Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Not Exactly Mr. Darcy by Carolyn Miller Blog Tour Book Review


About the Book

Book: Not Exactly Mr. Darcy

Author: Carolyn Miller

Genre: Romance/Contemporary/Christian Fiction

Release Date: December, 2025

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.

Click here to get your copy!

My Review 

This is a fun and entertaining contemporary inspirational romance soaked in Regency flavor. The characters are delightful and fully developed. Olivia is so full of energy and ideas and so trusting of those around her. Liam is a flawed hero, hurt so many times he hides from any hint of romance. How we hope this unusual bringing together of two people will work out to happiness, despite so many obstacles.

The setting is fun and the plot is believable. Many of the halls and properties of titled families suffer financial troubles and end up being sold. That the people of the near village would be willing to help preserve the grand property is heartwarming. How fun to see the property being restored to its once great presence. That it all comes together may be more like a fairy tale, but it is a welcome one.

This is an entertaining novel for both contemporary romance lovers and those who prefer Regency settings. There is a consistent faith message but it is not overwhelming. Miller's writing style is a pleasure to experience. I'll be watching for the next novel in this series.

My rating: 4/5 stars.


About the Author

Carolyn Miller is an inspirational Regency and contemporary romance author who lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. Together with her husband, she has pastored a church for ten years and worked as a public high school English and Learning and Support teacher.

A longtime lover of romance, especially that of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer’s Regency era, Carolyn holds a BA in English Literature and loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives.


More from Carolyn

 

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 6

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 6

The Sacred Line, January 7

Leslie’s Library Escape, January 8

Vicky Sluiter, January 9

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 9

Texas Book-aholic, January 10

Life on Chickadee Lane, January 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 11

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 12

Tell Tale Book Reviews , January 12

For Him and My Family, January 13

Lyssa Loves Books, January 13

Blossoms and Blessings, January 14

Mornings at Character Cafe, January 14

Holly’s Book Corner, January 15

Mrs. Ryan Moser’s book and movie reviews , January 15

Pause for Tales, January 16

Mary Hake, January 16

Cover Lover Book Review, January 17

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, January 18

To Everything There Is A Season, January 19

Giveaway

 

To celebrate her tour, Carolyn is giving away the grand prize of a print copy of the book and a $25 Amazon eGift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://gleam.io/P3So9/not-exactly-mr-darcy-celebration-tour-giveaway

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

7 comments:

LifeSmartly said...

Sounds like a fantastic book.

traciem said...

How much inspiration did you draw from Pride and Prejudice, and where did you most enjoy adding your own twist?

Jcp said...

Sounds fantastic

Jamie Martin said...

Do you have any advice for new writers?

FrangiePani said...

The story sounds great, I hope to get a chance to read it.

Dreaa Drake said...

This sounds like an awesome book! Ty for sharing!

Julie Tardi said...

how long does it take to write a book?