An Uncommon Courtship (Hawthorne House #3) by Kristi Ann Hunter

Title: An Uncommon Courtship (Hawthorne House #3)

Author: Kristi Ann Hunter

Pages: 352

Year: 2017

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Bethany House

Format:  eBook (also available in paperback)

About the book:

     Life for Lady Adelaide Bell was easier if she hid in her older sister’s shadow—which worked until her sister got married. Even with the pressure of her socially ambitious mother, the last thing she expected was a marriage of convenience to save her previously spotless reputation.

     Lord Trent Hawthorne couldn’t be happier that he is not the duke in the family. He’s free to manage his small estate and take his time discovering the life he wants to lead, which includes grand plans of wooing and falling in love with the woman of his choice. When he finds himself honor bound to marry a woman he doesn’t know, his dream of a marriage like his parents’ seems lost forever.

     Already starting their marriage on shaky ground, can Adelaide and Trent’s relationship survive the pressures of London society?

My review:

     This is a delightful historical romance novel!

     I fell in love with both Trent and Adelaide. They are incredibly well developed characters. They both had terrible lapses in their education about how men and women were to develop a relationship with each other. That left them fumbling along trying to figure things out. It made them very easy to connect with. I loved how Trent’s family was willing and able to support them throughout the story.

     I really loved the way that the bible was turned to to help Trent understand how to love his wife. It should be the place we all turn to for wisdom and guidance when we are confused and have questions. So many times though we think that we can come up with our own answers.

     I’m giving this marvelous book a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it. I do believe that it will be enjoyed more if the series is read in order since the main characters from the three previous stories play a very important role in this one.

Vying for the Viscount (Hearts on the Heath #1) by Kristi Ann Hunter

Title: Vying for the Viscount (Hearts on the Heath #1)

Author: Kristi Ann Hunter

Pages: 352

Release Date: August 4, 2020

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Bethany House

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     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:

     This is a wonderful historical romance.

     I love how deeply developed the main characters are. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Bianca, Hudson, and even Aaron. They have a lot of hangups that they need to work through but that didn’t stop them from becoming friends. I liked seeing how they supported each other. The fact that Aaron seemed to see things clearer than the others really caught my attention.

     Bianca’s life at home was very difficult and I really connected with the idea that part of why she made sure to go to go riding each morning was as an escape from the reality of it.

     The plot was captivating. I was definitely caught up in seeing how the right relationships would develop. It was fun to spot a few of the characters from a previous series of books that the author has written. I enjoyed seeing how their lives had progressed.

     I am giving this marvelous book a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it. I’m looking forward to seeing where the next book in the series takes us.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

An Elegant Facade (Hawthorne House #2) by Kristi Ann Hunter

Title: An Elegant Facade (Hawthorne House #2)

Author: Kristi Ann Hunter

Pages: 369

Year: 2016

Genre: Historical Romantic Comedy

Publisher: Bethany House

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     Lady Georgina Hawthorne has worked tirelessly to seal her place as the incomparable for her debut season. At her first London ball, she hopes to snag the attention of an earl.

     With money and business connections, but without impeccable bloodlines, Colin McCrae is invited everywhere but accepted nowhere. When he first encounters the fashionable Lady Georgina, he’s irritated by his attraction to a woman who concerns herself only with status and appearance.

     What Colin doesn’t know is that Georgina’s desperate social aspirations are driven by the shameful secret she harbors. Association with Colin McCrae is not part of Georgina’s plan, but as their paths continue to cross, they both must decide if the realization of their dreams is worth the sacrifices they must make.

My review:

     This is an extremely funny historical romance!

     I love reading books by this author. She is one of my go-to writers when I need something lighthearted and good for a laugh. This book definitely delivered on the laughter side. At the same time there was a side that caused me to think whenever Lady Georgina’s difficulty came into play.

     I had gotten into the story quite aways before it became apparent that she had an actual problem that she was working to hide. Until then she just made me angry with her seemingly self centered attitude. Many times early on I just wanted to shake her and tell her that the world didn’t revolve around her.

     I loved getting to see how the Hawthorne family was doing. It was nice seeing the final part of the previous book from a different character’s perspective. Since the two books overlapped there really wasn’t any lapse in the family progression. We did get a very nice look at the family dynamics and how the siblings relate to with each other, especially Georgina, the younger daughter.

     I have to give this wonderful book a rating of 5 stars. I just wish I had had time to read it sooner. The plus side of that is that the rest of the series is already written. I am highly recommending it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

A Search for Refuge (Haven Manor #0.5) by Kristi Ann Hunter

Title: A Search for Refuge (Haven Manor #0.5)

Author: Kristi Ann Hunter

Pages: 129

Year: 2018

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Bethany House

Format: eBook

About the book:

     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?

My review:

     This is a wonderful introduction to a new historical romance series!

     I love the main characters in this novella. Margaretta and Nash are extremely well developed. They are each dealing with very real emotional issues.

     I love the fact that they have both found a true friend in Mrs. Lancaster. She is the stalwart support and encouragement that everyone needs when they are going through intensely difficult times.

     I’m looking forward to reading the rest of this series.

     I’m giving this charming story a rating of 5 stars. I’m definitely recommending it.

A Noble Masquerade (Hawthorne House #1) by Kristi Ann Hunter

Title: A Noble Masquerade (Hawthorne House #1)

Author: Kristi Ann Hunter

Pages: 365

Year: 2015

Genre: Historical Romance (with some comedy)

Publisher: Bethany House

Format: Paperback (also available in eBook)

Note: I received a free copy of this book through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.

About the book:

     Lady Miranda Hawthorne acts every inch the lady, but inside she longs to be bold and carefree. Approaching spinsterhood in the eyes of society, she pours her innermost feelings out not in a diary but in letters to her brother’s old school friend, the Duke of Marshington. Since she’s never actually met the man, she has no intention of ever sending the letter and is mortified when her brother’s mysterious new valet, Marlow, mistakenly mails one of the letters to the unsuspecting duke.

     Shockingly, this breach of etiquette results in a reply from the duke that soon leads to a lively correspondence. Insecurity about her previous lack of suitors soon becomes confusion as Miranda finds herself equally intrigued by Marlow, a man she has come to depend upon but whose behavior grows more suspicious by the day. As the secret goings-on at her family’s estate come to light, one thing is certain: Miranda’s heart is far from all that’s at risk for the Hawthornes and those they love.

My review:

     A delightful historical romantic comedy!

     This is Kristi Ann Hunter’s debut novel. She has really set a high bar for herself with this one. She does have a prequel novella out that is available in eBook only.

     The characters are incredibly well developed and easy to connect with. The  variety of personalities that are included are very entertaining.

     Lady Miranda Hawthorne grew up with her mother constantly pulling her aside to give her “lady lessons” in proper conduct. She hated these little lectures because they constantly constrained her very nature and emotions. But they were needed to help her live in “polite” society. Throughout the book when she is struggling with wanting to act one way and knowing it is wrong she “hears” in her own mind her mother’s voice and the “lady lesson” that applies. I found each of these tidbits very amusing.

     Interspersed through the book is a bit of mystery and intrigue. The book is set in 1812 England and they are currently at war with France. There isn’t much actual talk about the war but it is a backdrop for the story and there is mention of it and how it affects those in high society. Some of the more quirky characters are connected with the danger and intrigue.

     Kristi Ann Hunter is now on my list of favorite authors and I am definitely looking forward to reading her next book. This one is getting a rating of 5 stars from me and I am highly recommending it.

     You can find out more about Kristi and her books on her website at: http://www.kristiannhunter.com/

A Lady of Esteem (Hawthorne House #0.5) by Kristi Ann Hunter

Title: A Lady of Esteem (Hawthorne House #0.5)

Author: Kristi Ann Hunter

Pages: 159

Year: 2015

Genre: Historical Romance (London, 1812 – Regency Era)

Publisher: Bethany House

Format: eBook (only - FREE on most sites)

About the book:

     Miss Amelia Stalwood may live in London at her absent guardian’s townhouse, but she’s never actually met any nobility, and instead of aristocrats, her closest friends are servants. Quite by happenstance, she’s introduced to the Hawthorne family and their close family friend, Anthony, the reformed marquis of Raeburn. They welcome her into their world, but just as she’s beginning to gain some confidence and even suspect she may have caught Anthony’s eye, she’s blindsided by an unexpected twist in her situation accompanied by nasty rumors. Will she lose her reputation when the world that has only just accepted her turns its back on her, or will she rest in the support of the friends who’ve become like family and the man who’s shared his faith and captured her heart?

     A Lady of Esteem is an e-only novella that gives an exciting introduction to Kristi Ann Hunter’s new Regency romance series about the aristocratic Hawthorne family! Includes an extended excerpt of Kristi’s debut full-length novel, A Noble Masquerade.

My review:

     A delightful historical romance novella!

     This wonderful story introduces us to a new writer and her first series of books. I love her style of writing and found that she has a wonderful knack for inserting very humorous situations throughout the story.

     The development of the main characters is fantastic. I fell in love with Amelia Stalwood from very early on. We are given a glimpse of what her childhood was like in the prologue. It made me feel like wrapping my arms around her and to help her to feel loved. I then found that she hadn’t let it make her mean in any way. She cares about others and that shines through with everyone she meets.

     Anthony Pendleton is carrying memories of what he used to be like and he expects everyone to still be judging him by his past mistakes. That includes people that didn’t even know him before he changed. I enjoyed seeing his journey as he dealt with this.

     I’m looking forward to reading the rest of this series. I’m very glad that I have the first full-length book waiting for me in my to-be-read pile already. I have to give this sweet novella a rating of 5 stars. I’m highly recommending it. I think I may have found another favorite author.

     You can find out more about Kristi and her books on her website at: www.kristiannhunter.com