About the Book
Book: Refining Josie
Author: Carolyn Miller
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance
Release date: December 6, 2022
What’ll it take for the prodigal daughter to share her deepest secrets… and her heart?
Josephine Green returns to the islands in an attempt to reconcile with her family, but with a cloud over the family business, and little in the way of gardening skills, Josie’s painful past and flaky ways prove less than endearing for Greener Gardens’ hardworking crew.
Stuck without any other options, Josie is forced to accept her sister’s offer of a job that takes her to Breakers Head where she encounters Aussie teacher, Lachlan Jones.
A long-lost relative might’ve brought Lachie to a tiny music recording studio on the Independence Islands, but it’s also brought questions about how to care for someone he barely knows, especially considering he’s the last family she has. Questions regarding his future soon pale when he encounters the vibrant-haired Josie, whose sass and attitude takes some getting used to.
Neither imagined more until they began to bond over music and environmental causes. Both discover that first impressions need not be lasting ones.
But with the future of Gardens Gardens looking shaky, and Josie’s faith and self-worth just as tenuous, can deepening a friendship into something more ever work? And what happens when Lachlan’s work means he has to return to Australia after Christmas? What’ll it take for two hearts to heal and make a future possible?
This Breakers Head novel is Carolyn Miller’s final book in 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 Review
Oh, Josie! The song comes to mind “How do you solve a problem like Maria?” A wounded sparrow in God’s hands. This character embodies a bit of all of us, carrying around flaws, wounds, and quilt, trying to disguise them with rebellious actions. If only it didn’t take so long at times to realize God loves each one, flaws and all. He wants to heal, comfort, and show His plan.
Who doesn’t like a good Aussie character? I learned a lot from this authentic bloke. He has his work cut out for him if he is going to chip away a piece of Josie’s thick wall.
The Independence Islands have not been the home of elitists and wealthy tourists but independent individuals with dreams and hopes. I’ve enjoyed the journey.
Bravo, Carolyn!.
About the Author
Carolyn Miller lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. Together with her husband she has pastored a church for ten years, and worked as a public high school English and Learning and Support teacher. She loves reading, music, films, gardens, art, travel and international food, and really enjoy creating worlds where flawed people can grow in faith, hope and love.
A longtime lover of romance, especially that of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer’s Regency era, Carolyn holds a BA in English Literature, and loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives.
Her novels include The Elusive Miss Ellison, The Captivating Lady Charlotte, The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey, Winning Miss Winthrop, Miss Serena’s Secret, The Making of Mrs. Hale, A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh, and Underestimating Miss Cecilia, all available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, Koorong, etc
More from Carolyn
Wow! Well, here we are celebrating the release of Refining Josie, my final book and THE final book in the Independence Islands series. It’s been a journey, hasn’t it? Six authors, five islands, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.
As a long-time lover of gardens, plants, flowers and trees, it’s been so fun showcasing various parts of what life could be like as someone working in the gardening industry on these islands. I’m married to a horticulturalist, who once upon a time worked at Lyme Park, which was showcased in the 1995 production of Pride and Prejudice. He has also worked at Kew Gardens in England, and it was fun to use some of his experience in these books. (You can see some of my pics on Instagram and on my website)
For Refining Josie I was glad to finally round out some of the family challenges Samantha Green and her family’s ‘Greener Gardens’ business have had to deal with along the way, and to give Josie Green her own voice. This is a story about a prodigal daughter, and some of the ‘why’ behind the behavior, factors I think readers will relate and respond to well.
As an Aussie, I was also happy to include an Aussie hero, someone with some challenges of his own, so I hope you enjoy getting a tiny taste of a Hugh Jackman-esque hero.
Come visit the Independence Islands once more, and enjoy Refining Josie, a story of heart, hope, humor and a dash of Christmas romance.
Happy reading!
Carolyn
Blog Stops
lakesidelivingsite, January 13
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 14
Blossoms and Blessings, January 14
Texas Book-aholic, January 15
deb’s Book Review, January 16
Sylvan Musings, January 16
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 17
Aryn the Libraryan, January 18
Daysong Reflections, January 18
Locks, Hooks and Books, January 19
Blogging With Carol, January 20
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 20
She Lives To Read, January 21
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 22
For Him and My Family, January 22
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 23
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 24
Lis Loves Reading, January 25
Simple Harvest Reads, January 26 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Holly’s Book Corner, January 26
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Carolyn is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/23a10/refining-josie-celebration-tour-giveaway
Love a great romance!
So glad you enjoyed! Thanks for sharing your lovely review xx
You are so welcome! (Sorry it is late) I look forward to reading more from you.
What is next for the readers?
Looks like a good series.
This sounds like a terrific read.
It will be a good read, watching Josie’s transformation and the development of her relationship with Lachlan.
Thank you for sharing. God bless you.