My Thoughts on A Pursuit of Home

 About the Book

When she learns the family she thought dead might be alive and in danger, Jess Beuchene knows her secrets can only stay buried for so long. Desperation brings her to Derek Thornbury, an expert in history and artifacts, to help her decipher the clues in an old family diary. Will their search to uncover the truth of the past lead to a future together? (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

This third Haven Manor story takes you into the life of Jess. While you don't have to read these books in order, it would make a lot more sense if you did! Jess has been in the past books and everyone (including me) has been wanting her story. I will be honest in saying that this story line went somewhere I did not see coming. Not in a bad way just more mysterious. I enjoyed the art threadline throughout the book and Derek's character. There is some great humor between multiple characters and a bit of an adventure that takes you into some fun settings. I think I ended up loving Derek more so than Jess by the end of this book. I had a hard time respecting her and her attitude to Derek in some chapters. But of course Kristi Ann Hunter crafts an enjoyable story line and for Hunter fans you don't want to miss it! 

Four stars. 

"I received this book from Bethany House for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

A Return of Devotion Review

 

About the Book

 

Daphne Blakemoor was perfectly happy living in her own secluded world for twelve years. She had everything she needed—loved ones, a true home, and time to indulge her imagination. But when ownership of the estate where she works as a housekeeper passes on, and the new marquis has an undeniable connection to her past, everything she's come to rely upon is threatened.

William, Marquis of Chemsford's main goal in life is to be the exact opposite of his father. Starting a new life in the peace and quiet of the country sounds perfect until his housekeeper turns his life upside down.

They've spent their lives hiding from the past. Can they find the courage to face their deepest wounds and, perhaps, find a new path for the future together? (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

I was eager to read Daphne's story after reading the first book in this series. While not necessary, I do recommend you start with book one to get a better idea of what is going on in this book. So this book starts off right about where I thought it would. I loved the characters, even the secondary ones are well written. The story line I struggled with just a bit. The first part of the book really drags on for quite awhile, not really much happens and it is just a waiting game. The last part of the book is what had more to it and sped things up a bit. I like the back story of Daphne and honestly I am really curious where the next book will take all of these lovely characters. I appreciate that Kristi tackles more difficult subjects in her fiction and I believe that is why I consider her books must reads.

Four stars. 

"I received this book from the publisher for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

A Defense of Honor Review

 About the Book

Forced to run for her life, Kit FitzGilbert finds herself in the very place she swore never to return to--a London ballroom. There she encounters Lord Graham Wharton, who believes Kit holds the key to a mystery he's trying to solve. As much as she wishes that she could tell him everything, she can't reveal the truth without endangering those she loves. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

I have so enjoyed Hunter's novels that I jumped at the chance to read this one! As the start of a new series this book starts with a great cast of characters. As per typical Hunter style, this book was full of humor but also truth and heart. Kit is a wonderful character and her journey in her personal life very well written. Graham and the children in the book take the story to another level and right when you think you have it all figured out, the story takes a turn. I loved that not everything was black and white right away. I loved how grace was a huge aspect of the story and while this book deals with illegitimate children in history I found many things discussed to be relevant today. I think more emphasis should have been put on the part of repentance. Yes, as Christians grace is important, but one part of the story a young girl doesn't show much repentance on letting herself get carried away with a young man. Now the men that forced themselves on women, that is entirely different.  For the young folks that read this book, I think perhaps in this part of the book it could have been more clear or explained differently. But all that to say I couldn't put this book down and whether Hunter is a new to you author, or a longtime favorite I highly recommend! 

Five stars. 

"Thanks to Bethany House for offering me this book for free. All opinions are my own."

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An Inconvenient Beauty Book Review

About the Book

The Duke of Riverton has chosen his future wife with the same logic he uses to make every decision. However, his perfect bride eludes his suit, while the beautiful Isabella Breckenridge seems to be everywhere. When the time comes, will Griffith and Isabella be able to set aside their pride and initial notions to embrace their very own happily-ever-after? (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

Having read all of the books previous to this, of course I had to see what happens with Griffith! I highly recommend starting with book one, though it is not necessary.  This book held my attention and kept me up most of the night, so I did enjoy it. I liked the overall story line and once I got to know Isabella the book got better. There is a constant repetition on how beautiful Isabella is and after a bit that part got old. This book could be difficult to read for a woman who is down about her looks because the book clearly shows how the men liked the beautiful women and that is how any of them get noticed. That is just my opinion and while Griffith states he cares more about a woman than her looks,  he doesn't really act like it in this book.
In any case this was a fun light read, at times I found my self laughing out right.

Four stars.

"I received this book from the publisher for free as a gift. All opinions are my own."

An Uncommon Courtship Review

About the Book

When her mother's ill-conceived marriage trap goes awry, Lady Adelaide Bell unwittingly finds herself bound to a stranger who ignores her. Lord Trent Hawthorne, who had grand plans to marry for love, is even less pleased with the match. Can they set aside their first impressions before any chance of love is lost? (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

I have so many mixed feelings after reading this book. I LOVED the first two books in the series and the novella. I also think if you do read these books you should read them in order somewhat for many things to all make sense. Now as for this book, I did enjoy the overall story line. I think Kristi Ann Hunter is a talented author. But, I could not connect with the characters at all. I tried to love this book but I just couldn't. While in any marriage of convenience there is sure to be awkward moments, but this book was so drawn out with the awkward moments and the blinking. Many things started to grate on my nerves just because I felt like nothing ever changed or moved forward or much character development. Yes, there are some funny parts and some really very good parts but overall this book was too choppy and slightly irritating for me to read. Also, as others have mentioned there are some private things discussed that while are not explicit made me go..hmmm, I'm not sure I really wanted to know that. I think for younger girls it might be confusing and honestly scary if they are unaware of what could go on after marriage.

All that being said I an very excited about her next novel about
Griffith! The previous books are also wonderful so start there!

Three stars and a half stars. 

"I received this book from Bethany House for free. All opinions are my own."

Top Ten Tuesday - Top Ten Books of 2016

Here are the top ten books for the year! I love doing this post every year so I can look back and see what all I read. This wasn't the best book year for me. I read quite a few that I didn't really enjoy, but these books are definitely worth reading! 

Here is to a new year with new books and fresh perspective!

Happy New Year!

The best book of the year hands down. I adore this story and the characters.

 

This is general fiction so there is some language etc. I have become a huge fan of Kristin Hannah though and I look forward to reading more by her.

 



 



 

This is an older book but it is fantastic for historical fiction lovers!!

It's Dani Pettrey-need I say more?!

 

This book was published by a different company than her other books so if you haven't heard of it or read it you need to!

An Elegant Facade Book Review

 About the Book

Lady Georgina Hawthorne has worked tirelessly to seal her place as the Incomparable for her debut season. At her first London ball, she hopes to snag the attention of an earl.
With money and business connections, but without impeccable bloodlines, Colin McCrae is invited everywhere but accepted nowhere. When he first encounters the fashionable Lady Georgina, he's irritated by his attraction to a woman who concerns herself only with status and appearance.
What Colin doesn't know is that Georgina's desperate social aspirations are driven by the shameful secret she harbors. Association with Colin McCrae is not part of Georgina's plan, but as their paths continue to cross, they both must decide if the realization of their dreams is worth the sacrifices they must make. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

So I didn't read the first book in this series but I felt like I still understood the story. Of course I am now dying to read book one! I loved this book. I thought the characters were wonderful and well developed. The setting is fun and the slight mystery kept me guessing. The ending didn't come as easy as I would have thought so that was nice. Also, the story of redemption and understanding of Biblical truths was very well included. If you like books set in the Regency time period this is a great one to add to your list!! 

Five Stars.

"I received this book from Bethany House Publishers for free in exchange for an honest review."