meezcarrie's review against another edition
4.0
Oh be still my Regency-loving heart! With shades of Austen and Heyer, Carolyn Miller’s The Elusive Miss Ellison had me swooning and holding my breath and chuckling and smiling and even tearful a couple of times.
If you love the battle of wits between Elizabeth and Darcy in Pride and Prejudice, you will adore Lavinia and Nicholas. Lavinia’s sharp comebacks and strong opinions combined with Nicholas’ brooding arrogance … their conversations are delightfully droll, though you may find yourself wincing a time or two at the sting. Perhaps my favorite thing about this book (besides the romance and vocabulary – more on each later) is the way both of these characters develop and grow from beginning to end. Both are humbled along the way, their hearts softened, and (dare i say) their pride and prejudices chiseled away by God’s grace and truth.
The vocabulary made my booknerd heart so happy! Words like “romantical” and “prosiness” share space with “fastidious” and “flitted”. I smiled so often, just geeking out over the words! lol. Reading The Elusive Miss Ellison is that much more enjoyable thanks to the author’s clever turn of a phrase or delightful word choice.
And the romance! Blissful sigh. Just … yeah. Blissful sigh.
Bottom Line: The Elusive Miss Ellison is a fantastic addition to a regency fan’s library. The characters for the next books are minor characters in this first book, piquing our interest and ensuring we will be waiting eagerly for their stories. Lavinia and Nick are both flawed, purposefully so, and this makes them relatable as well as increasing the tension between them – both emotional and romantical. A delightful book from start to finish!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
see my review at Reading Is My SuperPower
If you love the battle of wits between Elizabeth and Darcy in Pride and Prejudice, you will adore Lavinia and Nicholas. Lavinia’s sharp comebacks and strong opinions combined with Nicholas’ brooding arrogance … their conversations are delightfully droll, though you may find yourself wincing a time or two at the sting. Perhaps my favorite thing about this book (besides the romance and vocabulary – more on each later) is the way both of these characters develop and grow from beginning to end. Both are humbled along the way, their hearts softened, and (dare i say) their pride and prejudices chiseled away by God’s grace and truth.
The vocabulary made my booknerd heart so happy! Words like “romantical” and “prosiness” share space with “fastidious” and “flitted”. I smiled so often, just geeking out over the words! lol. Reading The Elusive Miss Ellison is that much more enjoyable thanks to the author’s clever turn of a phrase or delightful word choice.
And the romance! Blissful sigh. Just … yeah. Blissful sigh.
Bottom Line: The Elusive Miss Ellison is a fantastic addition to a regency fan’s library. The characters for the next books are minor characters in this first book, piquing our interest and ensuring we will be waiting eagerly for their stories. Lavinia and Nick are both flawed, purposefully so, and this makes them relatable as well as increasing the tension between them – both emotional and romantical. A delightful book from start to finish!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
see my review at Reading Is My SuperPower
betherin02's review against another edition
5.0
Full series review on Faithfully Bookish
The first book of the Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace series begins with a comfortably traditional approach to Regency romance. The country setting, character dynamics, and storyline gave me the initial impression of a lovely faith meets Pride & Prejudice inspired tale.
Lavinia Ellison's passionate concern for and service of the less fortunate leaves her frustrated with those who have greater resources yet fail to meet even the basic needs of their dependents. Nicholas Stamford is a well-rounded character with his military background and willingness to learn and consider other perspectives.
Despite my high expectations, I found this story to be much more than everything that I hope for in a Regency romance! The historical, spiritual, and relational elements, the overall story flow, plot, and characters… everything about this story is exceptional.
The first book of the Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace series begins with a comfortably traditional approach to Regency romance. The country setting, character dynamics, and storyline gave me the initial impression of a lovely faith meets Pride & Prejudice inspired tale.
Lavinia Ellison's passionate concern for and service of the less fortunate leaves her frustrated with those who have greater resources yet fail to meet even the basic needs of their dependents. Nicholas Stamford is a well-rounded character with his military background and willingness to learn and consider other perspectives.
Despite my high expectations, I found this story to be much more than everything that I hope for in a Regency romance! The historical, spiritual, and relational elements, the overall story flow, plot, and characters… everything about this story is exceptional.
emilyanne3000's review against another edition
3.0
Okay, so this came to my door and I was surprised. Where did it come from? Turns out I had accidentally requested this from Library thing. Oops!
So my curiosity got the best of me and I read the mysterious book. The Elusive Miss Ellison was a pretty cute read with a sweet romance. It's definitely a Christian book, but it wasn't too heavy handed, thank goodness.
While the book isn't something I would read for fun personally, I'm sure there are lots of folks out there who would love it. Lavinia and Nicholas kind of have a Darcy-Elizabeth complex between them at first. Also, the book didn't just focus on the two love interests. The reader gets to know all of Lavinia's community. Good themes and values are spread throughout the book.
Was it for me? No. But I'm being fair in my review because I somehow accidentally requested it. I know I'm not (at all) the target audience for this novel. And I think Miller did an excellent job writing a sweet, funny, and thoughtful Christian fiction romance. I'll give credit where it's due. And if you're a fan of Christian romance, pick this up! You won't be disappointed.
*recieved for free from library thing (thank you!)*
So my curiosity got the best of me and I read the mysterious book. The Elusive Miss Ellison was a pretty cute read with a sweet romance. It's definitely a Christian book, but it wasn't too heavy handed, thank goodness.
While the book isn't something I would read for fun personally, I'm sure there are lots of folks out there who would love it. Lavinia and Nicholas kind of have a Darcy-Elizabeth complex between them at first. Also, the book didn't just focus on the two love interests. The reader gets to know all of Lavinia's community. Good themes and values are spread throughout the book.
Was it for me? No. But I'm being fair in my review because I somehow accidentally requested it. I know I'm not (at all) the target audience for this novel. And I think Miller did an excellent job writing a sweet, funny, and thoughtful Christian fiction romance. I'll give credit where it's due. And if you're a fan of Christian romance, pick this up! You won't be disappointed.
*recieved for free from library thing (thank you!)*
michellef's review against another edition
4.0
`The Elusive Miss Ellison` is a Christian romance book written by author Carolyn Miller. Carolyn Miller lives in New South Wales, Australia, and her books have won a number of RWA and ACFW contests. I was pleased to see this book was endorsed by one of my favorite authors, Carrie Turansky - award winning author of `A Refuge of Highland Hall.`
I believe my one takeaway from this book is that through sickness, and death, God has promised eternal life to those that confess with their mouth Lord Jesus, and believe in their heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. This compares greatly to what I have been taught. The book accomplished my reassurance of my faith. The author's approach to this subject is descriptive. We can never be good enough to be saved, it is a gift from God. (see page 148).
The author proves her point by quoting from the Holy Scriptures. I find the evidence convincing, making this a great book for seekers and believers who also enjoy historical fiction.
I feel the characters worked well together. I chose this book because I was intrigued by the title. However, it took me to the middle of the book to finally appreciate the writing. It seemed to be rather dry until it finally captured me. I wanted to set it down and stop reading it several times. I am glad I stuck with it to the very end. This is book one of the `Regency Brides` series. Book two is `The Captivating Lady Charlotte.
Disclaimer: "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own."
I believe my one takeaway from this book is that through sickness, and death, God has promised eternal life to those that confess with their mouth Lord Jesus, and believe in their heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. This compares greatly to what I have been taught. The book accomplished my reassurance of my faith. The author's approach to this subject is descriptive. We can never be good enough to be saved, it is a gift from God. (see page 148).
The author proves her point by quoting from the Holy Scriptures. I find the evidence convincing, making this a great book for seekers and believers who also enjoy historical fiction.
I feel the characters worked well together. I chose this book because I was intrigued by the title. However, it took me to the middle of the book to finally appreciate the writing. It seemed to be rather dry until it finally captured me. I wanted to set it down and stop reading it several times. I am glad I stuck with it to the very end. This is book one of the `Regency Brides` series. Book two is `The Captivating Lady Charlotte.
Disclaimer: "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own."
katiereads42's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely loved this book!
This is one of the best stories I have ever read! So excited to read more by this author! :)
This is one of the best stories I have ever read! So excited to read more by this author! :)
ebgracie77's review against another edition
I really liked this for the first half or so. And then it starts to drag. And the uncertainty and distrust after they are supposedly friends, it’s just wearing.
melissasbookshelf's review against another edition
4.0
Loved this Christian Regency romance! Loved the characters, the clean swoon worthy romance, and all the twists and turns to get to a HEA! I enjoyed listening to the audiobook version of this book and could hardly put it down. Looking forward to the next book in the series!
anke_books's review against another edition
3.0
Vermakelijk regency verhaal. Af en toe wat te zoetsappig. Er werd iets te overdreven benoemd dat de graaf nu gelóóft.
De onverwachte plotwending aan het einde was wel erg onverwacht maar gaf het verhaal wel net nog even een twist mee.
De onverwachte plotwending aan het einde was wel erg onverwacht maar gaf het verhaal wel net nog even een twist mee.
staceylovestoread's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book so much! Honestly, at first I wasn't too keen on Lavinia but she ended up winning me over :) I am glad I have The Captivating Lady Charlotte on hand so I don't have to leave Carolyn Miller's Regency world quite yet. It is a nice escape from the April snowstorm blowing outside my window!