Book Club: Book Review of Dusk's Darkest Shores

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What happens when life throws curve balls at you that change your plans so dramatically you are at a loss for where to take the next step? In Dusk's Darkest Shores by Carolyn Miller, Adam Edgerton returns home after his service overseas, fighting against the armies of Napoleon. It is believed by his boyhood community that he is returning as a war hero, but in reality, Adam returns battling a disease. This was not Adam's plan. He was to return and marry his betrothed, Emily Hardy, but instead, he falls into a deep melancholy. How will he find his way out? 

Plot Summary 

In addition to Adam Edgerton, the other main character in Dusk's Darkest Shores is the unmarried daughter of the community Doctor – Mary Bloomfield. She is what many may call an 'old maid' or 'spinster' as she has no marriage prospects, is past her youth, and works alongside her father, helping provide practical healthcare and spiritual comfort to his patients. Through her work with her father, she begins visiting Adam to help relieve his mother, Mrs. Edgerton, as well as provide comfort, encouragement, and practical advice for improving his life with changes due to his illness. 

Over the course of Dusk's Darkest Shores, we see a friendship growing between Adam and Mary. This friendship is greeted with various levels of surprise, caution, and suspect by the community. Is there anything inappropriate going on between Adam and Mary? Are they involved in an improper relationship? Why is Mary spending so much time at the Edgerton's? Can there be happiness found with the two ending up together? And what about Adam's betrothed, Emily, who happens to be friends with Mary and her half-sister?

My Thoughts 

I found this Regency romance, set in 1811, to be very enjoyable. I felt there was a happy balance between time spent detailing the character of Adam and that of Mary. Carolyn Miller helped both characters come to life through beautiful descriptions, insightful conversations, and comforting discussions of God's involvement in their lives.

As someone who found true love (and married) later – like Mary – I felt I could really relate to her character. I believe the author wanted to show God's hand in the relationship between Adam and Mary. She had to wait for her perfect man and so did I.

I do not blame Adam for those moments or days where he was rude or depressed. I can only imagine how difficult he is finding his life after his illness.  Will Adam be able to move forward with plans to be a farmer through the advice and aid of Dr. Bloomfield and his daughter?

There is great hope in the pages of Dusk's Darkest Shores. Affection and love grow and God's word helps those characters created by Carolyn Miller. Just like Adam and Mary promised to be honest with each other, I promise to be honest with you. I enjoyed this first book in the Regency Wallflower series immensely. I recommend it to those who enjoy Christian, historical romance.

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
• A Novel Teas’ English Breakfast tea
• "Drink tea, read books, and be happy” teaspoon
• “Let your faith be bigger than your fear” mug
• Black currant preserves from England
• Wax Lyrical candle from England

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