The Elusive Miss Ellison (Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace) By Carolyn Miller

I received this book from Kregel Publications and Carolyn Miller for no charge in exchange for my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own. 

Book Description: 

Pride, prejudice and forgiveness...
Hampton Hall's new owner has the villagers of St. Hampton Heath all aflutter--all except Lavinia Ellison. The reverend's daughter cares for those who are poor and sick, and the seventh Earl of Hawkesbury definitely does not meet that criteria. His refusal to take his responsibilities seriously, or even darken the door of the church, leave her convinced he is as arrogant and reckless as his brother--his brother who stole the most important person in Lavinia's world.

Nicholas Stamford is shadowed by guilt: his own, his brother's, the legacy of war. A perfunctory visit to this dreary part of Gloucestershire wasn't supposed to engage his heart, or his mind. Challenged by Miss Ellison's fascinating blend of Bluestocking opinions, hoydenish behavior, and angelic voice, he finds the impossible becoming possible--he begins to care. But Lavinia's aloof manner, society's opposition and his ancestral obligations prove most frustrating, until scandal forces them to get along.

Can Lavinia and Nicholas look beyond painful pasts and present prejudice to see their future? And what will happen when Lavinia learns a family secret that alters everything she's ever known?

My Thoughts: 

The Elusive Miss Ellison is the first book in Carolyn Miller's series, Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace Book 1 and it is great! I love to read debut authors and this is Carolyn Miller's debut. I found myself drawn to this book because of the fact it's a debut and the fact that it is a Victorian Era setting. The cover is beautifully done and the book description really grabbed me! Carolyn Miller writes with authority on the Victorian Era, England, life as a Reverend and as a reverends family, the hierarchy of this time and place, and the lines of royalty. I enjoyed this book very much. From start to finish this book grabbed me until the end. I truly loved Carolyn Miller's writing style, I found myself feeling that I was there with the characters throughout the book.  The characters are well written and very relateable.Their lives aren't perfect regardless of their status and they struggle with life's ups and downs. My favorite character is Lavinia. She is a strong woman who goes against the society's norms to be herself and find her way. Her faith and her heart for the poor and the sick in their congregation is just remarkable. She works very hard to be a good example. Lavinia has her own issues that I found I could relate to and found her journey inspiring. I really enjoyed this book from start to finish and highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Jane Austen type books and/or Victorian Era books, you will not be disappointed! I cannot wait for the next book by Carolyn Miller which is set to release in June of this year. I give this book 5 STARS.