Description:
Daphne Blakemoor was content living in her own secluded world for the last twelve years. She had everything she needed--loved ones, a true home, and time to indulge her imagination. But when ownership of the estate where she works as a housekeeper passes to a new marquis with an undeniable connection to her past, everything she's come to rely upon is threatened.
William, Marquis of Chemsford's main goal in life is to be the exact opposite of his father. Starting a new life in the peace and quiet of the country sounds perfect . . . until his housekeeper turns his life upside down.
Both Daphne and William have spent their lives hiding from the past. Can they find the courage to face their deepest wounds and, perhaps, forge a new path for the future together?
William, Marquis of Chemsford's main goal in life is to be the exact opposite of his father. Starting a new life in the peace and quiet of the country sounds perfect . . . until his housekeeper turns his life upside down.
Both Daphne and William have spent their lives hiding from the past. Can they find the courage to face their deepest wounds and, perhaps, forge a new path for the future together?
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 a RITA Award 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 www.kristiannhunter.com.
My Thoughts: 5 stars
I’m not typically a huge fan of Regency novels, but there are a couple authors that I can’t wait to grab their books as soon as they’re available and Kristi Ann Hunter has been a favorite of mine since reading her very first novella. Though this is technically the second book in a series, it can be read as a standalone. But I personally enjoyed the first book immensely as well, so I would highly recommend reading it first.
There are a few authors whose characters simply come to life as I’m reading and I’ve fallen in love with all of Ms. Hunter’s characters to date. I was so excited to learn this story would be Daphne’s, as she was one of my favorite secondary characters from “A Defense of Honor”! She’s so sweet and awkward and loving and looks to find the best in other people. I loved her heart for the children and was so curious as to what kind of hero Ms. Hunter would concoct to love this eclectic lady and her house. My attention was grabbed and held from the very first page to the very last. So many secrets and mysteries to unravel, as well as characters to get to know and old friends to finally recognize.
"I think that silence can sometimes help you find yourself . . . . Life is so busy
and loud sometimes. It can be easy to have everything crowd your mind
until you can't hear yourself and you forget who you are, and only
see how you fit into the larger churning picture."
- Daphne Blakemoor
My heart broke for Daphne so often, at the pain and regret she carried, telling herself she would never be enough. I couldn’t help but love William and his kindness toward people and situations he didn’t entirely understand. Even when faced with a truth that was extremely taboo at the time, he still offered grace and understanding, after the initial surprise wore off. One of my very favorite things about Ms. Hunter’s books has always been how the characters are so realistic and don’t conform to the typical norm of the period. They have flaws and oddities and quirks just like everyone else. I inevitably turn the final page of her stories with a feeling as though I’m saying “farewell” to some dear friends. But the wonderful thing about such stories is that I can pick them up anytime and “visit” my fictional people again.
In case it hasn’t been made abundantly apparent, I greatly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it! Even if Regency isn’t typically your “cup of tea,” this may be a series you would find worth giving a go.
As usual, if you'd like to learn more about the book, or maybe add it to your Goodreads list, or get a copy of your own, links are below!
I hope you have an awesome day!
