Review: Midnight's Budding Morrow by Carolyn Miller

 

Midnight’s Budding Morrow

by Carolyn Miller

About the Book

Can real love grow between a wallflower and an unrepentant rogue? Sarah Drayton is eager to spend time with her best friend at her crumbling Northumberland castle estate. Matrimony is the last thing on her mind and the last thing she expects to be faced with on a holiday. Yet she finds herself being inveigled into a marriage of convenience with her friend's rakish brother.

When James Langley returns to his family's estate, he can't be bothered to pay attention to his responsibilities as the heir. War is raging and he wants only distraction, not serious tethers. But his roguish ways have backed him into a corner, and he has little choice but to obey his father's stunning decree: marry before returning to war, or else. Suddenly he finds himself wedded to a clever and capable woman he does not love.

Sarah craves love and a place to belong, neither of which James offered before returning to the battlefront. Now everyone around her thinks she married above her station, and they have no intention of rewarding her for such impertinence. It isn't until her husband returns from war seemingly changed that she begins to hope they may find real happiness. But can she trust that this rake has truly reformed?

When tragedy strikes, this pair must learn to trust God and his plans. Will they be destroyed . . . or will they discover that even in the darkest depths of night, the morning still holds hope?

My Thoughts

I love Carolyn Miller’s books. Her writing harkens to the great writers of Regency fiction and I always feel at home when I read her novels. I was especially excited about Midnight’s Budding Morrow because of its Gothic flair. It didn’t disappoint.

Sarah and James are both delightful characters in their own rights. Somewhat shy, yet with strong morals and opinions, Sarah will capture the hearts of readers. My heart went out to her as she faced such heartbreaking trials, though they are handled with honesty and grace. James is the best sort of rogue. While at first, he might come across as obnoxious, there are many layers to this character and we see a whole other side to him as the story progresses.

The setting of the book is so lovely and atmospheric. The crumbling castle that is Langley Manor. The moors (!!!). It was just delicious and fabulous. When you combine this with Miller’s lovely prose, you get such an amazing Regency novel. Loved it so much!

Readers who love inspirational historical romance with a solid faith message and a Gothic flair will not want to miss Midnight’s Budding Morrow.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.