Winning Miss Winthrop ~ Review

Winning Miss Winthrop
Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope #1
By Carolyn Miller

Catherine Winthrop's world has just been upended - with her father's death, she along with her mother and sister find themselves find themselves in a new role. No longer the daughter of the estate as the lands and title have passed on to a third cousin. But to Catherine's shock the cousin that none knew would be inheriting is the very man who broke her heart years ago. To find herself in this position is most disheartening as he was the only man to pay her any attention that she returned. But years have passed with no word from Jonathan Carlew.

Jonathan doesn't relish his sudden elevation in society. For years rumors about his parentage followed him and most of society shunned him for this mark. The one lady to capture his heart was also the one to break it. Finding himself as the newly named head of the Winthrop family is not a position Jonathan sought and finding himself so close to Catherine and the disdain of the rest of the family is almost more than he can bear. But Jonathan has his father's stubborn pride and it is about to stand him in good stead as he faces his greatest pain.

As Catherine and Jonathan come to terms with their new situations they have to confront the pain that has become part of the lives. But will the grief of the past keep them from healing and a second chance? When a new tragedy befalls them will it give them the chance they both need or will it further drive them apart?

Those who enjoyed Carolyn Miller's previous Regency Bride series will enjoy this new series that begins with this book. Some of the previous series characters make appearances which allows the reader to see how their lives have progressed. Fans of Regency period books will want to pick up this one. The subtle societal expectations that can make or ruin a reputation are on full display when a trip to Bath is undertaken in the hopes of economizing the Winthrop expenses while allowing Catherine and her mother time away from their old life.

I was provided a digital review copy of this book by the publisher Kregel with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:

Years ago, the man who stole Catherine Winthrop’s heart rejected her—and she’s never recovered from the grief. Now tragedy has brought him back into her life. This time it isn’t her heart he’s taking, it’s her home and her family’s good name.

Jonathan Carlew’s serious demeanor and connection to trade, not to mention the rumors surrounding his birth, have kept him from being a favorite of the ladies, or their parents. Now, suddenly landed and titled, he finds himself with plenty of prospects. But his demanding society responsibilities keep pressing him into service to the one woman who captured his heart long ago—and then ran off with it.

These two broken hearts must decide whether their painful past and bitter present will be all they can share, or if forgiveness can provide a path to freedom for the future.

Set in the sumptuous salons of Bath, Regency England’s royal breeding ground for gossip, Winning Miss Winthrop is the first volume in the Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope series. Fans of the wholesome and richly drawn first series won’t want to miss this new set of characters—or appearances by their old favorites.