A Return of Devotion (Haven Manor Book #2)

If you haven’t visited Haven Manor yet you are totally missing out! The characters in these books are so unique and I’ve loved every minute I’ve spent with them. In the first book of this series, A Defense of Honor, we meet our heroines Kit, Daphne, and Jess. A Defense of Honor focus’ on Kit finding her happy ever after. If you haven’t read that story I totally recommend you pick it up as well. That being said, this book gives you enough background where you won’t feel lost if you haven’t read the first one. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Daphne’s story, and Kristi Ann Hunter didn’t disappoint. I had to force myself to take a break from reading to do things like eat and get coffee. Daphne was so much fun to watch. Easily distracted by her day dreams you never know where her imagination might take her. Being around a dozen kids for the last 12 years of her life has only encouraged that trait. Now that most of the kids are gone, she finds her role changing. Her happy little world was soon filled with more people and more challenges. William, Marquis of Chemsford, had no idea what he was getting into when he decided to move to his country home. But sometimes those kind of surprises are the best. I loved the chemistry between the main characters. They were such were a blast to watch. It was great getting to see the gang together again, and I can’t wait to hear Jess’ story. That girl is a firecracker, and I love her for it. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance. Hunter kept my interest the whole time, and I couldn’t imagine what would happen next. There was just the right amount of suspense and romance. I was kept awake longer that I should have been, and the characters are still on my mind. I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley and was in no way forced to post this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

A Return of Devotion is the second book in the Haven Manor series by Krisit Ann Hunter. It follows Daphone Blakemoor and swoon worthy hero William, Marquis of Chemsford. Our heroine,Daphne, had a baby as a single mom and had gone into hiding. William, our hero, is trying desperately not to be like his father and move forward. Both characters are trying to forget their past and to make a new and better life. But, running into each other has made that complicated, and that is where this story begins. I loved the story of Daphne and William and was drawn in from the first page after opening the stunning cover. This is a delightful read, and is regency writing at its best. The story includes a grand house, beautiful grounds, superb characters,a wonderful plot, sweet children, humor, an endearing heroine, and a hero you will fall in love with. Plus, moments to reflect on your relationship with God or wonder more about His role in your life. To me what was also so impressive about this story was how Kristi Hunter was able to weave in all the different characters that were involved in such a complicated story, and the story flowed flawlessly. I could not put this book down, and highly recommend A Return of Devotion. I was given this book by the publisher and not required to write a favorable review.

***Another Superb Regency Era Read by Kristi Ann Hunter!*** We return to Haven House following book 1, A Defense of Honor, with preparations having been made for the owner to take up residence. (It will be important to read book 1 prior to this one). Daphne Blakemoor, by all accounts, seems to be a daft, incapable housekeeper upon the arrival of Lord William Oswald, the new Marquis of Chemsford. However, the Marquis bears so striking a resemblance to one of the children Daphne cares for that she is immediately struck dumb when she sees him.*** The two have many questions they are able unable to voice or are not quite sure how to and various moments of hilarity, covert operations, and deep thoughts ensue. *** Ch. 1 “It might be worth keeping Mrs. Brightmoor around simply for the plethora of surprises that came along with her.” At times Daphne’s thoughts are so moving I felt them deeply and even cried for or with her.*** Ch. 11 “She would never possess the ability or courage to guide anyone anywhere, but she could raise up a Joshua just as Moses had done. These children…were her next generation. They were the ones God was preparing to go forth into the world and live for Him.*** Daphne has a huge imagination! Ch. 11 “… leaving Daphne to go into her own pre-sleep routine. The one where she drifted away to a life other than the one she had.” Ok, that right there shook me! I have done that since I was a very young girl and never expected to read about someone else (even fictional) doing it too. I think it’s why my dream life is extremely crazy! ((smile))*** I love the supporting character, Jess. We know she was a spy, but not much beyond that. She has mad knife and culinary skills and she makes me laugh a lot! Her sarcasm is on point. Ch. 19 “I could put a bit of foxglove in xxx’s breakfast,” Jess murmured. (xxx to avoid spoiler). She also genuinely cares for the people around her, giving wise counsel and fierce devotion as needed. *** William has wonderful strength of character. I really liked him. Ch. 34 “Forgiveness is an interesting thing. Unlike a lot of other things in life, it’s easy to ask for and hard to accept.”*** Tea Moment: Ch. 2 “In the new woman’s hands was a tray. Steam rose from the teapot that sat in the center, surrounded by a cup, saucer, and an assortment of small sandwiches and biscuits.” … “As he bit into a biscuit, an explosion of flavors he couldn’t identify but refused to live the rest of his life without filled his mouth.”*** I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one in the series. *** Thank you to Bethany House and NetGalley for an eCopy plus the lovely author for a paperback copy. My opinion is my own and given freely. Keep updated on the author’s website, Kristi Ann Hunter dot com *** Haven Manor Series: “The Haven Manor series follows a group of women who take what could have been a life-crushing circumstance and turned it into an opportunity to help desperate women and their children from the same fate. Their pasts may have brought these women here, but God has an amazing future in store for them.” -Author’s Website *Book 0.5 A Search for Refuge (Margaretta’s Story) 03/2018 FREE eNovella (available in print 2019 in the 3 author collection Love At Last *Book 1 A Defense of Honor (Kit’s Story) 06/05/2018 *Book 1.5 Legacy of Love (Sarah’s Story) 10/2018 Novella in The Christmas Heirloom Collection featuring 4 different authors *Book 2 A Return of Devotion – Daphne’s Story - coming Feb. 5, 2019 *Coming Soon – Jess’s Story