The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey by Carolyn Miller

Review by Jenny Glazebrook

The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey

REGENCY BRIDES - A LEGACY OF GRACE

By Carolyn Miller

Published by Kregel Publications

Release date: 25th October, 2017

Blurb:

Tainted by scandal and forced to leave London for the quiet of Brighton, the Honorable Miss Clara DeLancey is a shadow of her former society self. A chance encounter brings her a healing friendship with the sisters of an injured naval captain. But Clara's mama, the Viscountess Winpoole, is appalled at the new company she's keeping.

Captain Benjamin Kemsley is not looking for a wife. but his gallant spirit won't let him ignore the penniless viscount's daughter - not when she so obviously needs to be rescued for the despair that threatens her from day to day. Can he protect his heart and still keep her safe?

When they're pushed into the highest echelons of society at the Prince Regent's Brighton Pavilion, this mismatched couple must decide if family honor is more important than their hopes. Can they right the wrongs of the past and find future happiness together - without finances, family support, or royal favour?

The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey is full of captivating, flawed characters, fascinating historical details, and masterful writing that Carolyn Miller's fans have come to expect.

Book Review by Jenny Glazebrook:

Brilliant. I love the cover, I love the feel of the book, I love its contents.

The history, the descriptions, the … people. Referring to them as book characters doesn’t do them justice. They were too real. Every single character was a living, breathing person with their own story. There were laugh out loud moments as I read the interplay between family members. There were moments of triumph and satisfaction as characters were put in their place. The story showed the hypocrisy and danger of valuing money and prestige above character, and enjoying gossip more than compassion and decency.

But what I loved most was the way characters grew to understand forgiveness and the grace of God. The author’s ability to turn an antagonist from previous books in the series into a lovable protagonist is remarkable, but is also a profound example of the healing power of God’s love. Although not preachy, there were several times I had to stop reading just to soak up the profound truth in the story. One of my favourites is on page 96 as Miss DeLancey works through her feelings, her understanding of God and the power of forgiveness:  ‘To wish good for someone who had hurt you surely required something from God, as opposed to natural inclination. When that person seemed to have used you, manipulated you for their personal advantage, then to not only forgive but also to pray blessing on them would surely require something of the divine.’

Just when I thought the books in this series couldn’t get any better, this is by far my favourite. I am awed by the author’s knowledge and skill. She has a gift with words that had me soaking up every phrase, enjoying every word as though I was swallowing smooth milk chocolate. From the moment I first held the book in my hands til I read the last word I was captivated.

It’s the first time I’ve read historical fiction that compelled me to find out more about the era and Google images to soak up more of the beautiful landmarks and buildings described. The Royal Pavilion in Brighton is just as I imagined after reading the author’s vivid descriptions. The Prince Regent is brought to life in a way that perfectly fits how he is portrayed in the historical reports I found.

The story built to an unexpected point of high excitement and drama that had me catching my breath. I was caught in the flow, swept along with the characters. And now I continue to think of them, my life richer for having lived their lives with them over the past few days.

What can I say? I loved everything about this book. I am grateful for the gift of creativity, expression and understanding of God and people this author has been given. I am grateful to have been blessed by God and touched by it through this book.

Carolyn Miller's books can be purchased from Amazon and Koorong.