Dawn's Untrodden Green

Not much happens in Theodosia Stapleton's tiny Northumberland village. Certainly not to her. She has resigned herself to spinsterhood, caring for her ailing mother in the home of her grandfather, known to the locals as "General Contrary." When her dear friend dies and leaves behind a daughter, it's simple enough to take the child into her own quiet world. That is, until her ward's famous uncle unexpectedly arrives and throws Theo's tidy orbit completely off-kilter.

Fame was the last thing Daniel Balfour sought when he fought in the Peninsular War. But his brave exploits caught the attention of the King, and now the honors he was given hound him everywhere . . . even on his rushed trip to rescue his orphaned niece.

Theo's quick wit and warm smile reassure him that Rebecca is in good hands, and he finds himself free to swiftly return to London and his responsibilities. But those caring hands are beginning to look like they could also safely hold his heart, and he's tempted to linger. Unfortunately, marriage is simply not in the cards; the army is spouse enough for him.

Then an accident and a scandal lead both Theo and Daniel to discover that their best-laid plans may not have been what God designed for them after all.

©2023 Carolyn Miller (P)2023 Tantor

Characters and personalities

I love the story from the very beginning the development of the characters was such that I could actually believe I was sitting in the room with these people. The story flowed very easily. I disliked the voice of the narrator.. It was much too soft for all of the characters involved.

Was glad to listen to this 3rd book in series

I love:

•the character of the 'good guys/gals' in this edition. It's really edifying to me to witness how they work out their flaws or failings-real or imagined.

It always helps me as they recall scripture to apply to the situation.

•I absolutely appreciate being able to trust that their would be no vulgarity or descriptive violence.

I tend to binge read books of my favorite authors and did so in this case.

Number one in this series was my first book of this author. I now Follow her.

The narrator does have excessive mouth sounds but for me, they weren't distracting.

I got used to her sing song narration and came to enjoy it. I actually listen to it when trying to relax and don't want a narration that changes too much in octaves and volume.

The parts I didn't enjoy:

• I felt the couple of tension issues were beleaguered. I grew tired of the constant explanations, brow-beating and ruminating.

• many of the reactions were absurdly extreme and bitter. They may not have felt that way if they were not repetitive and protracted.

Overall, I liked the book. I will listen to it again, but in future, I will fast forward the excessive recriminations and apologies.

Unlikely Hero

I found this audiobook by searching the narrator whom I enjoyed in many other titles. I loved this story! The corageous hero that arrives in Northumberland to claim his sister's child is not what they expected. Not tall or fair, he slipped in under the radar and into the hearts of those who recognized him for the man he is.

Not as compelling as the rest if the series

Dealing with duty and selflessness in the face of gossip, selfishness and under apprehension. Not as compelling as the rest of the series. But horrid neighbours and relatives were truly upsetting. Forgiving them was not successfully achieved though.