This is a entertaining history romance that showcases real characters with many flaws, but serene souls. I loved Miss DeLancey and her spirit. She was a great lady who I was proud to get to know throughout the story. Wonderful!

Clara Delancy is follewed by scandal after the man of her dreams marries another. Benjamin Kelmsley is a veteran of His Majesty's Navy, who injured himself saving others.

***May contain spoilers***

This, the third and final book in Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace series by one of my most favourite authors Carolyn Miller, is a lovely story. Quite different in the overall feel than the first two books from the series, this is a pleasant and appealing read.


I am utterly sad as I write this review, but don't get me wrong, it has nothing to do with the book. I am saddened because with this book comes a close to “Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace” series, and I would miss the sense of happiness and calm that I got while reading all three of them. Of course I can re-read them, but you read a book for the first time only once, and nothing can replace the experience and feel you get at that time of opening the first page and submerging within its depths deeper and deeper as the story progresses. I have to state this here, that I am going to miss these characters, the places, the stories and the overall feel of them.



What I feel...


Charming! That is what I feel about this book. It shows us the other side of the picture where we get to see from the perspective of Clara DeLancey, the much despised character from The Elusive Miss Ellison



We, as readers, needed this book. Mostly because it widens our perspectives. We are so used to looking at one side of the picture that we overlook what the other side may hold and that it may very well take us by surprise. And it did here. It brought to fore the fact that we as humans err and learn and grow and that we have to learn to let go and forgive.

The storyline is appealing as well as interesting with the highs and lows, the importance of honour and achievement and the callous disregard of the same achievement, the societal expectations and hollow pretence, all penned with a beautiful flare makes this book stand out.


The (Dis)Honorable Miss Clara DeLancey...


Honestly? I had hated her through TEME and somewhat was close to pitying her through the parts of The Captivating Lady Charlotte where she makes her appearance. But never had I imagined I would come to really like her.

I developed a contrary view to her character to the ones developed while reading TEME and TCLC. Here, she believes herself betrayed and jilted. Her reputation damaged, she is scarred by the scandal, depressed and unable and unwilling to move past her feelings of hurt, betrayal, hopelessness, envy and anger. She is bitter about Nicholas and Lavinia on the one side and about her brother bringing their family to ruin on the other. So she is practically penniless and on the shelf, and there is no imaginable light in the tunnel anywhere for her. She is so desperate that she is close on the edge of giving it all up.


Then, the light appears in the form of Benjamin and his sisters and things begin to lighten and brighten up in her life. The transition is gradual as her negative feelings ebb in their intensity and hope begins to take roots in her soul and heals her. But it is not easy for her to accept it and even forgive Nicholas and Lavinia. She overcomes those feelings and comes out dignified.


Clara as a person is helpful, kind, dutiful, caring and beautiful. She lacks friends but when she makes new ones she goes all out for them and uses her resources to help them out.


She forgives as she grows and becomes hopeful and accepts her life with grace. How her tangent with Lavinia is resolved is also remarkable and realistic. The author was successful in turning feelings towards the character of Clara from hate to sympathy and from anger to empathy.


Captain Benjamin Kemsley...


Benjamin is a very grounded hero, not just as the hero hero but as an achieving the impossible feat hero. He's the people's hero. The war hero everyone is talking about. And yet he is humble and unassuming. Nothing flashy about him. A dignified, kind, caring, strong and handsome man. He is as human as can get with his flaws and yet he is very patient and accommodating. Benjamin is very generous even in his near poverty. He has some misplaced guilt and also feels responsible for things which, despite his best efforts, he could not prevent from happening in the past. With no prospects in store, he has made up his mind of never marrying since he cannot afford to do so.


His is a very likeable character and is very relatable with his doubts and insecurities. He is also very loving and responsible as a brother. His faith is what keeps him buoyed and Clara supported. Not judgmental, he is a very compassionate and accepting person with a good heart.


Clara and Benjamin...


Benjamin is the positive force that steadies Clara and instils hope within her. His acceptance of her without expectations and his insecurity of being unworthy of her melts our hearts towards him. Clara's recognition of Benjamin’s merits and pride in his achievements brings them closer. Both can go to extremes for the other and move mountains. A very touching bond that grows between them can be observed and the beauty of it is that it is very simple. At a point they understand each other well enough beyond words and are connected in a special way despite societal disparities in their situations. They do defy the societal norms and expectations in starting to care and feel for each other.


Right from the first moment when they meet while Clara is on the edge and Benjamin saves her from ruining her eternal life, they have some invisible strings that keep pulling them toward each other. The steady growth in their bond is felt in the heart and forms a distinct aspect of the story.


The span of story before they finally come to know of each others identity, where Benjamin mostly, is fighting his feelings and thoughts of the unknown girl who keeps crossing his path and of the girl whom he saved is also interesting. He knows he cannot marry and yet is helpless when it comes to feeling for her.

Overall theirs was a very simple and charming match, which ironically would not have been possible if not for the dire situations of their lives that brought them to the same place.


The ensemble cast...


Characterisation by the author again in this book is interesting. Right from the protagonists to the black sheep Richard, from Tessa and Matilda to Lady Winpoole, and despicable ones like Lord Houghton to loving Aunt Addy, Lord Featherington and even the passing ones like Meg, David and George all are drafted realistically.


Known characters of Nicholas, Lavinia, William Hartwell, Lord and Lady Exeter reappear (though the latter ones only marginally) and we feel like we've known these people forever. The new ones, especially Tessa and Matilda are very cute and I just love their life and love for each other. Also the developments in the lives of Lavinia and Nicholas and Charlotte and William Hartwell are made known, delighting and keeping us connected with them.


The story and the book...


I'm a sea lover, and the first thing to strike me when I started the book was a big part of it was based by the sea in Brighton. I was excited because that element alone earned it some brownie points from me ;p Absolutely loved the scenic descriptions and felt the beauty while perusing the words.

Coming to the story, the plot is not very complicated. It is fairly simple. This book too is fast paced with no time wastage and no word wastage.

The story is engrossing and well thought out. Refreshing as it gives us a new perspective to a previously disliked character to an extent where we can see the beauty in her character and pain in her life and feel for her.

Again, the author is very subtle and not preachy at all. The growth in faith and hope comes out as a natural phenomena rather than a forced acceptance.


To summarize, THE DISHONORABLE MISS DELANCEY IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to lovers of realistic regency romance who are expecting a heartfelt, beautiful, clean historical fiction with a charming heroine, great hero and a touching story of Faith, Hope and Grace.


About the Author...


Carolyn Miller lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia. She is married, with four gorgeous children, who all love to read (and write!).


A longtime lover of Regency romance, Carolyn's novels have won a number of Romance Writers of American (RWA) and American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) contests. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Australasian Christian Writers. Her favourite authors are classics like Jane Austen (of course!), Georgette Heyer, and Agatha Christie, but she also enjoys contemporary authors like Susan May Warren and Becky Wade.


Her stories are fun and witty, yet also deal with real issues, such as dealing with forgiveness, the nature of really loving versus 'true love', and other challenges we all face at different times.


Her books include:


Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace
The Elusive Miss Ellison
The Captivating Lady Charlotte
The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey


A VERY HONEST REVIEW IN EXCHANGE OF A COPY OF THE BOOK.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that all romance novels since Jane Austen are mere copies.


Well, not really. As we know, we are all unique, so our journeys to love are also unique. But many romance novels do offer a conscious or subconscious nod to Austen’s work, and The Dishonourable Miss DeLancey is no exception.

At five-and-twenty, Miss DeLancey is close to being on the shelf. Her marital prospects are not helped by a mama who combines Mrs Bennett’s silliness with Lady Catherine’s snobbery, a brother who has gambled away her dowry, and a father who reminded me of Mr Bennett: intelligent and personable, but influenced by his wife. There are also echoes of Persuasion in the decorated sea captain who was rejected in love when a lowly lieutenant.

Carolyn Miller takes these well-known tropes and gives them new life in The Dishonourable Miss DeLancey, the final book in her Legacy of Grace series—and the best (well, in my view).
Miss DeLancey had the misfortune to fall for someone who didn’t return her regard, and was then humiliated for it. It didn’t help that her brother gambled away her dowry, making it difficult for her to find another suitor. (Yes, there were several times when I thought Richard DeLancey needed to take a long walk off a short pier.)

Ben Kemsley has his own problems. He’s spent most of his prize money caring for the families of the men he captained, especially those who didn’t make it back to England. The Prince Regent has promised him a reward, but Prinny is famously self-centred and how exactly does one ask the Prince of Wales for a promised fortune?

My favourite aspect of Clara DeLancey’s story was the focus on her spiritual journey.
In fact, that was the major focus of the first half of the novel. Clara’s turning point comes when she realises there is more to Christianity than church. She sees the need to change from the dissatisfied person she had been—and the need to put that change in God’s hands. Fortunately, she has her new friends to guide her … new friends with a handsome brother.

I also enjoyed the references to the marine chronometer. I read Longtitude by Dava Sobel many years ago. She explained that we’ve been able to calculate latitude through the position of the stars and sun, calculating longtitude accurately meant having an accurate clock—and one that could remain accurate throughout a long ocean voyage.

I love this kind of mix of fact and fiction, because it was the lack of such a clock caused the shipwreck that made Captain Ben Kemsley a minor Regency celebrity. There were also several scenes set in and around the famed Brighton Pavillion, redecorated by the Prince Regent at great expense and with dubious taste, and I enjoyed this as well.

Overall, an excellent Christian Regency romance with element of suspense. Recommended!
Thanks to Kregel Publications for sending me a free paperback to review.

've had the pleasure of reading all three titles of debut author Carolyn Miller's Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace trilogy since March, thanks to Kregel (and Netgalley in part).
The story has been told with the striking realism and humour the author has established in the previous two works; as well as a genuine treatment of the role of faith in the characters' lives, which does not degenerate into the preachy or contrived. Also, it has to be mentioned, that the cover is simply gorgeous.
A sunrise that would entice the photographer in the family. I'm also coming to appreciate the parts of this book which were set in Brighton, a popular seaside resort in East Sussex. I've only visited the city a handful of times, but I do remember some of the streets named, and its great to come across references to places I have actually been in a book like this. It just allows me to relate to it more.

Lady Clara DeLancey was a relatively minor character who appeared as the antagonist in the two previous titles. Making a hero or heroine out of an antagonist can be a challenge, but I think, in this case, the author has done very well.
The reader cannot help but grow in sympathy for Clara, and the circumstances (often beyond her control) that drove her to her previous deeds. In desperation, she sees the extreme which she has reached and wants to start turning her life around after she strikes up an unlikely friendship with a young woman she meets when her parents retire to their house in Brighton.
Much to the consternation of her family, Tessa Kemsley, the sister in law of the local vicar, is not a highborn Lady, but Clara cannot seem to avoid her, or her brother Benjamin, a former sea captain and war hero: and a man who sees past the facades that the men and women of High Society erect to preserve reputations and hard-won connections. I had one or two quibbles with a couple of parts of the story, a few terms and phrases, and the ending bordered on being a little far-fetched, but nothing major.

I'd heartily recommend this boom and the entire trilogy to anyone who loves Regencies, Inspiration or simply meaningful' historical fiction.
I requested this title as part of the Kregel Blog Tours programme (as well as an ebook version from Netgalley) I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

I’ve been eagerly awaiting this book ever since the glimpse we had of Clara DeLancey in The Captivating Lady Charlotte suggested that there was something redeemable beneath the spoilt and spiteful society miss we have seen so far. And now I can give a sigh of contentment, because this story fulfilled all my hopes. Clara’s journey from resentment and despair through to shame and repentance and then the determination to become a better person was a difficult path to walk, but the opposition she faced along the way only served to make her stronger, and I grew to love her every bit as much as I do Lavinia and Charlotte.

Benjamin Kemsley is a true hero—in the literary and the literal sense! Noble in character if not in title, he has quite the story to tell, but it also left him a cripple and ended his career. The Prince Regent promised him a reward for his heroic actions, but nothing has come of it, and so he finds himself reliant on the generosity of his recently married sister and her husband, and responsible for chaperoning his youngest sister in London society. He can’t help but be drawn to a damsel in distress, but for all his gallantry, he’s the kind of guy who steals your heart quietly: piece by piece, smile by smile.

As with Miller’s other novels, it’s not just the story itself that captures, but the authenticity of the Regency world in which she immerses the reader. I love that we get the rustic side of Regency life as well as the metropolitan, the everyday along with the glitz and glamour, and I love that families are at the heart of her novels—in all their varied and trying glory! (And that’s sometimes very trying, in the case of Clara!) And most of all, I love the way in which her characters are challenged in their faith (or lack thereof), growing step by step, and often by an act of conscious will against their natural inclinations.

There’s no doubt about it; Carolyn Miller has become a must-read author for me, and I can’t wait for the release of her new series in 2018.

Brighton Cliffs England - 1815

Standing at the edge of a cliff in the windblown Brighton Cliffs area, the Honorable Clara Delancey, age 25, is wondering what it would be like to fall and it would all be over. Just as a wind gust nearly pushes her over the cliff, she is caught by Benjamin (Ben) Kemsley. It is serendipitious that he chose that night to walk to the cliffs. After saving the young woman, she runs away before he can learn her name.

Ben lives with his sister and her husband. He has problems with his knee from an injury he received in the war.

Clara has had several unsuccessful seasons and her father has just approved another one for her but has told her she must find a husband this time. Clara is hoping the man who rescued her doesn’t recognize her and he is wondering who she is and if she is troubled.

One day, Clara meets Ben’s sisters and finds them outgoing, yet not knowing their brother is her rescuer. But an invitation to tea is where Clara learns who Ben is.

Both Ben and Clara carry heavy burdens on their souls. Ben blames himself for the wreck of the ship Ansdruther and Clara is very hurt at being rejected by an earl to be his wife. But she is supposed to have done something to “deserve” his treatment but I could never figure that out.

The fight to be accepted by the ton if one does not have some type of title is heavily depicted in this novel. There is so much back and forth backbiting and oneupmanship that I couldn’t help but become confused and bored. I really tried to like this book but it is just not for me. I hope other readers will enjoy it more than I did.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

As we come to the end of a wonderful series, the author has given us remarkable characters and places that take your breath away. I have learned of Earls and other high ranking dignitaries. The scenes have come alive with her vivid writing technique. I have come to love Historical Regency and this series has been a thrill to read. I loved being swept away to ballrooms with the most exquisite gowns and dapper suits.

Clara just does not seem to have any luck in the love department. Her poor mother is beside herself with a scandal that has tainted the DeLancey name. I must say I have not been a big fan of Clara from the other books she was in. With this book, the author redeems Clara and I found myself understanding her more and even had sympathy for her. What is with Clara and gentleman callers? She can’t seem to find anyone interested in her and her mother has had to resort to smelling salts to withstand the disgrace.

After a night of desperation, Clara finds herself rescued by a stranger . Oh how I loved her hero and was so hoping the author was directing the two together in the story. I also loved that Clara found her way to God and gave her hope. Clara meets a wonderful family that helps give her confident in herself. I can’t tell much more about the story, because I want the reader to discover more of the characters on their own. Will Clara find true love? This is one story that illustrated true forgiveness and leaves you with a sense of hope.

“How can I, imperfect thst I am, hold unforgiveness when we’ve all been forgiven so much by One so perfect?”

I received a copy of this book from Kregel Booktours. The review is my own opinion.

Having not read all of the books in the series I know I am missing a bit but you don't have to read the previous books to enjoy this delightful Regency book that is lovely and enjoyable.
This is a book about redemption and I love how the heroine grows and develops throughout the whole book and went from despair to happiness.

The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey (Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace #3) by Carolyn Miller was filled with adventure, plot twists and of course, romance. The book kept me completely engaged the entire time.

It is the third book in the series. Things are mentioned from the first two books and briefly explained but I would recommend reading the other two books first. They are worth it though!

The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey brings back the character Miss Clara DeLancey who has been shunned from society due to her actions and the actions of her rebellious brother.

Heroic Captain Benjamin Kemsley’s generosity outweighs his coffers and even if he were to fall in love, he would not be able to support his wife without title or money.


“For how could a humble sailor ever hope to win a viscount’s daughter”

I love a good Regency novel. I read Carolyn Miller's very first novel, The Elusive Miss Ellison and realized here was a fresh voice in Christian Regency. Each book she was written seems even better than the last! This one is my absolute favorite, especially because the spiritual theme is so powerful. I love it when God speaks to my own heart through fiction.

Miss Clara DeLancey has somehow managed to have her reputation tainted and has moved to Brighton with her family, now without the funds to live their accustomed lifestyle. She becomes very depressed and, as a result of a chance encounter because of that depression, becomes acquainted with a wonderful family, who lead her into a healing relationship with Christ.

Miller's voice is indeed strong in this book and I loved every moment of it. She has a way with a Regency and I love it! Her characters have been created with such a depth that they actually seem quite real to the reader. This one also has more than a little intrigue and a lot of danger. The strong element of forgiveness is also much needed in today's world. Bravo! I highly recommend this one if you're a Regency fan and even if you're not.

*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher via Net Galley. My review is my own and honest opinion.

I have long discovered that Carolyn Miller knows how to masterfully write stories with wonderful character growth and she is surely becoming an author I always look forward to reading.

Clara DeLancey has been raised to be the Belle of society and to find a favorable marriage - which in her parents and society's opinion means money and position. However, she and her family are seen as disgraceful after a serious of unfortunate events and shunned by society, ending all of Clara's chances of an esteemed marriage. Relentless, Clara's parents chose to ignore the nasty comments made towards Clara and her brother and act as if they are still accepted in society, determined to show how their daughter is still able to shine above all. What they don't realize is that their daughter's spirit has been slowly deteriorating, full of anguish because she has learned that there is no joy in living in a façade.

After being neglected so unceremoniously, Clara has trouble to trust and to see value in herself, as well as to let go of the bitterness creeping into her heart towards those who are responsible for her humiliation. But a beacon of hope starts shining in her life when she meets the Kemsley sisters, whose kind but upfront manners challenge Clara to doubt everything she's been raised to believe in. At first, Clara is taken aback by their outspoken and open manner, nonetheless, she will soon find refuge in these sisters born in a class so different from her, but who are gently pointing her to truth and to acceptance. Not to mention their mysterious and handsome brother.

I confess I'm a sucker for redemption stories and I thought Clara's was exceptionally done. The author warmly built up the changes going inside her heart without making it seem easy or without its challenges and doubts. This made the story relatable and tangible. In fact, Clara's journey became more relevant for today's society than I expected it to be. How is it possible not to understand a character who longs so profoundly for acceptance and hope? Who has had her share of broken dreams but is trying to find her way back?

And I can't even begin to say how much I enjoyed the secondary characters. They brought humor with their wit and sardonic personalities. And don't get me started of how wonderfully they would come to stand for each other! Trust me when I say this book is NOT only about Clara's redeeming story.

Oh, did I mention you'll get to see Prinny a bit disconcerted? If you want to find out what I mean you'll have to read this book ;-)
It was a wonderful addition to the series <3

I found this book to be a traditional historical romance. I enjoyed the writing, the characters and the plot line. I have it only 4 stars because I have read so many stories that are so similar.

"The Dishonorable Miss Delancey" is a Christian historical novel set in 1815 in England. It's the third book in the series. While the book can be read as a stand-alone, Miss DeLancey has had a notable role in the previous two novels. This story referred back to those events but did not provide much detail. The reader might understand Clara's behavior better if they've read the previous stories.

Clara can't understand what's so wrong with her that the man she loved (and she thought liked her) so thoroughly rejected her. Now that her dowry money has gone to pay off her scandalous brother's gambling debts, no man seems interested in offering for her hand. Gossip says she's desperate and misconstrues everything she does as dishonorable. Her parents still intend for her to marry someone of rank, so the kind brother of her new female friends may enjoy her company but doesn't have a chance.

While Clara and Ben seem well-suited to each other, the focus wasn't really on them falling in love. Rather, the story was about Clara changing as she learned to forgive and bless the people she resented. The characters developed and grew as events unfold. Ben rescued Clara from danger (ranging from kidnapping to assault) several times, and Clara attempted to help Ben by using her remaining influence. The author wove details about the period and the places into the story.

Part of Clara's transformation included growing closer to God and praying blessings on others. There was no bad language or sex. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable story.