If you haven’t visited Haven Manor yet you are totally missing out! The characters in these books are so unique and I’ve loved every minute I’ve spent with them. In the first book of this series, A Defense of Honor, we meet our heroines Kit, Daphne, and Jess. A Defense of Honor focus’ on Kit finding her happy ever after. If you haven’t read that story I totally recommend you pick it up as well. That being said, this book gives you enough background where you won’t feel lost if you haven’t read the first one. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Daphne’s story, and Kristi Ann Hunter didn’t disappoint. I had to force myself to take a break from reading to do things like eat and get coffee.

Daphne was so much fun to watch. Easily distracted by her day dreams you never know where her imagination might take her. Being around a dozen kids for the last 12 years of her life has only encouraged that trait. Now that most of the kids are gone, she finds her role changing. Her happy little world was soon filled with more people and more challenges. William, Marquis of Chemsford, had no idea what he was getting into when he decided to move to his country home. But sometimes those kind of surprises are the best.

I loved the chemistry between the main characters. They were such were a blast to watch. It was great getting to see the gang together again, and I can’t wait to hear Jess’ story. That girl is a firecracker, and I love her for it. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance. Hunter kept my interest the whole time, and I couldn’t imagine what would happen next. There was just the right amount of suspense and romance. I was kept awake longer that I should have been, and the characters are still on my mind. I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley and was in no way forced to post this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Daphne was such a relatable and likeable character in A Defense of Honor. I have only over the last year or two increased the amount of historical fiction that I've been reading, and I haven't yet read a book about a girl who got pregnant outside of marriage. One of the things I love about this particular time period is that the culture does so much to avoid even the appearance of men and women having inappropriate relationships outside of marriage. Yet, come on, this is life and human beings have always made mistakes. And so having sex and getting pregnant outside of marriage isn't only a problem of today's time. And I think we can all relate to having made a mistake that has quite heavy consequences for us.

Understandably so, Daphne's experiences have caused her to be quite fearful of life. She was always a shy girl who struggled with society and the social functions of the time period. Having Benedict allowed her to retreat from society. Even though the description indicates that Daphne has held the position of housekeeper for Haven Manor for quite some time, she's not really been acting in that position. The house has now changed hands and the new owner wants to make the house his main home, and so Daphne now has to take on the roll in an official capacity.

William's father has recently passed, and he's inherited the marquis title--as well as all of his father's property. He arrives at Haven Manor (unaware of the house's name) and is completely thrown off by his housekeeper. She's unlike any housekeeper he's ever had, and she can't seem to remember that she's not his social equal. When he meets Benedict, William can't move on without getting the entire story from Daphne.

I enjoyed A Return of Devotion. I read it quickly and didn't really want to put it down when I needed to. Yet I'm finding it hard to describe how I felt about the book and the story. I enjoyed it, but something held me back from loving it. Maybe it was Daphne's habit of daydreaming or dwelling on fantasy. Maybe it was the extremely slow build of the relationship between Daphne and William. I can't find anything really negative to say about it. It was good, but something was just missing for me to love it entirely. I can't wait to read Jess's story though--I can't believe I didn't connect her to A Noble Masquerade. And I do love how this series has taken a topic that isn't expected from this time period as the overall theme for the series. A Return of Devotion gets 3.5 Stars. Have you read A Return of Devotion? What did you think? Let me know!

Daphne Brightmoor is using Haven Manor as an orphanage where the young children there are cared for, educated, and loved. Among the children is her own son--the product of a one-night stand after a masquerade ball.

A strange coach pulls up to the manor and the owner steps out to see things are not as expected. Daphne is introduced as his housekeeper, and works hard to keep him from seeing how the house has been used for the last twelve years and to keep him from seeing who the occupants are. At first William is rather impatient with Daphne, but as time grows on, he becomes intrigued, and then he wants to know who she really is.

Because Daphne has many secrets she wants to hold to herself, she finds the remote location of Haven Manor perfect for her. But before long, everyone she doesn't want to see comes knocking at the door, making it more difficult for her to hide out.

Kristi Ann Hunter has written A Return of Devotion with such depth and understanding, it takes a while to read the book because the reader doesn't want to miss a single detail. Her quality of writing only improves with each book she writes.

This is a five-star book, with two thumbs up, and a custard for dessert.

A second in a series, A Return of Devotion by Kristi Ann Hunter is a return to a favourite cast of characters. Focusing on Daphne’s journey, it picks up the threads from the previous novel and digs deeper into how Haven Manor came to be a safe place for the children of fallen women.

William is introduced to the house believing it to be a deserted property in his newly inherited title of marquis but the details don’t align and his curiousity is piqued. The clashing of these two worlds leads to many humourous and awkward happenings. The relationship between Daphne and William grows from frustrating to curiousity and friendship.

As in the first novel, the story is centered on faithful healing, coming to grips with the past and looking to a hope-filled future. It is encouraging and interesting with realistic reactions and interactions from each character.

I look forward to spending time getting to know Jess in the next book in this series! This one is highly recommended and five out of five for me!

Return to Devotion is a compelling story of love, forgiveness and learning to live under a mantle of grace. Following a novella (A Search for Refuge) and the first book in the series (A Defense of Honor), Hunter continues to invite us in to the world of Haven Manor and her inhabitants.

The story of Daphne was compelling. Though Daphne’s character seemed so self-protected from the reality of the world, we are invited to join her on her journey from allowing her imagination to deceive her to the place of allowing her imagination to be visionary, grounded in love and truth. The prospect of finding grace and living in it, the reality that forgiveness is a new foundation for life and the truth that love pursues are all aspects of this sweet romance.

William is also key in this story as he wrestles with what it looks like to truly consider people apart from their station and what family honor truly means. I enjoyed the development of his character.

All in all A Return to Devotion was a sweet and uplifting continuation of this series.
I received a free digital galley of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

A Return of Devotion is the second book in the series and I suggest reading the first one before beginning this one to familiarize yourself with the characters and their history. Although if you want to jump right in with this one than I know you'll fall in love with this wonderful novel.
Just when I think that Ms. Hunter cannot top the last book she's written, she proves me wrong. Every single time! I'm okay with that and it makes me appreciate her work more with each book she writes.

This novel is one that is meant to be read slowly and thoroughly so you won't miss one incredible detail. From beginning to end I found myself caught up in the lives of Daphne, William, Benedict and the other characters so lovingly crafted by the author.

I absolutely adored Daphne. She takes her responsibility seriously, she's fiercely protective of the those she loves, a little shy and is a bit fanciful at times. William is perplexed from the time he meets Daphne and his small household staff. The humorous thoughts he has coupled with the clever exchanges with Daphne are highly entertaining. There is so much more to this story than witty banter, there are life changing decisions both Daphne and William have to make. Their
journey is emotional and beautifully written. This is a book that I can say without a doubt is a must read.

I cannot wait to read the next book in the series to find out what Ms. Hunter has in store for her readers.
I received a copy from the publisher and was under no obligation to write a review. All opinions are my own.

A Return to Devotion is genuine, heartfelt and sprinkled with humor and grace. The personality of Haven Manor itself leaps from the pages, inviting readers to reminisce even as it conforms to its new purpose. William's inner dialogue as he attempts to sort out the unusual clues and occurrences surrounding him at Haven Manor (as well as Daphne’s often frantic or dramatic inner musings) cleverly fills the natural void between the two introverts.

Fans of Regency romance won’t want to miss a single moment of Kristi Ann Hunter’s original storytelling. She skillfully laces drama, humor, and faith throughout each book and I highly recommend the Haven Manor series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Readers met Daphne, and learned some of her story, in the first Haven Manor books, but there’s a good amount to be uncovered and unpacked.

William, the Marquis of Chemsford, doesn’t his new housekeeper. For one, her actions are questionable at best. And she leaves him with more questions than answers regarding his newly inherited estate.

Daphne’s idyllic life at Haven Manor is over upon he arrival of the new owner—one who has the potential to unearth ever secrets she’s guarded closely. But there’s something different about this man.

The women who call Haven Manor home have a mission and purpose they defend with everything in them, and it’s something to behold when partners come alongside them to not only encourage them in their missions but to expand on them.

Kristi Ann Hunter again delivers a story with moments that made me smile and laugh balanced well with the other end of the emotional scale. I applaud Hunter’s take on the ladies and children of society that most of the ton preferred to ignore.

Now, when do we get Jess’s story? Because I’m ready for this confident and intelligent woman to meet someone who is her match. I imagine it’s going to be a ton of fun!

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Few authors can weave a story with as much heart and humor as Kristi Ann Hunter, and this one is one of her best! I have read and adored every book Kristi as written and this one has probably one of the funniest scenes I have ever read. "A Return of Devotion" was a near perfect tale of love, faith and finding your place in the world. Daphne has searched for most of her life for a place to belong, and she thought she'd found it at Haven Manor, until the house's owner shows up and disrupts everything that she has lived for for twelve years. Then her world is further turned on its ear when the Marquis and Daphne develop feelings for one another. The story moves well, with lots of surprises along the way. Daphne and William are fantastic characters and the way they grew throughout the book was one of my favorite elements of the book. All in all, this was another winner for Kristi but I wouldn't expect anything less. She's a favorite author of mine for a reason. Can't wait to read Jess's story later this year!!

I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

For years, Daphne, Kit, and Jess ran Haven Manor, a refuge for illegitimate children. But Kit's marriage and departure from the estate and the arrival of William, the estate's new owner, completely turn Daphne's world upside down. While William is not who he first appears to be, his arrival still threatens those nearest to Daphne's heart. Complicating matters is Daphne's "head in the clouds" nature, which at first makes her seem grossly incompetent. And she must keep William from discovering her secret at all costs.

William is grounded and "by the book," and he takes his new title as Marquis of Chemsford seriously. Yet he also can't help but be drawn to his extremely odd housekeeper and the children who help run the estate. And as he gets to know Daphne, he comes to realize there's much more to her—and the estate—than meets the eye.

I loved everything about this book! It takes the "secret baby" trope and turns it on its ear 😉. I especially enjoyed the way everyone reacted upon meeting William and the lengths they all went to to keep Daphne's son Bennett from him. Daphne's personality and quirks lent more humor to the story than I anticipated, and I loved the lightness mixed in with the seriousness of her predicament.

And then there's the romance ... Daphne and William made a great couple that I couldn't help but pull for! The romance actually begins fairly late in the story (probably about the halfway point, or maybe slightly later), but when it kicks in it kicks in. Totally swoon worthy 😍.

This is the second book in Kristi Ann Hunter's Haven Manor series, but I didn't feel like I was at a loss at all for not having read A Defense of Honor first. This is a great romance with characters I won't soon forget.

Regency is my favorite genre to read. I like the intertwining of the culture with mystery and romance and manners. When the setting is an out-of-the-way manor house used to house illegitimate children of the upper crust, my interest is piqued. These things happened. A lot. This is not a subject that is delved into in any of the books I had previously read until this series from Hunter. While it may sound slightly uncomfortable, the matter is dealt with compassion and sensitivity.

William, Lord Chemsford, was a delight to read. When he meets Daphne, whom we met in book one, A Defense of Honor, his thoughts made me chuckle more than once. She comes off as slightly dimwitted (okay maybe a lot dimwitted) and says and does strange things to keep him occupied and away from certain areas of the house. Of course, he begins to become suspicious as to why and then the game is on. His character is sort of gruff but then his true gentlemanly nature comes out and oh my. He is something!

There are sections of the book that seemed to drag with too much info but then I am a dialogue driven reader. Truly, the banter was such fun to read I would have liked more of that. It’s an entertaining and moving story though and one I highly encourage fans of Regency to read. I look forward to the third book coming out this fall. That will feature Jess and if you’ve read either of these books, you know she is a spitfire!

I was provided an electronic copy of the book through Netgalley and the publisher. No review required. No compensation received.

A Return of Devotion
By Kristi Ann Hunter
Living a life she never would have imagined, Daphne finds contentment and joy. If only things weren’t about to turn upside down. The Marquis of Chemsford is about to reopen the estate on which Daphne has been stashing away secrets over the years. How long can her secrets continue to remain hidden and what will happen if they are exposed?
Simply put I enjoyed this book and the way that Hunter pulled you into the drama of Daphne and William, Lord Chemsford. I know honesty is always the best but I could understand Daphne’s reluctance to share her past with William. I was equally intrigued by how she would do so. This book kept me on my toes as I enjoyed imagining the characters to soften to each other and develop a relationship. Here are two of my favorite quotes from the book:
“They couldn’t all be lords and ladies of the manor and they couldn’t all be farmers. It took a variety of people to make the world turn, and that was good. She would hate it if everyone were forced to be the same, live the same, act the same.”
“Forgiveness is an interesting thing.” “How so?” Daphne asked. “Unlike a lot of other things in life, it’s easy to ask for and hard to accept.”
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion which I share here.

Before I begin my review, I suggest reading book number one so the reader will know about the characters  and their place in this book. You will have a greater understanding of how Haven Manor came to be.........
Daphne, the main character is people shy and has always looked on the bright side. She is a single mother but cannot let her son know that he belongs to her.  She has turned to God and asked for repentance and does her best for the children of Haven Manor. She is content with her helper and the children until the owner of the manor, William, Marquis of Chemsford decides to take up residence. She and all the inhabitants are misplaced to a cottage on the grounds.  William is totally confused and at times angry with his "housekeeper" as Daphne tries to keep him from learning the truth about the house. Why is the staff so young and why does she act like the manor is hers when she is just the housekeeper? When he meets her son, some of his questions are answered.  This book is well-written, sometimes humorous, romantic, full of lots of twists and turns. It keeps you turning the pages and wondering how Daphne was going to keep everything together.  How will the Marquis react when he finds the truth about Haven Manor and it's inhabitants? All of this made for a remarkably interesting read...........
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I couldn’t help but get drawn into this unique, entertaining, and inspiring novel. I loved the first book in this series, A Defense of Honor, and I was anxious to read this second book. I loved it so much. It was just as good as the first book.

I love the way Kristi Ann Hunter writes such amazing books. Her writing is so vivid, I truly feel as though I am in the story. I got invested in the characters in this book, and I wish I knew them in real life.

I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait for the next books in this series. Each of these women are so uniquely lovable, I cannot wait to see what’s in store for them.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian historical fiction.

*I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.*

A Return of Devotion is the second book in the Haven Manor series by Krisit Ann Hunter. It follows Daphone Blakemoor and swoon worthy hero William, Marquis of Chemsford. Our heroine,Daphne, had a baby as a single mom and had gone into hiding. William, our hero, is trying desperately not to be like his father and move forward. Both characters are trying to forget their past and to make a new and better life. But, running into each other has made that complicated, and that is where this story begins.

I loved the story of Daphne and William and was drawn in from the first page after opening the stunning cover. This is a delightful read, and is regency writing at its best. The story includes a grand house, beautiful grounds, superb characters,a wonderful plot, sweet children, humor, an endearing heroine, and a hero you will fall in love with. Plus, moments to reflect on your relationship with God or wonder more about His role in your life.

To me what was also so impressive about this story was how Kristi Hunter was able to weave in all the different characters that were involved in such a complicated story. The story flowed flawlessly. I could not put this book down, and highly recommend it.

A Return of Devotion is book two in the Haven Manor series by Kristi Ann Hunter.
Summary: Things are changing for Daphne Blakemoor. For twelve years, she has contentedly cared for the unwanted children that have resulted from the wealthy’s illicit relationships. Abandoned Haven Manor has been her safe haven-tucked away from the outside world-and her past.
Now Haven Manor’s new owner has decided to live at the manor, and with many of the children adopted by new families, Daphne has to adapt to a new role-housekeeper of Haven Manor.
The problem is, she isn’t a great housekeeper. And there are signs everywhere in the house that the manor really wasn’t abandoned for all these years. Can Daphne keep Haven Manor’s true past a secret? And what will happen when Daphne’s past literally shows up on the doorstep?
My Thoughts: I loved this book. It is the best book that I can remember reading in a LONG time-and that is saying quite a bit with how many books I read.
It is well-written, humorous, romantic, full of lots of twists and turns, and I was constantly wondering how Daphne was going to keep everything together.
I wouldn’t say I am a big fan of romance-I don’t mind it, but it usually isn’t my favorite part of the book. But for this book, I loved it. It truly was a romantic story, and is definitely one I will reread (which is the best review I can give a book-as I typically don’t reread books.)
This is book two (plus there is a novella-which is free on Amazon.) I would say it is not necessary to have read the novella, but I would read book one before reading this one. You just can’t fully understand what is going on in this book without the backstory of book one.
If you are a fan of historical fiction or romance, this is a must read-go pick it up!
As always I thank Bethany House for providing me with a copy of this book for my unbiased review-thank you!

Well written, thought provoking and a plot line that really kept this story interesting. An amazing second part to this series. A Regency story that is reminiscent of Jane Austen's work.

Daphne has been content to live a quiet life hidden away from society for 12 years. She has her secrets and doesn't feel the need to share. Then suddenly her quiet world is disturbed when William, Lord Chemsford comes to claim his home. A Return of Devotion is a story of redemption. If God has forgiven us but we haven't forgiven ourselves are we truly alive?
Kristi Ann Hunter is one of my favorite authors. She creates intriguing characters who have real life problems. Her characters have depth and she is a master of witty dialogue. I buy her books automatically when they come out as I am assured of a delightful read. So grab your Breakfast tea and and settle in for a fantastic read!

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley.com with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

In Hunter’s second installment of the Haven Manor Series, readers meet William, Lord Chemsford, the long-absent owner of Haven Manor. He arrives on the doorstep of his never-before-seen minor holding expecting to have a proficient housekeep answer his door. Instead, an apparent simpleton opens the door and stares at him for endless minutes.

When Daphne Blakemoor answers the door, she certainly doesn’t expect to see a fully-matured replica of her 13-year-old son. Her quandary renders her speechless. She knows for a fact that Lord Chemsford didn’t father her son—but anyone who sees the newcomer will immediately assume that he fathered Benedict.

To make matters worse, Benedict has no idea that out of all cast-off orphans who have found family at Haven Manor over the years the woman they’ve all called Mama Daphne is his birth mother. Only Mama Jess, the mysterious woman who cooks and protects the group and Mama Kit know the truth.

For over ten years the trio have squatted on Haven Manor and taken in society’s outcasts—the babies of compromised gentlewomen. Through industry (and a little intrigue) they have supported and raised the children for entrance into the working world. A kinder, gentler place than capricious and vicious circle of high society that casts out women who stumble and turns a blind eye to the men who take advantage of them.

Although Kit and her new husband have found families to adopt many of the children in the previous months, Daphne has no idea the changes Lord Chemsford’s appearance will wreak on her security and comfort.

Fortunately for Daphene, Jess, and the orphans, Lord Chemsford wants a quiet retreat away from high society. He decides to wait and see how his housekeeper and her staff handle things before dismissing them. The longer he stays, the more compelling his desire to figure out the mystery of his housekeeper—and the secrets of Haven Manor.

Lord Chemsford’s appearance causes Daphne to slip back in to her daydreaming world of fantasies. Daphne’s mystery causes William to rethink the standards and mores of the society he doesn’t really care for. As they discover more about each other, they establish an unlikely friendship that could change their lives--and teach them valuable lessons of the true worth of a person.

I fell in love with Haven Manor in the first book in the series, so when I saw that I could return to Haven Manor in Kristi Ann Hunter’s newest book, A Return of Devotion, I couldn’t wait to read it! I wasn’t disappointed. Mrs. Hunter has incredible talent to be able to take a story that deals with hard subjects and turn it into a sweet romance with humorous moments. Yes, there were moments when I teared up over a circumstance, but there were plenty of moments that had me laughing as well. Sometime just a well written phrase made me smiling at the wit. I also enjoyed this book because I could so easily relate to Daphne, the main character. Sometimes I find myself slipping into my imagination, imagining what would happen if… And that is only one way I could relate to her. She also is scared of people she doesn’t know and having to converse with those strange people. As someone who is highly introverted, I definitely understand the feeling. Now that my return is over, I’m on to another literary place, but maybe I can encourage you to visit Haven Manor. You won’t be disappointed! I would recommend this book for those who enjoy historical romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.