The Making of Mrs. Hale

Brittany Searfoss's review Nov 27, 2018 · edit it was amazing bookshelves: to-read This book is the next installment in Carolyn Miller's series Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope. It can be read as a standalone, but I would recommend reading her other books in order so the characters and events that are mentioned can be understood more completely. Julia Hale didn't know what she was getting into when she ran off to Gretna Green to marry Thomas. Soon after they were married, Thomas disappeared without notice and hasn't come back. Escaping from Edinburgh, Scotland with her deceased friend Meggie's child, Charles, Julia finally makes it to Henry and Serena's house in England. Dealing with her difficult mother and brother Jon, Julia stubbornly clings to the hope that Thomas will return to her. When he does return from imprisonment in Spain, they reconcile with each other and Thomas soon returns to Scotland to find out why Julia didn't receive the note and money left for her. Unfortunately, there are some men who don't want Thomas to escape again. Through dangerous circumstances, Julia and Thomas will need to find forgiveness from God before they can ever learn to forgive others. Will Julia be able to forgive Thomas for what he has done, and will either of them survive the evil men bent on foul play and revenge? I have enjoyed and loved every one of Carolyn Miller's books, and this one holds a special place in my heart. This book tackles some serious and difficult subjects, especially concerning marriage and forgiveness. The writing is so realistic and gut wrenching that I found myself crying several times, and of course the humor was present to provide a respite from the seriousness of the subject matter. I have never seen a more clear presentation of the Gospel in a fictional story before, and the scene with Lord Hawkesbury and Thomas touched my heart. Lord Nicholas Hawkesbury has long been a favorite character of mine. This book also explores various situations with family relationships and the difficulties many people face, even today. Some of Carolyn's best writing is in this book, and I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. To anyone who is searching for the truth, for forgiveness, peace, and help in a difficult relationship, please pick up this book. You will be glad that you did. I am eagerly awaiting Carolyn Miller's next book. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

The Making of Mrs. Hale Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope #3 By Carolyn Miller Julia Hale, whom the reader was introduced to in Winning Miss Winthrop has her story told in this book. Julia was determined to escape her brother and her mother's control and with Major Thomas Hale ran off to Gretna Green to get married. Thomas was not whom her family envisioned her marrying - he had no title and no estate - and though he was her brother Jon's friend he wasn't considered good enough for her. And now Julia is left wondering if she made a mistake - Thomas has been gone for months and she is at the end of her means and her funds. Thomas never thought he'd be separated from Julia for so long but then he never thought he'd be in a Spanish prison wasting away. The mission he had been sent on was to be of short duration, not months. He can only hope if he can escape that Julia is still waiting for him and that her love is as real as his is for her. Can two people who've been separated by circumstances and manipulations find a way to reforge the promises that they made to one another and see past their hurts and have the marriage they wanted? Or will they allow the past with its pain and grievances keep them from growing into the people they were meant to be? Fans of Carolyn Miller's Regency Brides series will enjoy this latest offering which concludes the Promise of Hope trilogy. And past characters from this trilogy and her previous trilogy A Legacy of Grace make appearances to offer insights and guidance to both Julia and Thomas as they navigate the life they share and work towards a future of hope. One can read this book on its own and still fully enjoy and follow the story easily if you have not previously read the proceeding works.

The Making of Mrs. Hale is the third book in Carolyn Miller's Regency Brides: Promise of Hope series and definitely worth reading especially those who love Regency novels evocative of Jane Austen. When Julia Hale finds herself without money, a home, with a possible child on the way and a husband nowhere to be found her only option is to go home to her family hoping that they will forgive her for her betrayal. Major Thomas Hale is on the run after being imprisoned for months, but evading his enemies is becoming just as big of a challenge as finding and making things right with his estranged wife. His past has come back to haunt him and has all but destroyed the trust of his best friend and wife. Both Julia and Thomas need to find the strength it takes to find restoration in their relationships with family and that of God's before finding redemption in their marriage. I really enjoyed this book and I'm definitely looking forward to reading more books by Carolyn Miller in the future. I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.