Tuesday, December 2, 2025

NOT EXACTLY MR. DARCY by Carolyn Miller, Reviewed by Rebecca #NewRelease

THE SILVER TEAPOT SERIES #1
 
REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"What even were her dreams these days?"

Following an unexpected termination of her teaching position, feelings of betrayal, disappointment and confusion plague Olivia Bennett, making it much easier to hop on a plane and travel half-way around the world to become a temporary caregiver in a small English village. Never did she imagine that her rapidly recovering grandmother would encourage her to become involved in a restoration project; nearby Hartbury Hall was practically dying on the vine after being featured in a film production of Jane Austen's famed novel, Pride and Prejudice. There was nothing Olivia loved more than the romantic scene memorably played out in front of the estate's now waterless fountain. At the top of her interminable list of ideas, get the fountain flowing again!

Olivia's hopes and dreams for the grand property have one major obstacle; the reclusive head gardener who introduces himself as Liam Browne.

Having read a number of stories similar to this one in plot and theme, I was pleasantly surprised at how refreshing it was to read this particular rendition of the classic romance. Olivia, Liam and their host of supporting characters make the story creatively contemporary with a generous depth of faith, patches of humor and strains of romance that come crashing to a climax on a ballroom floor???? This lovely start to a new series is exactly what every author must dream about.

*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing, the opinions stated above are entirely my own. 
 
BackCover Blurb:
Pride, Pemberley, and Second Chances

When history-loving Olivia Bennett’s teaching contract isn’t renewed, she is considered her family’s logical choice to care for her ailing grandmother in a tiny English village. While there, she soon finds additional work at nearby Hartbury Hall—one of England’s great houses once used as Pemberley in a filmed production of Pride and Prejudice. The head gardener there, however, proves to be anything but the gentlemanly hero of that famous book. Little does she know that behind Liam Browne’s brusque exterior is both a family tragedy and a legacy that demands truth and honor, creating a crisis that only Liv’s vivacious determination can resolve. Along the way, she may just learn that appearances count for naught. . .and that love can be found in unexpected ways. 
 
Barbour Publishing, December, 2025
Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook:

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