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Review: Not Exactly Mr. Darcy - The Silver Teapot #1

Not Exactly Mr. Darcy book cover on blue background

It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Carolyn Miller's contemporary books, so discovering that she was going to have an Austen-themed series out made me want to read these books even more.

Not Exactly Mr. Darcy is the first in The Silver Teapot series, promising us many Pride and Prejudice easter eggs through this family of five Bennett sisters (including a mother named Elizabeth) and all things Regency-related. It's the perfect blend of Carolyn's historical and contemporary romances!

Many thanks to Barbour Books and NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Book Synopsis

Pride, Pemberley, and Second Chances

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.

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

The more I think about this book, the more it continues to grow on me, especially when reflecting upon how, in many ways, our lives are comparable to an estate that needs continual care. Using the premise of a filming location that once had its heyday through a movie adaption of Pride and Prejudice and having since fallen into disarray, we get to see Olivia Bennett, an Australian teacher, temporarily move to England to help her grandmother and encounter Hartbury Hall along the way. Through a series of circumstances, including some conspiring forces, it's formidable to see Liv pour all of her heart and effort into helping bring Hartbury Hall back to its former glory.

While it is a delight to see Liam Browne transform from being a heartbroken and cynical man to one that gradually sees the Lord's hand in his life, the real star of the book is seeing everyone come together to take on something that is broken and to bring about restoration. It's the perfect illustration of what God can do with our hearts even when we believe they are beyond mending. Learning about The Silver Teapot and the Bennett sisters, I am excited to see what is next for this loving family with a penchant for Jane Austen. If you enjoy books that cover the ins and outs of reviving a tourist attraction and a burgeoning romance that looks beyond the surface, Not Exactly Mr. Darcy is a gentle, faith-filled story that delivers an Austenesque escape to the countryside, complete with a hero's hidden charm and a heroine's steadfast determination.

Book Summary

  • Format of book: 📱
  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Recommendation: 👍
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Comments

  1. Christy MaurerNovember 22, 2025 at 9:07 AM

    I just had to pop over from Goodreads to tell you how much I loved your review! I also read this book, and your review gave me even more to love. I didn't think about how the restoration of the house was so much like how God restores lives.

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    Replies
    1. Christian ShelvesNovember 25, 2025 at 4:16 PM

      Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts; that's so kind of you! This analogy wasn't obvious to me at first, but when I completed the book, I could see the parallels. I was very impressed at how the book built this image up as I need this reminder of how God is continually working on us :)

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