The Elusive Miss Ellison - (Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace) by Carolyn Miller (Paperback)

About the Book

Handsome appearance counts for naught unless matched by good character and actions. That's the firm opinion of not-so-meek minister's daughter Lavinia Ellison. So even though all the other villagers of St. Hampton Heath are swooning over the newly returned seventh Earl of Hawkesbury, she is not impressed. If a man won't take his responsibilities seriously and help those who are supposed to be able to depend on him, he deserves no respect from her. In Lavinia's pretty, gray eyes, Nicholas Stamford is just as arrogant and reckless as his brother--who stole the most important person in Livvie's world.Nicholas is weighed down by his own guilt and responsibility, by the pain his careless brother caused, and by the legacy of war he's just left. This quick visit home to St. Hampton Heath will be just long enough to ease a small part of that burden. Asking him to bother with the lives of the villagers when there's already a bailiff on the job is simply too much to expect. That is, until the hoydenish, intelligent, and very opinionated Miss Ellison challenges him to see past his pain and pride. With her angelic voice in his head, he may even be beginning to care. But his isn't the only heart that needs to change.These two lonely hearts may each have something the other needs. But with society's opposition, ancestral obligations, and a shocking family secret, there may be too many obstacles in their way.

Book Synopsis

Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award Winner

Handsome appearance counts for naught unless matched by good character and actions.

That's the firm opinion of not-so-meek minister's daughter Lavinia Ellison. So even though all the other villagers of St. Hampton Heath are swooning over the newly returned seventh Earl of Hawkesbury, she is not impressed. If a man won't take his responsibilities seriously and help those who are supposed to be able to depend on him, he deserves no respect from her. In Lavinia's pretty, gray eyes, Nicholas Stamford is just as arrogant and reckless as his brother--who stole the most important person in Livvie's world.

Nicholas is weighed down by his own guilt and responsibility, by the pain his careless brother caused, and by the legacy of war he's just left. This quick visit home to St. Hampton Heath will be just long enough to ease a small part of that burden. Asking him to bother with the lives of the villagers when there's already a bailiff on the job is simply too much to expect.

That is, until the hoydenish, intelligent, and very opinionated Miss Ellison challenges him to see past his pain and pride. With her angelic voice in his head, he may even be beginning to care. But his isn't the only heart that needs to change.

These two lonely hearts may each have something the other needs. But with society's opposition, ancestral obligations, and a shocking family secret, there may be too many obstacles in their way.

Fans of Georgette Heyer, Lori Wick, and Julie Klassen will enjoy the spirited exchanges between the bluestocking minister's daughter and the bruised war hero as they move past pride and presumption to a humbled appreciation of God's grace and the true strength of love.

Enjoy the entire Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace series!
1. The Elusive Miss Ellison
2. The Captivating Lady Charlotte
3. The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey

And don't miss Carolyn's new series Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope, coming in 2018!

Review Quotes

"The Elusive Miss Ellison is a delightful romp. Light and enjoyable, but also rich with the theme of forgiveness. A lovely read."--Angela Breidenbach, Christian Authors Network president and best-selling historical romance author (10/31/2016 12:00:00 AM)

"The Elusive Miss Ellison is a wonderful blend of romance, witty banter, and Regency-era charm sure to delight readers."--Angela K. Couch, author of Mail-Order Revenge and The Scarlet Coat (10/31/2016 12:00:00 AM)

"The Elusive Miss Ellison will delight the hearts of Regency romance lovers with its poetic narrative, witty verbal swordplay, strict social constructs, and intriguing touch of mystery. Carolyn Miller is a bright new voice in the Regency genre, and I look forward to reading more of her charming stories."--Louise M. Gouge, award-winning author (10/31/2016 12:00:00 AM)

"Carolyn Miller gives the reader a sweetly satisfying tale and a charming Regency couple worthy of Georgette Heyer herself. I hope this is just the first of many."--Julianna Deering, author of the Drew Farthering Mysteries (10/31/2016 12:00:00 AM)

"Fans of historical romance will love Carolyn Miller's debut novel. Nicholas's journey from proud, self-centered man to caring and devoted suitor will capture the reader's heart as it did Lavinia's. With just the right touch of inspiration and interesting historical detail, Carolyn transports you back to Regency England."--Carrie Turansky, award-winning author of A Refuge at Highland Hall and Shine Like the Dawn (10/31/2016 12:00:00 AM)

"From the moment I cracked the pages I was transported to another era with a heroine as compelling as Lizzie Bennet and a Darcy-esque hero."--Lisa Richardson, author of The Peacock Throne (10/31/2016 12:00:00 AM)

"In The Elusive Miss Ellison, Carolyn Miller has created a heroine who will steal your heart and a hero who is as frustrating as he is charming. With unexpected twists and turns, the story stays true to the times. The scenes in the English countryside as well as in London will capture the imagination of those who love the Regency period and win over those who are experiencing the era for the first time."--Martha Rogers, author of the best-selling Christmas at Holly Hill and Christmas at Stoney Creek (10/31/2016 12:00:00 AM)

"Lovers of Jane Austen will be enchanted by Carolyn Miller's debut novel--especially readers who want to know more about the hero's journey to adoring their Regency heroine. This beautifully written book is definitely worth reading!"--Dawn Crandall, award-winning author of The Everstone Chronicles (10/31/2016 12:00:00 AM)

"With compelling characters and an engaging story, encapsulated by the romantic era of Regency England, Carolyn Miller's writing style is reminiscent of Jane Austen, with a modern sense of wit and spunk. Lavinia is a spirited heroine who will leave you smiling to the very last page, and despite the initial presumption of a disinterested, battle-scarred war hero, Nicholas quickly sneaks his way into your heart. This minister's daughter and guilt-laden earl are supported by an ensemble cast who keep you turning the pages. You'll be swept into a story of God's amazing grace and the slow unfolding of a love that overcomes even the greatest opposition."--Amber Stockton, author of more than twenty novels, including the best-selling Liberty's Promise (10/31/2016 12:00:00 AM)