It took me a bit to warm up to Henry. Serena had been through a lot and I loved the changes he had to earn her love. Serena was wonderful. I loved her love for painting and how it brought choices. The author does a wonderful job with keep the romantic tension high and fun. I loved how faith was a theme throughout.

This book is a great clean regency read!! Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!!

Synopsis: How can a wounded young woman ever trust a too-flirtatious earl with her heart?
With devastating scars in her past, Serena Winthrop is sure no man can be trusted—especially not a man like the too-smooth Viscount Carmichael. His reputation as a flirt and a gambler is everything she despises. And the young artist makes sure that this disreputable heir to an earldom knows of her deep disapproval whenever they encounter one another.

Henry, Lord Carmichael, is perfectly aware of his charms. He's gambled with plenty of ladies' hearts as easily as he has with their husbands' money. But lately he's wondered if there's more to life—and if his actions might prove unworthy of an admirable wife such as his friends have found.

When Serena's guardian asks his best friend to protect his young ward, Henry promises to be on his best behavior and not woo her. But the more he learns of her, the more he realizes she might be his best reason for changing his character.

Then the lady's art leads her to London infamy. Now Henry must choose between the life mapped out for him as the earl apparent and the love of his life. And Serena's secret may mean the end of his titled family line.

This is a sweet Christian regency story. It’s the 2nd book in a series but can be read as a stand alone, too. I actually enjoyed this story a lot more than the first book about Catherine (Serena’s older sister).
There was more interaction between Serena and Lord Carmichael, which I always enjoy. The progression of feelings moved at a slow but believable pace.
My only complaints were that they were very vague about what had happened to Serena in the beginning and her ailment that came from it. After finishing the book, I’m still not quite sure what happened. Also, there is a lot of drama around a painting and the whole premise seemed a bit silly and unrealistic that it would cause that much drama.
Other than that, though, I enjoyed the story and the characters and I’m sure I’ll read the next book about Julie, too.
Review will be on my blog end of May.

In the 1800's, a woman's journey into the art world was difficult to accomplish. Her art would only have been seen as a hobby and not up to par with the men. This novel, Miss Serena's Secret by Carolyn Miller, is the story of Miss Serena Winthrop who has a growing talent for art, but is also trying to protect her scarred heart from the opposite sex that would only use her to their advantage. When Serena meets Viscount Lord Henry Carmichael, she determines not to be seduced by his cunning charm. But after seeing a completely different side of him while visiting his family estate, she begins to wonder if there ever could be anything between the two of them.
The Viscount has an ugly past that is finally catching up with him. After meeting Serena, Henry knows he would never be good enough for her. Will the longing of his heart ever go away?

I thought that this book continued the story line well, and I liked that Lavinia and Nicholas Hawkesbury (from A Legacy of Grace series) showed up in the story too. This story included more of the evil intentions of man's heart than the first book. And it also addresses some of the prejudice against women during this time period. I liked reading about the art of the time and seeing how Serena grew as an artist in spite of adversity. I also liked the way the author conveyed the change in the characters lives as God orchestrated trials which were out of their control to bring them closer to Himself. And the author's use of Scripture was encouraging. I'm looking forward to picking up the next book in the series, The Making of Mrs. Hale.

***I received this e-book from Kregel Publications through Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

What a fun book set in the Regency era. This book is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone. I especially enjoyed this story about Serena. She loves to paint and I do to! I thought the characters were interesting and well written. There was only one or two spots I had trouble picturing the scenery described but overall it was easy to follow. I liked how Carolyn Miller weaved important truths of forgiveness, second chances and hope in spite of difficult circumstances. I think the readers can learn along with the characters these important lessons.

I recommend this book to my family and friends.

I received this book from the publisher to read and give my honest opinion.

The title is a little misleading.
Miss Serena actually has several secrets. These combine to persuade her that she will never marry. She will especially not marry a man like her father, a gambler who lost their fortune at the tables. So she is not impressed when she meets gambler and womaniser Lord Henry Carmichael.

This is a sweet and slow love story. It’s not the romance novel where we meet the hero and heroine and wham bam they’re together. Instead, both characters have plenty of time to get to know each other and to change—to mature into people who are able to fall in love and contemplate marriage.

Miss Serena is an artist, and her art plays a key part in the novel. I’m no painter, but I loved the painting references—the colours, the techniques, and the little upset at the Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition.

Regency romance has had a resurgence of popularity in recent years, but many of the general market novels have a lot of sex and not much Christian faith—which seems at odds with the period. So it’s good to see more Regency romance coming out of the Christian market, from authors such as Julie Klaassen, Kristi Ann Hunter, and now Carolyn Miller.

Miss Serena’s Secret is Carolyn Miller’s fifth novel, and the second in her Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope series. If you’ve read the others, you’ll enjoy catching up with some of the characters from the previous stories. If you haven’t, don’t worry: this is a standalone novel.

Recommended for Regency romance fans.

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

I absolutely adored this book and series by Carolyn Miller! Serena and Henry are easily likeable characters that pull you in and do not let go. The thing I like most about them is that not only do they work well together, they are fine on their own as well. This book is full of fun, laughter, surprise and adventure!

Carolyn Miller is a fabulous author of Regency fiction. I’ve enjoyed every one of her books, and this one might be my favorite to date. She treats Serena’s “secret” with dignity and respect,. While it plays a part in the development of Serena’s character in this story, the author did not sensationalize it to the detriment of the rest of the storyline. I loved Serena’s charcter: strong and spirited, yet vulnerable; a woman of faith trusting God for a somewhat unknown future. Some of my favorite characters from other books in this series returned, and it’s always interesting to see their stories’ further development.

This is sweet, clean Regency fiction with no bad language or embarrassing scenes. Interesting characters and storyline make this a great book for fans of this genre.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Miss Serena has a secret... but I haven't determined what exactly the secret is. It could be one of a few things. One of them wouldn't be horrendous in our day, but it would have ruined her in the Regency Era. She is a wonderful artist, who is not a man and very young? She has feelings for a man she deems as inappropriate or she has problems with her monthly cycle? For us today, any or all of the above would not be tragic.

Overall, I found this book as a fun one to read. Serena has a hard time letting anyone in to her "bubble." She prefers to be with her art, but for a time, she even looses her interest in that. Her family is mostly supportive and help her through a nightmare for a young woman. Her trust in people has been lost due to a couple of circumstances she was a victim of.

Harry has a lot to overcome in this story. He has been a gambler and gave his "affections" too freely. His story is about learning the error of his ways and finding redemption. He realizes that he is not the man that he wants to be. His change has Christian themes. It is nice to be reminded that people can find redemption and forgiveness.

There were a few time when I felt that this book lagged a bit in pacing. It didn't keep me from turning the pages and finding enjoyment in the story. In fact, I can't wait to read the third. I have yet to read the first, but I have purchased a copy!

This book contains Christian content, mention of past physical relations, a man taking unwanted liberties with an innocent young women, and the evils of gambling addiction.

Source: I requested a review copy from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

I’m a Regency fan. The rules and etiquette are so interesting. Serena doesn’t adhere to these rules always. She has opinions and states them. She is such a fun character! I enjoyed her. Lord Carmichael has quite a reputation. He likes playing cards and socializing. He does not want to step up to his responsibilities as a Viscount yet. Their journey is met with ups and downs. Good choices and bad. I look forward to the next book by this author. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions stated here are my own.

I’m pretty sure Carolyn gets better with each book. I think this one has been my favorite yet, and I have read all of her books.

The tension and romance between Serena and Harry had my heart aching for them, literally.

My heart was so sad for Serena in the beginning when she hid away her talent but I loved when she began to bloom again in her gifts.

I loved the story of redemption and forgiveness in this book. It is a strong theme, one we must remember. God can redeem anyone and we need to keep praying for them.

Visit Carolyn here.

Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com or your favorite retailer.

A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

If you’re looking to be fully immersed in the Regency world for a few hours, then Carolyn Miller needs to be on your author radar. She captures everything I love about the Regency world in her stories—the manners, the settings, the pastimes, even the language—and often more besides. And I particularly love that her stories are grounded in everyday Regency life rather than focusing on the glitz and glamour of the London Season. Especially if it means we get to visit places like Welmsley Hall. If only I could actually see that view she describes!

As with all of Miller’s novels, this one has a strong cast of leading and supporting characters—some of whom are more likeable than others! (*cough, cough* Lily Milsom *cough, cough*) The eponymous Serena Winthrop—"she of the tranquil aristocratic countenance and flashing eyes”—is in some ways a paradox: forthright and refreshingly honest (some might say ‘pert’) in her opinions, and yet guarding several secrets at different stages during the story. But she was an easy character to like and sympathise with.

Henry was even easier to like, even if some his troubles arose as a result of his own poor choices (mostly in the past). As with some of Miller’s other novels, we get insight into the ‘working’ life of a British gentleman—in this instance, as Henry conflicts with his father over how to manage and prosper their estate. Over the course of the story, he transforms from a man who finds it “far easier to preserve his reputation as an amusing fribble or a capable sportsman than be taken less than seriously for aspiring to be more” into one who is only too aware of his shortcomings and deeply desirous of changing. Add in a dose of dry, understated British wit, and you have a charming hero you can’t help but fall in love with.

Carolyn Miller doesn’t shy away from throwing a little drama at her characters, either, so expect a few curve-balls that force them to take stock and make some difficult choices. And fans of Winning Miss Winthrop will be pleased to know there’s plenty of Catherine and Jonathan here, not to mention a little teaser at the end that will whet your appetite for the final book in this series, The Making of Mrs Hale.

Another enjoyable excursion into the Regency world.

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.

4.5 stars

Miller’s characters feel as though they’ve been plucked from the background of an Austen novel and given their own chance to shine in a smart, layered and delightfully-rendered story. The people on the pages of Miss Serena’s Secret are no exception. There is Serena, who may come across as distant at first (with good reason) but in reality has a heart of gold, a heart falling for a man all kinds of wrong for her. There is Henry, a rake by reputation (some of it well-deserved) whose promise to look after Serena without wooing her is sorely tested the more he spends time with her. Henry’s sister Melanie and their grandmother are refreshing spots of light amid a society (including Henry’s parents) who are entirely too reticent, and Serena’s sister and her husband (whom we meet in Winning Miss Winthrop) add further light to the shadows. Let’s not forget the dowager Lady Winthrop, Serena and Catherine’s mother who could give Mrs. Bennet a run for her money and will be sure to have you stifling giggles more than once. And of course I cannot forget to mention Monsieur Despard, Serena’s new art master, whom I could easily imagine scurrying around his studio. Miller has done such a brilliant job drawing these characters, giving them distinct personalities, wit, heart, and sincerity.

The internal journey that Serena and Henry both find themselves on is honest and layered, the integration of faith, grace and redemption organic and heartfelt without feeling preachy or forced. Readers from all walks of life and experience will be able to relate to the hero and the heroine, for if we haven’t been exactly in their shoes we’ve felt the same anxieties and inadequacies on one level or another. As part of this internal journey they are on, their romance fits right in. Not only is it swoonworthy, with sizzles and sparks of electric chemistry and deep attraction, but the emotions behind it are complex and uncertain. This leads to some deliciously held, don’t-dare-breathe gazes and deeply felt emotions.

Bottom Line: Reading a book by Carolyn Miller is truly an immersive experience for me. The verbiage, the setting, the characters, the romance, the faith – it all draws me in until I’m lost somewhere in the Gloucestershire countryside, ear to the door while I eavesdrop on the lords and ladies in the next room. Miller gets even better with each book, and with the ending of this one I’m waiting impatiently for The Making of Mrs. Hale!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

Title: Miss Serena’s Secret

Author: Carolyn Miller

Series: Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope, #2 (Read my review of #1 here.)

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Era: Regency

Setting: English countryside/London

Publisher: Kregel Publications

Source: from Netgalley (in exchange for honest review)

Overall Rating: 3.5/5

I’ll give the author credit for this: even when the book was finished, I still had no idea what Miss Serena’s secret was. I’m still in the dark. What exactly is the title referencing …?

More on that later, but for now let me just say this was a book I enjoyed immensely, was disgusted with when I thought about it afterwards, and have now come to the point where I’m like, “That was fantastic … except for [insert several different issues].”

I’ll dig into each of these issues in the book – as well as present the (many!) things I enjoyed about it. You can decide whether it’s worth reading as best you can for yourself.

PLOT: 2/5
This is where the book really failed.

I’m sorry, Ms. Miller, but I just can’t let you get away with this uncommented! I love your books, I need to read more and more of them, but I must say where the plot failed in the eyes of this particular reader. The book was “in exchange for an honest review,” after all. So here’s your honesty.

Much of the plot was based around the idea that Serena had a big secret that she can’t reveal no matter what. As I said in the intro, I still have no idea what the secret was meant to be.

We’re heading into spoiler realm, peoples. Fasten your seatbelts and please skim forward to the next section (Characters) unless you’ve read the book!

Spoilers Follow!
I was a bit confused about what happened in Serena’s backstory with the evil guy, Mr. Goode (take a moment to appreciate the irony).

I thought for the entire book that she’d been raped/forced to have sex with him … and the whole time I was like, “Girl. Why didn’t you just scream? Are you telling me there was no one in hearing of the art room in a private girls’ school for posh ladies when only a man and a girl were alone in there??? BAD SCHOOL! How do they even have a remotely good reputation!?!?”

By the way, Serena, having your reputation destroyed is preferable to being raped. #priorities

But towards the end, Catherine literally says, “She’s innocent” after Harry asks if they know Serena is infertile BECAUSE of this incident – which by the way, Harry, wouldn’t be a good gauge, but whatever. I guess he’s a guy who doesn’t know anything about all that, so I’ll let that slide.

Which means there was no sex, right? So what are we whining about? A kiss and maybe a little inappropriate touching??? Which is wrong and bad (and that guy is such a creep help why did that stupid school be so stupid) … but it’s not exactly life-stopping?

Get used to having innuendo slung your way if you’re hanging out with creeps and are reasonable attractive. Just sayin’.

I can see how that would lead to you distrusting men, yes, so back story as far as THAT particular reaction makes sense, but not necessarily to the same level of scandal and whatnot, especially since apparently you weren’t caught (???), and your brother-in-law hushed it up anyway, so it’s not a big damage to anyone?

JUST DON’T TELL RANDOM PEOPLE, SERENA, AND EVERYTHING WILL BE OKAY!!!

And you absolutely HAVE to tell your future husband that this occurred? And what happened to stop Mr. Creepy from going further? Did someone interrupt? I wish I knew, but I really have no clue whatsoever.

I think the author was probably trying to be vague for the sake of cleanliness (we’ll talk about the “cleanliness,” by the way, later), which I appreciate to the depths of my innocent Christian country soul. But there’s a difference between clean fiction and fiction that doesn’t explain, y’know … what actually happened.

Please explain the events in your novel, or it doesn’t matter because nothing happened. Novels = things happening in an orderly manner. So put the things happening in and make them orderly. Or it’s not a novel.

(Dear Ms. Miller, if you care to explain this to me in the comments, I will accept your word as fact and edit my review to include your thoughts on the subject. I won’t be offended. I know it’s a big no-no for authors to comment on reviews, and I encourage that, but I don’t mind. Really, let me know, and I’ll add it to the review so readers can see!)

[Special Place Just In Case Carolyn Miller Wants To Make A Comment On This Review Because I Think There Is Probably A Serious Explanation For This Plot Hole, And I Want To See It So Bad.]

CHARACTERS: 4/5
The Hero:
SQUEEEEEEE!!!

OKAY, I WANT A MAN PRETTY MUCH JUST LIKE HARRY IN THAT HE CARES ABOUT HIS FAMILY AND HE WANTS TO BE GOOD AND HE’S GROWING IN GOD AND REALLY TALKING TO HIM AND IT’S JUST SO AWESOME EXCUSE ME WHILE I FAN MY CHEEKS.

Seriously, though, Harry was probably one of the most realistic, most fun, most charming, most intriguing heroes I’ve read in a while. He was just loads of HARRY, that being the only way I can truly describe him.

The Heroine:
Serena wasn’t so bad either. I actually like cold-as-ice characters. Lady Mary Crawley from Downton Abbey and my own Georgiana Farjon (Once a Stratton) and Isobel Selle (The Dressmaker’s Secret and Ivy Introspective) are prime examples.

Of course, what makes these characters brilliant is the fact that they usually have a reason for being this way.

Mary was mostly due to personality, but she became sooo much worse after the tragic events of Season 3 (*soft sobbing*). Georgiana lost her mother at a young age and then her father to his grief. Isobel also lost her mother and had the incredible weight of running a girl’s school (a much better one than the one Serena attended *coughs*) put on her shoulders at eighteen.

For Serena, that was supposedly her secret … but …? As I explained above (in the spoiler section of the plot section, haha), this doesn’t really hold out. So she didn’t make much sense to me.

I loved the angle with Serena’s art. That whole bit was quite interesting, and I really enjoyed it quite thoroughly. Everything about it was just so refreshing and interesting. (Apparently I don’t have dibs on the “drawing your love interest for therapy” angle, though. *Alice and I both pout*)

Others:
Melanie, Ellie, and Tom are all the best and deserve medals. I want to hug them all. Well, I want to hug Ellie and Tom all the time. Melanie was a witch for that one scene, but I forgave her. 😉

It was also fantastic to see the hero and heroine of the last novel, too. 🙂

Spoilers Follow!
Let me just comment really quickly on a couple points.

Did Harry and Serena every discuss the fact that Harry has apparently have multiple dalliances?
Please talk about this some time, you two.
And don’t paint it as Serena being “suspicious” or “judgmental.”
They need to talk this out and then move on.
But you can’t move on unless you talk.
Basically, not a fan of this reformed rake thingy.
(Let’s write more books about pure guys who still have struggles but are still relatively pure. Because rakes are not cool; rakes are immoral.)
There are other symptoms of pregnancy other than throwing up all over the place.
Just sayin’.
I’ve done tons of research (don’t ask), and some women DON’T throw up all over the place!
My mother never really did. *shrugs*
Also, it has gotten to the point that if anyone in a novel throws up, EVER, I assume they are pregnant.
You don’t just “have the flu” in a novel. Flus only exist as things to think you have when you’re really pregnant.
#TheyreAllPregnant
EVERYTHING ABOUT THE CHARACTERS’ CHRISTIANITY! YESSS!
Ms. Miller is a genius of Christian character arcs.
This whole book would have a genius theme except for that one thing about Serena’s arc not making sense which I’ve already ranted about way too much.
Someone fire Ellie’s nanny.
Seriously.
Also, blaming Serena, even if you’re mad, makes no sense.
The nanny is the one who is being paid to watch your little brat, Melanie. Get it right this time.
Everyone in this book talks about Serena being infertile a ton towards the end.
It gets annoying after the third time it’s mentioned. Like, “Yes, I know, you already told me. I’m not an idiot.”
Also, I call nonsense on some random doctor’s one opinion being the deciding factor in this.
I mean, she’s still a virgin, medical science really sucked back then (like, really bad), and God can make miracles regardless.
DON’T GIVE UP THE SHIP! (The ship being #Searry. *cracks up at my own joke*)

SETTING: 5/5
I tried to think of something intelligence to say about the setting, but I couldn’t. There wasn’t really anything to say.

No noticeable historical inaccuracies – if there were, I was too distracted by Serena’s secret to notice them, haha – and the dialogue, descriptions, etc. all seemed well in tune with the time period, etc.

So I’ll just give up trying to be intelligence in this section and say, “Well done, Ms. Miller!”

WRITING: 4/5
The author has a style that reminds me a bit of Kristi Ann Hunter. That, my friend, is a huge compliment!

I deeply enjoyed it, and I’m definitely looking forward to the next book for this reason alone! And … *coughs* I am so attached to the characters and storyline that it’s not even funny. If the next book does not come out soon, I may implode.

CONTENT: 3.5/5
Language: n/a

Violence: n/a

Sexual: some guy touches Serena and slings lots of innuendo at her then we cut out (and its insinuated that more happened – but it doesn’t???). Serena worries about her reputation and whatnot.

Serena thinks about Harry’s past dalliances in a Greek temple. Harry thinks about Harry’s past dalliances in a Greek temple. I assume there were dalliances elsewhere, but WE’RE FOCUSING ON THE TEMPLE, Y’ALL! (Did I mention that Harry has probably had intimate relationships with several women in a Greek temple???) (Just in case you didn’t pick that up the first three times, LET ME SAY IT AGAIN. HARRY –)

That whole bit could’ve been cut out, thanks.

Mentions of “enjoying your wife” and whatnot. Please stop. I don’t need to know. Only two people need to be involved in your private relationship with your spouse. I’m not one of them.

This is really bugging me right now for some reason. I’d better stop.

Other: multiple mentions of infertility, conception, trying to have a baby, whether or not someone can have a baby, baby-making (should also go in Sexual, but whatever), pregnancy, etc.

The epilogue, a parody: They’re trying for a baby. Or didn’t you pick that up? It wasn’t kinda implied? Maybe if we mention it one more time …

I don’t know about you, but I don’t need to think about Harry’s “seed” swimming around inside Serena. No, I’m not making this up. The exact quote was:

“Tiny bubbles of delight throbbed within as she consciously relaxed, encouraging her husband’s seed to seed within.”

I feel filthy just writing that! And further down the page:

His [the doctor’s] diagnosis – married relations with great frequency – have been enough to make her wonder if Henry had put him up to saying such things …

First, TMI! Second, is this book categorized as Christian fiction??? Because in the epilogue we have tons of innuendo shot between Serena and Harry, the knowledge that they’ve been having sex quite often and enjoying it greatly (thanks for letting us in on your private relationship, darlings), and we get gross details about how Serena is trying to have a baby.

By willing it to happen.

(Hmm, that wasn’t included in the birds-and-the-bees conversation I got. “And then you will your child into existence. And that’s where babies come from!”)

Also, I do realize the target audience was probably more adults or upper teens at the earliest (which is what I recommend – 16+ for this one, please!), but still. For a Christian fiction novel, this is extreme and unnecessary.

The whole epilogue could be cut save for the teaser for the next book. Which could’ve been left out because the first chapter of the next book is literally a paragraph-by-paragraph rewrite of the epilogue only without all the gross marital/conceiving-a-baby stuff that no one needed or wanted to read.

So yep. There ya go. 16+ ONLY.

OVERALL: 3.5/5
This was really an excellent book. I know I spent the last 2,000 words (really? That much?) trashing it, but that doesn’t change the fact that I enjoyed it deeply (except maybe the epilogue …).

I’d recommend this book to any adults or older teens who enjoy an excellent Regency romance with witty characters, excellent description, writing on level with Kristi Ann Hunter, early-1800s-ness on level with Julie Klassen, and a hero even Austen would be proud of.

Review by Kellyn Roth of Reveries Reviews

As often happens to me with a Carolyn Miller book, as I read Miss Serena's Secret, I swiftly became immersed in Serena's world.

I loved both Serena and Henry as characters, and their romance was both sweet and frustrating ... but ultimately satisfying, of course!

Henry and Serena were both flawed characters who spurred each other to be better and to rely on God. One thing I absolutely loved about this book was the way that Henry's renewed relationship with God did not make him perfect. He still struggled with one particular sin ... which led Lord Hawkesbury (Nicholas Stamford, hero of The Elusive Miss Ellison) to offer the following advice: "If London has the means to ensnare, then why stay? Return north, and remember who you are. And who you are no longer." I know I'd do well to remember that advice in my own life!

I did find a couple of things confusing: I wasn't quite sure what the art master had done to Serena (and apparently I was imagining something much worse than what actually happened), and her mystery illness was ... well ... quite mysterious. Though both of these were somewhat explained near the end of the novel, the way the reader was kept in the dark didn't add anything to the novel and really just pulled my focus from the main story.

Overall, though, I loved this book! It's romantic, entertaining, and challenging—a wonderful read! 4-1/2 stars.

4.5 STARS!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reading one of Carolyn Miller’s books is an immersive experience. With rich and vivid descriptions, I feel as though I am sitting down to dinner or attending a ball right along with the characters.

And Miller adds an entirely new layer with a character who is an artist. Seeing the world through Serena’s eyes reminded me of the beauty, variety, and color in God’s creation that I so often don’t appreciate enough.

Yet, the sights, sounds, and touches are just the icing on the cake of Miller’s stories. The deeper messages the characters hear and the personal journeys they travel are the heart of the story. Miss Serena’s Secret is no exception.

Serena Winthrop carries a secret that has pretty much determined her future. Lord Cavanaugh (Harry to his friends) has made choices he now regrets. As family, friends, and God speak truths into each of their lives, Serena and Harry just might discover that God’s plan is greater than their pasts.

And that little cliffhanger at the end with a new character? Yeah, I immediately added Miller’s November release to my TBR list!


Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Miss Serena's Secret is the second of 3 books in the Regency Brides (A Promise of Hope) series. Here we pick up with the Winthrop family again, it's always good to reconnect with old friends. In this novel, we dwell with the new Lord Winthrop, his wife Catherine, sister-in-law Serena and his mother-in-law, and of course Lord Carmichael. In book two, Carolyn Miller once again weaves her charm and takes us back to a time of chivalry, and proper etiquette.



Synopsis:



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


Henry, Lord Carmichael, is perfectly aware of his charms. He's gambled with plenty of ladies' hearts as easily as he has with their husbands' money. But lately he's wondered if there's more to life—and if his actions might prove unworthy of an admirable wife such as his friends have found.



When Serena's guardian asks his best friend to protect his young ward, Henry promises to be on his best behavior and not woo her. But the more he learns of her, the more he realizes she might be his best reason for changing his character.


Then the lady's art leads her to London infamy. Now Henry must choose between the life mapped out for him as the earl apparent and the love of his life. And Serena's secret may mean the end of his titled family line.


My Thoughts:


A charming storyline with familiar friends from Carolyn Miller's previous books. This book focuses on Miss Serena(Henry). It feels wonderful to sit back and renew acquaintances with old friends and to meet some new friends also. This story line is all about forgiveness, leaning on God and following God's direction in our lives, and not depending on our own reasoning. I do enjoy the author's writing, she invites you into the character's lives and you become one of the family as you read along. This storyline has the reader on edge, with feelings of empathy, and wanting to urge the characters to do the right thing. The reader will truly enjoy this second book of the series, that has some surprises and a few twists in it.


I highly recommend this series, especially to those who enjoy historical romance. I look forward to reading the third book in this series "The Making of Mrs. Hale"

Ah. What a delightfully delicious follow up novel to Winning Miss Winthrop! If you haven’t read the first novel in the series, that’s ok; Miss Serena’s Secret can absolutely be read as a stand alone. The author Carolyn Miller’s trademarks shine in this novel; her beautiful and eloquent writing style, the dynamic dialogue that engages and propels the plot line seamlessly, the deeply feeling and enchanting characters, and a bold thread of faith and belief in God coalesce to produce a fine Regency novel so intensely satisfying. If you love a well-written Regency book, this one is not to be missed.

The main characters Harry and Serena are opposites at the beginning of the book. Harry is a fun-loving, humorous, happy-go-lucky viscount looking for ways to enjoy life. Yet, underneath his charming and seemingly superficial ways lies a man who desires stability, honesty, integrity, and someone to love and someone who’ll understand him, respect him, and return his love. His gentleness and kindness draw Serena to him and she doesn’t fully realize his character until much later in their friendship. Serena is a deeply emotional artist who has been scarred by a man’s advances and attempts to hide her loving feisty self in the country. She is tender-hearted but has a quick wit and a sharp tongue. She revels in stability and having a purpose in life. The banter between Serena and Harry is hilarious and oh so clever!
I really liked the continuation of Catherine and Jon’s story (Winning Miss Winthrop) as well Lavinia and Nicholas’ story (The Elusive Miss Ellison). I also appreciated that Harry is a different kind of a hero from Jon and Nicholas. Harry has a lot of learning to do in the midst of his insecurity, self-doubt, and regrets ; he needs to understand who he is, what he wants, what his purpose is, and to Whom he belongs. Harry’s slow-growing faith is encouraging, heart-warming, and very real. The references to 1 Corinthians 13 struck me deeply as Harry grew to realize that this passage signifies God’s love for him as well as His command to love likewise.

And the next book will be about Jon’s half sister Julia! I can not wait to read her story!

I was given a copy of this book by the author and Kregel Publications and was under no obligation to post a review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

It felt great to be back with old friends and be updated on their lives, this time we are with Caroline’s sister Serena, and yes, we do find out her secret.
We come at this story from different angles and know things have got to be changed when Jon asks his friend to look after Miss Winthrop, hands off so to say, never mind that sparks fly.
We also have a gifted artist, and society, mainly men, cannot deal with it being a woman, and we get to see, or read, then in action
Another don’t miss book in this series, and you will chuckle, want to cry, and cringe at some of the happenings here, and don’t miss the epilogue, wow!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kregel, and was not required to give a positive review.