Book Review: Dusk’s Darkest Shores by Carolyn Miller (Plus Giveaway)

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What is this book about?

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.

My review:

What a sweet acquaintance, to friendship, to love story. I really enjoyed the slow build-up for Mary and Adam. Both of them were selfless in slightly different ways and that similarity made them perfect for each other.

Even though Mary was described by everyone in her life, including herself, as plain, I had trouble seeing her that way because her heart was so lovely. There were times when I wanted to shake those people around her who perpetuated the lie that she was destined to be a spinster. She just needed the right man.

Oh, I felt sorry for Adam from the moment he showed up on the pages. He struggled with something that would debilitate many. I was drawn into his misery and rooting for him to move forward.

There were some times when I thought Mary tried a little too hard to be okay with her circumstances but Adam’s friendship really helped her overcome it.

What I enjoyed most about this book:

The back and forth between Mary and Adam while she was trying to help him. There was some fun conversations between them.

What I didn’t like about this book:

Mary trying too hard to pray herself out of discontentment.

Would I recommend this book to others? Yes. The romance was sweet and a slow build which worked really well for to good characters. Hope and true love win in the end. This is the first book in the series.

Note: I received this book complimentary from the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review. All of the opinions I have expressed here are honest and my own.

-Loraine Nunley

Where can I learn more about this author and their books?

Carolyn Miller, author website

Tour Giveaway

Enter to win a fun prize pack inspired by the book and its English setting that includes:

– a copy of Dusk’s Darkest Shores
– a canvas bag to carry your latest reads
– a fun pair of Jane Austen socks
– Novel Teas’ English Breakfast tea
– “Drink tea, read books, and be happy” tea spoon
– “Let your faith be bigger than your fear” mug
– Black currant preserves from England
– Wax Lyrical candle from England

The comment requirement for this giveaway is: Have you read any of Carolyn’s other books? Do you have a favorite Regency book?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Can’t wait to win a copy? Buy one here today.