings as well as the desire of mothers to make good matches for their daughters.
Carolyn Miller has drawn some wonderful characters. Her heroine is a very modern lady for 1813, with a social conscience. Her forward thinking enables children to be educated. She gives of herself both physically and materially. Her heart rules her head in matters of the poor.
The hero is likable and also misunderstood. His duty stands in the way of his conscience at times as he adapts to a new season in his life. A decorated war hero and champion of his men, he suffers from what we now know as PTSD. The reader feels his anguish and pain. "He's seen plenty of men pray and still end up dead."
Prayer is important. it is not to be used as a bargaining tool with God. "He wished he knew how to pray." God does hear our heartfelt prayers and answers them.
The past has a hold on some. "She was supposed to remind people of God's love, not their sins." We are all sinners in need of a Saviour. Modelling God's love will always attract others to Him.
There is the theme of forgiveness. "Unforgiveness holds us slaves." We must deal with our past, forgive and move into our future.
Grief is another theme. It is raw and when it strikes, we can feel that "God was so very far away. " In our sorrow, we shut God and others out.
There is the theme of transformation. In Jesus, we can all have a new beginning. It is wonderful to witness characters knowing Jesus.
There is the theme of priorities. Some see people, others see merely money and status.
The novel is set in a village in Gloucestershire and in London. The freshness and the openness of the countryside contrasts with smog and stifling air and attitudes of London.
Inheritance is another theme. We inherit not only money and position but more importantly attitudes and outlook from our ancestors.
The Elusive Miss Ellison is such a fabulous debut novel. It really spoke to my heart with lovable characters with hearts for everyone.
A fabulous read.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

Great debut by Australian author, Carolyn Miller! If you love historical fiction written in the tradition of Jane Austen, this is a must read.

Carolyn Miller weaves a beautiful tapestry of words filled with rich historical detail in her debut, The Elusive Miss Ellison. She draws her reader into a world filled with the social restraints and expectations of this time period. Lavinia Ellison, hindered by these restraints, is not blinded to the needs of those around her. While serving the members in her community, she meets the new Earl of Hawkesbury. Nicholas struggles with this new role and the guilt that haunts him. What will it take for him to find peace and make amends for past mistakes? While this story is filled with the witty banter similar to that in Jane Austen's novels, more importantly is the depth of character found in the main characters of this story. Although Lavinia is described as beautiful, intelligent and talented, I found her gentleness of heart to God's correction the most appealing. Can two strong-willed people from such different backgrounds manage to break down the walls of pride that societal expectations have raised as circumstances throw them together?

I eagerly await the next installment of this series!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is a lovely read! My rating 4.75.

Miss Ellison, a country minister’s daughter, is the heart of kindness and service in her community. That doesn’t mean she is meek as she is strong willed and tends to be outspoken. At “three and twenty” she has a few local gentlemen interested in her but she has no interest in them. She figures she will end up an old maid like Aunt Patience, her mother’s sister, who moved in to take care of them when her mother died. Lavinia’s mother died of a tragic accident when Lavinia was only nine. She has never forgotten the wealthy, reckless neighbors who raced their horses and caused her mother’s death. Now the brother of that reckless boy has inherited Hampton Hall and returned to take charge over the estate. Lavinia is not impressed by his handsome good looks and arrogant airs but she is prepared to approach him with her list of grievances on behalf of the estate tenants.

Nicholas Stamford, a former army Captain, never expected to become seventh Earl of Hawkesbury. Still, he is glad for the chance to get away from the eager mothers and daughters in London. They see him as a good catch and they do not realize that he will have to marry for money to rebuild the treasury that has been depleted by his father and brother. Nicholas doesn’t initially recognize Lavinia as the young girl who lost her mother that dreadful day many years ago. He has apologized to her father but finds it difficult to give an apology to the very prickly Miss Ellison.

The two start off at odds, rubbing each other the wrong way, but it is clear they are drawn to each other’s intelligent wit. Lavinia’s caring nature impacts Nicholas more than words might. As his household cares for her when she suffers illness, he slowly begins to turn his heart to the people of his estate and village, and to the God that has provided so much for him.

Lavinia knows she isn’t in the Earl’s league and shouldn’t allow her heart to dream of anything developing even though the Earl seeks her out to share her company. When Nicolas’ high maintenance mother arrives at the Hall with prospective bride in hand she makes it quite clear that Lavinia would never do for her son. Lavinia mishears a statement and is told some gossip that shatters her reluctant dreams.

Lavinia’s Aunt decides to step in to change matters when it becomes apparent that Lavinia has lost her sparkle. Aunt Patience has surprises to reveal that will completely change Lavinia’s life... but not her servant's heart.

I totally enjoyed these characters and the slow growth of friendship and affection. The obstacles were obvious but I was sure there would be a way around them. Even Lavinia notes at one point that “Our Father has good plans…” The faith comments and messages are shared beautifully and naturally in the discussions. The story shares a message of forgiveness and grace that warmed my heart. I recommend this to readers who enjoy a gentle historical romance and who would be warmed by faith lessons shared and learned.

I received this from the publisher through NetGalley.

Love this period of time...so well written...a beautiful story. Looking forward to reading more of Ms Miller's work.

You never quite know what you're going to get when you read an author's debut novel, but in this case I was not disappointed. If you love Jane Austen, then you will likely enjoy the many Austen-esque elements of this book. Lavinia and Nicholas are interesting and engaging characters who both grew and developed throughout the story. I thoroughly enjoyed the setting, characters, and plot that Carolyn Miller created in this lovely debut! I can't wait to read Charlotte's story next!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

It is a very well written novel though I didnt connect with the leads - especially Lavinia. I couldnt stand her in the beginning nor in the end. Unfurtnately.

I loved this story by Carolyn Miller! It transports you back to the Regency period that so many of us love and adore after reading books by Jane Austin.
When the seventh Earl of Hawkesbury returns to the village after being gone for fourteen years many of the town folks are excited and impressed by him, but Lavinia Ellison finds his mannerisms off putting.
They soon develop a witty banter when they see one another, but both of them soon feel led by the Lord to find neutral ground and make peace while finding similar interest and causes.
The more they are around one another the more they both realize how they have misjudged each other and their feelings soon change, but being from different stations in society makes their relationship uncertain.
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.

I am a huge fan of regency romance novels, so when I was given the opportunity to review Carolyn Miller’s debut regency novel, The Elusive Miss Ellison, I was thrilled. This is a splendid and delightful regency-romance that readers will absolutely love. From page one, Miller captures the attention of her readers with her charming characters and enjoyable story. This was everything I expected from a regency novel. The story was well-written and entertaining, pleasant, and even funny at times. And I know a book should not be judged completely by it’s cover, but I am in love with the cover of this book!! This is an easy and light read that I would recommend this splendid novel to readers that enjoy regency historical romance.

Carolyn Miller writes her first inspirational Regency novel in her new trilogy.

In The Elusive Miss Ellison, the entire village – except for Miss Lavinia Ellison -- eagerly anticipates the arrival of the new Earl of Hawkesbury. She believes him to have the same reputation as brother: reckless and arrogant. Lavinia is the unmarried bluestocking daughter of the local minister. Nicholas is a former war hero and reluctant Duke, unprepared for the problems his brother left unsolved and the other obligations he faces. When Nicholas, the new Earl, is challenged by feisty Lavinia to move beyond his wounded pride, it may provide too many obstacles for them. A family secret adds to the complications they face.

Like Austen’s original Pride and Prejudice, wealthy Nicholas suffers from too much pride and is a snob! Feisty Lavinia suffers from too much prejudice towards his family and their effect on others around them. Both of them come to an appreciation of God’s forgiveness as they move past their own histories.

Miller does an excellent job in portraying Regency England with its historical details and solid characterization. Like anyone, her characters face real problems in terms of finances, others’ expectations, and finding one’s place, allowing the reader to identify with them as they struggle to become better people. While the storyline is somewhat predictable, it follows the pattern of a good Regency novel; the faith element is light, the romance is clean, and it is a cozy read!

A second book, The Captivating Lady Charlotte, will be released in summer 2017. Fans of Julie Klassen, Jane Austen, and Regency romances will welcome this new author!

I’d been wanting to read this book ever since I first saw it advertised. I don’t read every new Regency, but the Australian author and comparisons with Georgette Heyer attracted me, as well as the great reviews of course. I’m happy I got the chance to do so, as The Elusive Miss Ellison is going to be one of my favourite books for this year.

Christian Regencies can be something of a mixed bag, some are over melodramatic and try to fit in too much political intrigue, others just don’t ring true, but this story had everything a good Regency should. I tend to say that when I pick a Regency, or any British Fiction, I don’t want it to read like it’s too American (unless in involves American characters or a move from one country to another), with lots of American idioms or ideas. Apart from a couple of places, there was no such problem with this novel.

The characters were lovely, and wonderfully developed. Vicar’s daughter Miss Lavinia Ellison was strong, intelligent and independent, and harboured genuine love for the poor, although her compassion could be taken to extremes making her stubborn, and at times, rash. Earl Nicholas was the handsome hero, burdened with the mistakes of his past, and the actions of his family. Lavinia considered him arrogant, self-centred and shallow, and blamed him for a tragedy in her past, and whilst fascinated by her, Nicholas considered her rude and domineering.

Polite society and circumstance bought together these two disparate personalities who would rather avoid one another, and wonderful witty exchanges ensued, reminiscent of much loved scenes from nineteenth century literature, and its more recent counterparts. However, over time, the characters began to challenge and change one another. As secrets are uncovered, the characters must make choices to determine their future and expiate for past mistakes, but the dictates of society and family are determined to keep them apart.

For a hate to love story, this was incredibly well done, not clichéd, mushy or silly, but depicted the developing relationship and feelings in a realistic way. Another point that other reviewers have made is that the author is not afraid to incorporate her faith into the story, with a salvation message. I think the setting allowed for that well, and it didn’t come over as too ‘preachy’.
Overall, The Elusive Miss Ellison was a wonderful story, recommended for lovers of Regency Romance, but also good stories in the style of Austen and the Bronte sisters. I now rank Carolyn Miller amongst my favourite regency authors Julie Klassen, Sarah Ladd, and the British Philippa Jane Keyworth.

I signed up the Blog Tour of this book, and was sent review copy. I was not required to write a positive one and all opinions expressed are my own.

I’d been wanting to read this book ever since I first saw it advertised. I don’t read every new Regency, but the Australian author and comparisons with Georgette Heyer attracted me, as well as the great reviews of course. I’m happy I got the chance to do so, as The Elusive Miss Ellison is going to be one of my favourite books for this year.

Christian Regencies can be something of a mixed bag, some are over melodramatic and try to fit in too much political intrigue, others just don’t ring true, but this story had everything a good Regency should. I tend to say that when I pick a Regency, or any British Fiction, I don’t want it to read like it’s too American (unless in involves American characters or a move from one country to another), with lots of American idioms or ideas. Apart from a couple of places, there was no such problem with this novel.

The characters were lovely, and wonderfully developed. Vicar’s daughter Miss Lavinia Ellison was strong, intelligent and independent, and harboured genuine love for the poor, although her compassion could be taken to extremes making her stubborn, and at times, rash. Earl Nicholas was the handsome hero, burdened with the mistakes of his past, and the actions of his family. Lavinia considered him arrogant, self-centred and shallow, and blamed him for a tragedy in her past, and whilst fascinated by her, Nicholas considered her rude and domineering.

Polite society and circumstance bought together these two disparate personalities who would rather avoid one another, and wonderful witty exchanges ensued, reminiscent of much loved scenes from nineteenth century literature, and its more recent counterparts. However, over time, the characters began to challenge and change one another. As secrets are uncovered, the characters must make choices to determine their future and expiate for past mistakes, but the dictates of society and family are determined to keep them apart.

For a hate to love story, this was incredibly well done, not clichéd, mushy or silly, but depicted the developing relationship and feelings in a realistic way. Another point that other reviewers have made is that the author is not afraid to incorporate her faith into the story, with a salvation message. I think the setting allowed for that well, and it didn’t come over as too ‘preachy’.
Overall, The Elusive Miss Ellison was a wonderful story, recommended for lovers of Regency Romance, but also good stories in the style of Austen and the Bronte sisters. I now rank Carolyn Miller amongst my favourite regency authors Julie Klassen, Sarah Ladd, and the British Philippa Jane Keyworth.

I signed up the Blog Tour of this book, and was sent review copy. I was not required to write a positive one and all opinions expressed are my own.

A well written Regency Romance is always a delight to read. There are reasons that I am a fan of the genre and this book didn't disappoint me. I love the formality, flirting banter, society gossip, and maneuvering matrons. The best part is when there is a strong female who refuses to be governed by society, in this case it is Miss Ellison.

This book caught my attention right from the beginning. Miss Ellison doesn't relegate chores to the servants and is mistaken for one when she first meets the Earl of Hawkesbury. Not a good way to make a first impression. I love that the characters are flawed. I enjoyed the depth of faith and the Christian acts of Miss Ellison. Yes, I am gushing because this book has a lot to offer readers.

Regency England is one of my favorite settings, and I was thrilled to find a new author to read in this genre! I loved the writing style, it was perfectly balanced between the formality of the time and revealing the emotions and feelings of the characters. There are powerful themes of humility, compassion, and forgiveness. Nicholas isn't the only one who goes through a process of change and self-improvement, Lavinia also learns some hard truths about herself and becomes more accepting and less condemning of those whose society she has a difficult time with. The two have great banter and chemistry, although I would have enjoyed seeing more happy moments between them instead of so much angst, misunderstanding, and regret. Overall I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more by the author!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

The Elusive Miss Ellison is a Regency romance in the tradition of Georgette Heyer. Lavinia Ellison, the Miniter's spirited daughter is determined to neither like nor forgive the Earl of Hawkesbury for a tragedy in their past. I really enjoyed the spirited conversations between the two of them. The settings were described with detail that enabled me to envision the locations. I am delighted to find another writer that writes engaging romance so similar in style to Julie Klassen and Sarah Ladd. So grab your tea and scones and settle back for a truly enjoyable read!

From Amazon:

Handsome appearance counts for naught unless matched by good character and actions.

That's the firm opinion of not-so-meek minister's daughter Lavinia Ellison. So even though all the other villagers of St. Hampton Heath are swooning over the newly returned seventh Earl of Hawkesbury, she is not impressed. If a man won't take his responsibilities seriously and help those who are supposed to be able to depend on him, he deserves no respect from her. In Lavinia's pretty, gray eyes, Nicholas Stamford is just as arrogant and reckless as his brother--who stole the most important person in Livvie's world.

Nicholas is weighed down by his own guilt and responsibility, by the pain his careless brother caused, and by the legacy of war he's just left. This quick visit home to St. Hampton Heath will be just long enough to ease a small part of that burden. Asking him to bother with the lives of the villagers when there's already a bailiff on the job is simply too much to expect.

That is, until the hoydenish, intelligent, and very opinionated Miss Ellison challenges him to see past his pain and pride. With her angelic voice in his head, he may even be beginning to care. But his isn't the only heart that needs to change.

These two lonely hearts may each have something the other needs. But with society's opposition, ancestral obligations, and a shocking family secret, there may be too many obstacles in their way.

Fans of Georgette Heyer, Lori Wick, and Julie Klassen will enjoy the spirited exchanges between the bluestocking minister's daughter and the bruised war hero as they move past pride and presumption to a humbled appreciation of God's grace and the true strength of love.

A note from the author:

From the Author
I hope you enjoy reading 'The Elusive Miss Ellison' - she was certainly a lot of fun to write about!
I love reading about feisty heroines as much as the next redhead :) but sometimes too much 'feist' can come across as just rude. Miss Ellison has some sass, but a warm heart, and when she meets her match in Lord Hawkesbury, she begins to learn a few home truths.
I try to create characters that face some of the same challenges and problems as we all do at times: issues with families, loneliness, financial constraints, society's expectations. It's my hope that people can identify with, and appreciate the journey these characters go on, from presumption to understanding, from pride to humility, and be inspired with hope, as these characters transform into people we want to be. People who forgive, who extend grace to the unlovely, who care more about other people than they do about their appearance. People who bring kindness into the world.
Miss Ellison has been close to my heart for years - I hope she'll grow close to yours, too.
And don't forget to look out for her cousin's story, 'The Captivating Lady Charlotte', releasing mid-2017!

I was given this book by NetGalley.com for review purposes. All thoughts are my own.

Smart and ostentatious Lavinia Ellison and worn down Nicholas, the Earl of Hawkesbury, come crashing together in this Regency romance. Their journey is one of finding forgiveness and God’s love.

It’s beautifully descriptive and an exposé on the lives of the less fortunate during those times. Be sure to grab a copy and let me know your thoughts on this fairly new author!

Thanks for this great read in exchange for my review. As always, this is my honest opinion. Here’s to many more!!

I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

"The Elusive Miss Ellison" by Carolyn Miller is a debut novel and the first in a series (Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace #1). First, I loved the cover of this Christian Fiction Regency Romance. It was a perfect fit for the story and beautiful with its tones of purple and green.

Lavinia Ellison is the daughter of the local reverend and enjoys spending her days caring for the poor and sick in her village. Nicholas Stamford has become the seventh Earl of Hawkesbury and has returned to the village. Lavinia sees him as an irresponsible blackguard. Lavinia has lived her life without her mother as Nicholas’ brother ran her down with a horse while she and Lavinia were walking along the road when Lavinia was a small child. The book tells the story of how they learn to tolerate each other, fall in love and overcome the secret that Lavinia’s family has kept from her all of her life and learns toward the end of the book.

This book discusses forgiveness and the true outcome of it beautifully as “unforgiveness holds us slaves” and “is a slow rot, poisoning our soul, hardening our heart to God and to others”. The author reminds us that “when we are quick to forgive every offense and wrongdoing, our hearts become softer and more responsive to God’s love until we are like our Savior, who was able to forgive all humanity as He hung upon a cross.” The portion of the book in which Nicholas is curious about God and being saved was exceptionally well written and I even went back to read it again. Both biblical truths were nicely written and a joy to read.

I found the book to be a tad slow in the beginning, but it wraps up nicely and the author resolves all the issues. All in all, a lovely read. Great for the beach or a road trip. I look forward to the second in the series (The Captivating Lady Charlotte) which comes out in June.