A Return of Devotion

I had so much fun returning to Haven Manor! While dealing with serious issues, the first part of this book was so funny! This is my favorite book of Kristi Ann Hunter’s that I have read so far and I really enjoyed all of them. The first book really set the stage, so while I think this book could be read as a stand-alone, I think you will get so much more out of it and understand this book better by reading the first one in this series first. There are so many authors putting out good books these days, it is hard to know what to put on your TBR list, but I would highly recommend this book! I think the back-story of the first book made the book fascinating and I think the relatable characters in this book makes it one not to miss!

I loved it and give it 5 stars!

I received a copy of this book, all opinions are my own.

What a great second installment in the Haven Manor series! I loved both Daphne and William, and I could totally relate to Daphne's fear of crowds and her propensity to daydream! One of the things I loved most about Daphne and William's relationship was their willingness to compromise and come up with a way to live their lives as a married couple that would best suit them both, this example of working together to make a marriage work is something that, in my opinion, we need more of in fiction! I had been very much anticipating this book, and while A Defense of Honor is still my favorite of the series by a slim margin, I really enjoyed A Return of Devotion! I'm on the edge of my seat in anticipation waiting for the release of Jess's book! I highly recommend A Return of Devotion!


I received an ebook copy of this book from the publisher which did not influence my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.

The second in the Haven Manor series featuring a group of women in daunting circumstances who grow and persevere in spite of all they face!

When the owner of the estate Daphne Blakemoore has lived in for more than a decade arrives (his identity and timing are unexpected) she is completely thrown off guard. He is the spitting image of the child she has loved and raised - yet she knows with great certainty he is not the father. She also recognizes that the second now 13 year old Benedict sees him, serious questions and hurt will abound. Daphne has never told Benedict that she is not just his caregiver - she is his mother - but now that Lord Chemsford is here, that difficult conversation and some heartbreak is unavoidable.

Lord Chemsford arrives at the estate with the expectation to renovate and live there full time. He is quite startled by Daphne's strange initial reaction to him along with the decided lack of staff, but is willing to wait and see how things go. He quickly realizes that all is not it seems at Haven House, but the more he learns of Daphne the more he wants to continue being surprised by her.

I know I am always a big proponent of reading series books in order; I have to point out that it is especially important for this series. There's just a tremendous amount of backstory that will enrich your experience. I love the way the author manages to combine a clear picture of how it may have been in a previous time in history along with clever dialogue, hard situations, rich relationships, and a great story. I enthusiastically recommend this book.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Baker Publishing Group in exchange for my honest review.

It's been awhile since I've read this book, and realized I've never written review about it.

The story was well written and kept my interest. The description of the time period between the different social classes were equally interesting and thought provoking. I enjoyed the developing of characters and their increasing interests in each other. Truly enjoyed this book which is why it is still in my possession to read again!

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book or advanced reading copy.

After meeting Daphne in Book One of this series, A Defense of Honor, I was super excited to find out more about her and follow her journey to a happily-ever-after. Kristi Ann Hunter never disappoints in the romance and humor department with her books. Little quirks about the characters that make them all the more endearing. And the last few chapters of this book, I laughed out loud regularly as Hunter brought it all together.

Having such a life-altering event happen to her early in life, Daphne has been consumed by the rearing of orphans. She has such a tender and loving heart. Even though she has severe social anxiety, she is at ease caring for people. This is something I can TOTALLY relate to! I don't do well in large crowds of people I don't know. BUT, if I have a job to do, or am taking care of my kids, or am the one giving orders and delegating, I have no problems. Might sound strange, but THAT gives me peace. Because I have something to focus on other than the fact that I don't know anyone.

Lord Chemsford is dashing, eccentric, and a man of honor. When he sees a wrong, he wants to right it, or at least try to make amends the best he can, even if HE wasn't the one in the wrong. I loved watching him fall in love with Daphne. Even with all the secrets and scandal, he never (truly) lost his cool and remained gracious and understanding. I love that he defied the "family traits" and became the man he WANTED to be and not the man that society EXPECTED him to be.

All in all, a lovely story and I can't wait to read the next installment...I believe I saw a peek into the hilarious antics that are yet to be explored in book 3. Kristi Ann Hunter is not only a fabulous author, but a wonderful person as well! Check out her website and follow her below, you won't be disappointed!

I received a complimentary copy of A Return of Devotion from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

I found A Return of Devotion by Kristi Ann Hunter to be a swoon worthy, romantic read. It was a great Regency novel. I love books that have less than perfect circumstances in a person’s life and yet they persevere and thrive forward. I thoroughly enjoyed the relationship that developed between Daphne and William. Daphne is a fun character to watch played out with her fear of large groups of people and her crazy ability to go on a daydream. This was a great second book to this series.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.


****Also posted on CBD, B&N

In A Return of Devotion, introverted Daphne Blakemoor lives as a housekeeper in a country home, surrounded by loved ones. Everything is thrown into chaos when the estate’s owner dies and the new marquis arrive, unaware that she has been running a home for the nobility’s unwanted illegitimate children. She gives them a home and trains them for a new life, often finding forever families for them. She likes her secluded life but it changes when William moves to the country.

Meanwhile William, Marquis of Chemford, was looking forward to a quiet life in the country after his father’s death. Meeting his housekeeper Daphne and her charges isn’t what he had in mind for a quiet life. Then he discovers how similar their lives are – both are hiding from the past. Can they face their past and find a future together?

Daphne finds that past has a way of catching up with her, even after twelve years. Daphne had a child out of wedlock, Benedict, whom she raises with the others. Benedict doesn’t know Daphne is his biological mother. Imagine his surprise when William arrives and there is a family resemblance between them. Is William his biological father or is it one of his relatives?

Hunter brings another well-written historical novel filled with faith and love that her fans will enjoy reading. The theme of forgiveness runs throughout the story. Daphne teaches the children that God’s love and forgiveness is available to everyone. While she believes it for others, she doesn’t believe it for herself. William strives to be different than his father.

I loved this story! It took me a while to get into it, since it lacked some of the pizazz of the other books I have read by Kristi Ann Hunter, but I think that is partially due to Daphne and the kind of character she is in comparison to the other heroines. Don't get me wrong, she is a wonderful lead, but she is quiet and happy with her life to continue as it is, so it suits her that the book doesn't start off with a bang. I did get into the story and enjoyed how it played out. Daphne blossoms in unexpected ways when she is forced to act as the housekeeper she has claimed to be. Things go horribly awry when William moves into the house and she feels she must keep the secrets of Haven Manor from him. I love that this story has a deeper message that will resonate with a lot of mothers. This is a wonderful story to pick up! I look forward to finally reading Jess' story next!
I received this book from Bethany House. This is my honest review and is in no way influenced by receiving a complimentary copy.

I don't know what took me so long to get around to reading this book. I loved A Defense of Honor. This book picks up where the first left off. The ladies of Haven Manor are amazing. They put aside their hopes and dreams to help women/children have a better life without the stigma of illegitimacy.



Daphne makes me laugh. She ran a home for children for years and struggles to be a respectable housekeeper when the rightful owner moves in. She is awkward and does not know what to do when he arrives at the front door. William had every right to be concerned, but a quirky housekeeper grew on him.



This book has many funny and lighthearted moments but carries a weighty message. Daphne lost her family and reputation (Kit too) because of a mistake. We aren't meant to eternally suffer for mistakes. Finding love, acceptance, and support made a huge difference. Forgiveness of oneself, family, and from God make life infinitely better.



I anxiously await the next installment in this series.

4.5 stars

I wasn’t quite as emotionally glued to this book as I was to book 1, though in a number of ways I felt like this was the better crafted story. There wasn’t as compelling a spiritual growth thread, though, and to be honest that’s often what grips me most in a story. It’s still an excellent story and I especially loved getting to know super-shy Daphne as an MC.

There is some baby-mama/baby-daddy drama in this one, so I’d say 18+ on age range (there was a semi rape but that isn’t detailed at all).

I loved the scene with her and her father...so heartwrenching. And the ending was such a thoughtful little compromise.

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

A Return of Devotion was an amazing continuation to the Havon Manor series! After getting to know a little bit about Daphne's story in the first book, I was eager to read this and see what happened next. Right away I found myself invested in the characters and what was going on in their life.



I felt for Daphne SO much as she just wanted what was best (she thought) and had to overcome a lot in this story. The hero, William, was great. At first I wasn't sure what I thought about him, but in the end I loved his character. ;)



All in all, if you are a fan of historical romance you must read this...but be sure to read book one first as I think this series needs to be read in order.



*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

4.5 stars
I do not know why I waited so long to read this follow-up to A Defense of Honor! I loved that book so much and this one is a worthy, gorgeous follow-up.
I adored that Hunter took the risk to cover such a touchy subject matter in a Christian historical fiction novel, and she handles it with such aplomb. I continued to love the character of Daphne as much as I did in the first novel, and liked getting to know more about her and what makes her tick.
This story is achingly real and meaningful, readers should absolutely pick up this series.

Book one in this series was Kit's story. Book two gives us Daphne's story. I think I loved book two even more than book one. Daphne's story is heartbreaking because it happened to so many. But her faith in God and His provision is beautiful to read. Looking forward to reading book three and learning more about Jess.