Not Exactly Mr. Darcy

Author: Carolyn Miller
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: The Silver Teapot #1
Pages: 256
Release Date: December 1, 2025
Publisher: Barbour Publishing

When history-loving Olivia Bennett’s teaching contract isn’t renewed, she is considered her family’s logical choice to care for her ailing grandmother in a tiny English village. While there, she soon finds additional work at nearby Hartbury Hall—one of England’s great houses once used as Pemberley in a filmed production of Pride and Prejudice. The head gardener there, however, proves to be anything but the gentlemanly hero of that famous book. Little does she know that behind Liam Browne’s brusque exterior is both a family tragedy and a legacy that demands truth and honor, creating a crisis that only Liv’s vivacious determination can resolve. Along the way, she may just learn that appearances count for naught. . .and that love can be found in unexpected ways.

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Reviewer: Mindy Houng

I’ve always enjoyed Carolyn Miller’s Regency novels, so it was fun to read this book that mingles Regency history with a Jane Austen novel and movie adaptation in present time England.

Liam was a relatable and worthy hero, though broken, angry, and lost. Liv was a bright and capable heroine, full of energy and ideas and optimism. I enjoyed visiting Australia through Liv, even if the visits were brief glimpses. The history and lore embedded into Hartbury Hall drew me in from the start, even if they are fictional. I loved the setting and atmosphere of the small town where Hartbury Hall is located and enjoyed the secondary characters, particularly Liam’s sister Georgina. Saving Hartbury Hall was an epic and noble endeavor, and I enjoyed witnessing the restoration.

If you enjoy contemporary romance with a Jane Austen flair, you will absolutely enjoy this book. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Barbour Publishing via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Paula Shreckhise

I have enjoyed Regency books by Ms. Miller for a long time and rejoice that she has incorporated Regency into this new series: The Silver Teapot. Not Exactly Mr. Darcy is a delightful contemporary story that centers around an estate in England that was used in a fictional adaptation of Pride and Prejudice and a fountain that was featured in a romantic scene. “I do not care about Colin Firth or Theo Thomas or Matthew McFayden now. This is so much better than any film.”

Liam Browne has inherited Hartbury Hall, but it is controlled by trustees and is in dire need of funds for restoration. Olivia Bennett has come from Australia to visit her grandmother, who is a close friend and neighbor of Liam. She agrees to spearhead a group of volunteers to make the estate productive again. 

With wit and well-researched references to manor houses, Ms. Miller crafts a romantic tale that takes a few detours to happily ever after. It was fun to watch the characters interact and work together to bring hope to Hartbury Hall and rejuvenate it. This atmospheric story had characters who showed their faith but also their vulnerability and willingness to forgive. 

I look forward to the next Regency inspired book in this series.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Barbour Publishing and via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.

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Reviewer: Rebecca Maney

"What even were her dreams these days?"

Following an unexpected termination of her teaching position, feelings of betrayal, disappointment and confusion plague Olivia Bennett, making it much easier to hop on a plane and travel half-way around the world to become a temporary caregiver in a small English village. Never did she imagine that her rapidly recovering grandmother would encourage her to become involved in a restoration project; nearby Hartbury Hall was practically dying on the vine after being featured in a film production of Jane Austen's famed novel, Pride and Prejudice. There was nothing Olivia loved more than the romantic scene memorably played out in front of the estate's now waterless fountain. At the top of her interminable list of ideas, get the fountain flowing again!

Olivia's hopes and dreams for the grand property have one major obstacle; the reclusive head gardener who introduces himself as Liam Browne.

Having read a number of stories similar to this one in plot and theme, I was pleasantly surprised at how refreshing it was to read this particular rendition of the classic romance. Olivia, Liam and their host of supporting characters make the story creatively contemporary with a generous depth of faith, patches of humor and strains of romance that come crashing to a climax on a ballroom floor???? This lovely start to a new series is exactly what every author must dream about.

I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Fiction for my honest review.

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Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

Not Exactly Mr. Darcy by Carolyn Miller is a book that is a contemporary romance, but also feels a bit like stepping into a Regency romance novel. So it is the best of both worlds.

Olivia Bennett is a history teacher without a job, and when her Grandmother needs help after recovery from hip surgery, she is asked by her family to travel to England to be with her. While there, she helps use her expertise to save Hartbury Hall, the location of the filming of a Pride & Prejudice movie. Hartbury Hall needs repair and saving before it is sold and its owner loses his home forever.

While there, Olivia meets a rather grumpy gardener, Liam Browne. Liam has a tragic story and has a few other secrets to hide as well. Suffice it to say, he is just like Mr. Darcy in character, making this an excellent read as the two sort out their feelings for each other. 

I loved the atmosphere of this book. I could see the house and gardens as Olivia went to great lengths to get it ready for tourists. And the planning of the Regency Ball, plus leaning into Jane Austen's novel, made this feel almost like historical fiction rather than a contemporary one. It was easy to get lost in the history and era of the house, while constantly wondering if "Mr. Darcy" would eventually declare his intentions.

If you like contemporary romance novels with a taste of historical fiction, you will enjoy Not Exactly Mr. Darcy. 

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Barbour Publishing via NetGalley for my honest review.

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