Thursday, February 14, 2019

A Return of Devotion by Kristi Ann Hunter


"I think you have forgotten something...
"There's life after forgiveness". 
             



Happy Valentine's Day Readers!
I'm so excited to share with you my first February "Must Read" that is perfect for this special day! Seriously, what else could be better then spending a few minutes of your Valentines day reading a good old fashioned love story... especially when it was written by one of my favorite authors, Kristi Ann Hunter! A Return of Devotion is a historical fiction novel set in the year 1816 and I would recommend it to you if: 
  • You have read the first book and/or novella in the Haven Manor series. 
  • Like to read books by similar authors Carolyn Miller, Camille Elliott and Rosanna M. White. 
  • Like a story with a lot of secrets and a bit of suspense. 
  • Like to watch or read stories set in England during the early 1800s. 
  • Just want to read a great new book! 
Here is the story. 
Daphne Blakemoor has been content living a very secluded life with her friend Jess and the children they had saved. She had a wonderful and talented son, a beautiful home and her best friend to keep her company; however all of that changed the day the Marquis of Chemsford, their new employer, came to the estate to live.  Daphne and the others prepared the house and themselves for the arrival of their new employer; however, nothing would have prepared Daphne for the moment when she actually met him - because he looked just like the man who tried to ruin her best friend's life and instead ruined hers.

William, the Marquis of Chemsford was looking forward to moving into his new estate. He had never been one that was socially active and was very excited about this country home because it was far away from society,  but not so far away that he would not be able to fulfill his duties. He knew from his solicitor that he had a few servants who had been getting the house in order and were expecting his arrival, which is why he was kind of annoyed when the housekeeper answered the door and just stood there staring at him. He's not sure why, but something about his housekeeper, Daphne was intriguing him. One moment she's finding a way to be with him every minute of the day, showing him the oddest things and a moment later, she disappears! She also did not act like a typical housekeeper, but he figured that was because she was not used to having other people in the house. After several interactions with Daphne, he is convinced that she is hiding something, but what would his new housekeeper have to hide?

Daphne was so sure that her past would not find her at Haven Manor ; however, now that it has, she is not sure what she's going to do... all she knows is that no matter what, William cannot see Benedict... 




What did I think?
So, I've been looking forward to this book for a while and that being said, I'm always worried that the hype about a book will never match up to the actual story; however I was not disappointed with this book! A Return to Devotion is the second book in the Haven Manor series and although it could be read as a stand alone, I think you would enjoy the story more if you read Kit's story first. I really liked the message of forgiveness and love that is intertwined throughout the entire book and I loved the interactions between Daphne and William, especially when he accepted her as she was and did not fault her for her past mistakes. This book is by far my favorite in the series and I cannot wait until the next book comes out! (especially since it's about my favorite character Jess!) Overall I rate this book, 5 out of 5 stars and definitely think that it should be on every readers "must read" list!



Hey Readers, if you want to check out this book, Kit's story or the novella that started the series, here is the link! https://www.kristiannhunter.com/




And if you are interested in checking series out, you can read/download her the first novella in the Haven Manor series for FREE! Just click on the link for more info. https://www.kristiannhunter.com/BookPage/ASFR








Just wanted to say thanks to Mrs. Kristi Ann Hunter and Bethany House publishers for allowing me to read and review this book in exchange for a free copy. All opinions and views are my own and I was not given the book for a favorable review, just an honest one!