Underestimating Miss Cecilia ~ Review

Underestimating Miss Cecilia
Regency Brides: Daughters of Aynsley #2
By Carolyn Miller

Cecilia Hatherleigh has always preferred Edward (Ned) Amherst to any other man of her acquaintance. Ned has acquired the reputation of a rake, dragging the family name through scandal, yet for some reason, Cecy can't turn her sights onto other more upstanding gentlemen (much to her mother's consternation). But never over the years has Ned shown the slightest interest in Cecy in regards to a romantic attachment to her sorrow.

Over the years Ned Amherst has called the Aynsley daughters neighbors and friends. Cecilia has always faded into the background as the middle daughter who was shy and softspoken. She'd never attracted his notice in any particular way but she seemed to understand him for all his faults. When others hint at a possible match between them he can't imagine such a thing ever happening with his little friend. And thanks to his unfortunate attentions to a certain Mrs. Hale the year previous he knows that he will be less than welcome as a suitor to any daughter of society. 

But when Cecilia and Ned both take an interest in the plight of the common people whom those of privilege believe to be beneath their notice it is possible that a chance at something more could bloom between these neighbors. But by the time Ned truly notices what he has waiting for him, it may be too late.

Underestimating Miss Cecilia focuses on the plight of the working class, the Irish, and the Gypsy in this era that almost made poverty a crime of the greatest offense even as wages were cut. And the forgiveness of God vs the forgiveness of man is examined. Can we accept the forgiveness of God and yet refuse to offer the same grace shows us to ourselves? Can we extract enough penance and self-punishment to truly deserve the forgiveness that we seek? These are the questions that Ned wrestles with.

Those familiar with Carolyn Miller's previous Regency Brides series will enjoy yet another glimpse into this world with previous characters making appearances either directly or in a comment from other characters. The nice thing with these books is that one can read each on its own without having read the others in the series and this second book in the Daughters of Aynsley is no exception. If you are looking for a gentle read this is one to consider for that long weekend that deserves a pleasant read to go with it.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:

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.