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.