I don't know what took me so long to get around to reading this book. I loved A Defense of Honor. This book picks up where the first left off. The ladies of Haven Manor are amazing. They put aside their hopes and dreams to help women/children have a better life without the stigma of illegitimacy.

Daphne makes me laugh. She ran a home for children for years and struggles to be a respectable housekeeper when the rightful owner moves in. She is awkward and does not know what to do when he arrives at the front door. William had every right to be concerned, but a quirky housekeeper grew on him.

This book has many funny and lighthearted moments but carries a weighty message. Daphne lost her family and reputation (Kit too) because of a mistake. We aren't meant to eternally suffer for mistakes. Finding love, acceptance, and support made a huge difference. Forgiveness of oneself, family, and from God make life infinitely better.

I anxiously await the next installment in this series.

Source: I requested a copy via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

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I have to say I enjoyed share that I enjoyed reading Book 2 – A Return to Devotion even more than the first book. I found it just as warm and lovely as the first book and filled with love, Faith. good times and bad times. The good prevailed over the hardships and love/friendship was all around throughout this story. I can’t wait to read the third book in this series: A Pursuit of Home when it comes out later this year! ( )

A new book by Kristi Ann Hunter… Woot! Woot! Yay!

A Return of Devotion opens with an amusing scene and vivid visualization that makes me giggle. At the clumsy, alarming, and entertaining first meeting with Lord Chemsford (William) it takes only moments to get a sense of who Daphne Blakemoor is. (All her awkward blinking cracks me up.) I effortlessly connect with her, as well as William, as he navigates his new title, new path, and new uncertainties.

I love it when I’m drawn in to a story quickly, as in this regency tale. Ms. Hunter’s witty writer’s voice (say that three times fast!) is entertaining, welcoming, and pulls you into her character’s heads effortlessly.

With all the wit and amusement, the story still holds deep and serious undertones, and I soon learn Haven Manor is cloaked in mystery. I rapidly begin turning pages and become lost in secrets of the past…

As with each of Ms. Hunter’s previous books, I begin reading slower as I reach the last few chapters. It saddens me to leave these characters, for they’ve become my friends. The spiritual undertones are meaningful, and the love and faith warm my heart. A beautiful, beautiful tale.

Series: Haven Manor
Pages: 400
Opening Line: She should have been prepared.
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. Opinions expressed are completely my own. ( )

"But I'm not going to do that to you without your approval. I see you, Daphne. Don't think I'm waiting for you to turn into someone else because I'm not. But I'll never make you do something you don't feel you can handle."

What an incredible blend of angst, heartache, and faith! Beautiful writing, unforgettable characters, and an intricately detailed plot in Regency England make this novel one of the best historical romances I have read this year. Kristi Ann Hunter has outdone herself. This book is second in the Haven Manor series but can be read as a stand-alone. Once you've read this book, I'm sure you'll be rushing out to get A Defense of Honor (book 1) if you haven't read it already. It's a must-read for those who love historical romance!

Daphne, a gentleman's daughter who has fallen on hard times, has rebuilt a life for herself and those children and women whom she and her friends are trying to help. She's a shy and awkward wallflower by nature and indulges too much in her own imaginations and fanciful musings. She's somewhat flighty and absent-minded but so tender and cares for those who are hurt and wounded. William is a marquis who has grown up privileged but without his father's approval or affection. Yet he's thoughtful, kind, considerate, compassionate, and unconventional for a titled peer of the realm. They make an unlikely pair and their relationship is merely a housekeeper and the lord of the manor for quite a bit of the story. The plot starts slowly at the beginning but once Daphne's story tumbles out, her life unravels quickly and the plot picks up pace with surprising twists and turns.

Discovering God's purpose is a theme that resonates throughout the book and William's gentle admonishing that "there's life after forgiveness" brings home what forgiveness truly looks like.

I cannot wait to read the next book in the series about Jess!

I was given a copy of the book by Bethany House and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own. ( )

Readers met Daphne, and learned some of her story, in the first Haven Manor books, but there’s a good amount to be uncovered and unpacked.

William, the Marquis of Chemsford, doesn’t his new housekeeper. For one, her actions are questionable at best. And she leaves him with more questions than answers regarding his newly inherited estate.

Daphne’s idyllic life at Haven Manor is over upon he arrival of the new owner—one who has the potential to unearth ever secrets she’s guarded closely. But there’s something different about this man.

The women who call Haven Manor home have a mission and purpose they defend with everything in them, and it’s something to behold when partners come alongside them to not only encourage them in their missions but to expand on them.

Kristi Ann Hunter again delivers a story with moments that made me smile and laugh balanced well with the other end of the emotional scale. I applaud Hunter’s take on the ladies and children of society that most of the ton preferred to ignore.

Now, when do we get Jess’s story? Because I’m ready for this confident and intelligent woman to meet someone who is her match. I imagine it’s going to be a ton of fun!

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. ( )