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. Especially now that she might be carrying a baby from her brief marriage.



My Thoughts: Although this is book three in the "Regency Brides Series" it can be read stand alone. This novel is centered around Julia and Thomas. Carolyn Miller does not disappoint us in this book, it is filled with intrigue, love and dealing with the choices we make in life. The main theme in this book is forgiveness and learning to trust; knowing that family is there for one another.



This book is very entertaining and deals with life issues that everyone can relate to.



This has been a wonderful series and I do recommend to read all three books in this series.

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Julia Hale arrives on the doorstep of a friend bedraggled, unkempt and starving. She also has a baby in tow. She eloped in Scotland two years ago with Major Thomas Hale. They were happy even as their financial circumstances fell. Then, Thomas had the opportunity to earn some money by serving his country. He didn’t tell Julia what he was doing, but he left a note explaining things and enough money to see her through until he returned. He gave both to a friend who had served with him in the armed forces in India a few years prior. He is captured on his mission along with some of his crew and is gone far longer than he anticipated. He also has a lapse in judgement with one of his tormentors. Julia can’t imagine what has happened to Thomas. Did he abandon her? Were her family and friends right about him being a rogue? Did he tire of her and move on to someone else?
Julia is forced to return to England as she is destitute. She has sold everything of value to obtain a ticket home. Upon arrival, she discovers her family is out of town. She goes to the only place left she can think of and that is to her brother’s best friend. They are shocked at her appearance and that she has a baby, but they take her in. Thomas, meanwhile, escapes his captors and tries repeatedly to get back to Julia but continually has roadblocks in his path. Will he ever be reunited with Julia? Can she forgive him for being gone so long?
Both Thomas and Julie learn the value of forgiveness and the joy of being reconciled with their Savior. They had been living lives for themselves without much thought to God. Now that they have faced extremely trying circumstances, they can see God’s provision. They now know they are beloved children of God and they have value in His sight. There were consequences of impetuous actions, but nothing that couldn’t be repented of and forgiven by God. I have greatly enjoyed this author’s regency books as they are clean reads with faith woven seamlessly into the plot. I can’t wait for what comes next from Carolyn’s pen! ( )

This book has me interested from the first page! It takes a while to get the story sorted, and you figure out what's happening but it still keeps you interested! I loved watching Julia's growth in this story and seeing her and Thomas forgiven and move on together. I also really enjoyed how different this story was then most.

This was my first book by Carolyn Miller but it for sure won't be my last! She has me hooked!

Carolyn wove a beautiful regency tale that leaves you with a happy sigh, and wishing the story hadn't ended quite so fast.



There were a few parts I thought were a little much with the sexual content and the innuendos.



*I received this book from Just Read Tours for an honest review. All opinions are my own*

This is a Regency romance type of book. It is a Christian book but not at all preachy. You can see God's hand throughout the book, though. The story has a bit of a twist from other novels of this type. I will not give it away, but I found it quite interesting. It switched back and forth between the two main characters but in a smooth fashion.

The story flowed well. The characters were quite well developed, at least the main characters and the mother. The editing was also done well.

I asked to read and review this book through Netgalley..com. Yes, I was given an ebook with no charge. No, I was not required to leave a review. I do recommend you read this book, I'm sure you will enjoy it. ( )

“I have known what it is to hold onto bitterness and resentment; it is not something I wish for anyone I care about to dwell with. Unforgiveness is a poison that shrivels the heart. It means a person cannot truly live in the present as they’re always thinking about the past.”

Oh, what a most excellent conclusion to A Promise of Hope series! This book can definitely be read as a stand alone, but reading the first two books (Winning Miss Winthrop and Miss Serena’s Secret) will heighten the reader’s understanding of Julia and Thomas on their incredibly rocky journey together. As is her trademark, the author Carolyn Miller infuses this well-written story with her beautiful writing style, wonderful and oftentimes amusing dialogue, broken yet unforgettable characters, and strong spiritual threads.

Julia, if you have been following the series, is no longer the whimsical selfish young girl. Thomas is no longer the selfish, angry, amoral young soldier. Time, distance, and tragic circumstances have forced both to grow up and mature. Julia’s compassion makes her a lovable character and Thomas’ selflessness and persistence in his love for Julia makes him a hero as they battle their past, present, and perceived future. Their conversion scenes are soul-stirring. And the intrigue and mystery woven into the story are the icing on the cake.

The secondary characters make the story so much more delicious - Catherine/Jon (from Winning Miss Winthrop), Serena/Harry (from Miss Serena’s Secret), and Lavinia/Nicholas (from A Legacy of Grace series) have prominent roles in this book and seeing them was like meeting old friends again.

If you enjoy historical romance, especially set in the Regency era, you will want to read this book! All of Carolyn Miller’s books!

I was given a copy of the book from Kregel Publications and was under no obligation to post a review. All comments and opinions are solely my own. ( )