{"id":29103,"date":"2023-01-19T13:51:53","date_gmt":"2023-01-19T18:51:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.daysongreflections.com\/?p=29103"},"modified":"2023-01-19T13:52:09","modified_gmt":"2023-01-19T18:52:09","slug":"refining-josie-by-carolyn-miller","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.daysongreflections.com\/?p=29103","title":{"rendered":"Refining Josie by Carolyn Miller"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.daysongreflections.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Refining-Josie.jpg” title_text=”Refining Josie” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”My Review – Celebrate Lit” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

MY REVIEW:<\/strong><\/p>\n

I hate to see this great series end. I have met some wonderful characters during my many visits to the islands and have enjoyed getting to know their stories. Refining Josie<\/em> may just be one of the most memorable books in the series and it is fitting that it is the final one.<\/p>\n

Josie has experienced her share of heartbreak during her short life and is convinced that she is a disappointment to her family and is not worthy of love from anyone. She also feels that she has nothing valuable to offer and is essentially a failure. Her background is revealed slowly throughout the book and most readers will be sympathetic as they learn what she has been through.<\/p>\n

Lachlan Jones has come to the islands to meet a long lost relative. After the uncle\u2019s death, Lachlan as remained to help his widow as much as possible before his visa expires. His encounters with Josie and her rudeness are enough to discourage him but for some reason he can\u2019t ignore her.<\/p>\n

I thoroughly enjoyed Refining Josie<\/em> and \u00a0the developing relationship between Josie and Lachlan. His calm patience and encouragement to her were instrumental in her transformation and growing confidence in herself.<\/p>\n

A powerful story of redemption and restoration, Refining Josie<\/em> is a perfect stand alone novel but might be even more appreciated if read after previous novels in this series.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”ABOUT THE BOOK” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

ABOUT THE BOOK:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n

Book:\u00a0<\/strong>Refining Josie<\/p>\n

Author:\u00a0<\/strong>Carolyn Miller<\/p>\n

Genre: <\/b>Christian Contemporary Romance<\/p>\n

Release date:<\/strong> December 6, 2022<\/p>\n

Click here<\/a> to get your copy!<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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What\u2019ll it take for the prodigal daughter to share her deepest secrets\u2026 and her heart?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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\u2019s painful past and flaky ways prove less than endearing for Greener Gardens\u2019 hardworking crew.<\/p>\n

Stuck without any other options, Josie is forced to accept her sister\u2019s offer of a job that takes her to Breakers Head where she encounters Aussie teacher, Lachlan Jones.<\/p>\n

A long-lost relative might\u2019ve brought Lachie to a tiny music recording studio on the Independence Islands, but it\u2019s also brought questions about how to care for someone he barely knows, especially considering he\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Neither imagined more until they began to bond over music and environmental causes. Both discover that first impressions need not be lasting ones.<\/p>\n

But with the future of Gardens Gardens looking shaky, and Josie\u2019s faith and self-worth just as tenuous, can deepening a friendship into something more ever work? And what happens when Lachlan\u2019s work means he has to return to Australia after Christmas? What\u2019ll it take for two hearts to heal and make a future possible?<\/p>\n

This Breakers Head novel is Carolyn Miller\u2019s final book in the Independence Islands Series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.<\/p>\n

The Independence Islands Series: beach reads aren\u2019t just for summer anymore.<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”ABOUT THE AUTHOR” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"Carolyn Miller<\/strong>\u00a0lives 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.
\nA longtime lover of romance, especially that of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer\u2019s Regency era, Carolyn holds a BA in English Literature, and loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God\u2019s grace in our lives.<\/span><\/p>\n

Her novels include The Elusive Miss Ellison, The Captivating Lady Charlotte, The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey, Winning Miss Winthrop, Miss Serena\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

MORE FROM CAROLYN:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Wow! Well, here we are celebrating the release of Refining Josie<\/em>, my final book and THE final book in the Independence Islands series. It\u2019s been a journey, hasn\u2019t it? Six authors, five islands, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.<\/p>\n

As a long-time lover of gardens, plants, flowers and trees, it\u2019s been so fun showcasing various parts of what life could be like as someone working in the gardening industry on these islands. I\u2019m married to a horticulturalist, who once upon a time worked at Lyme Park, which was showcased in the 1995 production of Pride and Prejudice<\/em>. 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<\/a> and on my website<\/a>)<\/p>\n

For Refining Josie<\/em> I was glad to finally round out some of the family challenges Samantha Green and her family\u2019s \u2018Greener Gardens\u2019 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 \u2018why\u2019 behind the behavior, factors I think readers will relate and respond to well.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Come visit the Independence Islands once more, and enjoy Refining Josie<\/em>, a story of heart, hope, humor and a dash of Christmas romance.<\/p>\n

Happy reading!<\/p>\n

Carolyn<\/p>\n

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\"\"<\/p>\n

BLOG STOPS<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”BLOGGER LINKS #1″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

lakesidelivingsite<\/a>, January 13<\/p>\n

Debbie\u2019s Dusty Deliberations<\/a>, January 14<\/p>\n

Blossoms and Blessings<\/a>, January 14<\/p>\n

Texas Book-aholic<\/a>, January 15<\/p>\n

deb\u2019s Book Review<\/a>, January 16<\/p>\n

Sylvan Musings<\/a>, January 16<\/p>\n

Library Lady\u2019s Kid Lit<\/a>, January 17<\/p>\n

Aryn the Libraryan<\/a>, January 18<\/p>\n

Daysong Reflections<\/a>, January 18<\/p>\n

Locks, Hooks and Books<\/a>, January 19<\/p>\n

Blogging With Carol<\/a>, January 20<\/p>\n

Ashley\u2019s Clean Book Reviews<\/a>, January 20<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”BLOGGER LINKS #2″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

She Lives To Read<\/a>, January 21<\/p>\n

Because I said so \u2014 and other adventures in Parenting<\/a>, January 22<\/p>\n

For Him and My Family<\/a>, January 22<\/p>\n

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy<\/a>, January 23<\/p>\n

Happily Managing a Household of Boys<\/a>, January 24<\/p>\n

Lis Loves Reading<\/a>, January 25<\/p>\n

Simple Harvest Reads<\/a>, January 26 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)<\/p>\n

Holly\u2019s Book Corner<\/a>, January 26<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”GIVEAWAY” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

GIVEAWAY:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

To celebrate her tour, Carolyn is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!<\/p>\n

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/promosimple.com\/ps\/23a10\/refining-josie-celebration-tour-giveaway<\/a><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

MY REVIEW: I hate to see this great series end. I have met some wonderful characters during my many visits to the islands and have enjoyed getting to know their stories. Refining Josie may just be one of the most memorable books in the series and it is fitting that it is the final one. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[8,60,41],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-29103","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-books","category-contemporary-fiction","category-romance"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.daysongreflections.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29103","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.daysongreflections.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.daysongreflections.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.daysongreflections.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.daysongreflections.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=29103"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.daysongreflections.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29103\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":29117,"href":"https:\/\/www.daysongreflections.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29103\/revisions\/29117"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.daysongreflections.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=29103"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.daysongreflections.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=29103"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.daysongreflections.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=29103"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}