A Defense of Honor is a standalone book and can be read as such. However, the prequel A Search for Refuge really helps set the stage and it is free on Amazon.

This book had a unique and interesting plot, especially for the time period. I have read a lot of stories set during this era and have never read anything like this.

It had a mix of very serious topics along with some funny moments. I loved the ongoing joke of how Kit FitzGilbert and Lord Graham Wharton met and their love of dancing with plants.

While this book is largely about the aristocracy it stills has a raw realness to it with feelings and situations that are seen today.

One of the themes of this book was learning to follow God’s will. Also, needing to realize how blessed you are and that to be a good person you must help those who are less fortunate.

“A good man sees what he’s been given and does the best he can to earn it.”

I really enjoyed that this book was not predictable, had an interesting storyline, and there were a number of characters I want to know even more about in future books.

Deserted children, secrets that need to stay hidden, a heroine who has a mission, and a hero who needs a purpose all come together in A Defense of Honor, the newest book by Kristi Ann Hunter.  I most enjoyed the skillful words, the children, of course, and the secondary characters. The skillfully worded story, while dealing with tough subjects, managed to not leave me feeling down at the end while still taking me on an emotional roller coaster. I laughed at the humorous meeting of Graham and Kit behind the trees at the ballroom. I cried after finding out the situation the children were in, orphans with living parents. I cheered on Kit, Daphne, and Jess as they took care of the children and loved them. And, I sighed a happy sigh at the sweet romance between Graham and Kit.  The children were another aspect of the book that I loved! The author did a fantastic job of giving each one a different personality. I felt like I really knew each one of the children by the end. I was so thankful that they had such loving women looking after them and giving them the love that every child should have.  The secondary characters were such fun! I enjoyed getting to know Daphne who seems like such a sweet friend, feisty Jess who I would want on my side if she were real, Oliver and Aaron with hints at their story. The little information given about each of these characters made me wish for a book with their full stories. With words used skillfully to make one feel emotion, charming children, and interesting secondary characters, this book was enjoyable to read.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance, children, and English countryside.

Thank you Bethany House and Net Galley for the wonderful opportunity to review this book!

This was another fantastic read from Kristi Ann Hunter. This book has a very unique storyline and I was enchanted from the very beginning and was dying to learn the secrets and see how it ended. I was thrilled to see a familiar face from the Hawthorne House series and can't wait to see that character get their own story! The humor that I have come to expect from Kristi's books was there as usual and was as always one of my favorite parts of the book. This is another can't miss book!

A wonderful romance set in 1800’s England. A huge split between the aristocrats and tradesman/farmer serve as complicating factor in the setting and story.  Kit has a mission and a plan that has been working for 12 years until today. After Kit is saved by a mysterious stranger intent on following her, he ends up possibly saving her in more ways than just one.

I enjoyed the story and had a hard time putting it down. The only thing I had a problem justifying was how judgmental and angry a main character became which did not seem to align with their personality the rest of the story. The resolution to their anger also came too fast without enough regret and change I felt they should have had.


However, the rest of the characters were memorable and relatable.  One specific character that you meet later in the story was so eccentric and hilarious that I wanted to bottle her up and have more people like her in real-life. She was the kind of character you could not help but love because she was so genuinely herself even against social norms. Additionally, there were many more supporting characters that I wanted to read more about. I want to see how the rest of their stories play out, and I hope that Kristi Ann Hunter continues to write their stories.

I loved this book! Now I need to know - does the rest of the series follow Jess and Daphne, or Aaron and Oliver? All of the above? Other characters we haven’t met yet? How does Graham and Kit’s venture turn out? What drove Jess to that London alley where she met Kit? Why did she leave Ryland and Miranda? Will we see any of the Hawthornes again?

A Defense of Honor was the first book I've read by Kristi Ann Hunter, but it won't be my last. I very much enjoyed the first book of the Haven Manor series.

Kit FitzGilbert is in trouble. But there's nothing new there. She runs into Graham, Lord Wharton, at a London ball and he assists her in escaping the predicament she's found herself in. Graham is intrigued by Kit, but he can tell she's trouble. Kit can't help but be drawn to Graham, but she has people counting on her, and she can't allow her own desires to hurt the people she cares for...again. Between Graham's friend's missing sister and the enigmatic Kit, he doesn't think he'll be struggling with boredom anymore.

Kit has been hurt by past mistakes, both hers and those of others. Even worse, her best friend was caught in the cross-hairs. They now live outside of society and try to help others who have been hurt by the same social injustices that hurt them. She see's it as penance for her past mistakes. Kit has grown up a lot over the past decade, but she still has a lot to learn, especially about God's grace.

Graham has spent most of the past decade in one adventure after another. Knowing it's time to settle down, he returns home. But his restless spirit keeps him from being able to enjoy the London society around him. He is drawn into adventure once again when he meets Kit. He starts to care for her, but when certain truths come to light, he has a hard time showing grace. He also begins to see that even with his current discontent, not everyone has had the many advantages he's been afforded.

It was good to see both characters grow and mature through A Defense of Honor. The chemistry was there between them, but they had some of their own issues that needed to be dealt with before they could be together.

Honestly, some of the secondary characters were my favorite parts of this book. Hunter did a good job of giving you just the right amount of details that you couldn't help but be excited for the other books of the series. I could have used a few more details on the pasts of the main characters, but overall, Hunter did a great job.

This is a sweet story, but it doesn't shy away from some of the harder details of life in the Regency era. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book to read the stories of the characters I met in A Defense of Honor.

I received this book for free from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

4.5 Stars

~wonderfuls~ 

the characters

I really loved all the characters in A Defense of Honor. I think Daphne was my favorite, although I really liked Kit too. Graham seemed really sweet, as did his two friends (whose names I can't currently remember...).

the themes

I loved the themes throughout A Defense of Honor. It wasn't really what I was expecting, but that was good. Claiming to be doing things for God, while we're really doing it for ourselves isn't a theme you read about that much. So I was glad when it was in this book.

~not-so-wonderfuls~ 

content

It wasn't bad, and it was handled in a really good way, but there was a bit more content than I was expecting. I mean, it was about children born out of wedlock... It was handled very well, though.

~personal thoughts~ 

All in all, I did enjoy A Defense of Honor, and I'd love to read the next book in the series.

Kristi Ann Hunter is one of the freshest voices in Regency fiction. I love everything she writes. I wasn't sure that she could make me love new characters as much as I did those in the Hawthorn House series but The folks of Haven Manor are quickly becoming some of my favorites. You can get a brief introduction with a free novella from Amazon. A Search For Refuge https://www.amazon.com/Search-Refuge-...
A Defense Of Honor is a thoroughly enjoyable read. So grab a cup of English Breakfast tea and some biscuits. Settle in for a terrific story.

I was given a copy of this book for review purposes with no expectations for a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

This is another book I enjoyed reading in the recent times. The story is set up in England in older times. It started off with Graham who was looking for a unique girl for himself to fall in love and ends up meeting Kit. Before anyone might start assuming that this is just another love story, let me tell you, this is a very unique love story. Kit is a very strong woman. I am really impressed with the way the story revolves around her, her guilt and her work of helping other women who are in need. Kit's friends Daphne and Jesse are special in their own ways. I must say, it blew my mind reading about the Haven Manor, the kids that are growing up there and the dedication the three women have towards taking care of those kids. Graham who was aimless at the beginning of the novel finds a purpose after meeting Kit and visiting Haven Manor. Though he initially doesn't approve of Kit's methods for raising funds for the welfare of the kids, he understands eventually and forgives her. The story is also about how Kit was carrying the guilt and how she could never forgive herself. The point where Graham beautifully explains Kit about trusting God instead of taking things into 'own hands is very nice. It hit a very delicate chord in my heart, as well. I totally enjoyed the book. Cheers to the author who established a very beautiful and strong female lead character. The story runs very smoothly and in perfect pace. 
You may check my review at http://www.theclippednightingale.com/a-defense-of-honor-by-kristi-ann-hunter/.

#netgalley #adefenseofhonor #kristiannhunter

Oh how I wish I could give this book 5 stars. Never have I so badly wanted to give a book 5 stars and not been able to!!

If you have some spare time coming up (I know that holidays are about to kick in around the globe) so if you are looking for something fresh and new to read, take a few minutes to read this and see what you think. I would love to hear what you thought of this book and totally recommend it!

This book follows the storyline of two characters, Kit and Graham, who grew up in the same world but experienced it in two VERY different ways. 19th Century London was not kind to deviant women, believing lies over truth. 

Thirteen years ago, Kit and her best friend Daphne got caught by a rumour that sent them away from London for good. They managed to find some purpose in opening a home for women who ended up pregnant before marriage and the father wouldn't marry them. In order to protect their reputation, the women went on 'holiday' for a year until the baby was born and then it went into the care of Kit and Daphne. This plan worked for 12 years until one day, a women in need of help comes to Haven Manor without telling her loving brother, who makes it his mission to find her.

This man's best friend just happens to be Lord Wharton - Graham. Graham grew up on the other end of the spectrum, he had loving parents who loved each other and he grew up without problems. One of his best friends was illegitimate (hint hint) which seems to help with his understanding of Kits predicament. After following the story of a little boy, Graham stumbles upon Haven Manor and learns the (face-value) story behind how the children came to be here.

As the story unfolds, Kit is challenged to face her past and come to terms with her dishonesty. She learns to trust in God's plan rather than in doing things her own way. At the same time, Graham is challenged to look outside of his everyday life, he is dissatisfied but instead of dealing with it he begins to ask why? What is his purpose? What is God calling him to do?

This story is one of love, reconciliation, heartbreak and honour. Why do we do the things we do? What has our past forced us into? How much have we moved away from God's plan because we thought he had to make it on our own?

Now I must start off with the positives because there are MANY. 

I will just a list a few though otherwise I could go on for hours. For one, I loved Kristi's writing style. This is something I am pretty critical of because I feel like it can really detract from the storyline and how engaged you get. Coming from a degree where all day everyday I am analysing how people convey their argument and writing styles in historical articles, writing style is something that either gets me or not in a book. Her description of characters and surroundings captured me. I loved it.

Furthermore, her storyline was actually believable. Too many times have I read a book where a concept just doesn't seem likely (especially if it is historical fiction) and I've had to push through it. This was a book that I believed. I believed that Kit felt drawn to the final straw, that she had to blackmail these men. I believed that these kids were left with no parents and that if they had of been their mothers would have ended up in a bad position (if they had of survived). I believed Graham's pain when he found out that Kit was lying to him, I believed Kit's struggle to open up and trust Graham when all the men she knew weren't honest. Though it wasn't relatable to this era, it was believable. 

This book switched between two perspectives, I love it when this happens. If books don't, I often find myself wondering what the other character must have thought, how they would have reacted. This book gives you that!! It is so satisfying. You hear the struggle of both parties and understand the temptation at hurt. I often found myself screaming in my head "THEY ARE THINKING THE SAME THING!! JUST SAY IT OUT LOUD!!" so frustrating but so satisfying at the same time.

Finally, this was the first book in a long time that I couldn't put down. I found myself thinking about it whilst writing an assignment, or studying, in a lecture or watching another movie. Now I have to openly admit that I have a movie addiction. Any chance I get I will watch another episode (even if it means reading twice as fast or getting up an hour early). This is something I am not proud of but hey. I'm getting there. BUT, this book made me late for two episodes of #DesignatedSurvivor. I was sold, I just wanted to read all the time and it took SERIOUS self-control not to. 

Now the reasons for the 4 stars...

There aren't many! And most people probably wouldn't mind, but considering that I work for a proofreading company and I'm spending my days in academia, I feel that I have PRETTY high standards.

I felt like it needed to go through a proofreader/spell checker. Many a time I found myself caught off guard with the spelling errors, doubled up words (like the, it, he) and not intentionally. I'm not awful enough to point this out in a book if it happens once or twice but this happened in almost every chapter and it is a long book. Not that it makes me dislike a book, it just find it silly. It's so easy to correct and you lose percentage in academia for spelling errors so I'm pretty critical when it comes to any writing.

Secondly, and I think most importantly, anachronism. Anyone heard of this word? Here, I'll post a definition because I had not heard it until studying history.

"the action of attributing something to a period to which it does not belong"

Now in all fairness, I did not have a problem with this thing or even notice it before studying history, but it certainly feels like some of the things Kit and Graham say would NOT have existed in this period. I understand that the theme of this book is VERY plausible, and I was certainly captivated by most of it but I caught myself a couple of times thinking WOOOOOH hold up, this idea wouldn't have even existed back then!! But hey, this is very nit picky and most people probably really don't care. Just beware if this is something you struggle with.

Overall, the book was beautiful. The love story was believable and captivating. I found myself wanting more and more. I really hope there is a part two. Thank you Kristi, I can't wait to see what else you come up with.

I LOVED this book.  The plot was so unique and different than anything I’ve read before.  It showed an oft neglected side of Regency era London society by drawing attention to the women who were “ruined” in aristocratic dalliances and their resulting illegitimate children. It was refreshing to read about people who cared enough to give of themselves sacrificially for these hurting people. 
Graham is an amazing character.    He is desperate to meet someone who doesn’t bore him and is instantly intrigued when he sees a woman hiding behind a plant at the ball.  As he gets to know Kit, he appreciates her spirit and freshness.  Once his eyes are opened and he sees real beauty, he knows he can no longer be satisfied with the counterfeit. I loved his wit and his ability to challenge his own beliefs and admit when he was wrong. There’s a fabulous scene with his friend Aaron that had me shaking with laughter.  I really hope Aaron is in future books. 
As with other Hunter books, the writing is wonderful, witty, and humorous.  When Kit’s feet didn’t cooperate to get her out of a sticky situation, Hunter writes, “Apparently she was going to be attempting the statue method of concealment” (location 281).  I love this kind of writing. 
This is a poignant, special series.  I look forward to reading more about Daphne and Jess.  I highly recommend this book and the Haven Manor novella. Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book.  I was not required to leave a positive review.  All opinions are my own. 

Haven Manor Series:
Prequel Novella:  A Search for Refuge – Currently free e-copy 
Book 1:  A Defense of Honor

While someday Graham., Lord Wharton, will inherit his father's earldom, for now, he doesn't really have a purpose and he's bored with what society has to offer. So when he spots a woman hiding behind a potted plant at a ball, he decides to go meet her. But Kit can't give him anything more than her nickname; too many people are depending on her. She has spent years trying to help women who have been ruined--hiding them away until they can give birth and return to society--and their illegitimate offspring, providing them a home at Haven Manor and preparing them for the future. If she has to resort to blackmailing the men who fathered the children to get them to provide funds for the children, so be it. She doesn't expect to ever see Graham again, but when he sets out to help a friend, he winds up finding Haven Manor--and Kit.

This book started out a little slowly for me, but it picked up and I loved it. There are so many endearing characters, from Graham to Kit to the children. The plot is so interesting and fresh--it's set in the Regency Era but instead of the glittering of balls and high society, readers get to see the struggles and the triumphs of those who don't have the advantages of the gentry. I really want to see how things play out in the rest of the series for other characters in the book. 
I enjoyed the themes of God's grace and mercy, forgiveness, trusting in God to help with trials, etc. 

I received a review copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Review will be live on my blog next Tuesday, May 15th.

I'm a fan of Kristi Ann Hunter's writing so when I saw there was a new series coming out I grabbed up the free prequel: A Search for Refuge.  And, I was a tiny bit under-impressed.  It was good, but it wasn't the stand-out read that I was expecting. (Novellas have such a hard job, trying to tell a whole well rounded story in few words).

So I wasn't sure what I'd discover as I opened the pages of A Defense of Honor.  Yet, I found myself happily and deeply engaged in the story and with every single page the novel grew on me.  Graham was a brilliant character full of kindness and curiosity.  It was fun to witness him discover himself as he sought his sister and encountered the mystery of Haven Manor.

This turned out to be a very satisfying read! I hope there will be more books to come in this series.

(And I would recommend that you read A Search for Refuge first because it truly does set the stage for this novel.  Besides, maybe you'll love it.)

I received a free digital pre-release copy of In Defense of Honor in exchange for my honest opinion in this review, but the full release version is already on pre-order.

I loved this story! It was such an interesting one about the Regency time period and something I hadn't put a lot of thought into: what happened to the mothers of illegitimate children in the old days. I fell in love with the characters and thought the story was well written. I can't wait to see where the rest of the series goes!

This is the first time I’ve read a book by Kristi Ann Hunter and I have to say that I was immediately hooked on this particular novel. There’s a lot of mysteries that unfold throughout the entire book, a lot of secrets kept and revealed, lives changed, and hearts that begin to heal.
The story focuses on one woman’s quest to overcome the guilt of a past mistake that drives her to “save” others from a fate that could be. Kit’s goal is to see children born out of wedlock to the aristocracy of the 1800s have a chance at a decent life, and to provide a way for the mothers who bore them a second chance. Her heart aches at the thought of any of them ending up in poor houses, begging in the streets, or dying too young. 
Kit was of noble blood, a legitimate child, but one error cost her family’s reputation and that of her closest friend. Together they flee London and begin a new and different life, but one with a purpose in helping others from the same social status that had once been Kit’s to claim. But what was once a way to atone for the mistake she made, consequences suffered by her friend, turns into bitterness and disdain for the men who have abandoned duty and honor.
Lord Wharton, a son to an earl, is bored with his life and looks for excitement. He didn’t bargain on finding purpose to his life when he met the mysterious Kit. Through various circumstances, Graham finds himself drawn into Kit’s secret mission of caring for these children. Ultimately, he and his band of friends show Kit that not all men in the aristocracy can be painted with the same brush stroke she has been using for the past 12 years.
This is a challenging story to read as it touches on the point that our good intentions can turn badly if anger, bitterness and vengeance become the driving force behind it. It highlights the effects of guilt, and self-blame. It shows how life can be tossed aside for the love of status and money. But it shows God’s grace and mercy, and the power of forgiveness if we choose to trust Him explicitly with all that we have and all that we are. That we have a choice to recognize the resources available to us as either an entitlement or a blessing from God. And that once we release our control on our lives into God’s hands that blessings, and the unexpected, can happen.
I quite enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading more of Ms. Hunter’s works.
I received an ecopy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

The first novel in Hunter's new Haven Manor series is both gripping and heartwarming at the same time. It is fascinating to read about these situations, which have so many parallels to the present day, yet because this book is set in the 1800s, it has more impact and can be quite challenging to the reader. Hunter communicates her storyline with such grace and passion, showing light on God's mercy and how He can restore any broken situation for His glory.

When Graham, Lord Wharton, encounters a mysterious woman at a ball, he is intrigued because she seems so different from the other women. She resists all attempts at communication, but even afterward, he cannot stop thinking about her. When his friend enlists Graham to help look for his missing sister, Graham is stunned to encounter the woman again in an unexpected place. Katherine "Kit" FitzGilbert shunned London and all of its society trappings many years ago after a terrible incident. She has made it her life's mission to help women and their children live fulfilling lives even after the unspeakable happens to them. Can Graham and Kit ever see eye to eye and learn to trust and help one another?

Loved loved loved loved loved
*insert here all heart emoticons*

I adore it when a book catches me by surprise. This might have seemed like a big chance Kristi Ann Hunter was taking, but I also believe it is her best yet - and I completely adore the Hawthorne series!

Graham Wharton is bored. He doesn't understand what the fuss is all about in London's high society balls, luxuries, and extravaganza. After all his travels, there hasn't been much catching his attention while he waits to become the next earl - which he isn't in any hurry to do because he loves his parents very much and wishes them many years to come. The highlights of his days come in the form of Oliver, Lord Farnsworth, and Mr. Aaron Whitworth. They share a special brotherhood that goes beyond blood and social position. Said brotherhood comes with responsibilities, so when Oliver is dead set on a hunt for white chalk horses, Graham can't oppose, no matter how ludicrous the situation sounds.

The small village of Marlborough at first seems to be even more tedious than his present life, but tales of tree boys and hidden treasures just might inspire Graham's adventurous spirit once more.
That, and the chance the uncover the mystery surrounding the Lady in Green, Kit. Or, as Graham soon finds out, Mama Kit, who shares a manor with Mama Daphne and Mama Jess and a bunch of rowdy children.

Kit doesn't assimilate herself with the honorable Katherine FitzGilbert. That title was lost in a  moment of selfishness and greed, and now she's paying the price. Running away from those who should have protected them, Kit and Daphne had destiny smiling on them thirteen years ago and were given the opportunity to start Haven Manor as a form to help other women abandoned by society. However, Kit's heart is burden with regret and shame. Wallowing in self-punishment, Kit does her best to keep busy and not think of the "what-ifs".

What these brave young ladies have started is honorable, there's no doubt. When work is sown with self-punishment, though, love has trouble growing. And day-by-day Kit feels weighed down by much sorrow. Too much to let her see it is slowly killing her inside and not letting her enjoy the exuberant life around her. As her path crosses with Graham, there's fear and vulnerability. Until his attention towards the kids, his respect for their cause, his tenderness starts breaking down Kit's wall and hope creeps in. But there's much Graham doesn't know; too much she can't tell for she can't allow herself to feel guilty in any form.

Kit is taking control of her life in order to serve and protect the children and the women. She is certain she knows the best way to protect them from a society that only scorns and betrays them, after using them. Nevertheless, when her actions are put to light, will she let the truth set her free or will she let herself e kept captive to pay a price she wasn't made to pay?

I was surprised how current the story thread actually is. Bluntly put, mistakes haven’t stopped being made because we don’t live in the Regency era anymore. We still live in a world that easily points fingers and we all have that sense of living a life of honor. If we honestly and truly search for this abundant and honorable life, what we might discover is that the best gifts might be fragile, but they are worth fighting for; especially when grounded on faith. And apart from this, we can't find freedom, which has already been given to us. If we would only be brave enough to embrace it.

Fans of the Hawthorne series will have a blast hanging out with Jess again and I'm very much intrigued to learn what this feisty girl's story is. Though Daphne's kindness and sweetness has stolen my heart as well and I believe she a special thread to share :)

Great book!  Kristi Ann Hunter approaches a topic seldom written about - the results of unplanned pregnancies among "high society" in England in the Regency era.  Kit serves both the mothers and children in unique, creative manners with a priority on saving lives.  I can't wait to read more in this series and by this author!

A DEFENCE OF HONOR by KRISTI ANN HUNTER is a delightful book and one that I will definitely read more than once. The author has a really good way with words and I love the easy conversations between the characters. The content is rich with scriptural truth. A serious matter, that of illegitimacy and the lives that are affected by it, is dealt with in the novel. The story takes place in 1816 in England, and the description of British society at the time, with all its class distinction, is well done.
Graham, the viscount Wharton, finds a beautiful, but rather secretive, young lady, hiding behind some foliage in a ballroom. He later comes across her in the street nearby bravely threatening to throw her knife at some vagabonds who are about to harm her. He saves her from them and learns her name is Kit.
When his friend Oliver's sister disappears from London society without a trace, Graham goes with him to look for her.
He comes across Kit again when they follow a lead to Marlborough and he finds her at Haven Manor where she, with the help of Daphne and Jess, look after twelve children of varying ages.
I don't want to spoil the story for you but I will just say that there is romance, intrigue and a great deal of food for thought. It is one of the best books I have read lately and I can really recommend it.

Katherine “Kit” FitzGilbert has spent the last 12 years of her life helping women with ruined reputations and raising the children that society wants to forget. The men that ruined these women bore no consequences but the women and children take the fall. Kit is determined to save as many as she can.

Graham is immediately drawn to kit and the more he sees of her the more interested he becomes. When Graham’s friend enlists him to help find his sister, he is sure Kit knows more then she says she does. Kit has hidden these children and women for a good reason and although she cares for Graham reveling the truth could put them all in danger.

This book was the start of a new series, the Haven Manor Books. I have long been a fan of Kristi Ann Hunter’s stories, they are fun quick reads with memorable characters. This book was by far the favorite of hers. The characters a plot are deep and kept me wondering how it would all be resolved. If you are a fan of Kristi Ann Hunter, you will love this book. It has me very excited to read the next ones!