Carolyn Miller has done it again! She has created a wonderfully written, hope-inspiring novel that is sure to sweet all her fans, new and old alike, off their feet and plop them down in a whole new world filled with uniquely witty characters. I was once again in awe of the way Ms. Miller captured my whole heart and left me wanting more.

In this addition to the series, we get Miss DeLancey's story. I loved her in the first books, and I loved her in this book. She was dealing with so much, from scandal to rejection (I've been there on both accounts!), and I felt her emotions as my own. She just wanted to be loved for herself and it was quite hard with her circumstances. But, then Ms. Miller brings Ben into the story, and oh my goodness did I ever fall in love! I loved his character and cheered for him and Miss DeLancey so much through the story.

A story of hope, forgiveness and relying on God in times when you want to give up, Ms. Miller has concluded this series with a bang. Five stars, hats off and two thumbs up, this is one book you want on your wish list this holiday season! I can't wait to see what Ms. Miller brings her fans next. If they are books like this one, then I know I'm in for a witty, charming regency novel that will sweep me to the heart of England. Well done, Ms. Miller!

*Cafinated Reads received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel Publications and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.* ( )

Clara DeLancey is part of the wealthy elite of the mid-1800, or rather she was. Wrong choices and actions of her and her brother has cost her family their wealth and position, even Clara an excellent match in marriage. Spurned by her future fiancée, friends, and the entire family by the influential and privileged, she has hit rock bottom. Her family continues on pretending as if all were the same as before despite the ridicule and rejection of their peers. Considered an old maid at 25, and unmarriageable due the family scandal her parents only care about getting her married off to anyone with even the least amount of status.
The disastrous events and her parent’s persistent pushing her into the limelight, and constant criticism, Clara becomes severely depressed even to the point of attempting to take her life. This is compounded by a deep resentment taking over her heart.
She finds herself befriended by his two sisters, one a minister’s wife. Being beneath her station, her mother does not approve. She is drawn to them not only by their warmth but love and true acceptance as she has never experienced. Their handsome, naval hero brother also captures her attention. Through these friendships, she finds Christ as her Savior.
The characters are entertaining and realistic, and the story will definitely keep you turning pages, but there was much more for me in this book. Although the setting was in another era, 100’s of years ago, many attitudes and mindsets still exist today.
Just as the people in Clara’s social group looked at money, position, and material possessions as the way to happiness and fulfillment, so does the world today. Their emptiness and lack of fulfillment is echoed through the centuries, it has never changed. The Kemsley’s show the love and joy of Christians no matter that is displayed by true followers of Christ today. They did not look at Clara as above them but someone who needed the Lord.
I really liked the way the author made the Christ the center of the book and the answer to whatever problems the characters faced. This is the third book in the Regency Brides series. I have read all of them! They are all stand-alone reads and outstanding books!
I received this book from Kregel publications in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own. ( )

"The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey" by Carolyn Miller is the third book in the "Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace" series. I have not read the first two books in the series, but I kept hearing so many good things about this series that I was excited to pick this one up! I loved this book and am now excited to go back and read the other two! This book has characters from the other books but can definitely be read as a standalone.

"The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey" features Miss Clara DeLancey as our main character. At the start of this novel, as the title intimates, whether Clara is a heroine or a villain is still up for debate. As one begins this book, it is implied that Miss Clara DeLancey was in fact a rather villainous character in the other books in this series. I didn't read the first two books, so I was not as prejudiced against Clara as I imagine other readers might be coming into this book. I think Ms. Miller does a good job of making the reader sympathize with Clara over the course of the novel and even (gasp!) come to like her. Her character arc and growth throughout the novel is very well done and believable.

I think this whole book is so well written and is a unique Regency era story. I love Clara's character and how she changes over the course of the novel. I really enjoy the side characters as well, especially Matilda and the friendship between Clara and Matilda. I appreciate that Clara is in a hard place in the beginning of the novel--in fact, she doesn't want to live. She struggles with a lot of real emotions and feelings because of past events. She is lonely and lost. I love how Matilda speaks God's Truth into her. Throughout the novel, Clara turns thoughts of loss into prayers of blessing and prays for those who hurt her. There is beautiful reconciliation that happens between some of the characters, but it is not easy and the characters struggle to get to this place.

This book is exceptional on so many levels--the characters, the spiritual aspects, and the writing! "The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey" features themes of forgiveness, redemption, finding oneself, and trusting in God's plan. The book is full of action, danger and dastardly plots as well!

Content: This is a clean read. I would rate this book PG. There is a girl who wants her life to end and is possibly contemplating suicide. A man eyes the low neck of a woman's gown. A man slips something into a woman's drink to try to take advantage of her and then he does try to. There is gambling and drinking at parties that the characters attend. A man physically abuses the main character. A man refers to “certain activities” he wants to engage in with a lady. A man refers to dealing with "light skirts".

Rating: I give this book 4.5 stars.

Genre: Christian historical fiction; Regency; Romance

I want to thank Carolyn Miller and Kregal Publications for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255. ( )

Delving into the pages of Austin style prose of a Carolyn Miller Regency period novel is like journeying back in time where social mores were rigid and social position steeped in tradition and expectations. Miss Clara DeLacey is a young lady born of well placed social standing whose conduct in a previous book in the Legacy of Grace series was dubious and placed her in a position of dishonor. Hence..... The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey.

True that by today's standards her behavior was quite acceptable. In the year 1815 it certainly was not and placed her character in question and her hopes for a grand marriage quite dim.

The story's male lead is quite the honorable and trustworthy hero of military fame. His faith and trust in God is strong just as is his personal strength and character. It is quite interesting to read the exchanges and interactions of Clara and Ben.

The thread of faith was woven beautifully throughout the story as those of strong faith encourage others to exercise faith in God and to be willing to follow God's leading for their lives.

Mention of previous characters in the Legacy of Grace Regency Series - some involved with the story's action in The dishonorable Miss DeLancey and some back story mentions - connects this concluding book in the series nicely to the previous two. It is nice to read the books in correct sequence, but not necessary for the story to be enjoyed.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Kregel Publishing to facilitate a review. Opinions are my own and are freely given. ( )

I am rather sad to say goodbye to this A Legacy of Grace series, and this book like the others is so good.
I learned to really dislike Miss DeLancy in the first two books, but by the end of this one I had a complete change of mind. This time the author has us walking in Clara DeLancy’s shoes and I came to respect her, especially when she found faith. What a changed individual she has become, and made me think that maybe the cause of a lot of her problems was her mother?
We are back with the Ton and experience a lot of society, what a completely different way of life, and what a life of luxury. We are able to keep our focus with the addition of everyday people, including a pastor and his wife. The little sister is a delight, and her brother becomes a person of interest in the affairs of Miss Delancy.
Each of these books can be read alone, but they are all so good you don’t want to miss the enjoyment that they afford.
I received this book through Kregel Publishing and their Blogger Program, and was not required t ( )