When Theodosia's friend dies, she takes the woman's only child into her home and under her wing. When the child's uncle, David Balfour arrives fresh from being honored by the King, he is relieved to see that the girl is in good hands, and he can head back to battle. But an accident, a snowballing secret and meddlesome neighbors show that destiny has other plans...

Carolyn Miller has once again written a wonderful story in her newest release, Dawn's Untrodden Green. I am giving it five stars and highly recommend it.

Carolyn Miller did a beautiful job with this book. It was heart warming and entertaining from page one all the way through to the end. I love Theo’s character and how completely loyal she is. Well done!

Is this author always this delightful? This is my first of hers, and I can't find words for how much I enjoyed her style.

I'm a huge Jane Austen fan, and I imagine Miller is as well. The flow of this prose is just lovely. Immersive as well as inviting, humorous and genteel.

Theodosia (Theo) is a favorite kind of heroine. Accepting of her spinster status at 31, she reminds me of my favorite Anne, from Persuasion.

This is the kind of book I used to share often with my late mother. In so many ways, it felt nostalgic to read. I certainly understand the sense of loss felt by these characters.

A wholesome and thoroughly lovely read.

What a beautifully written story. It has wonderful characters and a great plot that holds your attention from the first page until the last. The author brings the story to life with her words and you feel like you are there. If you are a fan of historical Christian fiction, you don't want to miss this book.
I received a complimentary copy from Kregel Publications via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Good, but needs some work.

I will preface this by saying I enjoyed this story overall.
I wavered between 3 and 4 stars (good vs. very good)
There were some editing issues which bugged me, but that may not bother other readers.

"Theodosia is such a mouthful of a name, is it not?" ⬅️ Sounds correct for the time period. However, throwing in conjunctions doesn't: don’t, didn’t, couldn’t, etc. which were also used on occasion does not sound correct to me.

Modern Americanism: 'Not for nothing' had she overheard comments about “General Contrary” and his parsimonious ways.

Author got a bit thesaurus happy in my opinion:
obstreperous
syllabub
prescient
inveigle
quorn
deleterious
desultory, etc.

We are told he is English, but I believe referring to his Father as Da is an Irishism.

Quotable: Dear God, please bring Your peace. And wisdom. And comfort. Please direct our paths and show us what to do.

God is nicely woven throughout the story in the kind of careful way I enjoy.

I appreciated how the story dealt with Theo's facial birthmark and gave her an unexpected chance at love and also opened Daniel's eyes to the possibility.

I would recommend this book.
⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to NetGalley for an eVersion. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.

📚

This is a review for Carolyn Miller's newest release called Dawn's Untrodden Green. This is a review for NetGalley. This book hooked me from the very beginning, and I loved the story all the way through! It has romance, but not too much, mystery, excitement, great characters, an interesting plot, and it is just a great story overall! I love Carolyn Miller's books, and this one became one of my favorites, and I don't say that often! I finished it quickly because it was a great story! So I give it 5 out of 5 stars, and highly recommend it! I also recommend her previous books as well in this series, but you do not need to read them to understand this story, but I recommend them as well!

Our story begins in Northumberland, England, in 1812, with Theodosia Stapleton, who is 31, and who has reserved herself to what she thought was spinsterhood! She lives with her mother, and her eccentric and outspoken gentleman Grandfather, whose different moods keep them all hopping! Theo finds herself becoming a temporary ward to her best friend's teenage daughter, Rebecca, because her friend has passed away, and she must help her adjust to an uncle who is coming to take Rebecca to London. Theo has never met this uncle, who is rumored to be a military hero, but she is not sure if she can trust this man to care for Rebecca, so her quiet life seems to be slipping away, and Theo isn't sure this is going to be a good situation for any of them!

Captain Daniel Balfour, the famed war hero, finds himself needing to return home due to the death of his sister, and must assume responsibility for his teenage niece, Rebecca. Daniel has no idea how to raise a young lady, but plans to just come back home, sell the house he and his sister grew up in, bring Rebecca back to London and leave her to the care of an elderly aunt, and head back into the safety of the military. He is a man who wants to live life with little fuss, but life doesn't always work out as planned, but because of his bravery in serving his country, he has become famous, and in London, finds himself on everyone's guest list! So much for a quiet life!

Once Daniel gets back to where he grew up, he finds himself in need of going incognito, because right away word of his coming has reached the area, and the society ladies begin to plan invitations to show off the famed captain, but all Daniel wants to do is to get home, get the house ready to be sold, sell it, pick up Rebecca, and then get back to London as soon as possible. When goes to pick up Rebecca, he meets Theodosia, and she and her family agree to keep his identity quiet, and he assumes the roll of Captain Balfour's servant who has come to pick up Rebecca, and return her to London. But Daniel gets injured while preparing the house to be sold, and finds himself needing to convalesce at Theo's home, and trespasses into her quiet world, which he never planned, nor does he want, and which delays his return to London while he recovers from his injury. He must adjust to these new plans, trust that the Lord knows what He is doing, which leads him to get to know Rebecca, and also into a friendship with Theo, but maybe that isn't such a bad thing! Rebecca doesn't want to leave Theo or her family, so all this turmoil might just work in her favor! But you must read the rest of the story to find out what God has in store for all three of these characters, and I believe you will enjoy it as much as I did, for it really is good!

As I said, I loved this book, and Carolyn Miller remains one of my favorite authors! It is clear through her stories that she has a strong faith in the Lord, and always weaves Him wonderfully into her stories, and I really love that! So I highly recommend this book, and I look forward to her next one!

This is the first book by this Author that I have read. I don't usually go for romance, but I did enjoy it. This could also be classed as Historical Fiction Family Saga.
Theo was a very compassionate and loyal woman. Her grandfather was quite 'contrary'. Her mother was often ill but loved Theo very much.
Captain Balfour's character was different to what people thought he was going to be.
This is similar, in tone, to a Jane Austen novel. There are some lighthearted moments in it, but also some more serious moments in it too.
I think the main theme of this book is A man can plan his way, but it is ultimately God who directs our steps. This should encourage us all to trust God and in His timing. It is easy to say but not so easy to do sometimes. I think this would easily lend itself to a sequal. I would love that tbh.

This is the third in a series, I haven't read the other 2. I read this through netgalley.com. Reviews are all my own. I would read the whole series if it was available through the Kindle Unlimited prog.

I have enjoyed many of this author's beautiful novels - with my favorite being 'The Elusive Miss Ellison' (be sure to give that one a go!!)
This book is yet another wonderful story!
A very sweet clean romance with a perfect sprinkling of faith in God.
I love Theodosia's character (Theo) - so compassionate and understanding.
She is witty and intelligent, but at 31 years old, she doesn't think she will find love.
Daniel is just the person to give her that 'tickle in her stomach', to make her heart tingle with a fizzing delight', and a new perception of the woman she is in his eyes.
My favorite lines in this book are about joy, spoken between Theo and Daniel:
"I see joy more as a bedrock to one's life, always there, connected to one's sense of contentedness and peace."
And Daniel's reply... "That comes from assurance in one's purpose in this life...Salvation brings a sense of joy that those who do not know it can be hard-pressed to find"
Another great line - "Do not sell short God's plans for you..."
I love how they gently fall in love.
The side characters are well developed and some quite entertaining.
I was giving a review copy of the book by NetGalley, but am not required to leave a good review.
The opinions stated here are my own!
I highly recommend this book! 💜

Dawn’s Untrodden Green, by Carolyn Miller, tells the tale of Theodosia Stapleton. This young woman is currently caring for Rebecca Mannering, daughter of her dear friend Clara, who recently passed away. When Becky’s uncle, Daniel Balfour, shows up in town, Theo knows he will have his hands full trying to hide his identity!

Daniel is well-know for his exploits and successes in war; however, he may encounter trouble handling his young niece. Theo quickly steps in to help smooth the way. When Daniel falls during reconstruction of Becky’s former home, he severely breaks his lag and must recuperate at Theo’s home. Hold tight to see the complications this causes!

You will not what believe what happens when the town discovers the captain has secretly been in town this whole time!

Dawn's Untrodden Green
by Carolyn Miller
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Series: Regency Wallflowers Book 3
Rated: 3
Obtain: Borrow
Back of the Book: “Not much happens in Theodosia Stapleton's tiny Northumberland town. Certainly not to her. She has resigned herself to spinsterhood, caring for her ailing mother in the home of her grandfather, known to the locals as "General Contrary." When her dear friend dies and leaves behind a daughter, it's simple enough to take the child into her own quiet world. That is, until her ward's famous uncle unexpectedly arrives and throws Theo's tidy orbit completely off-kilter.
Fame was the last thing Daniel Balfour sought when he fought in the Peninsular War. But his brave exploits caught the attention of the King, and now the honors he was given hound him everywhere . . . even on his rushed trip to rescue his orphaned niece.
Theo's quick wit and warm smile reassure him that Rebecca is in good hands, and he finds himself free to swiftly return to London and his responsibilities. But those caring hands are beginning to look like they could also safely hold his heart, and he's tempted to linger. Unfortunately, marriage is simply not in the cards; the army is spouse enough for him.
Then an accident and a scandal lead both Theo and Daniel to discover that their best-laid plans may not have been what God designed for them after all.”

Impressions: This was an enjoyable read because I felt my vocabulary grow with each page I read. There were many descriptions used that caused me to pull out my dictionary. The story explored how a seemingly small white lie can become a web of destruction. It also explored the drama of family dynamics. That being said the ending was a real miss for me. Reading the ending had me reflecting back on the rest of the story and concluding that this was a rushed and illogical choice for the characters. Logical Theo became illogical to agree to such a scheme, and the blame for what occurred was too heavy on Theo and not on the other adults who were privy to what was going on. The ending left an unsettled feeling for the book. Although this book is part of a series it was easily read as a stand-alone novel.

Quotes: “‘Life always seems more challenging when we are not refreshed sufficiently.’” – I feel like this is something my parents would say to me when I’d come to them in a mess of emotions as a teenager.

I received an ARC of this book via the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here. For more book reviews go to: https://thebluestockingbooknook.wordpress.com

Carolyn Miller's "Dawn's Untrodden Green" is a heartwarming and tender tale of unexpected love set in a tranquil Northumberland village. With endearing characters, delightful wit, and a touch of scandal, this novel explores the twists and turns that challenge even the best-laid plans, revealing the hand of destiny in matters of the heart.

Theodosia Stapleton, known as Theo, leads a quiet life caring for her ailing mother in the home of her eccentric grandfather, General Contrary. When a dear friend passes away, leaving behind an orphaned daughter, Theo readily welcomes the child into her world. However, everything changes when the girl's famous uncle, Daniel Balfour, unexpectedly arrives, disrupting Theo's peaceful existence.

Daniel, a war veteran seeking solace from his newfound fame, entrusts Theo with the care of his niece, Rebecca. Theo's warmth and quick wit immediately captivate Daniel, and he finds himself drawn to her. Despite their growing attraction, Daniel believes marriage is not in his future, given his dedication to the army. Meanwhile, Theo grapples with her own doubts and insecurities, uncertain if she can overcome her spinsterhood and embrace the possibility of love.

As Theo and Daniel navigate their conflicting emotions, an accident and a scandal disrupt their lives, forcing them to confront their true desires and carefully laid plans. Miller masterfully crafts a story filled with tender moments, heartfelt discoveries, and the undeniable intervention of fate. Through her engaging prose, readers are transported to 19th century Northumberland , feeling intimately connected to the characters and their emotional journey.

One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its well-drawn characters. Theo is a relatable and sympathetic heroine, her resilience and selflessness shining through as she cares for her mother and the young Rebecca. Daniel, haunted by his past and grappling with conflicting obligations, is a compelling and complex hero. The chemistry between them is palpable, and their evolving relationship is beautifully portrayed, filled with both moments of tenderness and captivating banter.
I loved how they bonded over the plays in Shakespeare’s Henriad (Henry IV Part I & II and Henry V). These are some of my favourite plays: I could love a man who loved Henry V. Sighs.
The plot unfolds at a steady pace, occasionally it meanders, especially during the introduction of historical context and background information. I like this kind of slow-burn romance with a detailed plot and backdrop, although it might not be according to everyone’s taste.

Altogether, Carolyn Miller delivers a delightful and enchanting tale of love's unexpected arrival with echoes of Jane Austen’s Persuasion. With its engaging characters, heartfelt storytelling, and the realization that life's plans can often be reshaped by destiny and God, this novel will captivate fans of historical romance and leave them longing for more.

Thanks to Kregel for approving me for this title on Netgalley. This did not impact my opinions and I was not required to write a review.

Dawn’s Untrodden Green is the first book I’ve read by Carolyn Miller, and I enjoyed the story. Theo feels unloved and plans to never marry because of past romantic hurts. Captain Balfour also plans to never marry since he is married to his military career. The captain comes for a quick trip to pick up his orphaned niece who is being cared for by Theo, but an accident forces him to stay much longer than planned. Captain Balfour and Theo get along splendidly, but neither is looking for anything other than friendship.

Overall, I enjoyed the story, and it kept my interest all the way to the end. I thought the main characters, and even the secondary characters, were very likable and relatable, and they all fit well into the story. I especially enjoyed the quick wit and teasing between Theo and Captain Balfour. I thought the concept of the story was great, and I anxiously waited to see how everything would be resolved, but I was a bit disappointed with the ending. I expected more from Captain Balfour’s identity revelation and from his relationship with Theo. The ending was not bad by any means, but it just felt a little like a missed opportunity.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading Regency romance, and I am interested in reading the previous two books in the series.

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

I'm a little late to the party as the book has already been published. But I requested it though NetGalley because I really wanted to read it! I have enjoyed all three books in the Regency Wallflower Series. Each is a sweet story of young women on the shelf and the men who see past their imperfections to their beauty inside.

In Dawn's Untrodden Green, Theodoisa knows no one will want her after they see the birthmark on her face and has resigned herself to spinsterhood. After the death of her neighbor and very dear friend, she takes in her orphan teenage daughter until her closest relative can claim her. Daniel Balfour is married to the army and is not looking for attachment of any kind. But after distinguishing himself in the war, many consider him a hero. So his plan to pick up his niece, drop her off to a relative and report back to the military goes array. After meeting Theodosia, also called Theo, Daniel discovers maybe is heart is not made of stone.

I liked the plot line and the characters, but I didn't really like the name Theo for a woman. I also didn't really like the very end. Daniel tricks Theo into marrying him and she's okay with it. Not how I would expect either of them to act. Despite this, I did enjoy the book and look forward to other novels by Carolyn Miller.

What a fun read! I loved meeting Theo and Daniel jn this one and really enjoyed the powerful faith theme and the reminder that physical appearance isn’t a factor in God’s calling for someone, and in no way affects HIS ability to use people as HE will.

This was such a beautiful part of their story, and it was a delight to see how things played out for both Theo and Daniel.

The wording and prose was a bit… Grandiose? It might just be that I’m not used to Recency books or that this is my first from Carolyn Miller, but I found it a bit difficult to follow along in some scenes. It was beautiful in painting pictures of the scenes and added an entertaining air to it all, but it went over my head at times too and a few places didn’t read as clearly as perhaps they could have otherwise? Again, Regency is a language all its own from what I’ve seen, so fans of the genre would likely feel right at home with the unique writing style.

It was meant to be a short trip to collect his niece, deposit her with a relative in London, and return to the army. But when Daniel finds the neighbourhood waiting to welcome him as a hero - turtle dinners being merely the beginning - the house in a shambles, and his niece reluctant to leave, it's clear things won't be quite so simple. And when an unlucky accident strands him for even longer than he'd feared, there is little hope of escaping unscathed from his attraction to his rescuer. But he's wedded to his career, and has no room for a wife - or does he?

This was a really good read - Regency books were what I first read by this author, and it's great to see them keeping coming as well as the contemporary. I loved watching Daniel gradually accept that there's more to life than a career in the military, and the final denouement was unexpected but perfect. I also really liked Theo as a character - there was so much to her. All in all, with interesting characters, a lovely setting, quirky relatives, enjoyable conversations and a great ending, what more could one want? Looking forward to whatever the author writes next! Recommended.

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.

Theo doesn’t expect to marry, considering her advanced age and a birthmark on her face, although the squire’s son is eager to wed. Daniel is married to his military career, but now is responsible for his 16-year-old nice, who is staying with Theo. Theo and Daniel get along well, with engaging humor. So far, so good.

The village people expect the captain to be a tall, handsome man, as a hero should be, not like Daniel, slight and plain. To avoid the whirl of social activities they plan for him, his identity is kept secret. The locals are furious when they discover the truth. It all seemed a bit over the top to me. Theo’s grandfather and Daniel conspire to trick Theo into agreeing to marry Daniel. It didn’t leave me with a satisfied feeling.

Caring for her best friend's daughter, now orphaned, has brought life and purpose to Theodosia's life, from the monotony of caring for her mother and grandfather. Though she dreams of more for her life, her quiet, suitor-less existence goes on.

The girl's uncle arrives to take his new ward under his wing. The renowned war hero would prefer nothing less than to move about unnoticed. A scheme is hatched and, of course, turn out to be one that will eventually unravel.

I enjoyed this story, Theo's heartache and insecurity as she guards her heart is paired against Balfour's desire for freedom. The ending...I'm not sure there was time to really unpack all the scheming and emotions involved, but all in all a good story. I'd recommend it for those who enjoy historical fiction, especially if you've enjoyed her other novels.

Theo, a spinster, cares for her ill mother and is now raising a friends daughter, Rebecca, due to her friends passing away. Theo has the most caring of hearts and is the definition of sweetness. Her ward's uncle is a famous military hero, Daniel Balfor, he arrives on the scene thinking he needs to come to the rescue. he soon discovers Rebecca is well taken care of. The journey for Theo and Daniel is a beautiful one! Highly recommend diving into this book!!

This is book three of the Regency Wallflowers collection by Carolyn Miller. It stands alone with ease and tells a sweet tale of falling in love after falling through the floor.

Theodosia Stapleton has taken in the orphaned child of her best friend, Clara, until the child's uncle can come and take guardianship of her. The estate where Clara and Rebecca had been living is in a shambles and it is because of that, that Rebecca's uncle falls through the floor and breaks his leg. He is taken to Stapleton Court to recuperate and heal. Through the time Theo has spent with the uncle, Daniel Balfour, he begins to fall in love with her and she with him, though she has no thoughts toward marriage. She is considered to be well on the shelf and past marriageable age.

What Carolyn has done is she has made a village of entitled matrons who believe they are the be-all and end-all of the village. She has also created some very likable characters who live real lives and have real world problems and make real world solutions. She has included a few salty characters to give color and animation to the narrative to make the novel a cohesive whole. Thoroughly enjoyable.

One thing Carolyn also did was to take a verse of scripture and make it fit the thinking and mindset of the character using it--bending all her "squirrelly thoughts to the will of God" kind of thing. It shows that Ms. Miller knows her Bible and brings it to life through her characters. I totally understood the "squirrelly thoughts" and relate so well to that description.

The setting for the novel fits every illustration I've encountered regarding Great Britain. It's picturesque and quaint, and it entices the reader to delve in and imagine themselves there.

This is definitely a four star book that is sweet and engaging for the reader.

Kregel Publications provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.