Review: Underestimating Miss Cecilia by Carolyn Miller

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Will a shrinking violet and a prodigal son come together to better their world?

Cecilia Hatherleigh has many secrets in her shy, sweet heart⁠—but none bigger than her unrequited love for Edward Amherst, the earl's son next door. Her love has persevered over many years, even when he grows to be a bit of a rake. Yet despite his fondness for females, he never seems to see her as anything more than the quiet younger sister, and nothing Cecy does has changed that. Rather than pining after his perhaps unworthy love, she decides to turn her focus toward living out her newly found faith. Now she's determined to follow God's leading to make a better world for the poor and dispossessed around her. 

A London riot awakens Edward to the responsibilities due his family name. It's time to turn his life around to please his noble father⁠—and that means restoring his abandoned legal career and making a marriage of convenience. Neither will be easy, given his past and the prejudices of the upper echelons of society to which he belongs. 

When misadventure strikes at a house party, these two are thrown together even as their lives are upended. If Cecy can't trust God, overcome her shyness, and find her inner strength, the good work they've both done may be for naught--and neither will ever find true love . . . 

Well known for her authentic Regency romances set against less-explored, true historical backgrounds, best-selling author Carolyn Miller continues her newest series with a clean, wholesome tale sure to please her many fans.

My Thoughts:

I have really been enjoying these Regency stories by author Miller. Every book I have read I have been immersed in the setting and the past culture's problems.

This story deals with Cecilia Hatherleigh, the middle daughter, and she has for a very long time held a love in her heart for her neighbor, Edward Amherst. Cecilia is shy and very much an introvert but what I really liked about her is that in her heart of hearts she believes that she and Ned (Edward) are meant to be and will be together. If only Ned could get a clue.

Edward is a prodigal. We meet him in other books (no you do not need to read them first, but they are also good) and his character growth really manifests in this story. Edward has changed for the better and he is not quite sure what to think of shy Cecilia. Especially when he gets her so riled up or she is avoiding him. Everyone else around him believes he should court her, but poor Edward is somewhat clueless.

Though this is a romance and a good one, this is not the whole story. The author has done her research and has highlighted some horrific laws of prejudice to groups of people and an awful historical massacre. Again I learned something new which makes me look at this time period with not so romantic eyes.

I am really looking forward to Verity's story next.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.