A stunning beginning to what I expect to be a fantastic series. Miller writes from the heart, and the research and emotion comes out on every page. This book is wonderful.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

What a great book!! I loved how it wasn’t your ordinary regency story. The Winthrop women find themselves almost out on the ear when the husband and father dies. Ending up in a run down dowager house. Katherine is left to care for her complaining mother and a blast from the past shows up. Both heroine and hero struggle with their past. Great characters, great setting and an all around awesome read!!

Blessings,

Karen

Rating: 5 *

I received this book as a gift and all opinions are my own.

What I think you should know:
Winning Miss Winthrop by Carolyn Miller is a Christian Regency Romance. It is set in 1816 England and is the first book in the Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope series. It does contain some characters from Miller’s Legacy of Grace series and give updates on them, if you have not read the series you *might* want to read them as they were great books (Start with The Elusive Miss Ellison)


What I think about this story:
While the plot isn’t extremely original I really enjoyed this book and the details put into it. Miller does a
wonderful job of describing the settings. Catherine was a character that I immediately wanted to have a happy ending. She was gracious in the face of tragedy, I love that she tried to find ways to cope with her reduced status and still held herself to higher standards. Jonathan was a very compelling character. There were many times in the book that I wanted to just make Catherine and Jonathan communicate with each other. The gossips in this book ,like in real life, only made problems worse. I love Miller’s style of writing and how she weaves Faith naturally into the story. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

This was a really good book. Catherine and Jonathan are both flawed characters, but not in a bad way. I felt so bad for Catherine and how her life was changing, but not falling apart. She's had her heart broken and it's hard for it to heal when you have to be around the one who broke it.

The author obviously loves the Regency period and is really good at writing it. She also isn't afraid to openly (not subtly) add faith into her characters daily lives and I really enjoyed that. The story was good. The characters were great. Overall it was a really good read.

4/5.

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Lack of communication breeds prejudice

I like looking for underlying lessons in fiction, it gives it more depth, and my heading says all I need to about what I found.

Now, I don’t know if Ms. Miller did that intentionally, but she slapped us with that point. Lack of communication breeds prejudice. It is laced throughout the story in so many different ways. Miss Winthrop assumed she knew why Mr. Curlew did what he did to her (see me not trying to give it away?). She was wrong. Her mother did the same in regards to his legitimacy. Wrong again. Then, all the other interactions between characters proved the point even more. The only ones NOT assuming was the earl and his wife, Lavinia. Why? Because they asked questions, talked to people, and didn’t jump to conclusions.

I would speak to the beauty of the story, but anyone who filled Back Porch Reads knows I love this author’s books. Instead, pointing out this lesson in a time such as the one we live in now seems more productive.

Conversation MUST be had or we will be like those of the Regency era. When we speculate, assume, and spread lies , we do a great disservice to humanity.

***I was given a copy of the book from the publisher through CelebrateLit.

This is book one of the Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope Series. This is a Christian Historical Romance back in the 1816 era. Catherine is having to deal with a love from the past coming back into her life. Jonathan has an incident happen in his life that brings him back to Barony and back to a past he left. The Winthrop Estate is in need of saving and can he save it? Will Catherine have feelings for him all over again and be able to work around the past? Can they both let forgiveness in and move forward to the future?
If you enjoy Jane Austen and those types of books, you will really enjoy this book. This is a book that has romance, drama and leaves you wanting happiness for Catherine. If you are a historical romance reader, then read this one. It is book one and will leave you wanting book 2 so that you may continue on.......

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR

Catherine Winthrop has just lost her father. They’re having his funeral and family over when they meet the new Lord who takes away their home. Of course, it’s not the man that everyone thought it would be. It’s a different relative that everyone wants to forget about.

Everyone that is except Catherine. And that’s just because she can’t forget about him. Or how much she loved him until he broke her heart. Well, she tries to stop loving him at least.

Sparks are still flying as both feel wronged by the other and Jonathan tries to bring the estate out of the shambles that it has gotten into.

Can the two find out what really drew them apart and see each other for who they have grown up into being? Will they ever become friends and maybe something more? When Charlotte’s reputation is in tatters can Jonathan make it all right again?

I really enjoyed this book. It read quickly and kept me interested. I highly recommend that you give it a read and know that you’ll enjoy it as well.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

Winning Miss Winthrop by author Carolyn Miller is a Christian Regency Historical Romance novel. It is the first book in the author’s new Regency Brides Series, The Promise of Hope. I found it delightful and a wonderful start for the series.

This is the story of Catherine Winthrop. She is a beautiful, caring young woman with a heart for others. Life has not been kind to her. Catherine’s father died leaving financial difficulties for Catherine and her mother. Not only that, but a very distant relative, Jonathan Carlew, is the male heir to inherit his title and things. He and Catherine have a bit of history and now must try to work together.

The author has done exemplary research on this time period. Her detailed writing whirled me back in time to the Regency Age. I could imagine the homes and attire. The dialog sounded authentic. Everything in this novel was perfect.

Ms. Miller has an inviting style of writing. The story was interesting and flowed evenly. Characters were multi-layered and believable. I loved Catherine and thought she would make a nice friend. Some characters were familiar from another book, but it is not required to read that book first.

I adore that the author includes many life and spiritual lessons in her books. In this one I found forgiveness, trusting God, grace, charity, healing, and growing in faith. There is mention of prayer, reading scripture, and devotions. It is so nice to read about Christians in a Christian novel.

I highly recommend this beautiful, sweet regency novel by gifted author Carolyn Miller. It would make all fans of Jane Austen happy as well as any historical fiction buff. It gets a 4 out of 5 star rating from me. A cop was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.

A sweet Regency romance from Carolyn Miller! Winning Miss Winthrop has a great cast of characters and Miller’s writing style is enjoyable. It was quite slow and repetitive, and I definitely wanted more interaction between Jon and Catherine. Much of the story was based off miscommunications, which got to be a bit frustrating, but Miller’s writing kept my attention and I’m excited to read the other books in this series. 3/5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is the first book in her Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope series. Now, I will tell you, you should probably familiarize yourself with the characters in the previous series because they'll make appearances in this story as well. I've only read the first book in the other series. I could tell that I was missing something because the start of this story had me a little befuddled. Like I was missing an entire section of a puzzle. lol

It took me a little while, but pieces started to fall together and the story became more enjoyable. I mean, I enjoyed all of it, but not knowing the history of the characters (I mean, they "must" be in the previous series?) made it a little difficult to get engrossed in the story. Once I did, I was loving it!

Catherine is our heroine in the story. This poor, young woman has to endure SO much. The start of the story sets the tone for her current life. And her mother. I'm not ashamed to say I'd like to have slapped that woman silly on numerous occasions. How anyone could suffer her presence was beyond me. And the fact that no one was willing to put her in her place...?! Kudos to the author's writing for helping me not like Lady Winthrop. lol In fact, the author has skill in writing women who are easy to dislike. hahahaha

And then there's Jonathan Carlew. I liked him. I mean, I was already on Catherine's side when the story started, but I was willing to give him a chance... sort of. I actually started feeling sorry for him every time he was in the presence of Lady Winthrop. Heck, I felt bad for anyone who had to be within a mile radius of her. lol

There's a LOT to this story, but when the characters make their way to Bath, I was introduced to one of my favorite characters in the story - the General. He befriends Catherine when everyone else decides gossiping is what should be done. And I love how snarky he is. He and I would've been wonderful friends! I also enjoyed her Aunt Drusilla, Lady Winthrop's younger sister. She was considerate of her sister to a point and then just spoke her mind. FINALLY! hahahaha

Catherine and Jonathan, for the most part don't spend much time together and when they do, it's really uncomfortable. They both have opposing views (which aren't discussed) as to how and why their relationship ended. The ensuing years they haven't seen each other have only reinforced their pain and sadness. Of course they run in the same circles so they end up seeing each other in Bath.

A couple of crises hit at almost the same time which forces both of them to look at themselves and each other in a way neither expect. Whew, these two! I'm ready for book two in the series because... hello Carmichael. He's one of Jonathan's friends and he and Catherine's sister, Serena are already at odds.

I found this to be a fun read, I've really enjoyed all the historical novels by Carolyn Miller that I've had the privilege of reading.
Catherine Winthrop is a heroine you can't help but loving. The whole storyline of this book, Catherine having to face once again the man she once loved above all others, and try to come to grips with this, without having her heart broken again...well, this line is done quite nicely.
And then there's the hero, Jonathan Carlew. He was Catherine's first love. I would've loved to hear more of their backstory, and why their relationship didn't work out (or maybe it's just that I read my way through this story so quickly I didn't catch all the details), but it is obvious right from the beginning that they both still cared for each other.
And now, they once again have to live in close proximity. Mr. Carlew was the heir to take over Catherine's home, Winthrop Manor, after the death of her father. This forced Catherine and her mother to relocate to a much smaller home, and brought about much difficulty, especially for her mother.
The author beautifully weaves in heart issues Catherine must face. Loss, grief, losing faith in one's father, and more. Catherine's personality is shown with surprising depth, and my heart went out to her. I did enjoy how seeing the problems she faced helped the story develop.
I did not find the ending too surprising, but I enjoyed reading the journey to the end. If you enjoy historical fiction, I recommend this book!
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

If you are fan of Jane Austen (like I am) you will definitely enjoy this story. The author definitely knows her Regency Era and writes it perfectly. I was immediately drawn by the picturesque setting and all the descriptive detail. The characters were intriguing and well written. The story had some mystery and the tension in the romance just kept you reading!

Catherine has lost her father and because of this her mother and her find out that her father and husband has really left them basically nothing. He has gambled all their monies and has some questionable morals that people enjoy gossiping about. Top top it all of the person inheriting the estate is none other than Carlew which just happens to be Catherine's former love. Somehow there has been a miscommunication between them and they both hold these resentments toward each other on how things were left.

The characters were definitely endearing while some like her mother you couldn't help to chuckle at. You will either love her or love to dislike her. If you have ever seen the Pride and Prejudice movie with Colin Firth... she definitely reminded me of Mrs. Bennett! Always complaining about something, never satisfied with the outcome.

I really enjoyed this story my only complaint is that the romance seemed to lag... I just wanted them to make some progress a little earlier. I mean, it definitely made for good anticipation but still... I definitely would of enjoyed a little bit more of Carlew and Catherine together! He definitely falls into my swoon worthy category! The ending was good and it definitely left it open for other character's stories. I can't wait to hopefully see these characters again but to see what happens to the rest of them!

Overall it was a great story and if you like the writing of Austen, Klassen and Ladd then you will also enjoy this author and I recommend you grab one of her books!

I received this book for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Winning Miss Winthrop is the first book in the Regency Brides: A Promise to Hope series by Carolyn Miller. This is a sweet story of Catherine Winthrop as she helps serves others despite the situations life has given her. After the death of her father, the truth of their financial situation comes out as she and her mother are forced to move into a small cottage. Even this little cottage was left to deteriate under her father's care. With her father's passing, the home and title of Lord Winthrop passes to a very distant relative, Jonathan Carlew. Catherine and Jonathan have a past that they are now forced to work through to move forward.
This is an enjoyable story to get lost on. The story is a story of strength and faith. Catherine loses so much in such a short time and quickly becomes the one her mother leans on. Yet even in time of despair, she is there for others. The story is well written with well introduced character and very descriptive. I could almost see the rundown conditions of the cottage as well as the main home and could see the fields Catherine walked through to help others.
I voluntarily reviewed this story which was provided by NetGalley and Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review.

*Thank you to Netgalley and Kregel Publications for giving me a copy of the book for an honest review*

Oh my gosh I loved this book so much! Why did I not start reading historical fiction much sooner? I could hardly put the book down since starting it!

This story follows Catherine Winthrop, a young woman who loses her father who was Lord Winthrop. This resulted in her one true love from years ago becoming the new Lord of Winthrop manor, which broke her heart as she had never truly recovered from the heartbreak of the past. The story follows the two characters, Catherine and Jonathan, trying to each gain a happiness in life whilst dealing with the gossip of society. Also, trying to ignore the ache they feel for each other every time they see one another.

I really enjoyed this book, and the writing style of Carolyn Miller. The story was simple, yet I couldn't stop reading as it was very addictive. Some characters were frustrating, some were unbearable - but this just made the story more entertaining.

I have rarely experienced frustration as I did with Catherine and Jonathan. I just wanted to reach into the book and shove them together to get them to talk! And once they finally did, I was so so relieved and giddy. In the final few chapters I was smiling so much! This was a genuinely lovely story that had its ups and downs, but I really enjoyed it nonetheless.

Winning Miss Winthrop was an okay read. It actually took a while to read, as it wasn't really interesting through most of the book, although it got better near the end. Jonathan and Catherine had been sweethearts three years ago, but because her father didn't approve, they were discouraged from seeing one another, and misunderstanding took place. After her father died, Jonathan becomes the new Lord Winthrop, putting them in the same vicinity of each other, though neither knows how the other is feeling. Each becomes engaged to others before they even know the other still has deep feelings for each other. In the end they do have a happy ending, but it takes a while to get there. Good clean, story, but definitely not my favorite.

Winning Miss Winthrop is the first book from the Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope series by Carolyn Miller. I thought this was such a wonderful story. Catherine Winthrop and Jonathan Carlew were quite the pair of the tale and I enjoyed their chemistry. Catherine is a character that I believe many readers will be able to relate to like I did. I love how there was an element of hope, faith and inspiration within the pages.

I am giving Winning Miss Winthrop a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy Regency era clean romance. I look forward to reading the next installment from the Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope series, Miss Serena's Secret. I have no doubt it will be as good as this one.

I received Winning Miss Winthrop from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

I did not like this book. It was so DULL!

The whole story revolved around lack of communication and ego. The two characters refused to even look in each others direction for months!

I really felt sorry for Catherine's situation. She lost her father, her home, her status and had to live in close confines in a shabby cottage in the same village while knowing the man who inherited it all was also the same person who shattered her hearts years ago. She was bitter but did her best to rise above it. Jon was also a good character but for goodness sake. There was so much internalizing. And wasting time! Mine as well as Miss Beauchamp's!

I just couldn't stand that the story was revolving around her and Jon avoiding each other. When they did speak, the conversations were short, acerbic and misleading. There's only so much misinterpretation a book should have, but it was everywhere. Catherine and Jon, Catherine and the general, Catherine and Hale.

There was thankfully some change when she moved to Bath, but again became bogged down with gossip and procrastination.

I just wanted this book to finish and found myself skipping paragraphs to reach the end.

**I received a copy of this book from Netgalley for a fair and honest review**

God reminded me through this book that although situations may look hopeless and dead, he causes dry bones to live (Ezekiel 37:1-5) and the dead to rise (John 12:1). Just when we think things are over and we have hit rock-bottom, God steps in and takes over. This is where we find our hero and heroine.

Tragedy has struck in Catherine Winthrop's life, and her future seems bleak. She has been displaced from her home and taken from all she has ever known. Just as she has given up on everyone and everything, Jonathan Carlew (our hero) strolls back into her life. He is a merchant's son and a war hero who has just received a title and lands. Jon is just as bitter and disillusioned. Instantly recognizing each other old feelings flood back to the surface. But unforgiveness is heavy between them, and the grief from their long-ago breakup is still fresh. It's going to take courage and a lot of help from the Lord to come together once more and love again.

When I first picked up this book, I thought it would be a run-of-the-mill regency, but how wrong I was. It was beautifully written and also encouraged me in my Christian walk. The storyline was so potent, and as a whole, Catherine and Jon were an intense combination. The writer did an amazing job building tension even when nothing was said. Carolyn also did an exceptional job keeping the speech and dialogue authentic to the times. I never felt that I was reading a book where people from modern times had fallen into the pages of the book. With that being said, for any Jane Austen enthusiasts or anyone who loves good regency, this is for you.
Overall, this has been one of the most enjoyable books I have read recently. So glad I read it, and I look forward to more Catherine Miller.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

This is the first book I’ve read of Carolyn Millers, and it definitely won’t be the last. This first story in the Regency Brides Series centers around Carherine Winthrop and someone who broke her heart many years ago. Jonathan Carlew is back in the picture, only this time it is to take the home of Catherine and her family after the loss of their dad. Tension flies around the house as the new Lord Winthrop takes over, bringing his snooty mother with him. I can’t say that I like the new Lord Winthrop’s mother, but what’s a book without a snooty, know it all character!

This is an amazing and fun story to read. I did feel bad for Catherine and her sister, but their mom is just too needy! She needs to get over living off every else’s money and accept life as it is for her. But sadly that won’t happen. She has lived her lifestyle too long to change.  I did enjoy Catherine and Jon and their tension and their relationship, so as it was, throughout the story. Jonathan is a good man, one that everyone it after because of his money. But though he is generous, he is also very businesslike and level headed with money. I enjoyed all of the characters, and how well they developed throughout the story. Ms. Miller does an amazing job of weaving everything together in the end.

All in all, I loved this Regency story of love and restoration! And I can’t wait for the next story in this series, Miss Serena’s story. I received this book from Kregel Publishers to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Every so often, I enjoy a good Regency romance. This title did not disappoint.

While some aspects of the storyline are predictable, I enjoyed watching the characters realize that what they thought was truth really wasn't.