I really enjoyed this book. It really reminded me of Jane Austen’s books. I really liked the characters in this story. There were times that I wanted to tell them to stop being so stubborn. I’m happy with the way this book ended. It was well written. I read most of it in one sitting. I’m looking forward to the next book!

4.5 stars

Blissful sigh. Can that be enough of a bottom line? Because that’s all I wanted to do after I closed the book. Stare dreamily off into the distance and sigh blissfully at the delightful Persuasion-esque romance I’d just read. Catherine and Jonathan are both steady of character and strong in faith, yet societal expectations and hurt feelings keep them from having the one conversation that would have made this a very short story indeed. Which is fine with me, because that means I got to enjoy a deliciously written (full length) novel that brims with wit and swoony moments. I also love how Miller gives us both perspectives – Catherine’s and Jonathan’s – as suppressed emotions run high and hearts are laid on the line. Along with the sweet-swoon factor, there is just enough humor, flirtation, and cheekiness to keep a smile on your face from cover to cover! A must-read for fans of Austen, Heyer, Klassen, and Ladd!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

I love Ms. Miller's work! I love the detail that she gives to each of her characters as well as to the setting of the books. This book is no different! With this book I was instantly pulled to the heart of the story, taken to Regency era England, and on to a roller coaster ride of fun. Ms. Miller's writing style grips the reader and makes them feel like the book was meant just for them. Throw in some inspiring messages, and you've got a 4 star read, all the way! Well done, Ms. Miller!

~Guest Reviewer, Becca K. at Cafinated Reads
I received a copy of this book from Kregel Publications through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Miss Catherine Winthrop has a big heart, she cares about her father's tennents, and befriends many of them. But when her father dies they find out the sad state of their financial affairs. Catherine and her mother must move into a smaller dwelling, also in sad disrepair. Catherine tries to see the bright side, and shoulders much of the responsibility, she is glad to have a friend in Lavinia, who encourages her in her faith.

When a man comes back into her life from her past, could he be the answer to their problems?

There were many characters, with a lot of character growth with Catherine. But as a whole the book was rather slow moving, with little dialog between the main characters, and it was hard feel hope that things might improve for her dire situation. Catherine is a true heroine, kind, loyal, true and definitely long suffering, and she was the only character that I really liked. Personally this wasn't for me, even though I have enjoyed other books by this author in the past.

One things that's evident when reading this author's books is that she REALLY loves the Regency period. She really drew me into the regency world, from the description of the clothing to the atmosphere to the dialogue to the etiquette. I could not turn the pages quickly enough. You will not be disappointed with this rich in historical detail novel set in Bath, Regency England. You'll be enriched reading about new characters while enjoying reuniting with characters in past books. Then first in the A Promise of Hope series I look forward to the next book.
Pub Date 27 Mar 2018
I received a complimentary copy from Kregel Publications through NetGalley. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.

Another well written book during the Regency era. I enjoyed the etiquette lessons. I am thankful they are not in practice today! I have come to enjoy the writings of this author very much. Miss Winthrop is a character who shows perseverance is needed. And that wagging tongues of the day are not always what one should base their reputations upon. I liked her character. I like how previous characters are inter woven into the story. I look forward to many more enjoyable reads from and Miller. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, all opinions stated are my own.

Ahh, Winning Miss Winthrop is a historical story penned with love and loss and second chances. The feel that the writer puts into describing the scenes is spot on. From the amazing estates to the gardens to the dresses... She engages the reader in all the 5 senses. The love story that intertwines its way through it is breath-taking. Having just finished, I think I'll go have a spot of tea and dream about Bath. Way to go on this one and I can't wait to read book 2 when it comes out.

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

If you like Jane Austin then this one is for you. Carolyn Miller's beautiful prose conveys her readers to the world of Regency England filled with rich historical detail and charm.

Persuasion is not my favourite Jane Austen novel. I find it frustrating, because the problems faced by the hero and heroine could be solved by one simple conversation. Unfortunately, Jane Austen lived in a society where men and women were unable to speak plainly to each other. That meant Persuasian's hero and heroine spent most of the book at odds, even though they had mutual feelings towards each other.

Winning Miss Winthrop is loosely based on Persuasion, and has the same central trope.

Two years ago, Miss Catherine Winthrop fell in love with her third cousin once removed, Jonathan Carlew. She thought the feeling was mutual, but he abandoned her. Now she is twenty-five years old, at home, and on the shelf. But things are about to get complicated.

Her father dies, and instead of the estate going to the expected heir, it goes to Jonathan Carlew. Catherine and her mother are forced to leave their home and move into the Dower House, with a much-reduced income.

What follows is a frustrating yet enaging read as Catherine and Jonathan have to face up to being in the company of the other, both believing the other to have been at fault in the demise of their earlier relationship. Matters are not helped by Catherine‘s mother, the Dowager Lady Winthrop, who makes Elizabeth Bennett’s mother appear intelligent and self sacrificing.

There is lots of great writing, much of which centres around Catherine's frustration over her situation. There are also some welcome cameos from characters in her earlier series.

As usual, Carolyn Miller's is writing is spot on for the period and location. Her locations come alive, and she captures the manners of the Regency period perfectly, while introducing a rare spiritual depth. Miller's writing is full of the wit and subtext present in other Regency novelists such as Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer. And now I'm anxiously awaiting Miss Serena's Secret, the second book in the series.

Recommended for all Regency romance lovers.

Thanks to Kregel and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

Carolyn Miller burst onto the Regency romance scene just last year but she’s already published her fourth book. Technically, Winning Miss Winthrop is the start of a new series, The Promise of Hope. Readers familiar with Miller’s work, however, will recognize characters from the previous books – especially Nicholas and Lavinia.

One theme common to all of Miller’s novels is the overbearing mama. Sometimes they are snobbish, wanting the best match for their offspring that society can provide, regardless of the child’s choice. Sometimes, past events have impacted how they see the world. Here we have the Dowager Lady Winthrop who’s been engaged in a permanent pity party ever since her husband died. She also refuses to adapt to a new lifestyle, which is somewhat less to what she has been accustomed. The new Lord Winthrop tries his best to ensure mother and daughter are comfortable but is spurned at every turn. He remains dignified, even in the face of scandal that threatens everyone.

Winning Miss Winthrop is a quietly enjoyable novel. I didn’t feel the tension I’d felt in previous novels and there are no life or death scenes here either. If anything, Winning Miss Winthrop serves as a starting point for the next two books, as well as entertaining readers with the continued lives of previous characters. There is a small family tree at the start of the book. I would definitely appreciate a character list, however, and perhaps also information regarding which book they first appeared in. There are still those two more books to come in this trilogy, and a further three are expected next year.

Thank you to Kregel Publications for my complimentary electronic copy of Winning Miss Winthrop which I downloaded from NetGalley.

Catherine Winthrop, daughter of a baron, rejects the love of her life, a certain merchant and distant relative named Johnathan. A shared kiss three years prior leaves both of them affected. When Catherine's father dies and no one realizes the extent of the damage the deceased Baron perpetuated to his holdings, Johnathan is forced to take over the Winthrop estate even if he feels inadequate to the task. Meanwhile, Catherine and her resentful mother descend into genteel poverty. Love seems impossible. Catherine longs for Johnathan and never realizes that he longs for her. This faith-filled novel is delightful--full of misunderstandings and strict societal expectations. Catherine teeters into ruin when an elderly general pays far too much attention to her during a stay at Bath. Johnathan finds himself in a predicament of wanting to help Catherine yet unable to do much. Worse, he can't forget her or move on. Catherine has plenty to worry about. An older woman, she has limited time to make a decent match. She feels no one will want her now and since her heart is linked to Johnathan, she struggles to move forward. Yet, the trip to Bath proves plenty of men are interested in her. Like any regency, there is plenty of inner angst masqued with impeccable manners. Social follies and judgment nearly drive the two apart, but love manages to find a way. 4/5 stars for a sweet romance. I was provided this novel by NetGalley in exchange for a review. My opinions are my own.

Winning Miss Winthrop by Carolyn Miller

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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Story Notes

Carolyn Miller delivers a new Regency era story to her fans with this first volume in her Promise of Hope series that carries the essence of Jane Austen while telling a story that is fresh and delightful.

Oh Regency era how we love to read about you! I know of very few true readers who don’t find the Regency era of time to be fascinating in every way, shape and form. There were so many discoveries made, medical practices introduced and fashions created that still linger to this day that I believe it is one of the most influential times in history. It is also the most often written about time period and given that authors can find it difficult to write a new story that will appeal to their readers. I have found that Ms. Miller seems to lack this trouble as she brings new stories out with quiet regularity that spark the imagination and make me wish I were headed to the Pump rooms of Bath to be entertained by a famous singer or participate in a dance. Ms. Miller’s latest story is no exception as she took the simple plot of two people whose love was torn apart by misunderstanding and creates a well developed story that takes the plot far beyond simple. Catherine Winthrop has lost her beloved father and with him the home she has always known. Her mother has fallen into an exaggerated depression and has left poor Catherine the responsibility of dealing with all arrangements to be made – the hardest of which will be the move out of their home. She is hoping to make her escape before the new Lord Winthrop makes an appearance but it seems that is not to be. To make matters worse, the new Lord Winthrop is none other than Jonathan Carlew, the man who shattered her heart and has become the object of her deepest loathing. Jonathan has always had trouble finding social acceptance given his birth and close connections to trade. Lacking the pedigree deemed worthy of invitations from the best families in the area, Jonathan has made it his life’s work to do the very best with what he has and charm his way into the good graces of those who could help him succeed in his endeavors. Years before, when he met Catherine Winthrop, he lost his heart completely and was determined to marry her, no matter that everyone said they didn’t suit. But when Catherine’s father convinces him that she was only faking her love to have a good time and a constant escort until she found someone more suitable, Jonathan breaks off their relationship and goes to India to improve his business acumen. Never knowing why Jonathan left her and smarting keenly over his refusal to even acknowledge her letters, Catherine determined to never give her heart so willingly again. But years have passed and Jonathan has been named heir to the baronetcy of Winthrop, putting him squarely in her world once again. The story that follows is one in which I found myself wishing I could have participated. The hurt and bitterness that both Catherine and Jonathan still carry perpetuates the misunderstanding between them, making for both sad and hilarious happenings. Their attempts to keep from meeting or speaking to each other are entertaining to say the least and they are both so stubborn they cannot imagine that they may have been mistaken all those years ago. But as circumstances continue to decline for Catherine and her mother once they have moved from the manor house, they will have no choice but to relocate to Bath, introducing a whole new set of problems. As they are now in very reduced circumstances, many of society’s doors will now be closed to them without good friends to make it otherwise. Catherine finds solace in the company of her friend Lavinia, Lady Hawksbury, who refuses to allow her friend to become a hermit and gains invitations to the best of parties. But Catherine is not ready to find a new beau and accepts the kind escort of General Whitby, a much older gentleman who is one of her aunt’s closest friends. His presence ensures she is well looked after and even gives rise to the idea that she is once again a desirable marriage partner. Jonathan and his family, arrive in Bath some time after Catherine’s departure from Gloucestershire, and the rumors swirling around about Catherine and the General take Jonathan by surprise. Although he is currently expected to make a match with the wealthy Miss Beauchamp, he finds himself more than a bit jealous of Catherine’s new “conquest”. Hoping to prove he is over his former love, Jonathan will go out of his way to look happy to all around him. The problem is, the more he tries, the more miserable he becomes. But vicious rumors will soon be spoken that will require Jonathan to decide if he will forgive his mistaken idea of Catherine’s antipathy and go after the love he has looked for all along. Catherine will have to find courage in herself to fight for what she wants in life and not let others dictate who she is and who she can love. Together they will find love they are seeking and the forgiveness they didn’t know they needed. This story had so many moving pieces it was hard at times to keep them all straight. But as the story went on, Ms. Miller carefully dissected each piece of information and ensured all questions were answered. It was interesting to see how the character of each person was grown as they worked through the circumstances they were handed. There was much bitterness and resentment that stemmed from a misunderstanding that had to be addressed before forgiveness could be extended. How very like Jonathan and Catherine we all are, often forgetting to question whether what is said about someone is actually true or just fits someone’s narrative. Trust is a precious treasure that should be valued and treated with respect. Often, we find ourselves questioning our trust in someone just because of what someone else says about them – never pausing to question the motives of the person speaking. Ms. Miller explored this idea as well as the concept of hateful speech to show that words have power if we give them such and we must be careful not to let others make our decisions for us. Ms.Miller’s quiet way of weaving the love of God and His forgiveness of our mistakes into her story was also very well done. I love when a story has characters whose relationship with God has matured enough that they include open and realistic prayer in their though processes. I find my connection with them is better than those who lack such a relationship and I often find myself asking if I am guilty of doing what that character has realized they’ve done. I will most certainly be recommending this book to others as well as the entire series. I am hoping to read the next stories very soon as they are already listed for pre-order. Serena and Henry’s story looks to be a hilarious story that is not to be missed.

I received this E-book free of charge from Kregel Publications via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation from either company for this review.

Carolyn Miller hits another home run with Winning Miss Winthrop. The book is superbly written, the plot is completely engaging, the characters are so real and lovable, and the steady thread of faith and prayer in the story adds more depth and dimensions to the characters and their lives. Anyone who enjoys a good Regency romance will love this book.

This book has more action in the storyline than her novels in the Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace series. Still, the author's trademark of revealing and carrying the plot through witty, fun, and clever dialogue amongst the characters and heart-wrenching emotional inner monologue of the two main characters shines brilliantly in this book that starts the new series Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope. And, indeed, the hope that cannot be extinguished propels the main characters through many adversities.

Catherine is a baron's daughter, now penniless and destitute after the death of her father. She is resilient, though, and works hard to get rid of bitterness, selfish ambition, and conceit even in the midst of unbearable trials. She has an admirable spirit and patience and compassion which are quite inspiring. And yet, she harbors heartache and loss that grabbed my heart at every turn. Jonathan is a merchant's stepson who unwittingly inherits the title of barony and its lands as well as the debts of his predecessor. He and Catherine have a history full of misunderstanding, angst, and meddlesome family members. Jonathan is a loyal, faithful, intelligent, studious, and industrious man but does have a temper and a tendency to judge too quickly, As their lives converge and collide, both Catherine and Jonathan must mature in their faith and perspective if they are to find true fulfillment.

I so enjoyed this first installment in Carolyn Miller's novels of hope. I cannot wait for the second book which will feature Catherine's younger sister Serena. And the third book is to be about Jonathan's half-sister Julia, which should be very interesting!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. I was not required to write a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own and subjective.

The two main characters, Jonathan and Catherine, tell the story of Winning Miss Winthrop. I have seen this done well and I’ve seen it done poorly. In this story, I loved seeing the way each of the characters saw the situations, especially the vastly different ways they saw Jonathan’s mother.

I was touched by Catherine’s plight – the way she lost her home to the man she lost her heart to and then had to watch as he began to court another woman. The circumstances that separated Jonathan and Catherine and continued to draw them together and yet keep them apart made sense.


This review was originally posted on AmongTheReads.net


I would like to thank Netgalley for giving me this item. My opinion and review were not influenced by this gift.

In a delightful Downton Abbey meets Pride and Prejudice mashup, Miller weaves a story with everything we love about Lizzie Bennet and Mr. Darcy in a Matthew and Mary Crawley-esque drama with rich layers and depth!

Catherine Winthrop is a simply enchanting heroine. She is compassionate and kind, loyal, devoted, and long-suffering. Jonathan Carlew is an upright man of faith and integrity. His compassion for everyone in his care is admirable.

Although lovers’ spats based almost solely on miscommunication tend to rub me the wrong way, the strict etiquette of the Regency era and the unexpected demise of the responsible party in this instance earn this charming story a pass. Winning Miss Winthrop raises the bar for Regency romance with depth and intrigue to spare and I highly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Winning Miss Winthrop
Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope #1
By Carolyn Miller

Catherine Winthrop's world has just been upended - with her father's death, she along with her mother and sister find themselves find themselves in a new role. No longer the daughter of the estate as the lands and title have passed on to a third cousin. But to Catherine's shock the cousin that none knew would be inheriting is the very man who broke her heart years ago. To find herself in this position is most disheartening as he was the only man to pay her any attention that she returned. But years have passed with no word from Jonathan Carlew.

Jonathan doesn't relish his sudden elevation in society. For years rumors about his parentage followed him and most of society shunned him for this mark. The one lady to capture his heart was also the one to break it. Finding himself as the newly named head of the Winthrop family is not a position Jonathan sought and finding himself so close to Catherine and the disdain of the rest of the family is almost more than he can bear. But Jonathan has his father's stubborn pride and it is about to stand him in good stead as he faces his greatest pain.

As Catherine and Jonathan come to terms with their new situations they have to confront the pain that has become part of the lives. But will the grief of the past keep them from healing and a second chance? When a new tragedy befalls them will it give them the chance they both need or will it further drive them apart?

Those who enjoyed Carolyn Miller's previous Regency Bride series will enjoy this new series that begins with this book. Some of the previous series characters make appearances which allows the reader to see how their lives have progressed. Fans of Regency period books will want to pick up this one. The subtle societal expectations that can make or ruin a reputation are on full display when a trip to Bath is undertaken in the hopes of economizing the Winthrop expenses while allowing Catherine and her mother time away from their old life.

I was provided a digital review copy of this book by the publisher Kregel with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

#WinningMissWinthrop #NetGalley

publisher synopsis: Catherine Winthrop has cried out to God too many times to count. Years ago, the man who stole her heart rejected her--and she's never recovered. Now tragedy has brought him back into her life. This time it isn't her heart he's taking, it's her home and her family's good name--and she has no one to share her grief.

Jonathan Carlew's life may look enviable from the outside--wealthy, handsome, landed--but the mystery surrounding his birth has shadowed his entire life. Now as he ascends to the barony, fresh challenges await, including a scheming mama who wants him to embrace power, even at the cost of losing love. How can he remain the kind, honorable man he strives to be and still meet the demands of his new society responsibilities?

These two broken hearts must decide whether their painful past and bitter present will be all they can share, or if forgiveness can provide a path to freedom for the future.

Set in the sumptuous salons of Bath, Regency England's royal breeding ground for gossip, Winning Miss Winthrop is the first volume in Carolyn Miller's new series. Fans of the wholesome and richly drawn first series won’t want to miss this new set of characters.

This book started out slow for me, but bit by bit it enamored me to where it was so hard to put down!! I believe this is the first in this series of books, but there is, perhaps, crossover from a previous series to these new character stories, so it might be advantageous to read the other series as well!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I read Carolyn’s series before this one and loved it. So I couldn’t wait to read this book.

Wow. I think I was drawn into this story more quickly than any other one I have read by her. The characters we fast endeared themselves to me, or irritated me, depending on the character.

You will be swept away into the story of Catherine and Jonathan. It’s funny because for about the first quarter of the book I don’t think they even really spoke to each other and we don’t find out what happen between them for much longer than that.

I highly recommend this one for regency romance lovers, you will not be disappointed in Carolyn’s latest installment.


A copy of this book was given to my through Netgalley.com. All opinions are my own.

Books like Winning Miss Winthrop remind me why Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer have been long-time favourite authors of mine. There’s something about Regency manners (and manors) that appeals to me on a visceral level, but while many modern-day authors are able to dress their stories in an admirable reproduction, few are able to recreate the tone and essence of the era with the kind of authenticity Carolyn Miller displays.

Picking up this book was a bit of a gear shift at first. After inviting me into the characters’ lives through the drama of Catherine’s father’s passing and the ignobility of seeing their beloved home pass into the hands of the man who broke her heart, the story seemed to plateau out a little. There wasn’t a lot of direct contact between Miss Winthrop and Mr Carlew—now the new Lord Winthrop—for the first half of the novel, and it seemed as though the characters were at an impasse. But the story’s web continued to spin, and I found myself settling in to these characters’ lives, enjoying becoming better acquainted with them, and rediscovering that this kind of total immersion in everyday Regency life is exactly what I love so much about Austen and Heyer.

Neither Catherine nor Jonathan are particularly charismatic characters, but the more I got to know them, the more I appreciated the nuances of their characters: Catherine’s generosity and wry wit, and Jonathan’s honourability and steadiness of character. But they have their faults, too, and I loved that a large part of this story focuses on their maturation as individuals—not to mention coming to a point where they could see that those qualities they first loved in each other have been there all along.

Carolyn Miller has a deft touch with secondary characters as well—both the obnoxious and the witty. General Whitby had me laughing out loud on occasion, particularly with some well-placed and typically British set-downs aimed at the overbearing Lady Milton. If you’re a fan of Persuasion, or any Regency novel of a more literary nature, be sure to check this author out.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.

A great read for any Austen fans out there! Carolyn's latest Regency romance is a book you won't want to put down. Due to her father's death, Catherine loses her status and family home. She and her mother move to a small cottage and must learn to make do with much less. The story tells of broken hearts and lost love and the journey to a happy ending.