Review: Enchanting the Heiress by Kristi Ann Hunter

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Miss Harriet Hancock enjoys playing the role of eccentric heiress, using her wealth and influence to cleverly and anonymously better the lives of those in Newmarket. Though she keeps people at a distance to protect a years-old secret, when her friend pleads for help on a personal project, Harriet can't resist.

Stable hand Jonas Fitzroy would do anything for his twin sister, even if it means seeking out the woman whose meddling ways have made him wary and suspicious. The last thing he expects is for Miss Hancock to request his help in writing a book. Intent on revealing her underlying plan, Jonas agrees.

As they work together, an unexpected friendship forms. But when things for once don't go according to Harriet's plan, she's left wondering if good intentions might not be enough. Is there a way to mend the broken pieces of her life? And will Jonas give her another chance at his heart?

My Review

I loved the relationship Jonas shared with his sister Sophia in the previous book with the way he  grounded her and his sense of humor. I was looking forward to more from him in that vein, but this story focused more on his angst and self-doubts. I felt like his personality changed in this book and his thoughts and actions were very much like Aaron, the curmudgeonly stable master Sophia falls in love with. Harriet became a good friend to Sophia, but Jonas is suspicious of her motives since he can sense something a bit off. She has her secrets, but also a good heart and well-meaning intentions. They both learn quite a bit about themselves when they share the judgements they have of each other. There's some great character growth, and of course I loved the interactions with all the couples from the rest of the series.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the other books in the Hearts on the Heath series . . .

Review: Winning the Gentleman by Kristi Ann Hunter

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Aaron Whitworth hasn't had control over most aspects of his life, but he's always taken pride in being an honorable businessman and better-than-average horseman. When both of those claims are threatened, he makes the desperate decision to hire the horse trainer of a traveling circus as a temporary jockey for his racehorses.

Sophia Fitzroy knows that most horsemen don't take her seriously because she's a woman, but she can't pass up the opportunity to get away from the tumultuous world of travel and performing. As she fights for the right to do the work she was hired for, she learns the fight for Aaron's guarded heart might be an even worthier challenge.

As secrets come to light, will Aaron and Sophia's past vulnerabilities be an insurmountable stumbling block, or will they sacrifice their former dreams and forge a new one together?

My Review

This book featuring Aaron and Sophia was my favorite of the series! There are complex dynamics with Aaron's family relationships and his subsequent place in society which have greatly influenced his outlook and personality. Sophia has a dream and even though the opportunity to ride for Aaron isn't what either of them had in mind, she couldn't pass up a job that allowed her and her brother leave the circus. Aaron has so many layers- difficult to read his emotions, stalwart, not quick to smile- so it was gratifying to be able to read from his perspective. Sophia creates quite a stir in Newmarket, upsetting the traditions and social mores when she is hired to ride as a jockey in official races. She also challenges Aaron in ways he's not prepared for, and I loved how their attraction and chemistry grew throughout the book. Sophia's brother Jonas plays an important role, and I loved his humor and support of Sophia. Aaron's friends take Sophia under their wing and even though she faces difficulty with her work, she finds a new family in Newmarket.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the other books in the Hearts on the Heath series . . .

Review: Vying for the Viscount by Kristi Ann Hunter

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

For Hudson, the newly titled Viscount Stildon, moving to England from India where he was born and raised was already an arduous enough endeavor. When he learns the fate of the racing empire he inherited along with his title depends upon him getting in the good graces of another stable owner, he's even more at a loss.

The stable at the neighboring estate has been Miss Bianca Snowley's refuge for years, and when a strange man appears to be stealing the horses, she jumps to their protection without a second thought. Upon learning Hudson is actually the new owner, she can't help but be intrigued by the area's newest eligible bachelor.

Any thought of romance is quickly set aside, however, when Hudson proposes they work together to secure suitable spouses for each other. As their friendship grows, Hudson and Bianca begin to reconsider what they truly want in life. But will societal expectations and the weight of their responsibilities keep them from pursuing their true desires?

My Review

For all the Regency books I've read, I've only heard of Newmarket referenced, but never read a book set there! I thoroughly enjoyed this series with horse breeding, racing, and the society of Newmarket at the center. I loved Bianca and her obsession with horses, although she wasn't allowed to ride the thoroughbreds. It's easy to see how she is so likeable, especially among the stable hands and manager at Hawksworth. When Hudson surprises his estate by showing up unannounced, his first meeting with Bianca make me giggle and reminded me a bit of the stable scene in the movie Far and Away. It was interesting to see how his upbringing in India brought an isolation and increased his difficulty integrating with the local gentry. Bianca becomes a mentor of sorts, and he returns the favor by trying to help her find a decent husband so she can avoid a union with the odious Mr. Mead her stepmother is pushing on her. Naturally they become fast friends, but I think the other romantic interests they were considering distracted from any chemistry they developed and I missed that feeling of connection. Overall, I was drawn in by the plot and also enjoyed their friendships with other characters that are from previous books by the author or will be the leads in the rest of the books in this series.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the other books in the Hearts on the Heath series . . .

Review: A Pursuit of Home by Kristi Ann Hunter

Book Three in the Haven Manor series

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

In early 1800s England, Jess Beauchene has spent most of her life in hiding and always on the move in an effort to leave her past far behind her. But when she learns the family she thought had died just might be alive and in danger, she knows her secrets can only stay buried for so long.

Derek Thornbury loves the past, which has led him to become an expert in history and artifacts. He knows Jess has never liked him, but when she requests his help deciphering the clues laid out in an old family diary, he can't resist the urge to solve the puzzle.

As Jess and Derek race to find the hidden artifact before her family's enemies, they learn as much about each other as they do about the past. But can their search to uncover the truth and set history right lead to a future together?

My Review

I have greatly enjoyed this series, but for some reason this last book fell a little flat for me. Jess is such an intriguing character with her mysterious past, and I was excited to learn about her origins and everything she has gone through to bring her to where and who she is. I liked the contrast in personalities between her and Derek, and the way they come to appreciate each other's unique talents and abilities. The vagueness of the mystery they are solving made it hard for me to reason out their choices and visualize their methods. I understood the purpose and end goal, but there was much that was unclear and I felt rather lost along their journey.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

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Don't miss the previous books in the Haven Manor series . . .

Review: A Return of Devotion by Kristi Ann Hunter

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Daphne Blakemoor was perfectly happy living in her own secluded world for twelve years. She had everything she needed—loved ones, a true home, and time to indulge her imagination. But when ownership of the estate where she works as a housekeeper passes on, and the new marquis has an undeniable connection to her past, everything she's come to rely upon is threatened.

William, Marquis of Chemsford's main goal in life is to be the exact opposite of his father. Starting a new life in the peace and quiet of the country sounds perfect until his housekeeper turns his life upside down.

They've spent their lives hiding from the past. Can they find the courage to face their deepest wounds and, perhaps, find a new path for the future together?

My Review

What stood out to me most about this book was the daydreaming and fantasizing of Daphne! It's something I've done, more at some times in my life than others. It was interesting to see how her fantasies faded as she became more present and invested in a real relationship and her own life beyond her son and the other children. I love the premise of this series, how the characters provide aid to women in desperate circumstances, even raising their children. Their haven came to an end, and it was fun to see them try to keep the secret from William, who kept discovering curiosities about his estate and the people who remained there. I also enjoyed Daphne and William's early perceptions of each other and the way they slowly became more comfortable... until the secrets rising to the surface could no longer be avoided. I was happy with the way the story ended, with a new future and direction for their humanitarian efforts. Looking forward to the next in the Haven Manor series!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Review: The Christmas Heirloom by Karen Witemeyer, Kristi Ann Hunter, Sarah Loudin Thomas, Becky Wade

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

In Kristi Ann Hunter's "Legacy of Love," Sarah Gooding never suspected returning a brooch to an elderly woman would lead to a job . . . and introduce her to the woman's grandson, a man far above her station.

In Karen Witemeyer's "Gift of the Heart," widow Ruth Albright uses the family brooch as collateral for a loan from the local banker. But the more she comes to know the man behind the stern businessman, the more she hopes for a second chance at love.

In Sarah Loudin Thomas's "A Shot at Love," Fleeta Brady's rough-and-tumble childhood means she prefers hunting to more feminine activities. She never expected her family's brooch might be how a fellow hunter turns her attention from competition to romance.

In Becky Wade's "Because of You," Maddie Winslow has spent years in love with a man whose heart was already spoken for. When a church Christmas project brings them together and she stumbles upon an old family brooch, might it finally be her turn for love?

My Review

I enjoyed each of the stories in this collection by four of Bethany House's strong authors! It was neat that they took place in different eras, connected by the heirloom brooch that is passed down the maternal line. With each story I was immersed in the setting and characters, and a full story arc was achieved in the space of a novella. The romances were sweet and full of chemistry between the lead characters, making the stories come to life. This is a collection that I plan to read again in the future! It would also make a lovely Christmas gift for readers and fans of wholesome romance.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Review: A Defense of Honor by Kristi Ann Hunter

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

When Katherine "Kit" FitzGilbert turned her back on London society more than a decade ago, she determined never to set foot in a ballroom again. But when business takes her to London and she's forced to run for her life, she stumbles upon not only a glamorous ballroom but also Graham, Lord Wharton. What should have been a chance encounter becomes much more as Graham embarks on a search for his friend's missing sister and is convinced Kit knows more about the girl than she's telling.

After meeting Graham, Kit finds herself wishing things could have been different for the first time in her life, but what she wants can't matter. Long ago, she dedicated herself to helping women escape the same scorn that drove her from London and raising the innocent children caught in the crossfire. And as much as she desperately wishes to tell Graham everything, revealing the truth isn't worth putting him and everyone she loves in danger.

My Review

My favorite thing about this book is the contrast of personalities between Kit and Graham. They both have so much to learn from each other and both bring a new and fresh perspective to their friendship and relationship. Graham's cheerful and light-hearted nature brings joy to the children and the women who care for them. Kit's mission and purpose shows Graham a serious side to the consequences of society's dictates and he admires her determination to work towards solutions. There is some danger and suspense as long-held secrets come to light, and Kit learns over time to do the right thing and trust God to provide solutions as she turns her cares over to Him. There is conflict that comes between Kit and Graham, but I loved what ultimately brings them together as they continue to pursue ways to help those in need. Loving this new series!!!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

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Don't miss the FREE prequel novella in the Haven Manor series . . .

Synopsis

Margaretta Fortescue desperately needs to disappear from London society, and her only hope is to follow the rumors of another young woman who recently made a life for herself away from the glare of society. Her search leads her to the market town of Marlborough where, in spite of her efforts to avoid attention, she can’t seem to elude local solicitor, Nash Banfield.

All Nash wants is a quiet, sedate life—no risks or surprises. When Margaretta, clearly on the run and unwilling to answer questions, interrupts his solitude, his curiosity and his principles won’t let him leave this determined woman without assistance.

But will the truth of what Margaretta is running from be worth finally opening his heart up to a chance at love?