Dusk's Darkest Shores

After reading Carolyn Miller’s first book in the Regency Wallflowers I thought Dusk’s Darkest Shores was  a brilliant title. We all go through events in our lives that are disappointing and heartbreaking. As the story is told, we are reminded that what each of us does and how we respond when faced with these things makes all the difference. 

Adam Edgerton was the village’s handsome war hero who had everything to look forward to until an unexpected illness he contracted while fighting changed all of that. He was thrown into despair and would need someone to help him see life can be beautiful once again. I loved that he chose to find the good in his circumstances and didn’t lose hope. When his faith was tested He chose to still believe in God and His goodness. 

Mary Bloomfield, in my opinion, was the true hero of the story. She chose to repeatedly forgive when wronged, gave selflessly to others in the village, and put aside her desires of marrying and happiness in order to honor a friend. At first she reluctantly helped Adam because her father, the local doctor, needed her to check on Adam and assist him. She provided encouragement, support, and friendship when Adam wanted to push her away and give into despair at times. Mary was the medicine that Adam needed and I loved watching their relationship develop and grow into something special. In Adam’s words to Mary he said, “After all, it was you who inspired me to dare to dream.” 

The proposal scene was fabulous. When the “I do” was spoken, I couldn’t help but say, “Aww. That was sweet!” This is an inspirational story and recommend reading it. I look forward to reading more books in this series.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Kregel Publications of a copy of the book. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

About the Book:

How can a meek wallflower help a returning war hero whose dreams are plunged into darkness?

Mary Bloomfield has no illusions. Her chances for matrimony have long since passed her by. Still, her circumstances are pleasant enough, especially now that she has found purpose in assisting her father with his medical practice in England's beautiful Lake District. Even without love, it's a peaceful life.

That is until Adam Edgerton returns to the sleepy district. This decorated war hero did not arrive home to acclaim and rest, but to a new battle against the repercussions of an insidious disease. Mary's caring nature cannot stand to see someone suffer--but how can she help this man see any brightness in his future when he's plunged into melancholic darkness, his dreams laid waste by his condition?

Adam wants no charity, but he's also no coward. If this gentle woman can work hard, how can he do less? Together they struggle to find a way forward for him. Frustration and antipathy slowly develop into friendship and esteem. Then a summer storm atop a mountain peak leads to scandal--and both Mary and Adam must search the depths of their closed hearts for answers if they hope to find any future path with happiness at its end.