lovegirl30's review against another edition
4.0
Previously posted on The Young Girl Who Loved Books>
This book was a solid 4.5 stars for me.
I have really been wanting to read The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey for a while. I had previously heard about the writing of Carolyn Miller. Many people seem to really enjoy reading her books. So I thought I would give this book a go! Boy, did she not disappoint. I really believe the hype about this author is actually warranted for a change.
The characters in her novels feel so real and multi-dimensional, that I sometimes forget that I am just reading a novel. I love that her writing is captivating and so very engaging. Before I get into this book I do want to put a disclaimer out there that I did not have a chance to read her first two books in the Regency Brides series. I do plan on reading them in the future. I did enjoy this book but recommend you read the first two as the characters are revisited and you sometimes need context for scenes.
While this is a Christian fiction novel, I felt that it could be enjoyed by readers of faith and those of other belief systems. The story has a great moral purpose too it, which is something I really look for when reading faith-inspired books.
This book follows Miss Claire DeLancey, who is a mysterious character. She could be a villain or she could be a hero, it is rather hard to tell at the beginning of the novel. The book seems to imply she is a rather villainous woman. I found the character growth in this book to be some of the best I have ever read. I really began to enjoy Claire's character before the middle of the book.
The themes of this book are very interesting indeed. They include finding yourself, trusting God, forgiveness, redemption, finding a purpose, and relationships. I really feel like these various aspects just made this a great book.
This is a super clean book. I will put a disclaimer out there that The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey does contain a scene about potentially contemplating suicide, a scene where a woman is taken advantage of. There is some gambling. All of these are serious topics but are well done and not over the top.
I can't recommend this book enough. I really think you should check out this book. This is a quick fast paced book. It will be an instant classic for fans of the Historical Fiction novel.
I received a copy of The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey from Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own!
This book was a solid 4.5 stars for me.
I have really been wanting to read The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey for a while. I had previously heard about the writing of Carolyn Miller. Many people seem to really enjoy reading her books. So I thought I would give this book a go! Boy, did she not disappoint. I really believe the hype about this author is actually warranted for a change.
The characters in her novels feel so real and multi-dimensional, that I sometimes forget that I am just reading a novel. I love that her writing is captivating and so very engaging. Before I get into this book I do want to put a disclaimer out there that I did not have a chance to read her first two books in the Regency Brides series. I do plan on reading them in the future. I did enjoy this book but recommend you read the first two as the characters are revisited and you sometimes need context for scenes.
While this is a Christian fiction novel, I felt that it could be enjoyed by readers of faith and those of other belief systems. The story has a great moral purpose too it, which is something I really look for when reading faith-inspired books.
This book follows Miss Claire DeLancey, who is a mysterious character. She could be a villain or she could be a hero, it is rather hard to tell at the beginning of the novel. The book seems to imply she is a rather villainous woman. I found the character growth in this book to be some of the best I have ever read. I really began to enjoy Claire's character before the middle of the book.
The themes of this book are very interesting indeed. They include finding yourself, trusting God, forgiveness, redemption, finding a purpose, and relationships. I really feel like these various aspects just made this a great book.
This is a super clean book. I will put a disclaimer out there that The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey does contain a scene about potentially contemplating suicide, a scene where a woman is taken advantage of. There is some gambling. All of these are serious topics but are well done and not over the top.
I can't recommend this book enough. I really think you should check out this book. This is a quick fast paced book. It will be an instant classic for fans of the Historical Fiction novel.
I received a copy of The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey from Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own!
meezcarrie's review against another edition
4.0
I have loved this series (and the covers!) from Carolyn Miller so much! It’s everything you want Regency romances to be, with delicious back-and-forth between the characters as well as a supporting cast to rival any that Austen or Heyer dreamed up.
In this third and final (sob!) book, The Dishonorable Miss Delancey, we home in on the character I’ve liked the least in the first two books – Miss Clara Delancey. Here in book three, I can honestly say that Clara is now a friend; Miller crafts such a compelling and heart-tugging backstory for Clara as heroine that you can’t help but embrace her. Your heart will break for her circumstances, for her emotional pain, and for her self-esteem that has been crushed by one rejection after another. Not to mention the scandal that taints her in every social circle – save perhaps one. And that one exception proves life-changing.
Because of Ben, yes. (Get ready to swoon, ladies!) But also because of the hand of friendship extended by a family who a) cares little for society’s opinions and b) cares everything for Clara’s soul. Their persistence in grace, their unconditional embrace, and their heart for those who need God’s rescue – all of these combine to leave a reminder for any of us who have ever personally needed or extended grace.
Bottom Line: Perfect for fans of Heyer, Austen, Klaasen, Ladd and/or Hunter, Carolyn Miller’s A Legacy of Grace series is witty, romantic and heartwarming with a gentle dose of faith-boldness too. Layered characters and attention to historical detail make each read a great read, and while each book can be read as a standalone the whole series is a must for enjoyment’s sake! The Dishonorable Miss Delancey is all of these things and more – with a tender message of grace and restoration and of course romance. Looking forward to the author’s new series in 2018!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
In this third and final (sob!) book, The Dishonorable Miss Delancey, we home in on the character I’ve liked the least in the first two books – Miss Clara Delancey. Here in book three, I can honestly say that Clara is now a friend; Miller crafts such a compelling and heart-tugging backstory for Clara as heroine that you can’t help but embrace her. Your heart will break for her circumstances, for her emotional pain, and for her self-esteem that has been crushed by one rejection after another. Not to mention the scandal that taints her in every social circle – save perhaps one. And that one exception proves life-changing.
Because of Ben, yes. (Get ready to swoon, ladies!) But also because of the hand of friendship extended by a family who a) cares little for society’s opinions and b) cares everything for Clara’s soul. Their persistence in grace, their unconditional embrace, and their heart for those who need God’s rescue – all of these combine to leave a reminder for any of us who have ever personally needed or extended grace.
Bottom Line: Perfect for fans of Heyer, Austen, Klaasen, Ladd and/or Hunter, Carolyn Miller’s A Legacy of Grace series is witty, romantic and heartwarming with a gentle dose of faith-boldness too. Layered characters and attention to historical detail make each read a great read, and while each book can be read as a standalone the whole series is a must for enjoyment’s sake! The Dishonorable Miss Delancey is all of these things and more – with a tender message of grace and restoration and of course romance. Looking forward to the author’s new series in 2018!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
betherin02's review against another edition
5.0
Full series review on Faithfully Bookish
When authors reveal the painful brokenness beneath the surface of their selfish, wicked characters, we readers have the opportunity to open our hearts to compassion and our minds to new perspectives… and these are life exercises worthy of practicing!
Miss Clara DeLancey certainly is in a nasty pickle, some of her own doing, some not. My heart breaks for this young lady who feels so crushed by her circumstances. Benjamin Kemsley knows a thing or two about difficult situations from his experiences in the Royal Navy. Ben is the kind of man all fathers should want for their daughters.
Each book in this series has touched on biblical truths and characters have come to faith and/or grown in their faith in genuine, authentic ways yet the trials and struggles in this third story dig especially deep and it is so good to dig deep with God! This entire series is going straight to my all-time favorites shelf!
I requested the opportunity to read this book through the publisher.
The opinions expressed are my own.
When authors reveal the painful brokenness beneath the surface of their selfish, wicked characters, we readers have the opportunity to open our hearts to compassion and our minds to new perspectives… and these are life exercises worthy of practicing!
Miss Clara DeLancey certainly is in a nasty pickle, some of her own doing, some not. My heart breaks for this young lady who feels so crushed by her circumstances. Benjamin Kemsley knows a thing or two about difficult situations from his experiences in the Royal Navy. Ben is the kind of man all fathers should want for their daughters.
Each book in this series has touched on biblical truths and characters have come to faith and/or grown in their faith in genuine, authentic ways yet the trials and struggles in this third story dig especially deep and it is so good to dig deep with God! This entire series is going straight to my all-time favorites shelf!
I requested the opportunity to read this book through the publisher.
The opinions expressed are my own.
melissasbookshelf's review
4.0
Loved this third book in the Regency Brides series! I was skeptical to think Miss DeLancey could be redeemed as an enjoyable character after how she was in the first and second books. I was definitely proven wrong. This third book starts out with a literal cliff hanger as Miss DeLancey faced with her and her brother’s disgrace contemplates ending her life on the cliffs of Brighton. She is saved by a handsome gentleman who rescues her from falling.
Ben is a recently returned naval hero who struggles with past decisions regarding a harrowing shipwreck. He is immediately intrigued by the woman he saved and when he sees her again, desires to get to know her and what led to her fateful decision. Clara realizing she has been given a second chance and intrigued by her handsome rescuer decides to turn her life around and try to forget the man she was supposed to marry. As she begins the slow process of repentance, she begins to find happiness in getting to know Ben’s sisters and Ben himself. But, her past comes back to haunt her. Romance and danger lead up to a stirring conclusion.
I really enjoyed the audiobook version of this book and felt like the narrator did a fantastic job introducing and distinguishing between the characters. I love reading this author’s stories and look forward to reading more from her!
Ben is a recently returned naval hero who struggles with past decisions regarding a harrowing shipwreck. He is immediately intrigued by the woman he saved and when he sees her again, desires to get to know her and what led to her fateful decision. Clara realizing she has been given a second chance and intrigued by her handsome rescuer decides to turn her life around and try to forget the man she was supposed to marry. As she begins the slow process of repentance, she begins to find happiness in getting to know Ben’s sisters and Ben himself. But, her past comes back to haunt her. Romance and danger lead up to a stirring conclusion.
I really enjoyed the audiobook version of this book and felt like the narrator did a fantastic job introducing and distinguishing between the characters. I love reading this author’s stories and look forward to reading more from her!
anke_books's review against another edition
4.0
De personages waren goed beschreven, ik kon me helemaal inleven in Clara DeLancey, terwijl ze in de eerste twee boeken best wel negatief afgeschilderd werd. Vooral de openingsscène zette meteen de toon.
Wat ik jammer vond, is dat Benjamin Kemsley zo druk bezig is om aan prijzengeld en een huis te komen, en een titel, omdat zijn gewenste schoonvader anders nooit akkoord zou gaan met een huwelijk. Maar.. hij had toch ook gewoon een baan kunnen zoeken??!! Of denk ik nu te modern voor Regencytijden? Ik vond het nogal oppervlakkig en teveel een tunnelvisie.
De setting rondom het Paviljoen van de Prins Regent vond ik leuk en interessant.
Zoals altijd ligt het geloof en het belang ervan er duimendik bovenop in de boeken van Carolyn Miller. Er zijn meerdere love matches in dit boek en ze hangen allemaal af of ze op geloofsgebied een gelijk span zullen vormen, ook precies zo benoemd. Het is voor mij iets teveel van het goede.
Zoals altijd gooit Carolyn Miller op het laatste moment nog een onverwachte plotwending in de mix. Net als je denkt: nog een laatste obstakel overwinnen en ze kunnen voor altijd samen zijn, gebeurt er iets wat roet in het eten gooit.
Ondanks de niet altijd even originele plot, en het iets te dikke laagje geloof, toch vier sterren, vanwege de personages en de plottwist.
Wat ik jammer vond, is dat Benjamin Kemsley zo druk bezig is om aan prijzengeld en een huis te komen, en een titel, omdat zijn gewenste schoonvader anders nooit akkoord zou gaan met een huwelijk. Maar.. hij had toch ook gewoon een baan kunnen zoeken??!! Of denk ik nu te modern voor Regencytijden? Ik vond het nogal oppervlakkig en teveel een tunnelvisie.
De setting rondom het Paviljoen van de Prins Regent vond ik leuk en interessant.
Zoals altijd ligt het geloof en het belang ervan er duimendik bovenop in de boeken van Carolyn Miller. Er zijn meerdere love matches in dit boek en ze hangen allemaal af of ze op geloofsgebied een gelijk span zullen vormen, ook precies zo benoemd. Het is voor mij iets teveel van het goede.
Zoals altijd gooit Carolyn Miller op het laatste moment nog een onverwachte plotwending in de mix. Net als je denkt: nog een laatste obstakel overwinnen en ze kunnen voor altijd samen zijn, gebeurt er iets wat roet in het eten gooit.
Ondanks de niet altijd even originele plot, en het iets te dikke laagje geloof, toch vier sterren, vanwege de personages en de plottwist.
rcooper's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
beckys_bookshelves's review against another edition
5.0
I have enjoyed and savored each page of The Dishonorable Miss DeLancy by Carolyn Miller. The amazing descriptions of the Prince Regents Pavilion in Brighton, the period clothing, and sea bathing transported me to 1815. I am an avid reader of Regency fiction and feel Ms. Miller is becoming one of the best authors of this time period. Her descriptions and her knowledge of the time period make this an enjoyable read.
Ms. Miller has an amazing way of weaving someone's journey with God into her stories. I felt like I was walking with the titular character Clara as she learned of her value in God's sight. I was encouraged in my own faith. I started the book unsure if I could like Clara DeLancey and ended it feeling like we had much in common.
This is the final installment of a three part series. I recommend this book and the first two in the series. Now I must anxiously await for Ms. Miller's new series to come out in 2018. Wish me luck!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Ms. Miller has an amazing way of weaving someone's journey with God into her stories. I felt like I was walking with the titular character Clara as she learned of her value in God's sight. I was encouraged in my own faith. I started the book unsure if I could like Clara DeLancey and ended it feeling like we had much in common.
This is the final installment of a three part series. I recommend this book and the first two in the series. Now I must anxiously await for Ms. Miller's new series to come out in 2018. Wish me luck!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
cctblog's review against another edition
5.0
Several years ago, Christian artist Brandon Heath released a song called "I'm Not Who I Was." That song kept coming to mind as I read Clara DeLancey's story. Prior to her fall from grace, Clara was a respected and sought-after young woman—but she wasn't kind. After she was rejected by the man she expected to marry, her brother Richard disgraced the family with his actions, and the family (minus Richard) retreated to Bristol where they could be out of the public eye. Clara allowed her bitterness and anger to fester, and it got to the point where she wondered if it would be better to end her life.
Then she met the Kemsleys and, through the Kemsleys, met Jesus.
But the consequences of Clara's actions remained, and through the rest of the novel, she fought against the notion of who she had been as she tried to show who she had become in Christ. Not everyone believed that Clara had changed, and some people continued to believe the worst of her. I truly felt for Clara as she felt the social consequences of her—and her brother's—actions. And that's saying something, as I pretty much despised her in the first two books of this series!
I greatly enjoyed Clara's journey throughout the novel, and I especially liked that coming to faith in Christ didn't turn her into a meek wallflower; instead, she began to stand up for herself and for those she cared about. Clara's spunk is one of my favorite things about her!
The love story between Clara and Benjamin Kemsley is sweetly romantic and full of longing, as the two are of different social standings, so a match would never be approved by her parents. (This is crazy to me, as their family's disgrace made Clara unsuitable for men of her "station," so why not allow her to marry Ben? I'm thankful we don't have such rigid social stations today!)
There's no question that Carolyn Miller gets better and better with each book! While I'm sorry to see this Legacy of Grace series end, I'm eagerly looking forward to the first book in her upcoming Promise of Hope series, which releases early next year!
Disclosure of material connection. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.
Then she met the Kemsleys and, through the Kemsleys, met Jesus.
But the consequences of Clara's actions remained, and through the rest of the novel, she fought against the notion of who she had been as she tried to show who she had become in Christ. Not everyone believed that Clara had changed, and some people continued to believe the worst of her. I truly felt for Clara as she felt the social consequences of her—and her brother's—actions. And that's saying something, as I pretty much despised her in the first two books of this series!
I greatly enjoyed Clara's journey throughout the novel, and I especially liked that coming to faith in Christ didn't turn her into a meek wallflower; instead, she began to stand up for herself and for those she cared about. Clara's spunk is one of my favorite things about her!
The love story between Clara and Benjamin Kemsley is sweetly romantic and full of longing, as the two are of different social standings, so a match would never be approved by her parents. (This is crazy to me, as their family's disgrace made Clara unsuitable for men of her "station," so why not allow her to marry Ben? I'm thankful we don't have such rigid social stations today!)
There's no question that Carolyn Miller gets better and better with each book! While I'm sorry to see this Legacy of Grace series end, I'm eagerly looking forward to the first book in her upcoming Promise of Hope series, which releases early next year!
Disclosure of material connection. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.
kristi518's review against another edition
5.0
What a fitting ending to this series! The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey was everything I was hoping it would be...and more. Characters written from the heart in a story that was full of despair and hope, this was a book I couldn't put down.
From the beginning of the story I liked Clara DeLancey. I didn't find her to be all that bad of a person even though she had made some mistakes in the past. Clara is going through a tough time and feels alone and the way the author wrote of Clara's emotions it was easy to understand her pain and sympathize with her. Now, Clara's mom on the other hand...I found this character grating on my nerves. It seemed as if all she cared about was their station in life and how accepted they were by the ton and the amount of money they had. Clara's dad came across as a bit meek and unable to stand up to her mother.
The Kemsley family was so down-to-earth and genuine. They were a great balance to Clara's family and it was easy to see the differences between the two and why Clara felt as ease with them. I felt as if Mattie and Tessa could easily be friends of mine and they were people I wanted to read more about. I loved the contrast between the two families.
I really enjoy this author's writing style. I love her attention to detail and her ability to get the reader fully immersed in the story. Her descriptions made it easy to imagine myself right there alongside the characters. Carolyn Miller has definitely earned the top spot as my favorite Regency romance author.
This book (and the rest of the series) are must-reads for fans of the genre. While this book can be read as a standalone I would recommend reading the entire series in order. All three books are wonderfully written and are quick, easy reads. This series is definitely on my keeper shelf and I am eagerly awaiting the next series from Carolyn Miller.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.
From the beginning of the story I liked Clara DeLancey. I didn't find her to be all that bad of a person even though she had made some mistakes in the past. Clara is going through a tough time and feels alone and the way the author wrote of Clara's emotions it was easy to understand her pain and sympathize with her. Now, Clara's mom on the other hand...I found this character grating on my nerves. It seemed as if all she cared about was their station in life and how accepted they were by the ton and the amount of money they had. Clara's dad came across as a bit meek and unable to stand up to her mother.
The Kemsley family was so down-to-earth and genuine. They were a great balance to Clara's family and it was easy to see the differences between the two and why Clara felt as ease with them. I felt as if Mattie and Tessa could easily be friends of mine and they were people I wanted to read more about. I loved the contrast between the two families.
I really enjoy this author's writing style. I love her attention to detail and her ability to get the reader fully immersed in the story. Her descriptions made it easy to imagine myself right there alongside the characters. Carolyn Miller has definitely earned the top spot as my favorite Regency romance author.
This book (and the rest of the series) are must-reads for fans of the genre. While this book can be read as a standalone I would recommend reading the entire series in order. All three books are wonderfully written and are quick, easy reads. This series is definitely on my keeper shelf and I am eagerly awaiting the next series from Carolyn Miller.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.
pageturnersandsweettea's review against another edition
5.0
Carolyn Miller has done it again! She has created a wonderfully written, hope-inspiring novel that is sure to sweet all her fans, new and old alike, off their feet and plop them down in a whole new world filled with uniquely witty characters. I was once again in awe of the way Ms. Miller captured my whole heart and left me wanting more.
In this addition to the series, we get Miss DeLancey's story. I loved her in the first books, and I loved her in this book. She was dealing with so much, from scandal to rejection (I've been there on both accounts!), and I felt her emotions as my own. She just wanted to be loved for herself and it was quite hard with her circumstances. But, then Ms. Miller brings Ben into the story, and oh my goodness did I ever fall in love! I loved his character and cheered for him and Miss DeLancey so much through the story.
A story of hope, forgiveness and relying on God in times when you want to give up, Ms. Miller has concluded this series with a bang. Five stars, hats off and two thumbs up, this is one book you want on your wish list this holiday season! I can't wait to see what Ms. Miller brings her fans next. If they are books like this one, then I know I'm in for a witty, charming regency novel that will sweep me to the heart of England. Well done, Ms. Miller!
*Cafinated Reads received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel Publications and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
In this addition to the series, we get Miss DeLancey's story. I loved her in the first books, and I loved her in this book. She was dealing with so much, from scandal to rejection (I've been there on both accounts!), and I felt her emotions as my own. She just wanted to be loved for herself and it was quite hard with her circumstances. But, then Ms. Miller brings Ben into the story, and oh my goodness did I ever fall in love! I loved his character and cheered for him and Miss DeLancey so much through the story.
A story of hope, forgiveness and relying on God in times when you want to give up, Ms. Miller has concluded this series with a bang. Five stars, hats off and two thumbs up, this is one book you want on your wish list this holiday season! I can't wait to see what Ms. Miller brings her fans next. If they are books like this one, then I know I'm in for a witty, charming regency novel that will sweep me to the heart of England. Well done, Ms. Miller!
*Cafinated Reads received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel Publications and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*