The novel has a beautiful balance of faith and romance. The topics are a little heavy, but Carolyn Miller handled them delicately helping to inspire and move you.

She had strong characters with well developed backgrounds. And she molded them and changed them so well through out the whole novel.

Though I felt the plot was a little heavy in places, it was really well written, and the characters captivating enough to keep me engaged in the few places the plot seemed a bit long.

Overall a intriguing story about overcoming hard things and being your best self, which is really what life is all about.

Miss Serena's Secret is a delightful Regency about Miss Serena Winthrop who has been deeply wounded by a man and Viscount Carmichael a notorious gambler entrusted with keeping her safe. Ms. Miller is a wonderful storyteller who creates fascinating tales of romance and history. She obviously enjoys research as her stories are full of interesting tidbits. I love the characters and their dialogue is very realistic without being stilted or simpering. Ms. Miller is definitely one of my go-to authors. So grab a pot of English Breakfast tea and settle back for an enchanting tale.



I was given a copy of this novel by NetGalley.com with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

A well written, beautifully descriptive story of God's mercies. Even when we stumble if we turn back to God we are forgiven. The characters of Serena and Harry have much to work through as they get to know each other and gently fall in love. Except Harry's past and Serena's unknown ability to have children may threaten their future. I received this book through Netgalley and I am giving my review voluntarily.

Miss Serena's Secret. So, what is her Secret? I know, but I am not going to ruin it for you. That is something for you to find out for yourself and boy am I glad that I did. There is a mistrust that she has - especially because of the Viscount. Will she be able to learn to trust again - especially with the help of the ONE who can help anyone get over anything? Who might that be? GOD of course ….. I know you already figured that one out. Will lord Carmichael (Viscount) be able to change his ways and capture her heart after all of his wayward ways? Will She be able to trust him if he does change with the LORD's help?

Serena knows that she will never marry. Past bad experiences with evil men and a condition that means she can probably never have children both preclude her from having any desire for a relationship with a man - any man. But when her brother-in-law's friend, Viscount Carmichael, comes on the scene, she gradually starts to find it a little harder to keep her cool. Though he appears to epitomise all she most detests - he is a flirt and a gambler for a start - as she gets to know him better she begins to see the true man behind that facade. Will he succeed in overcoming his past faults and truly become a man she can look up to? And will she be able to become the artist she has the potential to be, or will past fears and present trouble always stand in the way?

This was another great read by the author, who again succeeds in combining an interesting Regency-era tale full of flawed characters with a Christian message. The writing was good, the story enjoyable, the characters realistic, and overall it is a book (and an author) I would highly recommend. Note that this is a standalone book, though many of the characters have appeared in previous books by the author, so reading them in order may enhance the reader's enjoyment of the series.

Characters: I felt for them, and was glad to see them weather their various storms. I was sorry to see the book finish, because I wanted to see more of them.
Storyline: Ups and downs, misunderstandings on both sides but also various outside issues that each had to deal with. Generally managed well and kept me interested in both the story as a whole and the characters.
Content and language: Clean in both content and language. One (bad) character does make some inappropriate advances, but these are brief and not descriptive.
Message: Mentions of the need to rely on God and talk to him at intervals throughout. No sermons or anything, but occasional brief discussions between characters. Christianity is present but not over the top.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

Carolyn Miller returns with another wholesome Regency romance with courtly romance, historical details, and excellent characterization.

In Miss Serena’s Secret, undiscovered artist Serena Winthrop has a secret from her past, which causes her to distrust all men, especially the smooth-talking Viscount Henry Carmichael. His charming reputation makes her distrust and disapprove of him. But lately, Carmichael has become disenchanted with his current life. Henry wonders if he will ever be worthy of an admirable wife or a better reputation. Serena’s guardian asks his friend Henry not to court her, despite his growing attraction to her, a promise Henry finds hard to keep. Will Serena’s artistic talent be discovered? How will Serena’s secret affect her future?

Readers can relate to Miller’s characters because they face problems in terms of others’ expectations, faith issues, and their everyday circumstances. Witty banter, first-rate characterization, historical narrative, reappearance of characters from earlier books, and a light but evident faith element characterizes Miller’s books.

Recommended for high school and public libraries. Fans of Julie Klassen, Jane Austen, and Regency romances will enjoy this series. The author’s next book, The Making of Mrs. Hale, is expected in November 2018. Miller’s fans will enjoy the reappearance of some characters from her first series, Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace.

Well, this was a lovely book. Carolyn Miller became one of my favourite Regency authors with her first series, and this second series is proving to be just as good. I love her rich plots full of historical detail, witty dialogue and treatment of flawed, yet sympathetic characters. Plus, the faith elements are woven seamlessly into the story without appearing too preachy.

This story followed Serena, the younger sister of Katherine Winthrop from the last story, and the male protagonist is one of Johnathan Curlew 's (the hero from that story) friends. Henry, Viscount Carmichael. I won't call him a rake, he seemed to be more of a lovable rogue at the beginning.

He's a struggling nobleman commissioned by his friend John to look out for his young sister in law, Serena. She's supposed to be very young. No more than about 18 or 19, or something, and recently escaped an unfortunate situation involving a sleazy Art Teacher.. Serena is a talented artist: although her negative experience and the censure of society leave her unsure of her vocation.

Many adventures, rendenvous, polite dinners and society functions later, and of course Serena and Henry (one of my favourite names), are in love, but there's much keeping them apart. Henry's estate is struggling, his father threatens to disown him if he does not marry the person he wants, and Serena wants nothing to do with a man who gambles: nor does she believe he can ever trust a man again. Although Henry is very sweet, kind and reaches out to her with acceptance, and introduces her to his family.
His sister and her two lovable children: lovable and typically forthright, who immediately ask of their new friend is going to marry their favourite Uncle.

The title, in some sense refers to 'secrets' or rather the difficulties that have to be overcome on both sides,. Henry's problems are not a 'secret' per se, but he wants to change to earn the love of a good woman: and because he knows he's not the man he wants to be. He needs to grow up and face the responsibility of running his estate, only to be faced with illness in his family.
Again, there were shades of the Classics, and Austen here: but the novel is not just aping them. Its an independent creation.

As before, I loved how the landscape and details about the region were used in this story: in this case its a mention of a local stone, a type of Agate which is only found in parts of the county of Derbyshire. One would almost not believe the author is, in fact, Australian.

The only minor niggle that I had (which other reviewers have pointed out), is some uncertainty over the precise details of certain events relating to Serena, and a hint at some behaviour on the part of Henry which did not seem consistent with the way he was presented in the story before. I just could not really believe he had done such a thing before his reformation. Also, younger readers might need to be aware of a couple of scenes towards the end relating to adult themes, and the consummation of marriages. There is nothing graphic, but might be a bit embarrassing for some.

Overall though, this was another wonderful story and addition to the latest series. I downloaded an ebook of this title courtesy of Kregel Blog Tours and was not required to write a positive review, all opinions expressed are my own.

There's nothing I like better than to be swept away by an engaging historical romance while lounging in my favorite reading chair, sipping sweet tea in the summer. Pure Relaxation!

Therefore, I can assure you all I thoroughly enjoyed a perfect afternoon immersing myself in Miss Serena's Secret by Carolyn Miller. I found this book to be engaging and filled with a charming, well written story full of great characters and of course, romance. This book was a great read!

I am now off to read the first book in this series, Winning Miss Winthrop and I can't wait to read this series' final book, The Making of Mrs. Hale due to be released in November 2018. I have high hopes I'll enjoy both of these books as much as I did this one!

I received this book for free. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own. Thank you to Ms. Miller, Kregel Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

To have material possession and see them as a means to do good, to serve, is a gift in itself, a heart for the well being of others, not only self. But when other areas of your own life are stained by not exemplary decisions, can this dream of being someone better still hold true?

Viscount Henry Carmichael is plagued by the weight of his past sins and his desire to be someone to look up to, such as Jonathan Carlew and Lord Hawkesbury. And he is determined he can be this man when his dear friend asks him to brotherly look after Serena Winthrop, a commission he deems not to be very difficult as him memories of the young lady are in a word icy. As their paths cross once again, he sees his memories are not wrong, but there is something else definitely plaguing the austere girl with a sharp tongue. There's a sadness and a lack of life in the eyes belonging to one once capable of producing beauty and reflecting life. Harry is therefore determined to see those lips twitch and those eyes shine with inspiration once again, out of brotherly consideration of course.

Serena feels like an empty well. The depth of her scars and greatness of her pain is more than just a passing thought, put physical as if to remember her constantly of all she is now - empty.
The depth of the trauma caused on someone is sometimes immeasurable, but the ability of the person to overcome said agony is an inspiration in itself, one that fuels true love, true care, and true hope. The catch however is that inspiration is not found in a person, but Someone Greater; the source of unending grace and strength. Enough to give us wisdom to forgive and ask forgiveness, peace to heal and land a kind hand.

I truly believe this is Carolyn Miller's best so far and am very excited to see what she is bringing next :)

I am impressed and believe this might by Carolyn Miller's best yet!
Great writing endearing characters, emotional plot woven throughout the pages, pulling us in and connecting us with the character's heart.

Have you ever loved something, only to have it ripped from you tragically? Miss Serena Winthrop knows this pain and she's willing to shelter herself from anything that might cause remembrance.
But a life lived in fear is not vibrant, not colorful, does not inspire - and Serena is used to this, she just doesn't know how to find it anymore. Sometimes to heal, we need to step back again, go to the root, be like a child and learn to see beauty again, learn to be innocent and embrace life as if it were a gift.

It might not seem so, but Lord Harry Carmichael has also had something torn from her, or at least belittled by every person - his dreams and who he wants to be. Can a future earl used to bending to his father's will and judgement, known as the luckiest one in a poker game be more than someone able to smooth any woman's feather's with his sugary words? Anyone that is, except for Serena.

She not impressed at first with someone who destined to ruin himself like her father did, someone who has no moral guidelines and thinks he has the world in his hands. But as she spend more time around the viscount, can she keep up these determined ideas about him as she sees him interact with his niece and nephew, his eyes lit with passion and service as he talks about his estate and mines, his head bow in respect even to those whose eyes tend to treat him with disregard.

To believe in possibilities for healing might be a journey, but it is one worth taking. It is challenging as scars and our past can't be erased. The promises ahead, alongside the beauty and peace to be found, are stronger though, if we surrender and hold on to faith, and to the One who never fails and covers us up in His wings of mercy.

'Did God care enough to notice? He'd felt so far away in recent times. '

Miss Serena Winthrop has good reason for not trusting men. Her scars bear witness to this fact. Viscount Carmichael's past also ensures that he is not worthy of her trust. His reputation is everything she despises. She makes him aware of this fact. But Henry, Lord Carmichael, is beginning to wonder if maybe there's more to life than gambling and high living. Will his past actions keep him from gaining an admirable wife? Henry's best friend asks him to protect Serena and Henry vows to do just that and be on his best behavior. As he gets to know Serena, however, Henry begins to see reasons for changing his character. When Serena's painting ability win her the admiration of the public, Henry has a choice to make. Especially since he now knows that God must play a big part in his life.

This second novel in Miller's new series even further cements her place among those Regency writers such as Julie Klassen and Sarah Ladd. She proved her ability with her very first novel and I have been a fan ever since. Her layered characters, accuracy to the period and her integration of a deeply moving faith aspect will be sure to win her many readers who are fans of the Regency period. Her inclusion of the romantic tension is palpable and deftly done as well. I am a forever fan.

*My thanks to Kregel Publications for an advance copy of this book. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.

It’s no secret that I love all things Regency and Jane Austen! Ms. Miller writes stories that are Austen-esque with fabulous faith content and her own original twist. So obviously I was ecstatic to be able to read and review Miss Serena’s Secret, her newest book in the Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope series!

Ms. Miller writes an engaging story true to the Regency time period. Regency lovers will appreciate all of the historical detail included throughout the story. Even though the book is part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone. It is fun to see characters from previous books make appearances in Miss Serena’s Secret. I love how Ms. Miller even includes a family tree.

Let me just take a moment to appreciate Ms. Miller’s descriptions of the scenery. Wow!!! It felt like I was watching a movie as I could envision the beautiful English countryside so well. I need to go visit England now! My Austen loving heart was excited to see many nods to Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice.

Miss Serena’s Secret is a book readers will love because of how the main characters are very flawed and broken in the beginning, making them relatable and accessible. The characters learn about faith and living it out in one’s everyday life. They pray, look to Scripture for comfort, and let their belief determine their actions.

Miss Serena’s Secret is a lovely tale of healing, redemption, forgiveness and faith! Regency and romance readers won’t want to miss Carolyn Miller’s newest book!

Content: I give this book a PG-13 rating because of the issues the main character deals with (being assaulted). Nothing is described in detail and it is written very tastefully, but it is a sensitive topic nonetheless. Some examples of the content are: a teacher gives unwanted attention to a student and looks down her neckline; mention of gambling; a character drinks wine; a little innuendo about a married couple but nothing overt; reference to a woman’s period; mention of a woman being assaulted; a man notices a woman’s figure, a character has episodes that could be PTSD related.

Rating: I give this book 5 stars!

Genre: Christian fiction; Regency; Romance; Historical

I want to thank Carolyn Miller, Kregal Publications and NetGalley for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.