I enjoyed getting to know Graham and Kit. They are unique, well-written characters that won’t soon leave your imagination.  Graham has a fun sense of humor and a playful endearing quality that draws you in and makes you want to linger. Kit is more serious. She is determined and practical. She needs a little encouragement to let down her hair and laugh. Graham is just the man for the job.

Haven Manor is a hidden gem. A safe place of refuge for those who the elite of society has deemed unworthy, and has cast aside. Kristy Ann Hunter has given us a new series of Regency-era stories to enjoy. New characters to meet and a fresh look at an often hidden side of the Regency era.

While this story deals with the delicate subject matter of the seemingly rampant indiscretions of the nobility and elite class in Regency London, it is handled with grace and points toward the importance of trusting God.

With dynamic, original characters and a vivid setting, this delightful story is sure to not only entertain but to also leaves the reader with something to think about beyond the story itself. I give this story 4.5 stars and I eagerly anticipate the next stories in this new series.

(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)

A Defense of Honor, by Kristi Ann Hunter, is a new series of Regency fiction that I am sure you will love, especially if you are a fan! Kristi explores interesting topics, such as blackmail (in the name of God) and illegitimate children. Set in a time when unmarried women found themselves pregnant and out in the streets, this novel does a wonderful job of showing how it was for these women.

I received this book from Netgallery in exchange for a review of my honest opinion.




We meet the main characters, Kit and Lord Wharton, when Wharton sees Kit hiding behind a plant at a ball. Curious about her, Wharton goes to speak to her and enters into a lively and short conversation. From there, the two find their lives becoming more and more intertwined when the sister of Wharton's best friend disappears and he sets out to find her.

What Wharton finds is that Kit is the head of a household of women and children who have been abandoned by their fathers and lovers due to an unexpected, out-of-wedlock pregnancy. Kit has a way of making those fathers and lovers pay for the keeping of the women and children.  He finds their hideaway home, deep into the countryside, and learns the drive and determination of Kit to keep the children safe at all costs.

Kit's hardness to Lord Wharton is overcome when she realizes that he is as determined to help the children as she is.  Kit finds that she is drawn to this kind and gentle nobleman.  The rest you are going to have to read for yourself!

The author does a beautiful job of creating characters that we love, even when they do things they shouldn't. We find ourselves forgiving, and then wondering if we should be forgiving those in our life who have done us wrong. Kristi draws us into the story by playing with our emotions toward the wonderful children and women in her care, the delightful insights they learn about each other and the details of farm life that Kit has learned to do since leaving her own noble background.

I enjoyed the book, and plan to read the next in the series. I want to see what happens between Kit and Lord Wharton and what becomes of some other characters I am intrigued by.

A Defense of Honor is book one in the Haven Manor series by Kristi Ann Hunter. If you love the Regency area romance than this is the book for you. This story is one that grabs at the heartstrings. This is a story that is full of love, hope, longing, dreams and what has been. I love the protectiveness and determination of Kit. Then there is Graham oh my. A girls dream guy. Be sure to get your copy of A Defense of Honor today.

A Defense of Honor is the first novel in Kristi Ann Hunter's new series, Haven Manor, and it is a fabulously crafted story that delves into what it means to forgive, accept forgiveness, and take responsibility for the consequences of one's actions. I thought the plot and overarching storyline were well written and continued important elements of mystery, romance, and suspense that kept me glued to the pages. At times I was even led to tears as Kit and Phoebe's past was revealed and as Kit and Graham both had to deal with the consequences and their own emotions. I thought the characters were interesting and well developed, and I enjoyed watching Graham and Kit learn more about one another and grow closer to God as they challenged one another's beliefs. Overall, I highly enjoyed this novel, and I look forward to reading the next installment in this new series.

I received this novel from Netgalley and Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

The first thing I said to my hubby after I started reading this book was, "It has been WAY too long since I have read a Kristi Ann Hunter book." I absolutely LOVE her style and voice. The humor infused with the stark realities of life. The faith combined with growth. And the adventures...OH, the adventures these characters have is of epic proportions. 

The first thing that stood out to me in this story is the completely new-to-me setting and theme. Although set in Regency England, we spend most of our time outside of London in a forgotten manor. Our leading lady is one who has been scorned by society and lives to protect those who would also be outcasts. I love Kit's passion and heart. She learns so much along her journey and in the end, becomes even more beautiful because of the trust she puts in God. Lord Wharton is swoony on all accounts. His love for the children and for Kit produce such tingling sensations as to set my heart ablaze with admiration. 

If you are a fan of Regency books and haven't read a Kristi Ann Hinter book...WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? If you HAVE read her books...You NEED to get this one in your hands...like yesterday. A Defense of Honor is my favorite KAH story to date and I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next!

I received a complimentary copy of A Defense of Honor through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

The Honourable Katherine FitzGilbert (I'm sorry, but the title is British, so it should be Honourable not Honorable) is now known as Mama Kit. She shepherds a group of not-quite-orphans in a forgotten house in the country. Her anonymity and remote seclusion are her weapons, the way she protects those in her charge. 

Graham, Viscount Wharton, is bored ... at least, until he notices a beautiful lady in green at a ball, a lady he then rescues before she disappears. He has no idea how to find her again, as he doesn't even know her name. So he's more than a little surprised to come across her in an out-of-the-way almost-abandoned manor house near the small market town of Marlborough.

As first meetings go, Kit and Graham's first meeting is definitely memorable. So is their second.

But it's when they meet in Marlborough that things get interesting. Graham is trying to locate his best friend's missing sister, and he realises Kit must know where she is. But Kit has spent the last twelve years protecting women and hiding their illegitimate children, and she's not about to stop for some random Lord who finds her secret home. No matter how attractive he is.

And the end ... I'm not going to give spoilers, but I am already looking forward to the next book in the series.. A Defence of Honor is the first full-length novel in Kristi Ann Hunter's new Haven Manor series, but it's not the first book. There is a prequel novella, A Search for Refuge, which is available as a free ebook. 

It's not necessary to read A Search for Refuge first, although I did, and I can assure you it will provide needed backstory to A Defence of Honor. Recommended for all Regency romance fans, because it's close to perfect. And Kristi Ann Hunter is a wonderful witty writer.

Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review

Kit is a woman on a mission.  Her mission often takes her back to London, where she was once known by a different name.  Rather than basking in the spotlight, however, Kit now lurks in the shadows, dealing in dangerous secrets.  During one such foray, she escapes pursuit by ducking into the shadows of a ballroom, where she can't quite escape the attention an observant young gentleman.  

Lord Graham Wharton discovers a mysterious young woman lurking in the shadows near a ballroom terrace door.  Unlike the season's parade of debutantes, whom he finds quite boring, she rebuffs his gentlemanly advances and evades his questions with humor and wit.  His fascination grows as he follows her and witnesses her face down a band of thugs intent upon retrieving something for their master.  Although she is grateful for his timely interference, she refuses his offer to walk her home and slips into the night alone.

When circumstances bring Lord Wharton and Kit back together again, can Kit trust him with her secrets?  Is Wharton an honorable gentleman, or is he yet another careless cad?  Will Kit's true identity and passion for the mission to which she has devoted herself destroy the growing attraction between them? 

Kristi Ann Hunter's newest novel dives below the glitter of Regency era London's ballrooms, addressing some of the aristocracy's ignoble and furtive actions.  She tackles a difficult topic honestly, but graciously, offering readers a perspective often rare in inspirational fiction.  The plot was unique and rather plausible, and the characters were generally likeable. 

In this novel, the author develops a sizable cast of characters who will likely be featured in future books within the series.  While the main characters were developed fairly well, I found some of the lack of character development for the secondary characters a distraction and a detriment.  I understand the author's desire to leave some stones unturned for the next novel.  I wish she would have allowed me to step over them a bit more delicately, though, rather than forcing me to stub my toes upon them repeatedly.  

One of my pet peeves in inspirational fiction is some authors' propensity to conveniently ignore truth in favor of happily ever after.  This can take many forms, such as dialogue or plot lines which are completely inauthentic within the historic context, or (far worse!) flippantly excusing characters' unChrist-like attitudes or immoral actions.  Happily, Ms. Hunter avoids entanglement in these increasingly common pitfalls.  I appreciated the dialogue  which developed fairly naturally between characters.  More importantly, I appreciated her treatment of difficult subject matter.  The characters wrestled with their actions and attitudes in a way which honored Biblical truth without becoming either trite or judgmental. 

I have read at least one or two of Kristi Ann Hunter's other books in the past.  I don't recall having a strong opinion about them, but after reading this novel, I may have to revisit her other works.  I will be watching for the subsequent books in this series. 

I received a free electronic Advance Reader Copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley for review purposes.  All opinions contained in this review are my own.

I loved this Regency romance with a wonderful twist! When society turns it's back on Kit and Daphne, they make it their calling to take care of the women and children cast out of polite society because of pregnancy out of wedlock. Now years later they are helping countless young moms get back on their feet and make something of their lives, and providing a safe haven for these babies and children who could have otherwise quite possibly end up in the poorhouse with their mothers or worse.

Graham is bored. He and his two best friends have come through school and had a few world adventures and are now living in London, doing the society rounds as required of their station, and he is bored of it all. All of a sudden they take on the task of finding a missing young woman and life is interesting once again. How can he go back to that mundane existence? One wonderful thing in this story is Graham's use of words, sometimes spoken but I'd say even more often in his thoughts. He's quite funny. Another is the incredibly poignant theme running throughout that God brings beauty from adversity when you let Him. 

I loved this story. The characters, the period, the interesting plot, the underlying messages. Fantastic, definitely a must read from one of the best Christian fiction authors out there. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Well, this was certainly a very unusual Regency novel. Not many balls or engagements here, and the book deals with a subject that some might consider very controversial indeed- unmarried mothers and illegitimate children of the nobility.

Basically, Kit and her best friend Daphne who became pregnant outside wedlock, and fled from the censure of 'society' years before acquired a manor house in rural Marlborough, with Daphne and a Frenchwoman called Jess with a colourful past. Haven Manor is used to provide a home for the unwanted illegitimate children of the nobility whom their parents would rather 'disappeared'.

The problem is that whilst Kit wants to help women in the same situation as she was, she depends
on dubious means to support the children, and has developing a bitter and twisted view of men because of her own experiences (having been compromised and disowned years before) and what she has seen of the women they help.
That is until Graham Wharton, the son of an Earl appears unexpectedly on the scene.

The chemistry between the two of them was well-written from the start, and there were some lovely scenes with Graham and the children in the book, making it in someway obvious to the reader and the character that he was the father figure they were lacking.
Graham shows a better way, but still wants to help and his caring and largely non-judgemental attitude is key to moving the story on. Not that he doesn't call out Kit on her faults, he does very much: and many important lessons are learned by both.

There are important messages and themes conveyed in this story about true love, redemption and healing. Its just an very good story on a difficult subject, which is tightly plotted and well-told.
Some might find this novel 'preachy' towards the end, and there is a lot of talk of prayers, but that goes with the territory in this genre.

My main complaints were all the Americanisms in the story. There were just so many, and I found them really jarring and annoying. Nor were they just in the dialogue with the British characters talking about 'going to the store' and 'giving candy' to the children.
It was in the mannerisms as well- there was a reference to Daphne teaching the children life-skills like 'how to hold their fork properly': because they all eat the American way with only a fork, and another reference to a character telling another their tea 'needs more cream'. No, it does not. Tea needs milk, not cream.

This author's works are far from the only Regency or British set novels riddled with Americanisms, but its as issue for me. I mean, I liked the book overall and look forward to the next one (Daphne's story!), but I do wish there was not this need for British characters to talk and act exactly like Americans in British Fiction.
What's wrong with being a little more authentic? I'm sure its not beyond the capacity of American readers to understand different words or mannerisms.

I requested this title from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

All of Kit's secrets are at stake when she returns to society, which she left years ago when a scandal ruined her chance for a good marriage. She has since moved on and opened a home for disgraced women and their children. 



Lord Graham Wharton's friend is looking for his missing sister, and also thinks that his father is being taken advantage of, paying an exorbitant amount for a chess set. Graham believes that Kit may be the key to the mystery, he follows the clues that lead to Haven Manor and Kit.



Graham is an honorable man, who wants to find a passion and a life purpose. He doesn't want to just be a man about society, partying all the time, and paying calls. He is intrigued by Kit, and admires her care for others. He is great with children, and they absolutely adore him.



Kit still blames herself for what happened years ago, but she and her friend Daphne have worked hard to help women who have been taken advantage of, and given hope to many mothers and children. Kit is clever, brave, and passionate about what she does.



The first in a new series, with great characters, intriguing storyline, and adorable children. I admired Kit and her bravery, facing her fears, and growing in her faith. It took sometime to figure out what was going on, but after that, I was riveted. I'm excited to read the rest of the series!



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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."

This book was fantastic. I loved the subject matter (unplanned pregnancies) for this time period- definitely rare for christian historical romance. The themes of purpose, forgiveness, penance, redemption, and integrity were steady and natural and gave this story a lot of depth. I could really relate to the struggles the characters were faced with, some I've dealt with personally, and some that were so well done that I felt as though I had.

The romance was sweet and one of the best I've read in a while. At first, I was disappointed and annoyed by what felt like insta-love with no real basis. But if you feel this way too, push on. This book will surprise you.

*Spoiler* The only thing that gave me pause was the adoption was broached as an unheard of concept. I thought adoption was as old as Moses (see what I did there?), so I was a little surprised by this. At any rate, it made me want to look into the subject matter more myself, which is never a bad thing.

Despite the heavier themes, there was a lot of laughter and lighter moments sprinkled throughout and the pages flew by. I would highly recommend this book and cannot wait for the next in this series!

This is a new author for me. She tackled a difficult subject in an earlier time period when there were no easier answers than there are now. The opening was intriguing but difficult to follow at first. It took a while before the story behind the heroine could be fleshed out.

Kit and her friend Daphne along with another woman Jess are running a home for illegitimate children and blackmailing the fathers for payment to support their offspring while assisting the mothers to keep their secrets and re-enter society with none the wiser.

But Kit meets Graham Lord Wharton and her opinion of men is forced to change when he inadvertently discovers where she has hidden herself away and discovers whom the children are and how she is trying to care for them.

Kit tells him of the tragedy that started everything for her and Daphne and about the guilt and shame she carries. He tries to persuade her that how she is going about things is all wrong and that God's grace is sufficient. But Kit has to learn the hard way and their budding romance seems doomed from the start.

This is an entertaining read and the series should be worth following. I recommend it for your summer reading and give it 4 stars. I received this from Bethany House through netgalley for my honest review.

I completely love the journeys I get taken on while reading a book by Kristi Ann Hunter.  Anything she writes I know I’ll love reading.  A Defense of Honor was a journey unlike any other.  I loved getting a glimpse into the shadier part of London.  Kit has several constant reminders of the way the search for love can go wrong.  The children she loves with her whole heart deserve the best she can provide.  Returning to the ballrooms of her past was not part of the plan, nor was running for her life.  Graham happened to show up at the perfect time, but now how does she get him to go away?  And does she even want him to?

I am anxiously awaiting the next book In this series.  I fell In love with the characters and am dying to get to know them even more.  I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance.  Graham is a swoon worthy hero, even if Kit doesn’t realize she’s a damsel in distress.  I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and was in no way forced to post a review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

I very much enjoyed the first 85% of this book. The opening chapters held the promise of a romance with a little bit of intrigue and quite a bit of fun when Kit caught the eye of Lord Wharton, a viscount who finds himself thoroughly bored by the predictability of his current social life. Working in counterpoint to this light-hearted side of the story is Haven Manor, a place where Kit and her two compatriots, Daphne and Jess, devote their lives to raising children who might have had a very different life if they hadn’t been born on the wrong side of the blanket. These two elements struck a great balance, and I found myself thoroughly enchanted by Graham as he won over the children and slowly chiselled away at Kit’s walls.

As I moved into the second half of the story, I was even more intrigued by the direction it took, throwing in some surprises and giving both Kit and Graham the opportunity to examine their situations in life and their motivation for what they were (or weren’t) doing. I can’t say too much without revealing spoilers, but it included the kind of spiritual thread that made me sit up and take notice—much as it did to Kit and Graham. I do have to say, though, that while I agreed with the spiritual wisdom Graham imparted at one particular point, it did feel a little odd coming out of his mouth. I’m not sure whether it was because it felt a little too modern for the setting or whether it was because it required a deeper spiritual understanding than Graham had shown to that point; maybe a bit of both. But I’ll move on.

The disappointment for me was the ending. It felt rushed, but I also felt Graham was extremely high-handed in the steps that he took to resolve things. His genuine enthusiasm and belief that he was doing the best thing for all concerned tempered my annoyance a little bit, but I couldn’t help feeling indignant on Kit’s behalf. Especially since she didn’t seem indignant at all. I’m pretty sure I would have been if I had been in Kit’s place. And for such a promising beginning to the romance, I felt it fizzled at the end. I enjoyed their relationship more in the middle of the story (and that super sweet first kiss) than I did their relationship at the end.

Finally, 1% of my disappointment is reserved for the Southernisms that crept in, such as using ‘drug’ as the past tense of ‘drag’ and the phrase, “they’re going to try to figure out who all you have contracts with.” I try not to be too critical of Americanisms that creep into English-set novels, but Southernisms tax my tolerance a little too much, not to mention they yank me out of the story (no pun or bipartisanship intended)!

But as I say, I did enjoy the majority of the book, and in light of the developments that took place, I’m keen to see where the next story takes me.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.

A Defense of Honor

by Kristi Ann Hunter

Bethany House

Bethany House Publishers

Christian

Pub Date 05 Jun 2018

I am reviewing a copy of A Defense of Honor through Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley:

In this book we are transported back to early Nineteenth century England.

Katherine (Kit) FitzGilbert left London Society a decade prior. She was determined never to set foot in the ballroom again. When business takes her to London and she finds herself having to run for her life. It is there she comes upon not only a glamorous ballroom, but also Graham, Lord Wharton. It should have only been a chance encounter but it becomes far more as Graham searches for his missing sister. He is convinced Kit knows far more about the girl than she is telling.

Meeting Graham has Kit wishing things could have been different for the first time in her life. What she wants doesn’t matter though, because long ago she dedicated herself to saving women escape the same scorn that drove her from London, and raising the children who had been caught in the middle. As much as she wants to tell Graham the truth she can’t without putting him and everyone she loves in danger.

This novel gives us a glimpse into what can sometimes be the darker side of privilege and royalty.

I give A Defense of Honor five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

A Defense Of Honor, what a story.  I mean when you have the beginning made up of boredom, plants, ballroom dancing and secrets you know you have a hit on your hands.  The book only got better and better from that point on - if you can believe that.  There is mystery - not in the sense you may think  - like murder - just a plain - straight up - mystery that Graham is trying to figure out.  Will he?  GOD fits right on in here - but how?  Well let me tell you  - HE - - - - I cann0t ruin this book for you - it is worth the read to find out..

It is 1816 in London and Graham Wharton is bored. His life more or less feels like something he can live while asleep. He runs into Katherine FitzGibert known as Kit and he is intrigued. But Kit disappears.
Kit is in hiding. She has dedicated her life to protecting women whose reputation are at stake and the children they need to keep away from 'society', This is a cause Kit is passionate about.
When Graham runs into Kit again while helping his friend Oliver find his sister who has disappeared he wants to know her better. Despite Kit's interest she must protect the women and children she has dedicated her life to.
This is a lovely story about friendship, love and trusting the Lord.
Thanks to netgalley and Bethany House publishers for an opportunity to read this book.

Kristi Ann Hunter tackles a topic that is often brushed over in Regency fiction. We read about the ton, the balls, parties & dinners, and even the scandals. But rarely do we read about what happens to those whose lives are ruined when the men of the upper echelon of society cast them away.

A Defense of Honor, the first book in The Haven Manor series, introduces readers to three women who refuse to forget or ignore the women and children who need to disappear.

After a close call of her own twelve years ago, Kit FitzGilbert pours her life into caring for those society would rather forget (after a run through the ton gossip mill, of course). Perhaps her methods are not the best, but her heart is in the right place. On one of her trips to London to secure funds for the manor, Kit meets Graham (aka Lord Wharton).

In an attempt to forget about an intriguing woman he’d learned little about, Graham sets out on a mission to find the sister of one of his friends. What he doesn’t expect is to run into that same woman who has been on his mind in the country.

Graham is a likable character from the beginning—charming, a little bit of a flirt, and someone who holds family and friends in esteem. And the first time he interacts with a child, I was smitten.
As Graham digs to uncover Kit’s secrets, and she struggles with handing control of the women and children she assists over to God, the two find a mutual admiration for the other.

In usual Hunter style, laughter and smiles are mixed in with heavier moments of questioning, disappointment, and concern.

Shining a light on both the trial and joys of helping those less fortunate, A Defense of Honor reminds readers that caring for even one person less fortunate than us makes a difference. The ending of Kit and Graham’s story is perfection while whetting my reading appetite for more about Daphne and Jess, the two women who help Kit run Haven Manor.

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.

This book was outside my usual genre, but I found it lovely. Kristi Ann Hunter is an author that I will be turning to again as she really brought to life the era, place, and characters. Sweet romance with a touch of faith.

This is one of my first books by Kristi and I am blown away! I really, really, love her writing. This book feels very differ from the other one I have read but this works so, so well. I feel like in this book the characters were beautifully written and vivid. The plot was imaginative and grasps you from the start. 

I loved the ending to this novel and adored the underlying message. This book gives us good morals without being pushy and shows them in a creative way. The characters were well developed and grow throughout the novel. There was pleasant humor that shined through out this book that gave me a good laugh here and there and helped transition scenes well. The dialogue was also well written and was not a tedious read.

I would say that overall this is a 5/5 stars novel for me. I cant say enough good things about the book! I definitely recommend reading this novel ASAP! Thank you NetGalley and Bethany House for sending me this e-copy in exchange for an honest review.