A longtime lover of Regency romance, Australian author Carolyn Miller has written historical romances that have won a number of RWA and ACFW contests. She wraps up her Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope series with two novels, Miss Serena’s Secret and The Making of Mrs. Hale, both from Kregel Publications. In this interview, Carolyn tells us about the two books, explains why one man would have so many titles, and shares the best part about writing Regency romances…
Carolyn, how do your two latest books fit into the overarching Regency Brides: Promise of Hope series?
Miss Serena’s Secret and The Making of Mrs. Hale follow the stories of characters mentioned in the first book of this series, Winning Miss Winthrop. I think it’s fascinating to see how different characters develop over time, and to see snippets of the stories of previous characters as they progress in life.
Miss Serena’s Secret specifically follows Catherine Winthrop’s sister, the artistic Serena, in her quest to overcome particular physical and social issues as she strives to create her art, whereas The Making of Mrs. Hale examines whether a runaway marriage (to Gretna Green!) can be redeemed.
What can you tell us about the character of Serena Winthrop?
Serena is a gifted artist, someone who loves getting lost in the process of creating. She’s thoughtful, compassionate, and has a heart for children, yet wears a mask of tranquility that hides her inner turmoil. She loathes artificiality, and has a propensity to point this out, which is not the done thing for young ladies of the Regency era – but does make for some pretty witty exchanges between Serena and Lord Carmichael.
Pardon me for asking—but your leading man is variously referred to as Viscount Carmichael, Henry, and Lord Carmichael… These are all the same man, right? What do all these words mean? Is this the kind of thing Regency readers already know and I just look stupid for asking?
Yes, all the same man! Henry Carmichael (also known as Harry), is the heir to the Earl of Bevington, which means he’s entitled to use one of his father’s subsidiary (lesser) titles, in this case Viscount Carmichael. The British peerage has a system of ranks, from the King or Queen, through to princes, dukes, marquesses, earls, viscounts, barons, etc, so a viscount ranks lower than an earl.
It’s a little complicated, but if you think of the British royals, consider how Prince William is also known as the Duke of Cambridge (and FYI also holds the titles Earl of Strathearn and Baron Carrickfergus). Same man, different titles.
Henry is called a lord because that’s the way peers and their heirs are addressed. It’s pretty tricky, and probably not something all Regency readers know, so you don’t look silly for asking!
What about Serena and Henry made you want to tell their story?
I wanted to create a story about opposites: Serena is seen as cool and aloof, whereas Harry is charming and engaging. She is focused on her art; he’s drifting through life, aware he’s supposed to fulfill social expectations.
But they both share a wicked sense of humor, and an appreciation for beauty, and a love for Henry’s niece and nephew which brings them together in unexpected ways. I love their witty exchanges, and think they would be really fun to have as friends.
No spoilers, but what can you tell us about The Making of Mrs. Hale?
This story examines whether a runaway marriage can be redeemed (that’s not a spoiler, is it? I mean, there’s a clue in the title…) It delves into aspects of trust within relationships, and looks at family dynamics and faith, while giving glimpses of life from the ballrooms of London to the backstreets of Edinburgh, the challenges of a Spanish prison and those faced in India.
Julia Hale is facing the consequences of her choices. What inspired this story?
I think many romances focus on the courtship, but not so much what happens after. I wanted to explore a little of the issues surrounding a runaway marriage, which was considered extremely scandalous in Regency days. How would the couple be received? What would this mean for their family, for any future career?
I also wanted to encourage those who have felt burned by Christians or church to see God in a new way. So, it’s a story of redemption, which I hope (and pray) results in exactly that!
Is this the conclusion of the series, or where do you go from here?
The Making of Mrs. Hale is the third book in the Regency Brides: The Promise of Hope series, but in 2019 we’ll see my new series release, Regency Brides: The Daughters of Aynsley, which is another trio of books centering on three sisters (you guessed it, the daughters of Lord Aynsley!) and their various paths to finding their happy-ever-afters.
It’s been fun exploring different tropes and different settings, and the stories in this new series involve everything from fossil hunting on England’s south coast to lairds in a Scottish castle!
Across these three books, which character(s) surprised you the most?
I think Henry Carmichael has developed the most, from being a bit (okay, maybe a lot!) of a ladies man to someone forced to grapple with serious family health and estate issues. He’s far more than the charmer he first appears.
Click through to find out why Carolyn thinks Regency romances are so popular!