Enchanting the Heiress (Hearts on the Heath)

Kristi Ann Hunter is one of my top, must read authors of regency romance. I cannot begin to express how much I enjoyed this third book in Hunter’s Hearts on the Heath series. From the gorgeous cover to the very last word, Hunter has produced a wonderfully entertaining book. The main characters, Harriet and Jonas, come from different backgrounds and even different classes of people. Both have long held issues that cause problems in their relationships – not only with each other, but with friends and family members as well. The banter and conversations between the two of them are delightful and fun. I loved that each chapter begins with a quote from a letter or journal. These added additional insight into the mindset of the characters. In addition, Hunter includes the references for any scriptures used in the story in a section in the back. I liked being able to read the entire scripture and find the reference for it right in the book. Although this could be read as a stand-alone novel, I recommend reading the previous two novels in the series first. The reader will be less confused by certain plot points and characters if the novels are read in order. I highly recommend this novel (as well as the first two books) for readers who enjoy the regency period. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Enchanting the Heiress Home on the Heath #3 By Kristi Ann Hunter Miss Harriet Hancock may not be titled but she is an heiress. An heiress with a secret, a secret that is keeping her from living the life she truly wants. Jonas Fitzroy is tired of Miss Hancock's meddling ways. She thinks nothing of implying a mistruth here or there to get the result she wants. He saw how she meddles in his sister Sophia's life and he doesn't want to be caught in any of her "plans". But Sophia hatches a plan to get Jonas out of his solitary existence she just needs Harriet's help to pull it off. Never one to deny Sophia, Jonas finds himself agreeing to speak about his art with Harriet but gets pulled into a scheme of helping her to write a book. Past experiences have made him wary of Harriet and her request. As the two work together Jonas has moments when he wonders if he has misjudged Harriet. But when the truth that Harriet has guarded for years comes out, Jonas has to wonder if he truly ever knew the real Harriet. Enchanting the Heiress is the third and final book in the Home on the Heath series. This time we get to know Jonas and Harriet. Jonas has spent years avoiding any and all close relationships with everyone other than Sophia. Harriet has been living a lie, it was with the best intentions but she has trapped herself in it. Harriet and Jonas couldn't be a more unlikely couple but their friends see the potential. But the truth that Harriet has been concealing could destroy the fragile friendship that has been forming between them. I have to say I'm sorry that this series is ending. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know all the characters who graced these pages. The characters all have depth and there are layers that have to be peeled away to get to who they truly are at their core. Harriet was definitely more than what I was expecting, especially with what I saw of her in the two previous books. Now, I feel this book is best read after reading Vying for the Viscount and Winning the Gentleman but one could read this book as a standalone and not get lost, some reference to previous incidents wouldn't be as clear but not to the point of ruining the story. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

Wonderfully Different ***** I found this story to be different, and wonderfully so. This story throws Harriet and Jonas together in a ruse of a writing collaboration. They work closely, with much of the story centered around the two of them, but with enough outside activity to keep things interesting. Jonas has no idea he can write, and Harriet intends to lead him to that conclusion. My absolute favorite scene was when he described wading in a stream, leading Harriet to want to experience it too. Her subsequent enjoyment of the experience was lovely. "He kept looking at her. She looked back at him. Around them the breeze blew and the trees swayed. The water trickled on, but time seemed at a standstill. “‘He hath made everything beautiful in His time.’” The words seemed to breathe out of him, becoming part of the encompassing swirl of water and wind and sun." I liked how they both had views of life that needed to make room for other possible ideas. This period romance was most enjoyable. ***** I was gifted this book for my honest opinion without expectation or compensation. ***** Series: Hearts on the Heath ***** 1. Vying for the Viscount ***** 2. Winning the Gentleman ***** 3. Enchanting the Heiress *****