3.5 stars
I really liked the main characters and their journeys in this book. I also found the faith aspect of the story strong and realistic. My only real complaint, but one that diminished my enjoyment quite a bit, is that the story was too long and slow. ( )

Miss Serena's Secret is the second of 3 books in the Regency Brides (A Promise of Hope) series. Here we pick up with the Winthrop family again, it's always good to reconnect with old friends. In this novel, we dwell with the new Lord Winthrop, his wife Catherine, sister-in-law Serena and his mother-in-law, and of course Lord Carmichael. In book two, Carolyn Miller once again weaves her charm and takes us back to a time of chivalry, and proper etiquette.



Synopsis:



With devastating scars in her past, Serena Winthrop is sure no man can be trusted—especially not a man like the too-smooth Viscount Carmichael. His reputation as a flirt and a gambler is everything she despises. And the young artist makes sure that this disreputable heir to an earldom knows of her deep disapproval whenever they encounter one another.



Henry, Lord Carmichael, is perfectly aware of his charms. He's gambled with plenty of ladies' hearts as easily as he has with their husbands' money. But lately he's wondered if there's more to life—and if his actions might prove unworthy of an admirable wife such as his friends have found.





When Serena's guardian asks his best friend to protect his young ward, Henry promises to be on his best behavior and not woo her. But the more he learns of her, the more he realizes she might be his best reason for changing his character.



Then the lady's art leads her to London infamy. Now Henry must choose between the life mapped out for him as the earl apparent and the love of his life. And Serena's secret may mean the end of his titled family line.



My Thoughts:



A charming storyline with familiar friends from Carolyn Miller's previous books. This book focuses on Miss Serena(Henry). It feels wonderful to sit back and renew acquaintances with old friends and to meet some new friends also. This story line is all about forgiveness, leaning on God and following God's direction in our lives, and not depending on our own reasoning. I do enjoy the author's writing, she invites you into the character's lives and you become one of the family as you read along. This storyline has the reader on edge, with feelings of empathy, and wanting to urge the characters to do the right thing. The reader will truly enjoy this second book of the series, that has some surprises and a few twists in it.



I highly recommend this series, especially to those who enjoy historical romance. I look forward to reading the third book in this series "The Making of Mrs. Hale" ( )

Title: Miss Serena’s Secret (Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope #2)
Author: Carolyn Miller
Pages: 344
Year: 2018
Publisher: Kregel Publications
My rating is 5 out of 5 stars.
Serena Winthrop is fresh out of the schoolroom, and at age 18 she is not interested in finding a husband. She wants only to pursue her love of art. She is quite a skilled artist for one so young. Her brother-in-law, with whom she lives, has hired a private art instructor for her to continue her lessons at home now that she has graduated finishing school. She has a difficult time trusting men because of something that happened in the past. When she meets her brother-in-law’s best friend, Viscount Henry “Harry” Carmichael, she remains cool and aloof. She is not swayed by his charm or good looks. At least that is what she tells herself.
Viscount Carmichael is surprised at Serena’s reaction to him. Ladies usually fall all over themselves to be in his company. Granted he has a reputation as a gambler and a charmer, but he has never been rebuffed so completely. He begins to look at his life thus far and realizes he needs to make some changes. He returns home to find the estate finances in dire straits of which he had no idea. His father has been neglecting the tenants and the land of the estate for some time. Harry has always wanted to reopen the mines on the family land, but his father is adamantly opposed. His father also seems a bit forgetful at times. Harry soon learns the management of the estate will fall on his shoulders. However, he can’t stop thinking about Serena.
I have read all the Regency Brides Series thus far and have not been disappointed in any of the novels. The author writes with an ability to make this reader feel the emotions of the characters: their despair, angst, anger, hurt, love and others. The subtle humor in conversations is one of my favorite aspects of the stories. The presence of God in the center of characters’ lives, whether at the beginning of the story or the end, is wonderful. I can’t wait for book three, The Making of Mrs. Hale, in the Promise of Hope Series which will be released in November 2018! ( )

Reading one of Carolyn Miller’s books is an immersive experience. With rich and vivid descriptions, I feel as though I am sitting down to dinner or attending a ball right along with the characters.

And Miller adds an entirely new layer with a character who is an artist. Seeing the world through Serena’s eyes reminded me of the beauty, variety, and color in God’s creation that I so often don’t appreciate enough.

Yet, the sights, sounds, and touches are just the icing on the cake of Miller’s stories. The deeper messages the characters hear and the personal journeys they travel are the heart of the story. Miss Serena’s Secret is no exception.

Serena Winthrop carries a secret that has pretty much determined her future. Lord Cavanaugh (Harry to his friends) has made choices he now regrets. As family, friends, and God speak truths into each of their lives, Serena and Harry just might discover that God’s plan is greater than their pasts.

And that little cliffhanger at the end with a new character? Yeah, I immediately added Miller’s November release to my TBR list!

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. ( )

It felt great to be back with old friends and be updated on their lives, this time we are with Caroline’s sister Serena, and yes, we do find out her secret.
We come at this story from different angles and know things have got to be changed when Jon asks his friend to look after Miss Winthrop, hands off so to say, never mind that sparks fly.
We also have a gifted artist, and society, mainly men, cannot deal with it being a woman, and we get to see, or read, then in action
Another don’t miss book in this series, and you will chuckle, want to cry, and cringe at some of the happenings here, and don’t miss the epilogue, wow!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kregel, and was not required to give a positive review. ( )