About the Book

Book: Regaining Mercy
Author: Carolyn Miller
Series: Independence Islands Series, Book 12
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance
Release Date: June 29, 2021

A mom ready to do anything for her son. A man determined to win the woman he loves.

Going on Love at First Glance had seemed like such a good idea. She didn’t care about finding Mr. Right. No, Mindy Murray chose the reality TV show for more mercenary reasons. A mom’s gotta do what a mom’s gotta do when it comes to feeding her son.

When Mindy returns to Elnora, the girl from the “wrong side of the island” just wants a chance to rebuild her reputation. Too bad the folks at church don’t practice what the preacher preaches.

Enter Dermott Reilly. The interim boss at Greener Gardens has always had a soft spot for Mindy and her son, but with his new responsibilities, an important garden competition, and a few other concerns, he finds it difficult to prove himself to her.

A tropical storm and a missing child prove that sometimes grace appears in the most unusual ways.

Regaining Mercy concludes the Elnora Island romances of the Independence Islands Series, featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily ever-afters.

The Independence Islands Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts

Welcome back to Elnora Island! This is part of the Independence Island Series but each one can be read as a stand alone. This happens to be the last book in the Elnora Island Romances. Out of all the ones I have read so far this probably is my favorite. The author does a great job with these characters and makes them so relatable you feel like you personally know them and perhaps we do... I mean I think we all know someone like Mindy; a mom who will do anything and everything in her power to do what is best for her child. The problem with this is that other's don't see it that way. The community sees her as an outcast really. The girl who has made all the wrong choices. You can't help but feel for her while you are reading.

Our hero Dermott is amazing! He stands up for Reilly and sees in her what no one else sees. That unconditional love that she has for her son is what draws him to her. The way their relationship blossoms throughout the story seemed organic and didn't feel overly rushed which I appreciate in this shorter stories.

I really enjoy Carolyn Miller's writing and although I am glad that she is writing contemporary pieces I must admit that my favorites from her are the Regency Romances she writes. Now this is not to deter you from reading this one but I am just stating that if you have never read anything by her then you totally should!

Overall I thought this book was sweet story filled with themes of forgiveness, grace and second chances. Carolyn Miller does a sensational job at weaving faith throughout the story which is always a plus for me. If you are looking for a short read as you close your summer out then this is the one I would recommend you picking up!

My Rating: 4 Stars/Really Liked it

I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

About the Author

Carolyn Miller is an Australian author of inspirational romance, particularly that of the Regency era, and loves drawing readers into fictional worlds where flawed people can grow in faith, hope and love through stories that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives.

More from Carolyn

Have you ever wondered what might happen if a failed TV reality star was to return home to her narrow minded community? What if she’s been tarred and feathered with disgrace?

In our world of insta-fame, selfies and fakebook, I find it fascinating that so many people are entranced by so-called reality TV, with its editing and narratives and shiny-eyed hopefuls chasing money, love and dreams. But what if it doesn’t work out? What happens next? How do you resume ‘normal life’ when you’ve been living in a very artificial world?

I enjoy writing fiction that is grounded in reality, with realistic, flawed characters who are on a God journey to find faith and freedom. My contemporary and historical novels often see characters struggle with the choices they’ve made (don’t we all?), which is exactly what single mom Mindy is dealing with.

Combine Mindy’s challenges with those faced by gardening expert, Dermott, a man whose stone wall building skills are better than his way with women, or his inability to hide his attraction to his former co-worker’s younger sister.

Regaining Mercy encourages us to see ourselves as God does, to not let the labels of the past to shape our future. Along the way, readers will enjoy the honest portrayals of family, friendship and faith.

I’m so glad people are really enjoying my new contemporary books, where I can bring my love of gardens (& my horticulturalist hubby’s expertise!) to a new audience. Want to see what’s growing in my garden? Check out my website www.carolynmillerauthor.com – and you might even see some of my husband’s famous stone walls!

If you enjoy stories of hope, heart and humor, then you’ll be sure to enjoy this novel about a prodigal and the patient gardener who helps her find God’s mercy – and renewed hope for her heart.

Happy reading!

Carolyn