"Miss Selena's Secret" opens with an episode of sexual harassment but it is handled tastefully and readers will be encouraged by the roles that faith and prayer play in this story. Many of us have had secret crushes on our teachers and Serena Winthrop was no different. When her art instructor seemed impressed with her talent she was thrilled but his attentions soon became bold and personal and her happiness turned to fear and dismay. Suddenly Selena's joy of painting became tainted with horrible memories and a sense of shame and she lost her desire to create with paints and canvas. She also believed that she could never trust a man again so she had many reservations about her new association with Lord Henry Carlisle. His reputation as a gambler and a popular lady's man was exactly what she hated and she didn't hesitate to make her feelings very clear to him! It is when circumstances demand that they continue to spend time together that Henry begins to question his own past and wonder if he can change his habits so that he might become someone that Selena can respect and even love. Their journey to acceptance of each other's pasts and the realization of their mutual attraction leads to a pathway filled with secrecy, misunderstandings, and eventually the understanding that all things are possible.
This is the fifth book that I've read by Carolyn Miller and her books just keep getting better! It is apparent that she loves the Regency era and she shares this love with those of us who also enjoy this time period. Her stories transport us back to a time of modest maidens and roguish heroes and she introduces us to multi-faceted characters and the different social classes that were so prevalent during that time. As I read this book I felt as though I was traveling the countryside and seeing the beautiful homes and gardens first hand. I suffered along with the characters as they experience their trials and I rejoiced when their faith carried them through. I appreciate that all of Ms. Miller's stories feature the underlying theme of trusting in God and believing in prayer and I always enjoy being able to briefly revisit familiar characters from her previous books.
I highly recommend "Miss Selena's Secret" to all who enjoy Regency romance and Christian fiction. Carolyn Miller is quickly earning a spot along side of Georgette Heyer and I am looking forward to her next book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
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