** spoiler alert ** This book is a stand alone though I believe Carter is mentioned on one page of Courting Miss Lancaster and this takes place about a year after that one I think. Loved the Hartley's (is there a book with them?)
This book was SO sad, it had hope but only a glimmer as the title implied. It was full of misunderstanding, hurt feelings, grudges, etc and all that is involved when people get their feelings hurt. It had more too though which just made it feel as though the cards are stacked against Miranda. Which I didn't like, she is quiet yet strong and really in love with her husband. Then she tries to make the most of an awful outcome and isn't supported by him as she should be till he finally realizes he should determine what really happened all this time.
One thing I never did quite understand is how the two of them met in the first place when their stations/upbringing are so different. A lot of what made this sad is the situations are believable. The Lord of the manor would receive all mail, even if it wasn't for him and letters were the primary form of communication back then.
I really dislike parental manipulation and this story isn't short on it. So it is good for what it is but I can't say I like reading about the sad realities of some families back then. Hence my rating. It isn't a pick me up or a sigh at the end, I'm so happy kind of book. More a wow, what a lot to have thrown at you, I'm so sorry kind.
This book was SO sad, it had hope but only a glimmer as the title implied. It was full of misunderstanding, hurt feelings, grudges, etc and all that is involved when people get their feelings hurt. It had more too though which just made it feel as though the cards are stacked against Miranda. Which I didn't like, she is quiet yet strong and really in love with her husband. Then she tries to make the most of an awful outcome and isn't supported by him as she should be till he finally realizes he should determine what really happened all this time.
One thing I never did quite understand is how the two of them met in the first place when their stations/upbringing are so different. A lot of what made this sad is the situations are believable. The Lord of the manor would receive all mail, even if it wasn't for him and letters were the primary form of communication back then.
I really dislike parental manipulation and this story isn't short on it. So it is good for what it is but I can't say I like reading about the sad realities of some families back then. Hence my rating. It isn't a pick me up or a sigh at the end, I'm so happy kind of book. More a wow, what a lot to have thrown at you, I'm so sorry kind.
