Dusk’s Darkest Shores + Giveaway

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

That is until Adam Edgerton returns to the sleepy Lakes. This decorated war hero did not arrive home to acclaim and rest, but to battle an insidious disease. Mary’s caring nature cannot stand by as someone suffered — 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 if this gentle woman can work hard on his behalf, 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 leaves both Mary and Adam searching the depths of their closed hearts for answers. Is there hope of find any future path with happiness at its end?

My Review:

published in 2021

Why did I wait so long to start this series?! Why oh why oh why? Well I’m here now and have the second book in my TBR stack and once I’ve read that, I’ll be all set for the third Regency Wallflowers book which releases in April. (I say this to console myself over my tardiness.)

Dusk’s Darkest Shores is a sublime read with some unexpected tweaks to the Regency genre. Because this story doesn’t take place in London ballrooms among the ton. Mary is a village doctor’s daughter and Adam is a farmer’s son. Their families are wealthy enough to employ a few servants, but they still work for a living and move in very different circles than the lords and ladies I am used to meeting in a Regency Romance. And I absolutely loved that about this book! A fresh perspective that adds a whole different dimension to the storytelling. And this book is exquisitely written — the kind that makes you want to savour every phrase and bask in the images those words create.

Another difference is the amount of faith infused into every corner of the story. Again, a refreshing take on the Regency era and I loved the spiritual reflections and deliberate seeking out the Lord. Especially when it came to the topic of miracles and healing. As someone who has coped with a chronic condition for years now, it lightens my heart so much to meet characters who wrestle with some of same things I do. Makes me feel seen in some small way, so I’m grateful to the author for including that aspect in the story.

Of course, there are similarities to the classic Regency novel too. Shallow mean-ish misses who brought out the worst in me. Honestly, Mary had such grace and patience. I, on the other hand, was ready to do some hair pulling and arm pinching. And maybe a slap upside the head with my reticule (stuffed with books so as to pack a wallop.) Can’t bring me out in polite society when my dander is up over a beloved character, that’s for sure.

And Adam’s struggles! His soul-searching journey as he tries to find a way back to the life he had before the war. Only that’s impossible. And it’s stoic, determined, caring Mary who shows him that’s okay. I love that she has harboured feelings for him since childhood. Unrequited and she expects nothing less now. Especially since she is firmly established in the village as the doctor’s spinster daughter, dedicated to charitable works and healing rather than hearth and home.

In a way, I want to call this a Grumpy/sunshine romance but it isn’t…quite. Oh, Adam is grumpy enough in the beginning to be a hero of that trope, but Mary can give as good as she gets so she’s not quite all sunshine. She’s too practical and plain-spoken for that. Loved the banter between these two — whether it was serious or in jest, the dialogue zings. Sometimes I laughed, sometimes I winced, but I always hung on every word.

So, I found Dusk’s Distant Shores to be unexpected in many good ways and enchanting throughout. The kind of book you just have to hug and sigh over when you reach that last page.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook company — winner’s choice.

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Dusk’s Darkest Shores, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you include an email in your comment, please remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday March 4 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

29 thoughts on “Dusk’s Darkest Shores + Giveaway”

  1. I have enjoyed Carolyn’s other regency novels, but I haven’t read this series yet. Thank you for the chance. Blessings leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com

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  2. I was going to tell you how much I enjoyed this as well, but realized when I went to look for my review on Goodreads, it was the 2nd 1 I read! 😳 It was super good and had definite Gothic overtones, but how did I miss this one? I’m still confused. 🙃 Please count me in! Thanks for the awesome review btw!

    dianalflowers (at) aol (dot) com

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    1. Oohhh, Gothic overtones? Moving that second book further up the stack now. 🙂 And you must read this one for sure. I’m curious now to see how the first and second book compare in some areas. Good luck, Diane!

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  3. First off, got to give some cover love to “Dusk’s Darkest Shores”. (Giving a big sigh as in oh my gosh.) Ok now I can go on.

    What a fabulous sounding story! I love that it gives that fresh, new experience to this genre. Love the change of class normally associated with Regency too. And the faith thread makes it ever the more interesting for sure. You just have to love a woman with sass when she can give as well as takes and doesn’t run for cover on the first round. 🙂 Figure she just might be the one to take the edge of of Mr. Grumpy. LOL Love when characters are flawed (as we all are) and the medical issues do give us a chance to relate where others may miss it.

    Thank you for the wonderful chance to win a copy! Would LOVE the opportunity to read and review this wonderful book.
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

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  4. Thanks for reviewing this book Kav. I’m sorry for how it brings your own chronic condition to the front but its often the hardship of others that helps us to see and know that we too can make it through. Hang in there Kav, we love what you do with this blog. I’d love to read this story. Will put it on my TBR list now. rrwalter34atGMAILdotcom

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  5. Well, I thought I had one of her books on my shelf, but obviously I was confused. Guess I was thinking of an older Sarah Ladd novel (which was good, too). LOL. This sounds wonderful!

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  6. All I gotta read is the word “Regency” and I’m all atwitter!! I love unusual twists in a troupe & also a good amount of faith, so this is very appealing. Did I tell you before that I actually met Carolyn (& her sweet husband) about 3 or 4 years ago? She is the loveliest person….and I LOVE her Australian accent. Her husband is so sweet & personable, he’s an amazing man really. All this culminates into one absolutely MUST read 😁😁

    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. I am soooo in a Regency mood lately so beware of future reviews. lol The addition of faith made this one extra special. And…eeeeeeppppppp!!!! — you met the author?! I can’t even…thud. Ouch, my fainting couch wasn’t handy. Good luck, Trixi!

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  8. I love books that “you just have to hug and sigh over when you reach that last page.” I have done that many times. Thanks for this recommendation.

    pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com

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  10. I’ve definitely been enjoying the regency genre over the past few years, but we all know it’s not all Lords and Ladies. It will be a change to read about some more of the average people in the society!

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)c0m

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  11. I’m not sure if I like the title or the cover more! Gorgeous! Thanks for the chance to win.

    readreviewrevjoiceATgmailDOTcom

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  12. I like the idea of more of a “country” regency that’s infused with faith. And honestly, are we not all grumpy at some point? I don’t think I mind a grumpy hero! I also can’t help but mention the gorgeous cover.
    perrianne (DOT) askew (AT) me (DOT) com

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    1. Yes, it really does make a nice change from the usual Regency romance (not that I don’t love those too!) But fun and different. And that cover really is gorgeous. Good luck, Perrianne!

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  13. See?!?! This book was SO good! Honestly, probably one of my favorites of hers, lol. I LOVED it! (Don’t add me to the drawing, I already have a copy😉 Just felt the need to chime in, since I loved this book so much too!)

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    1. Love when you chime in, Elly. And you are so right. I think this might be my favourite Carolyn Miller book as well. It’s the way the faith has been interwoven throughout, I think. Among a myriad of other things. Happy Reading!

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  14. I’ve read many of Carolyn Miller’s regency books, but I haven’t read this series. It sounds really interesting though!
    dmandres5 at gmail dot com

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