A Defense of Honor by Kristi Ann Hunter

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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Story Notes

Kristi Ann Hunter delivers the first book in her new Recency series Haven Manor with a story filled with witty conversations and a challenge to one’s idea of real trust in God.

When I receive a book by Kristi Ann Hunter I can be assured of two inclusions: that I will laugh a lot and I will find myself pondering her faith challenge even after I finish the last page. It takes a special talent to be able to write humor well into a story that could very easily be dark given the subject matter, and Ms. Hunter proves once again that she absolutely possesses this talent. She begins the story perfectly with a scene taking place in the ballroom of one of London’s Ton. Graham, Lord Wharton, has tired of the never ending balls that fill the typical London season just as he has tired of the same eligible, yet lacking personality, debutantes vying for the richest men. He has almost convinced himself to leave when a strange sight catches his eye, sparking laughter and curiosity. A hand reaches from a gathering of potted plants to snag passing drinks and delicacies, a hand belonging to a woman Graham has never before seen. Kit FitzGilbert is in London to secure the future of a woman and child under her care and has taken a moment before she attends to business to enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of a ballroom once again. Never intending to be noticed, she is surprised when a very handsome gentleman speaks to her from the area behind her hiding spot. Lord Wharton is everything Kit used to admire in the peers of the Ton and his unexpected kindness and humorous conversation are a welcome respite from her daily battle to ensure the care of those under her roof. But this pleasant interlude is not to last, given Kit must quickly do as she came to do and leave London before anyone can follow her home. Graham was intrigued by Kit and her straightforward way of speaking and determines to find out more about her. But first he must help his friend locate his “missing” sister, Priscilla, that no one is willing to share information about. As Graham sets out on his mission to bring Priscilla home, he stumbles upon Kit’s hidden residence on the outskirts of the village of Marlborough, Wiltshire. Kit has spent the past decade housing the illegitimate children of London’s society while also seeking to help their mothers find solace and hope through their situation. She views her work as a mercy mission and as a way to pay penance for her past mistakes. When Graham appears at her home after helping two of the children in her care, she is hard pressed not to throw him out immediately, regardless of the pouring rain. But as the rain refuses to quit for several hours, Graham will be trapped at Haven Manor for the next couple days. The forced time together gives both Kit and Graham a chance to get to know each other better, but Kit is unwilling to let herself fall for another man, no matter how honorable or handsome. Graham, meanwhile, learns that Kit may have the information on Priscilla he needs and although he is angry at her unwillingness to help him locate her, he does admire her tenacity and protectiveness. When Graham sets off to follow a lead when the water recedes, he will carry with him his deep admiration of Kit and her work and vows to return soon. But their journey towards love will be put to the test when Graham finds out how Kit is financing the care of the orphans and he will give her an ultimatum if she wants them to have a future. Kit will have to decide if she is going to live the words she teaches the children about trusting God or if she is going to keep doing things her own way. And her decision will have to be made quickly if she is going to salvage both her relationship with Graham and a home for the orphans. Ms. Hunter does a wonderful job of drawing readers into the world she has written and creates a connection with her characters that readers will truly enjoy. While each character epitomizes the phrasing and actions of someone belonging to the Regency era, there is no mistaking the real faith challenges that are just as prevalent in people today. Ms. Hunter describes a world that has little care for those who don’t “fit in” the box of acceptable society and shows the incredible compassion that must be employed to extend help to those deemed “illegitimate” through no fault of their own. She rightly places the blame on those who carelessly created the lives which are now seen as worthless while illustrating that these little ones are of the same worth to God as children born inside a marriage. I was pleased to see as well that Ms. Hunter did not allow Kit to continue in her well-meaning but incorrect approach to the care of the orphans. While making those responsible for their conception pay for their care is an admirable goal, blackmail is not the way to ensure this happens. How good it was to see that Ms. Hunter had her character learn the important lesson of trusting God for our needs rather than seeking sinful ways of meeting them. I was further pleased with the quiet but amusing romance between the main characters. Their conversations often carried such hilarious phrases that I found myself laughing out loud as I read. I’ve no idea which excellent character Ms. Hunter will turn her pen focus to next but I am excited to find out. She has begun her series well and I am certain she will continue will her wonderful writing in the next stories to come. I will certainly be recommending this book to others as I’m sure they will find it as enjoyable as I have. I will also be keeping a close eye out for the next book in the Haven Manor series as I know it will be another engaging story.

I received this E-Book free of charge from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation from either company for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

My favorite thing about this book is the contrast of personalities between Kit and Graham. They both have so much to learn from each other and both bring a new and fresh perspective to their friendship and relationship. Graham's cheerful and light-hearted nature brings joy to the children and the women who care for them. Kit's mission and purpose shows Graham a serious side to the consequences of society's dictates and he admires her determination to work towards solutions. There is some danger and suspense as long-held secrets come to light, and Kit learns over time to do the right thing and trust God to provide solutions as she turns her cares over to Him. There is conflict that comes between Kit and Graham, but I loved what ultimately brings them together as they continue to pursue ways to help those in need. Loving this new series!!!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Props for the original storyline! I loved that I haven't read a story like this in all my regencies. I enjoyed Kit's character, I would have liked to know her backstory a littler earlier on in the story, but otherwise thought it was a fun read. Looking forward to more books in this series.

"A Defense of Honor" is a Christian romance set in 1816 in England. Realistic, complex characters and vivid setting details immersed me into the story. I cared about the characters and understood why they acted the way they did. The romantic couple inspired each other to be better people and had shared interests to sustain their attraction. I love this type of story, which has real struggles without making the reader depressed. Rather, the characters find healing and freedom.

Kit pushed her shy friend into doing something that resulted in her seduction while also ruining Kit's reputation. Cast from society, Kit and her friend have found a way to save other women from the same fate while also providing a home for the resulting children. Kit's guilt runs deep, and she helps other women as a way to earn the forgiveness of her friend and God. She struggles to accept that they've already forgiven her. She also struggles with trusting God to provide for their needs.

There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd highly recommend this enjoyable and moving story.

Defense of Honor is the first of the series Haven Manor. I would recommend reading the novella A Search for Refuge to get a little more background. It’s definitely a stand alone though. In the novella we hear about Kit briefly, Defense of Honor tells her story along with why she works at Haven Manor. In the beginning we meet Graham, a future Earl who is looking for purpose in his life. By odd chance, him and Kit meet and he is captivated by her. Although I am a fan of this author, I felt the story line was too drawn out and some details could have been left out. Kit as a character was hesitant and scared due to the scandal she faced years ago which made it hard to open up to Graham. I did love that she had a desire to help these women even if her intentions were not right. I did like Graham’s character, he was charming and really changed Kit’s opinion of how she felt about men in general. Clean content with some religious references. Will I continue to read from this author? Yes. This book was not a fave for me. 3.5 stars

When Katherine "Kit" FitzGilbert turned her back on London society more than a decade ago, she determined never to set foot in a ballroom again. But when business takes her to London and she's forced to run for her life, she stumbles upon not only a glamorous ballroom but also Graham, Lord Wharton. What should have been a chance encounter becomes much more as Graham embarks on a search for his friend's missing sister and is convinced Kit knows more about the girl than she's telling.

After meeting Graham, Kit finds herself wishing things could have been different for the first time in her life, but what she wants can't matter. Long ago, she dedicated herself to helping women escape the same scorn that drove her from London and raising the innocent children caught in the crossfire. And as much as she desperately wishes to tell Graham everything, revealing the truth isn't worth putting him and everyone she loves in danger.

I'm not sure how to describe this book.  It showed the plight of fallen women in London society.  Their life and that of their child was worthless.  The father's went on as if nothing had happened.  It was quite an eye opener.  This book was a romance with just a tad of mystery.

I wouldn't consider this a light read.  But it was good.

I was given this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Early 19th century. In this unusual story, Katherine (Kit) FitzGilbert has turned her back on London society and is living a secret life far from the city. On a business trip to London, however, she makes the acquaintance of Graham, Lord Wharton. He’s immediately fascinated by her and follows her before losing track of her in the city.
Sometime later, their lives become interconnected and an attraction is born. Obstacles must be overcome and each must learn dependence upon God. The author does a superb job, I felt, with the main characters’ wrestlings and subsequent character development.

A tale well told! This is the first in the H@ven Manor series, and I look forward to more! 

I received this title from netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I highly recommend  it.

I really, really, really enjoy Kristi's writing style. Her books are engaging, and her characters are realistic and emotive.

This new series starts out with a bored earl-to-be who, after meeting an out-of-place woman at a ball, is challenged to make a difference in the lives of forgotten children. These forgotten children are illegitimate, which may or may not make you uncomfortable. Kristi is very tasteful in her descriptions, but the whole book does deal with the difficult, historic subject - of children born out of wedlock and the beginnings of informal adoptions.

I loved seeing Jess in this story (the spy turned maid from the Hawthorne House series)! I hope Kristi is going to tell her story next!! I am so curious as to how she ended up at Haven House!

If you've read Kristi's past books, you won't want to miss A Defense of Honor!

This book was not what I expected...and I was pleasantly surprised. It is not your typical Regency-style novel, but explored a topic that is often hinted at but never really addressed. What happens when a romantic tryst leads to an unwanted pregnancy? What happens to the children and the adults involved? Kit has given up London society, her family, and her reputation to protect women and children...but the way she does this is controversial. You could even say immoral.

The moral dilemmas in this novel was so well written. Often it seems pretty cut and dry which character is going on the wrong path, but I could honestly see both Kit and Graham's perspective. It takes faith and wisdom from God for them to work towards a resolution. Kit wrestles with a deep need to receive forgiveness and move past the guilt and shame that drives her. She also has to learn what a relationship with an honorable man could be like. 

Personal takeaway...Guilt and shame are a burden that God gladly bears. Receiving His forgiveness can help us live a life filled with peace and freedom. 

This is an intriguing novel that covers a wide range of plot elements. I would definitely recommend it!

**I received a free copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley in order to share my opinion, which I did.**

Kristi Ann Hunter generally writes high quality fiction, but I found this book hard to follow. There were so many characters I almost needed a playbill to keep up with them all.  The prime focus of regency romances is the English aristocracy and their social engagements, when the men are just as much gold-diggers as the women are.  It's all about making a good match to keep the family coffers full. 

Kit FitzGerald is looking for money, but she's trying to get deadbeat dads to pay for the support of their illegitimate children that she is taking care of.  But to figure out who belongs to whom and who is chasing who was just beyond my abilities to keep up with.

Two Stars.  My thanks to Bethany House for the complimentary copy of this book to read and for allowing me to review it.

Is it ever right to do wrong in order to do right?  This is the dilemma that’s faced by three brave women in this intriguing story.

I loved the fact that this regency tale did not follow the usual regency storyline.  Kristi Ann Hunter tells the story of three women who, despite the heartbreak in their own pasts, decide to spend their lives rescuing both the mothers and their illegitimate children from a society that turns them into outcasts.  As in all her books, Ms. Hunter gives her characters both flaws and strengths, and this keeps the storyline interesting with sometimes unexpected twists and turns. The dialogue between characters is sparkling with a thread of humor that occurs in just the right places to lighten the story. I’m looking forward to continuing the story of these characters in the next book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.  All opinions are my own.

It’s unfortunate when a favorite author pens a novel you don’t love but it is also a reality of life that such an event typically occurs at least once in a writer’s career. Hopefully, A Defense of Honor will be the aberration in Ms. Hunter’s lexicon since her previous novels have brought me such joy.

Graham, Viscount Wharton, is bored by the monotony of life as a member of the ton, and is at yet another dull event when he finds himself intrigued by a colorfully clad young woman he notices trying to hide behind the potted palms.  Graham and the mystery woman exchange a few witticisms before he is waylaid by a friend and the woman makes good her escape – but he is not to be easily put off, and eventually locates her in the midst of an altercation with an older man.

Bumping into the father she hasn’t seen for thirteen years is the last thing Katherine – Kit – FitzGilbert had expected when she ducked into a familiar ballroom in order to avoid pursuit by two thugs on the London streets.  If it hadn’t been for Lord Wharton, she’d have been in and out quickly – and even more infuriatingly, the man overhears her confrontation with her father.  When she does finally manage to make her way to the door, her pursuers are waiting for her – and this time, Wharton’s presence is a help, as it enables Kit to get away – but not before Graham demands to know her name, which she divulges before heading off into the night.

Graham spends a restless night wondering how to trace his lady in green; fortunately, fate intervenes the next day. Joining his friend Oliver on a quest for the man’s missing sister leads them to an unusual shop in the town of Marlborough, a garrulous young boy who speaks of hidden treasure and a path through the woods which leads Graham straight to Kit.

The majority of historical romances today star characters who throw convention to the wind and behave completely outside the norms of Regency society. That certainly happens here where we see Graham travel about England without a valet, and Kit galivant across the country without any sort of escort, male or female. I could probably have accepted that but much of the plot hinges on a case of mistaken identity which results in a pregnancy. It’s a stretch to believe that one person – other than a twin-  would sound, look and behave sufficiently like another to be able to pass intimate scrutiny, and I found it unbelievable that a gently bred young lady would be comfortable enough with a strange man to allow him the intimacies necessary to impregnate her. I would have believed a seduction, I might have accepted one of the many ridiculous scenarios that abound in our current historical market for a woman wanting to lose her virginity, but the circumstances described here make no sense.  I was also confused as to why, given the couple was observed through a window, no societal pressure was applied to the man to behave honorably and propose marriage. Typically, at least some censure would be attached to his name for not doing so, but the author makes it sound as though only the woman was punished in this case. Adding to the nonsensical nature of the tale is the blackmail scheme Kit is involved in. Her ability to obtain the necessary material is never explained, and such a situation called for an explanation.

Another problem I had was the uniquely American tone of the story. I’ve read variants of this book (and seen it in movies) numerous times. Typically, it is set somewhere like Kansas or Missouri during the late 19th/early 20th century. The children in the story are orphans and the offspring of unwed mothers that Kit and her sisters/friends allow to live with them on their farm. Graham (a rich cowboy) would be looking for his friend’s sister, just like in this story, and exactly as happens in this book,  he would come upon the beautiful Kit on a rainy day, stable his horse in her barn, get a pallet in the kitchen because he is trapped there by the bridge back to town being flooded, insist on stripping out of his coat, jacket, and cravat so he can dry them out in the warmth of the kitchen fire and receive a hot bowl of stew for dinner. Like I’ve said, this is a very familiar tale in American romances. That scene in the kitchen is so stock I could picture it with complete clarity: the pot-bellied stove, the kitchen fireplace, large wood table and the handsome man who virtually oozes masculinity from every pore removing his riding accoutrements and placing them across various chairs and hooks near the fire. The flustered blonde dishing up the grub would skedaddle out of there, confused by her own sexual interest in the inappropriately garbed stranger. He would give her retreating back the same smirk Graham gives Kit.

Telling old stories in new settings can breathe fresh life into them and make the reader see them in whole new ways. In this case, however, not enough has been changed to make that possible. Instead, we are treated to the unlikely event of members of the British aristocracy behaving with shocking similarity to the stereotypical characters of an American Western. The setting itself – the large country house, small town with what sounded very like a general mercantile, and the women caring for the children without a maid or other servants – is very typical of the genre. While it is true that under the surface human societies bear strong resemblances to each other, those surface items can make a big difference. In this case, the egalitarian society and small-town atmosphere sounded too little like English country life for my comfort.

There are good aspects to the tale. Kit and her friends are delightful people with simple, homespun faith. They learn valuable spiritual lessons as our story progresses, and while their faith is far more American in nature than European, it suited the characters as they were presented.  Graham and Kit spend some quality time together, setting a solid foundation for their HEA. I liked that Graham’s background included some rough and tumble traveling which allowed him to feel more at ease with the unusual; it helped to make sense of his easy acceptance of Kit’s situation. He isn’t an evangelical Christian when he meets the ladies but exposure to their ways helps him determine that faith belongs in every day, not just Sunday. It would all have been very charming had they been the denizens of robber baron ballrooms and farms in the rolling hills of the American countryside.

They weren’t though, and aside from tossing about the occasional title and mention of an estate, nothing about them suggested they were British, much less English Aristocracy. That leaves this very American story of a Crisis Pregnancy Center being set in an era and location in which it doesn’t belong. While A Defense of Honor is peopled with charming characters and contains delightful prose, the anachronisms in setting and plot make it a story I would recommend only to evangelicals who love books that confirm their ideal of right to life.

A riskier darker side to the Regency era we all know and love. A deeply emotive story that will open up an alternate view point, to the challenging world of illegitimacy in the 1800s . With a unique plot, and genuine heartfelt storyline, Kristi tells a story you probably haven't heard before. With an eye for even the tiniest of details (and I notice, as a British reader) I can tell she has thoroughly researched her subject. This story follows through now 12/13 years on from her novella - with a humorous but catchy opener between Graham & Kit. She's back in London, it's a mystery to the reader & to Graham who is certain he has never seen her grace the London scene before. Known as Lord Wharton to his peers, he and his 2 loyal friends - Oliver & Aaron, will find themselves finding a lot more than they bargained for as their search for Oliver's sister takes Graham & Oliver to market town of Marlborough. 

I loved so much about this story. Yes, it might not be your typical regency tale - and difficult subjects are addressed. This is what made this book so engaging. The fears, the plight, the uncertainty, the secrets, even the means in which Kit, Daphne & Jess are keeping their little band holed up hidden at Haven Manor. They are survivors, and doing what they think is best with the means they have. It isn't until Graham is able to bring a little light, and eventually objectivity that change is made possible - and with that a lesson for all of us. It's ok when we get through our lives the way we see fit, but how much more light can we invite in when we let go of the control we desperately cling to, and trust in a God who can show us a better way. Growth happens. Peace can be felt. I love the authors writing style. Everything is so descriptive without being wordy, she had me right there in the scene, with such clarity, each emotion was felt, the images vivid in my mind. There's an 'almost fly on the wall' experience. That's what I want to find in a book. I got lost in this tale!

I'm so excited to see what more is in store in this series! 

Thank you to Bethany House for a complimentary copy of this book. This is my honest review.
2 likes

This regency romance novel by Kristi Ann Hunter is the first of the Haven Manor Series.  It is the tale of two friends, Kit and Daphne, taking on London society after Kit’s drive lands them in a tricky situation.  
They dedicate their lives to saving mothers from the scorn they had experienced and raise the innocent children so they might have a future.
When Kit meets Graham, she starts to question her life and the decisions she made.  She learns to deal with her past and to let go of her guilt.  She learns of grace and what it means to ultimately put her trust in God.

I loved reading this book, it was very inspirational.  There were character traits that I could identify with and the lessons Kit had to learn is so relevant to life right now.  Kristi writes in such a way that you are completely transported into the world of the characters.  This is a book I will be reading again and again.  I can’t wait for book 2 in this series!

This swoon-worthy new release from Kristi Ann Hunter takes place in Regency England—where society keeps social mores and personal reputation more closely guarded than the crown jewels. Or not. Katherine "Kit" FitzGilbert has turned her back on London and its whited-sepulcher social scene. She learned the hard way that all the glitter and glitz hide an abundance of evil and hypocrisy. Since her debut and rapid fall from grace ten years ago, she has only returned to London incognito. And only to help the women and children she has sworn to protect.

Graham, the Viscount Wharton, has tired of society and its insipid debutants who prattle away about nothing for hours on end. He doesn’t think he wants to settle down and set up his nursery yet, but after traveling around the world, he’d like a little adventure at home. A mysterious woman dressed in a dated green gown hiding behind the shrubbery at a ball piques his interest. He breaks all conventions by introducing himself, although the reluctant beauty fails to reciprocate his gesture. Before he can insist, she vanishes.  

They meet one more time that night—this time as apparent footpads threaten the fair lady outside the mansion. After coming to her rescue, Graham discovers her name—Kit—before she disappears again. Weeks later he rescues a young boy and discovers where Kit lives. 

Hunter’s writing shines with characters who don’t fit the norm—which makes them so relatable to today’s readers. The subplots and secondary characters provide a realistic foil for the hero and heroine—I can’t wait to see who ends up as the heroine and hero of the second book in this new series!

Hunter is no stranger to confronting taboo subjects in her writing. In this book, she tactfully and tastefully addresses the issue of illegitimacy specifically with the English aristocracy during the Regency Era. The novel's heroine, Kit, has made it her life's mission to assist the women and children often scorned after a clandestine affair due to her own misinterpreted past. I thoroughly enjoyed the comical entrance Graham had into Kit's life (and how their first encounter was carried into other parts of the story), and how his love for her developed as he discovered more about her past and her mission. The children in the story were adorable their antics often making me chuckle, and the mish-mash family created by Kit, Daphne, Jess and the children was admirable. Hunter gracefully wraps a difficult subject into A Defense of Honor ultimately showing that God does work all things together for good. Beautifully written and humbly appreciated!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Kristi Ann Hunter. A Defense of Honor. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House Publishers, 2018.

It’s a busy time here at the Books and Biscuits Blog!  June and July are packed months for new releases this year, but I’ll do my very best to keep the reviews coming.  Don’t be surprised if August ends up filled with overflow reviews, since there just are not enough weeks in the next two months for all of the great books being released. :)

Ms. Hunter builds upon the events of her e-novella, A Search for Refuge, in the first full-length novel of her Haven Manor series.  In A Defense of Honor, Kit FitzGilbert and her friends have established themselves as a means of escape for women who desperately need to escape London.  For these women and their children, Haven Manor and its caregivers are a second chance in a society that would otherwise leave them to the poorhouse.  However, Kit comes to realize the full cost of her work, when she unexpectedly encounters Graham in a London ballroom.  While Graham seeks a friend’s missing sister, Kit must maintain the secrets of herself and the residents of Haven Manor in order to keep them safe.  Even as Kit finds herself missing her old society life, Graham’s searching causes her to question her choices and her faith that God will work out all things for good. 

In A Defense of Honor, Ms. Hunter raises poignant themes that add depth to her storytelling and characters.  Kit’s tale presents a fascinating introduction to the series, while offering plenty of opportunity for future books to explore compelling secondary characters and storylines.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading A Defense of Honor.  In Ms. Hunter’s previous works, she presented lighter storylines that felt quintessential to other Regency era novels.  A Defense of Honor and its prequel, A Search for Refuge, offer far more serious and high-stakes storylines that maintain Ms. Hunter’s signature characters and writing style.  While the book can certainly function without the prequel e-novella, I believe that most readers will much prefer knowing the background story presented in A Search for Refuge.  Margaretta, Nash, and many of the other main characters and events from the prequel are directly referenced in A Defense of Honor, so having that knowledge would likely assist most readers in having a better understanding of the novel’s plot and the stakes of the work being accomplished by these characters.  Throughout the novel, I found myself greatly enjoying the secondary characters and I am looking forward to Kit’s friends having their own stories told in future novels.  Hopefully, Graham’s friends will also make a reappearance, as they offer equally-intriguing possibilities for future stories to be told.

Fans of Ms. Hunter’s previous works, especially A Search for Refuge, will definitely want to read A Defense of Honor.  Likewise, readers who enjoy Christian historical fiction set during the Regency era will also find this to be a particularly intriguing story. 

Special thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for the complimentary copy of A Defense of Honor!  Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Graham, Lord Wharton ist mit seinen 31 Jahren von seinem Leben nur noch gelangweilt. Immer die gleichen Veranstaltungen, Gespräche, Personen. Aber er kann sich auch nicht zu einer lukrativen Heirat durchringen, all die jungen Damen der Gesellschaft erscheinen ihm uniform und uninteressant. Er sehnt sich nach Abwechslung, nach einem Abenteuer.

Auf einem Ball erhascht er zufällig einen Blick auf eine Dame in auffällig grünem Kleid, die sich hinter den Deko Pflanzen versteckt. Das kann immerhin sein Interesse wecken. Als er sie aufgespürt hat, entdeckt er, dass sie veraltet gekleidet ist und das Kleid schon mehrfach geändert wurde und sie auch keinen Schmuck trägt. Nach dem ersten Wortwechsel bemerkt er jedoch schon, dass er fündig geworden ist. Sie zeigt Geist und Frische. Auch wenn sie geradeheraus wirkt, entdeckt er sie sogleich beim Schummeln. Als sein guter Freund Oliver auftaucht, ist sie plötzlich verschwunden.

Kit Katherine Fitz Gilbert war nur kurz nach London gekommen, um erneut einen Mann zu erpressen, für zwölf Jahre seinen Zahlungen für einen illegitimen Sprössling nachzukommen. Einst hat sie selber zur besseren Gesellschaft gehört, bis sie vor 13 Jahren wie ihre Freundin ruiniert und verstoßen wurde. Seitdem kümmert sie sich um eine ganze Schar der ungewollten Kinder der noblen Herrschaften. Sie ist von Grahams Freundlichkeit und seiner Selbstironie überrascht. Auf der Flucht vor zwei üblen Gesellen hat sich in den fremden Ballsaal gerettet. Nach einem Zusammenstoß mit ihrem Vater will sie sich nur noch schleunigst auf den Heimweg machen, aber man hat ihr aufgelauert und Graham muss sie retten. Weiterhin will sie ihm aber nicht mehr von sich verraten, als ihren Vornamen Kit. Dann verschwindet sie wieder spurlos. Doch dann entdeckt Oliver, dass seine Schwester Priscilla verschwunden ist und die Suche nach ihr führt sie zu Kit...

Kit und Graham sind zwei sehr sympathische und nachvollziehbare Protagonisten, die im Laufe der Geschichte emotional und charakterlich wachsen. Diese interessante Entwicklung kann der Leser sehr gut mitfühlen. Es gibt auch eine Reihe überzeugender Nebenfiguren, die das Buch bereichern und vielfältig das Leben der Protagonist ergänzen. Kit fällt es sehr schwer sich auf Graham einzulassen, wieder Vertrauen in das Leben zu finden. Graham versucht Ihr auf jede Weise ganz empfindsam näher zu kommen. Das Erlebte stellt auf einleuchtende Weise seine ganze Welt auf den Kopf.

Zum letzten Viertel nimmt das Buch eine dramatische Wendung, die schlussendlich für Kit und Graham zu einem schönen und überzeugenden Happy End führt. Im Epilog gibt es einen erfreulichen, hoffnungsvollen Blick in die Zukunft des Paares.

Man kommt gut in die Geschichte rein, die für einen Liebesroman sehr fesselnd ist. Man fiebert mit den beiden Hauptfiguren dem glücklichen Ende entgegen. Hofft und bangt und fragt sich als Leser,wie diese Erzählung wohl gut ausgehen mag. Zentrales Thema ist Vertrauen, auch Vertrauen in Gott. Dem Buch liegt die einfallsreiche Idee um die illegitimen Sprösslinge, Haven Manor und die Rolle der „The Governess“ genannten Unbekannten zu Grunde, die es besonders machen.

Ich bin gespannt, wie und mit welchem Paar die Autorin die neue Serie fortführen wird.

4,5 von 5 Punkten

An amazing story. Great premise, and a subject that I have not seen or read about in any novels -- that's up in the thousands of books read over my ummmhumm years of reading. 

I'll skip over the story overview. Lot's of other reviews to read for that.

Hunter delivers a fast-paced romance that is not fluffy but has some strong pillars lifting it up from the rest of the pack. Romance, a little suspense, a little mystery all add up to good reading fare.

The only problem I had was that every in novel I've read with an English backdrop that has a character named Kit, the Kit was a man. I had to adjust my brain to that, then I was on a good ride.

I never did wonder what happened to the noblemen's byblows. In fact, some kings and noblemen recognized their boy-children, but what happened to the girls? I could tell the Hunter did some great research. She dealt well with the threads of faith and God's control in the lives of believers. I also like the fact that both character knew God, just didn't have the personal relationship very well developed. 

The whole reading experience was very, very good. This is the book that backed up my reading queue because, frankly I savored it. Not very often does a well-written novel such as this come my way. I had to savor it.

Received this from Netgalley. No exchange agreements were arranged. This is my honest opinion.

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I really enjoyed Kristi Ann Hunter's Hawthorne House series. I knew I wanted to read A Defense of Honor as soon as I found out about it. One of the things I loved about the Hawthorne House series is that Kristi Ann Hunter takes what I'm used to expecting from this time period and genre and throws in aspects that aren't typical. And she does exactly that with A Defense of Honor. To be truthful, I'm not sure how much I can say about this book without spoilers.

Graham is bored. He's set to be Earl after his father dies, but his dad is in quite good health. He's tired of the same old, same old found in the typical London ballroom and drawing room. A chance meeting introduces him to Kit. She isn't anything he's used to, but he doesn't have time to get to know her there. As fortune would have it, Graham goes on a mission with his friend Oliver in a hunt to find his missing sister. Graham stumbles upon Kit and what else he finds changes his life and his perspective forever.

Kit is quite jaded and angry. She was mistreated and wrongly accused of something. However her actions caused a friend to be put in a tricky situation. This resulted in her being outcast from society. However, she and her friends have turned their privacy into a mission to help others. Graham is a complication that could expose the group and secrecy is of the upmost importance for the girls to keep helping others.

I really liked Graham and Kit. Both had things to work through before they were ready to begin a relationship. Trust has to be built and rebuilt. Pasts have to be overcome. A future has to have possibilities.

Favorite quotes: 
-"You are trusting me more than you trust God.”

-“The most precious gems are forged from pressure. God brings beauty from adversity, when you let Him.”

A Defense of Honor was everything I've come to expect of Kristi Ann Hunter. A relationship I can root for. A twist on what I expect from this time period. And a great moral and message without feeling preached at. A Defense of Honor gets 4 Stars. Have you read A Defense of Honor? What did you think? Let me know.