Hertfordshire England

Lord Trent Hawthorne, age 24, had a great father, the late John, Duke of Riverton, and older brother, Griffith, the current Duke of Riverton, to guide him as he grew up. Now, he has just married Lady Adelaide Crampton, daughter of the Earl and Countess of Crampton.

The Hawthorne and Crampton families have adjoining lands and the children all knew one another as they grew up but aren’t necessarily close. Adelaide has always been adventurous and asks to gather mushrooms one afternoon in some ruins on the Hawthorne’s property. When the floor gives way trapping her, Trent comes along and finds her. As he tries to rescue her, they both become trapped overnight. Even though nothing happened, she is considered to be compromised and they have to marry. After their wedding, they head to Trent’s London home. Since they really don’t know one another very well, they are both very shy.

Lady Crampton and her older daughter, Helena, are both shrews. Adelaide was always ignored by her mother and sister as their goal was to make the best marriage possible for Helena. Adelaide has never been very graceful and neither has she been given the instruction on learning to act ladylike. Therefore, her clothes get messed up easily and her deportment isn’t graceful. In addition, while Helena had a season in London, Adelaide was never given that opportunity. Now, Lady Crampton’s plan is to use Adelaide and Trent’s connections to get Helena out into society.

Adelaide soon finds Trent’s home to be an unconventional one. The servants are more like friends and two of them are a married couple.

As Adelaide and Trent are essentially strangers, both are painfully shy about their relationship which can’t seem to get started. Therefore, Trent’s brother, Griffith, suggests that Trent court Adelaide ad give themselves a chance to fall in love. Theirs is a good plan until their families get involved.

The plot of this story is good. However, it seems to be dragged out and the extreme shyness of the hero and heroine quickly became too far-fetched for me to believe. But, I know there are readers who will enjoy it.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher

Connie for b2b

I was so excited about this book. I've really enjoyed everything I've read by Kristi Ann Hunter, and I really liked Trent in the other books (I don't think you need to read the other books, though I would recommend them because they are good, to read this one. Some characters might make a little more sense, but really you could read this and be fine.) All that being said, I haven't decided yet if I liked this book or not. I like the premise. It reminds me a lot of The Kiss of a Stranger by Sarah Eden, and honestly, if you are looking for a sweet clean read with the same premise, I would read that one over this one. I think I was bothered by the intimate parts. I wasn't expecting them at all in a Christian Fiction novel (which is why I read a lot of Christian Fiction and not regular stuff...I want a clean read), and while the characters were married, and nothing was explicit, I'm not sure it was needed...at all. It was honest though, and real. But

I wouldn't want my daughter to read this, and I'm not sure I would recommend it to my Book Club. So I guess that clinches it for me. Plus, the cover wasn't my favorite. I enjoyed the other covers better (not that that is important, but I still appreciate a well done, nice looking cover). I will give her next book a try, and hopefully it will be cleaner than this one was.

I have read all four books in this series. I have enjoyed reading each story. A Uncommon Courtship was such a quick read. It was easy to get into the story and I liked the fact that Trent wanted to work on his relationship with his new bride. I loved that some characters from her past books were included in the story.

This review will post on Jan 19th

I cried. I laughed. I loved An Uncommon Courtship.

This is one of the most romantic books I’ve read. Adelaide and Trent are wonderfully adorable characters who trust in the Lord and try to do the right thing.

It’s so sweet of Trent to try to court her after they’re taped in a marriage neither would prefer. How he goes about it reminds us that men and women think completely different and provides a few chuckles.

This book was different than any others I've read. We have all read books where someone of a lower class try's to force someone higher into marriage. In this story both parties were innocent, but that doesn't stop the ramifications of what they must do. An Uncommon Courtship is the third book in the Hawthorne House series. I have read the first two books, and really enjoyed them both. Kristi Ann Hunter has a spot reserved on my keeper shelf. That being said, you don't need to read the others in order to enjoy this one. Hunter kept my interest the entire time, and I had no way of guessing what was going to happen next. In this book we follow Trent and Adelaide as they figure out where this course of life is going to take them.

Trent has enjoyed being the younger son and having no responsibility, but some of that is about to become a thing of the past. Having a wife is no small life change. Trent always dreamed of courting and falling in love with the woman of his dreams, even if he had yet to meet her. All of those dreams were crushed in a day, but neither Trent nor Adelaide can see a way around it. Not really knowing the person your life is now tied to cannot be easy. They both can't help but make mistakes and push each other's buttons. Can they get past this awkward situation and get to know the one God intended for them? Or will all the little mistakes add up to a miserable life for them both?

I really enjoyed getting to see a relationship grow from near strangers to husband and wife. No relationship is easy and the one in this book is far from it. I had fun seeing the different point of views Trent and Adelaide had. I also liked seeing the way each of them worked through a problem or situation. Not knowing how to read each other kept each of them guessing what the other was thinking. The Hawthorne House Series is one of my favorites, and I can't wait to see what happens in the next book. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Fiction. I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.

I have been waiting since July for An Uncommon Courtship to release, and it was well worth the wait! An Uncommon Courtship is the love story of Lord Trent Hawthorne and Lady Adelaide Bell who married first and then courted. Trent was a supporting character in Ms. Hunter's other books, and I was glad to witness his happy ending.

The cover of this book is stunning and goes beautifully with the other books in the series. As a huge Regency fan I enjoyed reading the book and learning more about London society during 1814. I loved the dialogue and the way the characters are able to sip tea and put someone in their place at the same time. I must admit, I was taking notes! Ms. Hunter is a wonderful author who paints beautiful pictures with her words and I never tire of hearing about the dresses, the furniture, and the social occasions she describes.

I recommend that you read the first books in the series before you read An Uncommon Courtship. Start with A Noble Masquerade, the first in book the series, and then read An Elegant Facade. I think you will be much more invested in the characters and enjoy the story so much more. You can get also the free novella A Lady of Esteem, a prequel worth checking out as well. I consider this book PG-13, so my personal recommendation would be to read it yourself before giving it to a teen.

Ahh, the third story of the Hawthorne siblings. This one is about Lord Trent and his new wife, and I enjoyed it as much as the other two books! (An Uncommon Courtship can be read alone, but it is better if you've read the other books and understand the other characters).

I just love a good Regency and reading about all the manners and customs of the times. A lady's reputation was held in such high esteem then...so very hard to imagine today!

Because of this belief, Lord Trent finds himself in a situation that can only be rectified by marriage. From the other books, I guess I got the impression that Trent was a bit spoiled and selfish, but he really isn't. I liked him a lot and thought he was the perfect guy for Adelaide.

And, poor Adelaide. How disheartening to come from a family like her's! What a great comparison to show the strong family ties that the Hawthornes have! Such fierce love and protection was foreign...then welcome...to Adelaide. I think everyone hopes for a close family like the Hawthornes!

An Uncommon Courtship is a story of a gentle, lasting love that can come despite difficult circumstances. I loved it, and am so looking forward to Kristi's next book...it has to be about Griffith! I can't wait to see who is good enough for the duke!

*NOTE: I would not recommend this book for unmarried young ladies. Some of the physical interactions (though between a married couple) were more descriptive than I would allow my daughter to read. Moms, use your own judgment!

Trent Hawthorne has always loved his position as the younger brother of a Duke. He's been perfectly content to manage his small estate, spend his days boxing at his favorite club, and patiently wait to fall in love with a woman of his choice. When circumstances force him to marry a woman he barely knows in order to save her reputation, will he manage to grow up and become the responsible adult and husband she deserves?

Adelaide Bell had never aspired to a grand marriage, and has always lived in the shadow of her older sister. Feeling unprepared for the social obligations she faces as Trent's wife, Adelaide isn't sure where to turn for help and guidance. Will she ever measure up to the Hawthorne family's reputation, or will she prove to be as vain and manipulative as her mother and sister? Can both Trent and Adelaide overcome the disappointments and resentments they've brought into their young marriage and make it the one they've dreamed of?

In An Uncommon Courtship, Kristi Ann Hunter continues the story of the Hawthorne family in this third installment of her Hawthorne House series. As far as I'm concerned, this series gets better and better with each new addition. Hunter's character development is masterfully done and produces compelling stories I can't bring myself to put down. Adelaide's mistreatment by her own family and resulting insecurities, and Trent's resentment in losing the future he'd always imagined make for a believable conflict between the two.

While the plot itself has been told many times-- two strangers forced into marriage who learn to love one another-- it happens to be one that I particularly enjoy. Hunter wisely uses this age-old romantic tale to remind readers that love simply based on emotions is destined to fail, and that true, lasting love requires commitment and effort. I will be anxiously awaiting the next Hawthorne love story!

An Unconventional Courtship focuses on the path it takes to achieve a meeting of the minds and hearts. Kristi Ann Hunter makes this happen in a way that shows the flaws and weaknesses of her characters and exhibits the squirrelly things people do to rather blindly come to that union of hearts.

One thing that KAH does that I just love is she sees the humor in people's dorky or inept attempts at growing relationships, whether they are parent and child, siblings, or husbands and wives. There are many laugh out loud moments.

Some of the sweetest things about this story are the support the Hawthorne family gives one another, how they work at their relationships, and how they do that by searching and applying the scriptures.

Good story; can't wait to read Griffith's love story.

Trent was walking across his estate when he saw a horse beside an old keep on the property. As he was investigating, he fell through the rotted floor and found Adelaide Bell harvesting mushrooms. While they are trapped, they believe someone will come along to rescue them, and they do hear a wagon go by, but it doesn't seem to stop. After spending the night together, Trent believes the thing to do is to ask Adelaide to marry him. Her mother insists on the banns being read immediately to protect Adelaide's reputation. Within three weeks, Trent and Adelaide are married and living in London.

Problems begin almost immediately because Trent and Adelaide don't know how to communicate with each other. They begin a dance of avoidance and pussy-footing around each other. Trent's staff doesn't really approve of his actions. He doesn't know how to correct the poor beginning they had, until one night, he sits down with Adelaide and tells her he wants to court her and give her the London season her mother never gave her.

Adelaide's mother is another fly in their ointment, she's a social climber and works every angle to improve not only her social standing, but also her older daughter's status as well.

It's hard not to put yourself in Trent's and Adelaide's places and feel their discomfort. Kristi Ann Hunter describes their emotions and feelings so well. And it's hard not to dislike Adelaide's mother throughout the whole book. The one thing I liked best about this book is that all the loose ends are tied up nicely resolved. Kristi doesn't force the resolutions, the resolution of the book seems natural and organic.

Five stars, two thumbs up, and a greenhouse pineapple farm.

My thanks to Bethany House for allowing me to read and review this book.

I have been looking forward to reading Trent's story, and it was well worth waiting for. Due to the rules of the times, Trent and Adelaide are required to marry quickly. They are strangers who are now married. I loved the way Kristi wove the customs of the time with a story that grabs hold and carried one along. The visits with Trent's family, the Hawthornes was an added bonus. Kristi is definitely one of the top Regency writers today.

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

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

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

About the author:

Kristi Ann Hunter graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in computer science but always knew she wanted to write. Kristi is an RWA Golden Heart contest winner, an ACFW Genesis contest winner, and a Georgia Romance Writers Maggie Award for Excellence winner. She lives with her husband and three children in Georgia. Find her online at w
I was given this book by Netgalley.com for review purposes. All thoughts are my

Hertfordshire England

Lord Trent Hawthorne, age 24, had a great father, the late John, Duke of Riverton, and older brother, Griffith, the current Duke of Riverton, to guide him as he grew up. Now, he has just married Lady Adelaide Crampton, daughter of the Earl and Countess of Crampton.

The Hawthorne and Crampton families have adjoining lands and the children all knew one another as they grew up but aren’t necessarily close. Adelaide has always been adventurous and asks to gather mushrooms one afternoon in some ruins on the Hawthorne’s property. When the floor gives way trapping her, Trent comes along and finds her. As he tries to rescue her, they both become trapped overnight. Even though nothing happened, she is considered to be compromised and they have to marry. After their wedding, they head to Trent’s London home. Since they really don’t know one another very well, they are both very shy.

Lady Crampton and her older daughter, Helena, are both shrews. Adelaide was always ignored by her mother and sister as their goal was to make the best marriage possible for Helena. Adelaide has never been very graceful and neither has she been given the instruction on learning to act ladylike. Therefore, her clothes get messed up easily and her deportment isn’t graceful. In addition, while Helena had a season in London, Adelaide was never given that opportunity. Now, Lady Crampton’s plan is to use Adelaide and Trent’s connections to get Helena out into society.

Adelaide soon finds Trent’s home to be an unconventional one. The servants are more like friends and two of them are a married couple.

As Adelaide and Trent are essentially strangers, both are painfully shy about their relationship which can’t seem to get started. Therefore, Trent’s brother, Griffith, suggests that Trent court Adelaide ad give themselves a chance to fall in love. Theirs is a good plan until their families get involved.

The plot of this story is good. However, it seems to be dragged out and the extreme shyness of the hero and heroine quickly became too far-fetched for me to believe. But, I know there are readers who will enjoy it.

Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

What a surprise wedding night Lady Adelaide is about to experience, yes she married under different circumstances, but no bride expects to be abandoned, her new husband is in the house, but no where near her.
Trent Hawthorne is the second son of a duke, so he does not inherit the title, and he sure could care less about it, he does what is right according to society, and thus he and Adelaide are married. He wants what the rest of his family has, and that is a love match, and now that has really been stolen from him.
We are about to watch how these two go about society in old England, and I was ready to smack her Mother, and maybe her sister too.
Be ready for some really good chuckles and bantering, I enjoyed how these two try to make their way toward each other. A sweet read.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.