Enchanting the Heiress
by Kristi Ann Hunter
Pub Date01 Mar 2022 |
Bethany House |Bethany House Publishers
Christian| Historical Fiction| Romance


Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley provided me with a copy of Enchanting the Heiress for review:

Look no further for an inspiring story of love against all odds:


Using her wealth and influence, Miss Harriet Hancock cleverly and anonymously improves the lives of those in Newmarket. Harriet keeps people at a distance to protect a long-standing secret, but when a friend asks for her help, she can't refuse.


Jonas Fitzroy, a stabile hand, would do anything for his twin sister, even if it meant tracking down the woman who has made him wary. A request for help writing a book from Miss Hancock is the last thing he expects. Intent on revealing her underlying plan, Jonas agrees.


As they work together, an unexpected friendship develops. However, when things don't go as planned, Harriet wonders if good intentions are enough. What can she do to mend the broken pieces of her life? Will Jonas give her another chance?



I give Enchanting the Heiress five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

Hunter simply enchants readers with this latest release. She brings her spunky personality, wit, charm and so much more.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I loved the relationship Jonas shared with his sister Sophia in the previous book with the way he grounded her and his sense of humor. I was looking forward to more from him in that vein, but this story focused more on his angst and self-doubts. I felt like his personality changed in this book and his thoughts and actions were very much like Aaron, the curmudgeonly stable master Sophia falls in love with. Harriet became a good friend to Sophia, but Jonas is suspicious of her motives since he can sense something a bit off. She has her secrets, but also a good heart and well-meaning intentions. They both learn quite a bit about themselves when they share the judgements they have of each other. There's some great character growth, and of course I loved the interactions with all the couples from the rest of the series.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

3.5 stars
A fun story with the heroine trying to “fix” everything around her. She’s so keen on fixing everyone that she even forgets to make sure she’s providing something they actually even want or need. But that’s not the worst of it. She has been living a huge lie for years and doesn’t have the courage to stop.

While I enjoyed most of the story, I only got a few chapters to enjoy the repentant Harriet trying to stop lying, manipulating, and controlling everything. I sympathized with her desire to help but I really wanted more of the payoff of seeing who she could be when she was leaving behind what she had done to control things for so long.

Jonas was a great character and I really liked getting to know him and watching him evaluate what he really wanted out of life.

Overall, a fun read, but not my favorite of the series.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.

I forgot to download this book on Netgalley and so listened to the Audibook of my own volition. I must have forgotten a few of the characters in this series, my own fault its been a while since I read the last book. Its just that I found the abrupt beginning a little disconcerting since I did not remember the context or who the characters were.

Aside from a few of the usual issues (i.e. Americanisms), I did enjoy this book though. It was a good way of wrapping up the series. I liked the hero and heroine, and the interactions between them and the dynamnics of their relationship.

Enchanting the Heiress by Kristi Ann Hunter is the third book in her Hearts on the Heath series.

I’m not usually a Regency Romance fan, but I read the previous two books in the series and particularly enjoyed the second one, so I wanted to read the third. I love that horses were still a part of the story and I could appreciate Jonas wanting to be left alone in the job he held. Perhaps that’s why the arc changes felt more uneven since Harriet’s changes required so much more inner work, especially toward the end.

Overall, I liked the story and the middle kept me reading, but the beginning and ending were … drawn out. I struggled to remember why I liked Jonas’ sister, but I liked Jonas’ brother-in-law even more in this book. Jonas was a great hero, I thought, so I’m glad I read his story.

—
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.

Good book, but the beginning was too slow and failed to keep my interest after setting it aside to eat or go to work or sleep.

Another Wonderful Book!

I loved this third book in the Hearts on the Heath series. I really enjoyed Jonas and Harriet’s story! The things they go through were at times funny and other times so serious. Not sure if this was the last book in the series but I will definitely seek out more books by Kristi Ann Hunter.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

I didn't realize this was part of a series, but it was such a cute story! It definitely made me curious about the previous books. The character development for Harriet and Jonas was so well done and they were both so relatable that I couldn't help rooting for them.

This is a sweet Christian romance.
There is a fair amount of scripture quoting and personal growth with the MC.
The story is sweet, it’s a mixed class romance, with a female heiress and a male stable hand.
I liked the interactions between and development of the friendship/romance.
I am religious but I prefer a light hand if there are Christian themes to my romance novels.

Wonderfully Different 💕

I found this story to be different, and wonderfully so.
This story throws Harriet and Jonas together in a ruse of a writing collaboration. They work closely, with much of the story centered around the two of them, but with enough outside activity to keep things interesting. Jonas has no idea he can write, and Harriet intends to lead him to that conclusion. My absolute favorite scene was when he described wading in a stream, leading Harriet to want to experience it too. Her subsequent enjoyment of the experience was lovely.
"He kept looking at her. She looked back at him. Around them the breeze blew and the trees swayed. The water trickled on, but time seemed at a standstill. “‘He hath made everything beautiful in His time.’” The words seemed to breathe out of him, becoming part of the encompassing swirl of water and wind and sun."
I liked how they both had views of life that needed to make room for other possible ideas. This period romance was most enjoyable.

I was gifted this book for my honest opinion without expectation or compensation.

Series:
Hearts on the Heath
1. Vying for the Viscount
2. Winning the Gentleman
3. Enchanting the Heiress

Reviews posted to: My blog: BlueJeansAndTeacups.blogspot.com / goodreads / b&n/ amazon / google play books / kobo / BAM / My Pinterest/ my FB

For some reason, I wasn't excited about reading Harriet's story. And then, when I found out that she was paired up with Jonas, I was honestly even less excited about this story. Yet I wanted to complete the series, and I have found Kristi Ann Hunter to be a favorite author. I shouldn't have worried. Kristi Ann Hunter proved my worries unfounded. Thankfully, Enchanting the Heiress didn't take too long to hook my interest, and I quickly read the entire book.

I don't know that I've read a story quite like this one before even though parts here and there would be similar to other stories. Harriet has a desire deep within her to make the lives of others around her better. She sees a need and she steps in to fill it. She hears of a desire and she manipulates people like a chessboard to get others in the right place for those desires to be fulfilled. In some ways, this is a selfless and wonderful quality to possess. A desire to make better the lives of others is applaudable. Yet, Jonas takes issue with what he sees as Harriet meddling where she doesn't belong.

Jonas is content. He's happy and thankful to be stable and stationary after traveling with the circus. He isn't ambitious. He doesn't feel like he needs much of anything. He doesn't feel a draw to many people to form relationships, and he doesn't seek to improve his circumstances like many would. Yet Sophia can't stand to see her brother's talents go to waste. Sophia is the one who recruits Harriet to help Jonas, but Harriet decides to go about things in her own way.

I loved their journey. And in some ways Enchanting the Heiress was about how to craft a story. I always appreciate books where insight is given into the writing and publishing process. Of course, Harriet never truly desired to write a book.

Favorite quotes:
-"I had other dreams only because I didn't know about this one."

-"...love doesn't demand what it wants. Instead, it will sacrifice itself to give the other person what they need."

-Life always held room for improvement, didn't it?

-Why was it so difficult for people to understand that helping others was its own reward? It was a purpose in and of itself.

-"I hardly think my independence is affecting the construction of your sentences."

-He'd never been a coward, and he wasn't going to start now.

-"Respect can be restored. A lost opportunity cannot."

Enchanting the Heiress was so much more enjoyable than I feared. I don't really know why I was initially put off by Harriet. I'd probably need to go back and re-read the prior books in the series, but I liked just about every aspect of this story. I also reviewed another book recently where I commented on the number of Scripture used. I'm pretty sure Enchanting the Heiress had more than that book, but for someone who might take issue with this, none of the Scripture felt preachy. All of it felt relevant to the characters. Enchanting the Heiress gets 4 Stars. Have you read Enchanting the Heiress? What did you think? Let me know!

This is the third book in the series and I think you need to at least have read the previous book (Winning the Gentleman), about Jonas’ twin sister, to fully understand the context of this story.

Kristi Ann Hunter writes books that both entertain and challenge. I found this book both delightful and difficult. In today’s culture, as in the book, it is easy to justify a slight shifting of facts to allow someone to save face or to avoid conflict. This book explores where subtlety, manipulation and lying meet and the dangers of crossing those lines. Another aspect of the story that I found compelling was the challenge to live life rather than to just observe it. The author explored the difference between contentment and detachment as she explored Jonas’ relationship with the world. Enchanting the Heiress was a compelling and enjoyable story, but it also gave me much to consider. I’d recommend it to you.

I received a free digital galley of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Enchanting the Heiress by Kristi Ann Hunter

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
_________________________________________________________________________________
Story Notes

I really enjoyed this story of finding forgiveness and love. Harriet was a wonderful friend to others but didn't seem to accept that she had more than assisting others to bring to the world. She wanted to make her own way and influence good happenings in others lives rather than take the social world by storm as her father wanted her to. I definitely don't agree with the deceitful way she went about doing it but can understand her desire to keep her life quieter and closer to home. Jonah was a good foil for her, with his no-nonsense way of thinking. I did feel like his dislike of her was more because he didn't understand her motives but also liked that he made her think before guiding others to certain actions or decisions. The age-gap was a bit hard for me when it came to the romance given that it was opposite of the usual older man/ younger woman. But it didn't interfere with the story overmuch so I don't feel like it negatively affected the story. The love story was really sweet and yet challenging. Kristi made her characters work for their love rather than just letting it passively happen to them, which is very smart. I'm not a big fan of safe, saccharine stories as that's not how real life works. Kristi gave us people to care about, cheer for and get frustrated with just as we might the real people in our lives. This is certainly a story you'll want to add to your TBR, along with the rest of the series, because it's one not to be missed. Especially if you like stories with heart and plenty of depth. I do and I'm definitely recommending you read this one too.

I received this temporary, complimentary E-book from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley. I am not required by anyone to write a positive review but am pleased to do so. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

Everyone needs a fairy godmother in their lives. And while she isn't quite the fairy godmother you expect, Harriet Hancock has the uncanny ability to see a need and make the solution materialize. Her knack for solving problems is her gift but to Jonas Fitzroy it's nothing but meddling- and not in a good way. Kristi Ann Hunter brings readers an engaging tale of Harriet and Jonas and their attempts to navigate the hand that life has given them in her latest novel Enchanting the Heiress. Both have a different take on how to approach life and as Harriet goes about fixing things for others she finds herself needing to fix herself as well. Readers will be delighted with Harriet and the situations she causes as the story unfolds.
The opinions above are my own and freely given. I received an advanced copy from NetGalley

If you like Jane Austen's Emma, Enchanting the Heiress by Kristi Ann Hunter may seem similar.

Like Emma, Harriet Hancock thinks she knows what is best for everyone. She is manipulative, so people don't really notice how she has moved things around until the outcome is what she wants.

Jonas Fitzroy sees through Harriet and is wary of her conniving ways, primarily when she seeks him out on the pretense of helping her write a travel book. He knows she is up to something, but he can't figure it out.

Honestly, it took me way too long to warm up to these characters. And I believe that is because it is the third book in the series (something I missed when I selected this book for review). So it cannot be read as a standalone. In addition to that little blip, I felt the book's premise fell a little flat. I loved the nod to Jane Austen's Emma, but, like Jonas, I didn't believe what was going on for a second. It felt too contrived.

However, after sticking with the book, I was glad to see how both Jonas and Harriet grew emotionally and spiritually.While I didn't quite buy their love story, the fact that they both learned from each other and grew better as human beings was nice to see. I particularly loved the Scripture verses scattered throughout this book and how Jonas (and eventually Harriet) brought them to mind when needing wisdom from the Lord.

If you have read the first two books, you will likely enjoy revisiting Jonas, Sophie and Harriet again. I recommend you read them first before diving into this one.

Gorgeous, as usual! I loved Jonas and Hannah’s story. They were fascinating people and I enjoyed being along for the ride. Loved i5 so much that I bought a hard copy!

Early Exclamations:

I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT TO THINK.

But I did love it - I'm just not sure I liked it ... or disliked it ... or anything.

I thought it was fantastic. I really like Harriet, actually, and Jonas, but he was grumpy and she had to do SO much growing that sometimes it was hard to believe ... well, certain plot points. That said, it was mostly just so enjoyable that I cannot rate it lower or complain about it at all, because I just enjoyed it a lot.

Actual Analysis:

I knew while I read this that not everyone was going to love this review. If this is your first Hunter book … eh, maybe not. There's some things about this book that just do not work if you haven't read her other books - and other things about it that require you to trust the author - and other things about it that are just not for everyone.

Do you remember reading Emma and hating the title character? If you threw said Austen book across the room rather than finishing it to its (in my opinion) very satisfying conclusion, this may not be the novel for you.

That said, I personally found this to be a 5-star read. I loved it. I love Harriet with her Miss Woodhouse-like meddling, though in the end, her motives were considerably purer. I loved Jonas with his gruffness. I loved the light, somewhat gruff, somewhat goofy dialogue - I am not looking for constant serious romantic mush, and this couple totally gave me that sharp wit without all the fluff that I frankly don't need.

Really, this book was written for someone like me … but I can see how that might be problematic for the average romance writer.

There were certain plot points in this book that I felt were rushed, especially toward the end, but I was no less satisfied by the way the plot, themes, and characters concluded. I am miserably, MISERABLY sad that the series is over, though! I grew to love the heath and the people who live there. The friend group is just ...

GAH. Kristi Ann Hunter writes friend groups/found families that I can only aspire to!

Also, can we just admit that this book is unapologetically UNIQUE? Thank heavens! Finally!

Anyways, this is a clean, cute, fun book that should delight writers with its writer-y scenes, Emma lovers with its Emma-like scenes, horse lovers with its horsey scenes, and ... oh, y'all, please, be gentle with it, for my soul needed this even if yours didn't. :P Okay, just kidding. I would never seek to influence someone's thoughts but ...

CAN'T YOU SEE MY BABIES ARE HURTING.

That is all.

Any Acknowledgements:

I received a free ebook copy of this novel from NetGalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. A positive review was not required.

TTFN!

~Kellyn Roth~

Thought-provoking and insightful, Enchanting the Heiress follows Harriet, a charitable heiress, and Jonas, a gifted stableman, as they explore their callings in their small English village of Newmarket. Although they’re tested by secrets, sickness, and their own stubbornness, they learn in the end what it truly means to love another even with all their flaws.

Characters: After hearing about Hunter’s books for so long, I was excited to try this one out, but I came away somewhat disappointed by the characters. It’s not that it’s a bad story, but I didn’t find Harriet and Jonas all that interesting, especially not at first. Perhaps I like my characters a little more adventurous. And since I am neither the kind of person who would want to stay in my hometown all my life, like Harriet, or has no aspirations outside making sure the people around me are happy, like Jonas, I had a hard time relating to them.

But I must say they did grow on me. Jonas’s passiveness throughout the story bothered me, but I was glad to see him taking more charge by the end. I found Harriet more compelling, although her meddling was rather annoying. But I’m proud of the way she owned up to her mistakes and grew and changed by the end of the story.

I would have appreciated if Hunter had revealed more of Harriet’s backstory sooner since she seems very unsympathetic in the beginning. But I was happy that the author did not go the route of making her the typical Miss Independent who-does-whatever-she-wants-no-matter-what-society-thinks, and instead added an interesting twist to her character—she doesn’t like adventure all that much. At least, not the traveling kind. Her struggle with overwhelm and desire for quiet and simplicity was certainly something I could sympathize with.

As far as the romance, it did feel slightly cliché and wasn’t my favorite, but I did like how Jonas and Harriet weren’t afraid to tell each other the hard truth when they needed it. The part that really redeemed the story for me was the dialogue. Witty and vibrant, that was when Jonas and Harriet really came alive. Quite a few of their battle of wits made me chuckle!

Plot: The plot tended to drag a little, which is understandable considering it’s more character-driven. The story felt like it started at a strange place that didn’t quite fit with the tone of the rest of the story, and I found the pacing a little jarring at times. I think Hunter could have left the prologue out and achieved the same effect.

There was too much character exposition for my taste, and the story was rather repetitive and predictable, lacking that sparkle that makes a story truly memorable. However, Hunter’s prose was decent and the mystery surrounding Harriet’s past made me keep reading. This story certainly isn’t a gripping adventure, but more like a meandering stroll through 19th century small-town England.

Themes: The themes were by far one of the strongest elements of the book. I loved Hunter’s emphasis on enjoying the everyday wonders of life as Harriet discovered she didn’t have to travel to find a fulfilling life when adventure was all around her. It was a joy to watch both Jonas and Harriet put off their old ways to make way for the new. My favorite part of the book was the end. I thought Hunter did a great job showing Harriet mending her relationship with her father and with Jonas in a way that didn’t feel superficial or hasty.

And goodness, did Jonas have some great nuggets of truth for Harriet. There were several thought-provoking passages that really packed a punch!

Overall, while Enchanting the Heiress starts off slow and awkward, it’s a solid story that ends on a good note. Readers who prefer more action may find the plot too slow for their taste, but Enchanting the Heiress will leave you with plenty of food for thought as you navigate your own quest to find fulfillment.

This was cute. I jumped in on the third book in the series. It’s a standalone but does contain spoilers for the previous books.
It’s a quick paced and quick read historical romance akin to Jane Austen’s Emma with its heroine, and not unlike Pride and Prejudice in the way both characters have some personal growing to do before they can come together. I will say the male half of the romance was a bit of a self righteous ass, and annoyed me a lot with that. Even though he’s called out on it, realizes he’s being self righteous, and grows, the constant scripture spewing was a little heavy handed in my opinion, even for a Christian romance.
Still, the way the book showed depth in its treatment of relationships as things which take time and attention to mend and to grow, and the way it created a strong sense of place and interesting characters made it a four star read for me. The slow burn and romantic tension I found to be well-crafted also.