Dusk's Darkest Shores (Regency Wallflowers #1) by Carolyn Miller

How can a meek wallflower help a returning war hero whose dreams are plunged into darkness?

Mary Bloomfield has no illusions. Her chances for matrimony have long since passed her by. Still, her circumstances are pleasant enough, especially now that she has found purpose in assisting her father with his medical practice in England's beautiful Lake District. Even without love, it's a peaceful life.

That is until Adam Edgerton returns to the sleepy district. This decorated war hero did not arrive home to acclaim and rest, but to a new battle against the repercussions of an insidious disease. Mary's caring nature cannot stand to see someone suffer--but how can she help this man see any brightness in his future when he's plunged into melancholic darkness, his dreams laid waste by his condition?

Adam wants no charity, but he's also no coward. If this gentle woman can work hard, how can he do less? Together they struggle to find a way forward for him. Frustration and antipathy slowly develop into friendship and esteem. Then a summer storm atop a mountain peak leads to scandal--and both Mary and Adam must search the depths of their closed hearts for answers if they hope to find any future path with happiness at its end.

Best-selling author Carolyn Miller is back with a fresh series that will not only thrill readers eager for more of her work, but bring in new fans looking for beautiful writing, fascinating research, deftly woven love stories, and real faith lived out in the Regency period.

My thoughts:

What a wonderful beginning to this new series by Carolyn Miller.  I have been a fan of her writing for quite some time, but, after having read Dusk’s Darkest Shores, I am an even bigger fan.

I loved Mary Bloomfield from the start, she’s kind, sweet and someone you wish you could spend time with. As much as I adored her, I admit to loving Adam Edgerton just a little bit more.  Their story is everything this reader could possibly want and perhaps just a little more than I expected. They are both fabulous characters, they have experienced heartache, and yet, they go on with their lives as best as they can.

Overall, there is so much to love about this book and in my opinion one of the best novels penned by Ms. Miller.  The writing is superb, the characters some of the best she’s crafted and one of the best books I have read so far this year.  It’s going to be hard to wait until the next book in the series is released.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher.  All opinions are my own.