49 items found for ""
- The Making of Mrs Hale | carolynmillerauthor
The Making of Mrs Hale - behind the scenes Discussion Guide Which character in this novel do you identify with the most? Why? In the novel, Julia is faced with a series of challenges. Do you find her story sympathetic? Have you ever had a situation where you have been challenged? Did it cause a personal change? What do you consider to be the important themes in this novel? What examples did you find? Thomas Hale is very aware of his shortcomings. Do you find his story sympathetic? Why / why not? If you could give Julia one piece of advice, what would it be? What advice would you give Thomas? In what ways do Julia and Thomas change throughout the novel? What do you consider to be the biggest factor(s) in their change? While this is a work of fiction, certain historical elements and places are referenced, such as the incidents in India. How did these historical details affect the narrative? Did they help you to feel a sense of time & place? What were the most appealing parts of the book? Did you enjoy seeing references to other characters? Why / why not? What do you think happens next? Click on the cover to look inside the book BUY NOW Follow The Making of Mrs Hale on Pinterest Find out more about the inspiration and images of the characters, settings and scenes at my Pinterest board The Making of Mrs Hale > < Check out some of the images of Edinburgh from my 2015 visit to Scotland
- A Trip to Bath | Bath, England, UK | Carolyn Miller
A DAY TRIP TO BATH First Stop: Let’s begin by taking a look at the namesake, the UNESCO World Heritage listed Roman Baths . Bath is a city founded by the Romans in the first century AD, named (unsurprisingly!) for the hot springs upon which the Romans built a bathing complex, and the Temple of Sulis Minerva. These ruins are some of the most important Roman remains north of the Alps, with the associated waters considered to hold health-giving properties, which led to it becoming England’s premier Spa town of the Georgian period. The hot waters at Bath contain many minerals which have long been considered beneficial, especially for the ill and the elderly. In Regency times people were encouraged to drink or ‘take the waters’ at the Pump Room , which – surprise! – pumped the water from below and delivered it via a beautiful stone fountain to the willing. Fans of Jane Austen films such as Persuasion and Northanger Abbey may remember seeing scenes set here. As well as being a place to drink to your health, it was also a place where one could promenade, to catch up on the latest gossip, to see and be seen. Today, one can still do the same! Second Stop: Just a few steps away is the magnificent Bath Abbey (look at its amazing front door!) Bath Abbey was founded in the 7th Century as a Benedictine monastery, which owes a lot of its current splendour to major restoration work in the mid-1800s, which means it is a little different to what Catherine and Jon would have seen, but its size and beauty is most apparent. This Grade 1 listed building is a wonderful example of Gothic architecture, and is noted for its breath-taking fan vaulting and stained glass. Definitely worth a visit. (And Aussie friends – see who is commemorated here? Captain Arthur Philip is buried in a village nearby) Third Stop: A walk past the shops and more beautiful 1700s buildings takes us to Queens Square (where I imagine Catherine’s Aunt Drusilla having an abode), and a short distance further along Gay Street brings us to the Jane Austen centre . Here one can learn more about this illustrious author, take a tour and discover fascinating facts about the Regency era, try on Regency attire or have a go at using a quill. You can even take tea with Mr. Darcy! The Jane Austen centre, Bath A portrait of Jane Austen Rules of etiquette A tea caddy - complete with lock! Regency wear, Jane Austen centre Regency wear, Jane Austen centre Bath newspaper clipping, Regency era Quill and ink, Jane Austen centre Tea with Mr Darcy 1/1 Fourth Stop: Next, we need to attend the location for tonight’s masquerade ball – the Upper Assembly Rooms . A walk up Milsom Steet takes us to the Assembly Rooms, where elegant society would assemble and mingle and perhaps engage in matchmaking. These rooms consist of the Ballroom, Octagonal room, tea rooms, and card rooms, and were the site of dances, concerts and lectures, and the site of many dramatic scenes for Austen heroines. I used these elegant 18th Century rooms for a number of pivotal scenes for Miss Winthrop – including a masquerade! Fifth Stop: Not far away is another of the iconic scenes of Bath – the Royal Crescent , a row of 30 terraced houses in a semicircle, and one of the most fabulous examples of Georgian architecture in Britain, and a prestige address with its views over the park opposite. Of course, the Royal Crescent is also famous for THAT scene in the 2007 TV film of Persuasion . Bath is built in the valley of the River Avon , with many steep streets and rows of terraced houses lining the surrounding hills. A walk along the river takes you across the beautiful Pulteney Bridge and up another hill to Sydney Gardens . This is another location mentioned in Austen and Georgette Heyer novels, and a place any true Austen aficionado should visit – and Austen-inspired authors should use. So, of course I had to set several scenes here, especially as the many trees and paths make it perfect for secret rendezvous. Well, today has been a big day, so it must be time to head back to our Bed & Breakfast, and get ready for tonight's Masquerade. Thank you for joining me - I hope you've had a fun visit in beautiful World Heritage-listed Bath! Bath has many iconic settings for those who love their Jane Austen films!
- Misleading Miss Verity | carolynmillerauthor
Misleading Miss Verity - behind the scenes Buy Now Discussion Guide Which character in this novel do you identify with the most? Why? In the novel, Verity is faced with a series of challenges regarding her family , identity, and faith. Do you find her story sympathetic? Have you ever had a situation where you have been challenged? Did it cause a personal change? What do you consider to be the important themes in this novel? What examples did you find? Do you find Anthony's story sympathetic? Why / why not? If you could give Verity one piece of advice, what would it be? What advice would you give Anthony? In what ways do Verity and Anthony change throughout the novel? What do you consider to be the biggest factor(s) in their change? While this is a work of fiction, certain historical elements and places are referenced, such as the mention of convicts in Sydney, New South Wales. How did these historical details affect the narrative? Did they help you to feel a sense of time & place? What were the most appealing parts of the book? Did you enjoy seeing references to other characters? Why / why not? What do you think happens next? Find out more about the images and inspiration by following the > Misleading Miss Verity Pinterest board here: Follow Misleading Miss Verity on Pinterest < Click through to check out the images from my trip to Scotland, including pictures from the village of Kirkcudbright and the fairytale-like Dunrobin Castle, that helped inspire different scenes from Misleading Miss Verity.
- Underestimating Miss Cecilia | carolynmillerauthor
UNDERESTIMATING MISS CECILIA ~ Book 2 in the Regency Brides: Daughters of Aynsley series Shy, sweet Cecilia Hatherleigh has always been in love with Edward Amherst, the boy next door. Yet he’s never seen her as anything but the quiet girl in the background as he flirts with the other vivacious women of the ton. When a near tragedy brings Edward’s attention to his family duties, this prodigal son decides he needs to settle down with a proper wife. Cecilia hopes to convince him to choose her—but God may want her to forget the wayward nobleman and put her future in His hands alone. These two try to find their way toward happiness, but prejudice, political riots, and the changing face of England’s societal structures begin to block them at every turn. Can their struggles turn to triumph—or will their paths permanently diverge? BUY NOW: Amazon Amazon.com.au Amazon.co.uk Barnes & Noble Book Depository Christianbook GooglePlay iBooks Kobo Koorong Click here to access the reader's guide and more First published: July, 2019 Publisher: Kregel Publications More reviews
- A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh | carolynmillerauthor
Click on the cover to preview a sample from the book A HERO FOR MISS HATHERLEIGH ~ Book 1 in the Regency Brides: Daughters of Aynsley series Can a very proper noble lady find a future with a fossil-hunting man of faith? As the daughter of Viscount Aynsley, Caroline Hatherleigh knows every rule of society—and she’s always followed them precisely. It’s simply the way things are done in her world. When she visits south Devonshire and encounters a fossil-hunting scientist and his sister, her assumptions about what is right are shaken. She is suddenly confronted by questions she has never considered about the importance of friendship and faith—and her comfortable understanding about how the world works is thrown off balance. Gideon Kirby loves science, and hunting down proof of past lives is a joy he won’t willingly give up. But his scientific leanings are being challenged by both his personal beliefs and by local smugglers in the Devonshire countryside. And every day his sister’s illness is becoming more desperate and her care grows more demanding. Adding a proper Viscount’s daughter to the mix is a complication Gideon never expected—especially since he has a secret that demands he stays far away from this young woman he’s falling for in order to protect his beloved sister. When a mysterious stranger visits the village, that secret is set to be exposed, no matter how Gideon fights. Then tragedy strikes in a smugglers cave. And the threat of scandal may lead to broken hearts and passionless propriety. Will the shaky bond these two have managed to build be strong enough to overcome their differences—or will the trust they’ve withheld from each other end up tearing three lives apart? BUY NOW: Amazon Amazon.com.au Amazon.co.uk Barnes & Noble Book Depository Christianbook GooglePlay iBooks Kobo Koorong Click here to access the reader's guide and more First published: March 2019 Publisher: Kregel Publications More reviews Check out the images from my visit to Sidmouth and Lyme Regis, setting for A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh 1/1
- Miss Serena's Secret | carolynmillerauthor
Miss Serena's Secret - behind the scenes Click to read an excerpt from the book BUY NOW Check out my Pinterest board filled with more behind the scenes inspiration for Miss Serena's Secret - including images of the Summer Art Exhibitions of Regency times. Pinterest Miss Serena's Secret Did you know the Royal Academy's Summer Exhibition still continues in London? Check out my blog post about my miraculous discovery of an 1800s Summer Exhibition catalogue in Australia Discussion Guide Which character in this novel do you identify with the most? Why? In the novel, Serena is faced with a series of challenges. Do you find her story sympathetic? Have you ever had a situation where you have been challenged? Did it cause a personal change? What do you consider to be the important themes in this novel? What examples did you find? Henry, Lord Carmichael, is very aware he is to marry according to social standing. Have you ever had to deal with other people’s expectations (spoken or unspoken) about your relationships? How did you deal with it? If you could give Serena one piece of advice, what would it be? What advice would you give Harry? In what ways do Serena and Harry change throughout the novel? What do you consider to be the biggest factor(s) in their change? While this is a work of fiction, certain historical elements are referenced, such as the visit to the Summer Exhibition in London. How did these historical details affect the narrative? Did they help you to feel a sense of time & place? What were the most appealing parts of the book? Did you enjoy the minor characters, such as Harry’s sister and her children? What do you think happens next? Download Discussion Questions Miss Serena's Secret is partly set in Derbyshire and the Peak District - yes, where Pride & Prejudice has been filmed. Check out the images below of my trip to this gorgeous part of England 1/1 The Summer Exhibition of the Royal Academy of Arts at Somerset House Inspiration for Welmeley Hall, Castle Howard, Yorkshire Serena's paintbox might have looked like this The mineral Blue John is only found in Derbyshire, and was useful for decorative arts and for use in manufactories White's Gentlemen Club, London
- Reclaiming Hope | carolynmillerauthor
RECLAIMING HOPE Book 18 in the Independence Islands series Opposites attract - but can they last? Callie Steele might be a bit… focused on work, but despite what her employers say, she enjoys her well-ordered, productive life. When she’s sent to meet the owners of an estate requiring post-hurricane landscaping, Callie meets their son, Kai Brody, a super-chilled pro surfer, who is as opposite from her as they come. Though initially smitten, Callie knows a relationship with Kai is a bad idea—a very bad idea. Kai, however, can’t help but be intrigued by someone who challenges him to make something of his life again. He’s determined to pursue her, if she’ll give him half a chance. The more time they spend together, negotiating the challenges of work, illness, and family, the more their opposing outlooks clash and connect. What do these unlikely friends really want from life? Is it best to focus on work or recreation? Kai and Callie must consider if such complete opposites have enough in common to make a relationship last. PREORDER NOW: AMAZON.COM AMAZON.COM.AU PINTEREST
- The Making of Mrs Hale | carolynmillerauthor
THE MAKING OF MRS HALE ~ Book 3 in the Regency Brides: Promise of Hope series Can a runaway marriage be redeemed? Marry in haste, repent in leisure—Mrs. Hale is about to find out how painful that repentance can truly be. Julia Hale ran off to be married in Gretna Green, following romance instead of common sense. But her tale isn't turning into a happily ever after. Her new husband is gone and she doesn't know where—or if he's ever coming back. Julia has no option but to head home to the family she betrayed by eloping and to hope they'll forgive her. Along the way she will learn how relationship with God can bring restoration and hope, and find the answers she needs both for her husband and her future. Click on the cover to preview a sample of the book BUY NOW: Amazon Amazon.com.au Amazon.co.uk Barnes & Noble Book Depository Christianbook GooglePlay Kobo Koorong Click here to access the reader's guide & more First published: November, 2018 Publisher: Kregel Publications More reviews
- Media | carolynmillerauthor
MEDIA Short Bio Carolyn Miller is an Australian author of inspirational historical romance, particularly that of the Regency era, and loves creating worlds where flawed people can grow in faith, hope and love. Longer Bio Carolyn Miller is an Inspirational Regency romance author who lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia with her husband and four children. Together with her husband she has pastored a church for ten years, and worked as a public high school English and Learning and Support teacher. A longtime lover of romance, especially that of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer’s Regency era, Carolyn holds a BA in English Literature, and loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives. She loves reading, music, films, gardens, art, travel and international food, and really enjoy creating worlds where flawed people can grow in faith, hope and love. Her Regency novels include the award winning The Elusive Miss Ellison, The Captivating Lady Charlotte, The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey, Winning Miss Winthrop, Miss Serena's Secret, The Making of Mrs Hale, and A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh, all published by Kregel Publications. Carolyn is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube agency. My newest release: Title: Midnight's Budding Morrow Genre: Inspirational Historical Romance / Regency Publisher: Kregel Publications Release Date: May 31, 2022 Can real love grow between a wallflower and an unrepentant rogue? Sarah Drayton is eager to spend time with her best friend at her crumbling Northumberland castle estate. Matrimony is the last thing on her mind and the last thing she expects to be faced with on a holiday. Yet she finds herself being inveigled into a marriage of convenience with her friend’s rakish brother. When James Langley returns to his family's estate, he can't be bothered to pay attention to his responsibilities as the heir. War is raging and he wants only distraction, not serious tethers. But his roguish ways have backed him into a corner, and he has little choice but to obey his father's stunning decree: marry before returning to war, or else. Suddenly he finds himself wedded to a clever and capable woman he does not love. Sarah craves love and a place to belong, neither of which James offered before returning to the battlefront. Now everyone around her thinks she married above her station, and they have no intention of rewarding her for such impertinence. It isn't until her husband returns from war seemingly changed that she begins to hope they may find real happiness. But can she trust that this rake has truly reformed? When tragedy strikes, this pair must learn to trust God and his plans. Will they be destroyed . . . or will they discover that even in the darkest depths of night, the morning still holds hope? Endorsements: “In her signature style that sucks readers straight back to the Regency era, Carolyn Miller crafts a story rich with little-explored history that held me enthralled from the get-go!” Roseanna M. White, best-selling author of the Ladies of the Manor and Shadows Over England series “Carolyn Miller has quickly become one of my go-to Regency authors. I know when I pick up one of her novels, I will find myself immersed in a story with characters that keep pulling me back to the pages. In A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh, I found myself slipping into a world filled with fossils, friendship, and the whispers of love, yet haunted by a shadow of danger. With a keen eye for historical detail and descriptions that transported me to the shores of England, this book was a delight.” Cara Putman, author of the Hidden Justice and Cornhusker Dreams series “Move over, Elizabeth Bennet. Here comes Miss Hatherleigh! In true Jane Austen style, Carolyn Miller pens a delightful Regency novel filled with intrigue and a dash of danger. Heroine Caroline Hather- leigh learns a lesson or two in geology and love when she meets the handsome Gideon Kirby . . . but is he who he says he is? Readers of all ages will love this fine historical romance.” Michelle Griep, Christy Award winner of the Once Upon a Dickens Christmas series Endorsements for the Regency Brides series “Carolyn Miller is witty, romantic, and heartwarming, with a gentle dose of faith-boldness, too. Layered characters and attention to his- torical detail make each book a great read!” Reading Is My Superpower, blog, readingismysuperpower.org “Readers who are looking for an English historical romance reminis- cent of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer will be delighted!” Carrie Turansky, award-winning author of Across the Blue andShine Like the Dawn “Carolyn Miller writes with skill and grace that brings the Regency period to vivid life.” Julianna Deering, author of the Drew Farthering Mysteries “Carolyn Miller doesn’t disappoint with yet another engaging Regency novel that leaves you wanting more. . . . With impeccable accuracy, witty dialogue, and seamless integration of Christian faith, Carolyn weaves a classic tale that is sure to become a permanent addition to your collection.” Amber Miller Stockton, best-selling author of Liberty’s Promise “With exquisite dialogue, beautiful descriptions, and careful atten- tion to detail, Carolyn Miller continues to draw her readers into a magnificent Regency world.” Pepper D. Basham, author of the Penned in Time and Mitchell’s Crossroads series “Books like Winning Miss Winthrop remind me why Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer have been longtime favorite authors of mine. . . . While many modern-day authors are able to dress their stories in an admirable reproduction, few are able to re-create the tone and essence of the era with the authenticity Carolyn Miller displays.” Fiction Aficionado, blog, fictionaficionadoblog.wordpress.com Interviews and Articles ( click here to find out more )
- Buy the Original Six | carolynmillerauthor
THE ORIGINAL SIX HOCKEY ROMANCE SERIES Now Available Now Available Now Available Amazon.com Amazon.com.au Amazon.co.uk Apple GooglePlay Kobo Koorong Nook Amazon.com Amazon.com.au Amazon.co.uk Apple GooglePlay Kobo Koorong Nook Amazon.com Amazon.com.au Amazon.co.uk Apple GooglePlay Nook Kobo Koorong Now Available Now Available Now Available Amazon.com Amazon.com.au Amazon.co.uk Apple Kobo GooglePl ay Koorong Nook Amazon.com Amazon.com.au Amazon.co.uk Apple GooglePlay Kobo Nook Koorong Amazon.com Amazon.com.au Amazon.co.uk Apple GooglePlay Kobo Nook Koorong
- Muskoka Romance series | carolynmillerauthor
MUSKOKA ROMANCE SERIES A sweet & swoony Christian contemporary romance series, set in the beautiful Muskoka region of Canada As a redhead and an Anne of Green Gables fan I was thrilled to visit Prince Edward Island and then drive across Canada to Muskoka, a picturesque, lake-filled stretch of country two hours north of Toronto, which is where LM Montgomery set her book The Blue Castle . (Muskoka IS Mistawis!) Visiting this beautiful part of the world became inspiration for a story about another hockey player (because: Canada, hello!), which became Muskoka Blue . Because I loved this Muskoka region so much, I decided to write several other books set in this region, using the same small town and community church we see in Muskoka Blue. So welcome to Muskoka Shores, a beautiful close knit community on the shores of Lake Muskoka, Canada. Come and meet your new best friends as they negotiate romance, faith and life in small town North America. Click on the book covers to find out more, and check out the photo gallery below for some of the behind-the-scenes inspiration from my trip to North America that inspired scenes in various books (and the Spotify playlists and Pinterest boards as well). Happy reading! For Sarah Maguire, spending the summer at Lake Muskoka was supposed to be about finding the courage to put back the pieces of her shattered life—not falling in love with the charming yet unsophisticated hockey player from next door. Daniel Walton may have been praying for Miss Right to appear, but Sarah’s ice princess act just cries Miss Wrong. Dan’s summer plans hadn’t included befriending a redhead with a sassy tongue and cute accent, but as Muskoka works its magic he soon discovers that underneath the frost and prickles is the funny, feisty, loving woman he’s waited all his life to meet. Will past regrets lead to further heartbreak? Or can Sarah and Dan learn to leave the past in the past and embrace God’s promises for the future? Now Available Buy Amazon Buy Other Retailers Serena Williamson loves working at Muskoka Shores, the fancy resort on Lake Muskoka, and making couples dreams come true. But after returning from a celebrity wedding to find her own hopes crumbling to dust, she sets out for self-improvement, and to prove her ex was wrong. But when a misunderstanding concerning the new assistant church minister leads to more self-doubt, can she ever really trust a man again? Joel Wakefield is looking forward to a fresh start for himself and his sister in this beautiful small town beside Lake Muskoka. He hadn't counted on meeting a curvy cutie with a gift for hospitality and a gracious heart. Can he show her that it's what is inside that truly counts? Now Available Buy Amazon Buy Other Retailers Staci Everton is a multi-published author of historical romances, whose Christmas Eve deadline for a new book sees her leave her Chicago home to go write while staying with her grandmother in the beautiful small town of Muskoka Shores, Canada. Staci is determined to finish her manuscript, despite the small town's Christmas charm - and Muskoka Shores most eligible bachelor. Dr. James Wells is on enforced leave from working in Africa, after nearly burning out. He's here to spend time with family, not spend time with a workaholic whose focus on fiction is very different from the harsh realities he's faced. But Christmas is a time of second chances, family and faith. Maybe they'll find magic under the mistletoe, and a future after all. Now Available Buy Amazon Buy Other Retailers Toni Wakefield may be a talented artist, but past choices means this single mother never feels the equal of those around her—especially her brother’s best friend, investment funds manager Matt Vandenberg. Matt long ago fell in love with his best friend’s younger sister, and try as he might, he just can’t fall out of it. And between his crazy working hours and the fact she's now settled two hours away in beautiful Muskoka it seems they never have any time together. How can he persuade her to consider to give him a chance, when she’s sworn the only man she can care about is her baby boy? Now Available Buy Amazon Buy Other Retailers Jackie O’Halloran never expected her actions at a friend’s wedding in Muskoka to go viral on social media. Even less did she expect to gain the notice of a famous actor, Lincoln Cash, and all the temptation his handsome presence provides. But she’s a good Christian girl, so a man like him has to be out of the picture. Or so she thinks. Linc’s visit to see his ailing grandfather was supposed to be a quick visit to Muskoka. He hadn’t counted on meeting a forthright young lady whose courage made headlines around the world. But as he gets to know her he’s tempted to stay, which just might prove dangerous for his agent’s peace of mind, and for Linc’s own heart. Can these two opposites push past mere attraction to find real love? And what does faith have to do with it at all? Now Available Buy Amazon Buy Other Retailers Muskoka Holiday Morsels is a collection of short romance stories with holiday and Christmas themes, perfect for a cozy read. Meet some new friends and catch up with some Muskoka favorites, and discover romance in the holiday season in this bite-sized collection of stories filled with hope, heart, humor, and all the feels. Now Available Buy Amazon Buy Other Retailers All Anna Morely has wanted since she was a child is to feel loved. All Tom Woodmore has wanted is to uphold the law without fear or favor. When a traffic incident brings these two opposites together, sparks fly. But Anna's wealthy family has certain social expectations that a humble police officer doesn't exactly meet. And after the death of his fiancée, Tom has his own challenges in learning to risk his heart again. And then there is the matter of whether Anna will ever reconcile with her too-persistent friends... Join Anna and Tom as they discover the path to real love holds unexpected joys and trials, and that God's promises can always be relied on - including in beautiful Muskoka. June 27 Preorder Amazon Preorder Other Retailers To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. Click on the pictures to see travel inspiration for the Muskoka romance series Muskoka Blue playlist on Spotify Note Muskoka Blue Pinterest board
- Restoring Fairhaven | carolynmillerauthor
RESTORING FAIRHAVEN Book 6 of the Independence Islands Series Samantha Green of Greener Gardens gets more than she bargained for when she is employed to restore the overgrown gardens of the estate owned by a reclusive writer, whose romances about unrequited love have become bestsellers and movies, despite never having a happy ending. New to this role, Sam is determined to succeed, despite facing challenges with the business and her family. Max Fairhaven just wants to be left alone. But the green-thumbed intruder to his island hideaway is stubborn, and her quick wits and sunny disposition soon get under his skin. Between banter and garden renovation she gradually brings some much needed life to this widower, as he begins to engage with the real world. Can happily-ever-afters be found in real life as well as fiction? BUY NOW: Amazon.com Amazon.com.au Amazon.co.uk Visit the Independence Islands page here Reviews & more Learn about the Independence Islands series here