When Katherine “Kit” FitzGilbert turned her back on London society more than a decade ago, she determined never to set foot in a ballroom again. But when business takes her to London and she’s forced to run for her life, she stumbles upon not only a glamorous ballroom but also Graham, Lord Wharton. What should have been a chance encounter becomes much more as Graham embarks on a search for his … friend’s missing sister and is convinced Kit knows more about the girl than she’s telling.
After meeting Graham, Kit finds herself wishing things could have been different for the first time in her life, but what she wants can’t matter. Long ago, she dedicated herself to helping women escape the same scorn that drove her from London and raising the innocent children caught in the crossfire. And as much as she desperately wishes to tell Graham everything, revealing the truth isn’t worth putting him and everyone she loves in danger.
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I absolutely loved this view of one of the darker sides of Regency England…and how people could shine the light of the Lord into these situations if they had enough bravery and love.
“The most precious gems are forged from pressure. God brings beauty from adversity, when you let Him.”
Another winner from Kristi Ann Hunter. It boggles my mind how deftly and beautifully Ms. Hunter has portrayed grace and forgiveness while dealing with a sensitive and disturbing topic plaguing the darker side of Regency aristocracy’s glitz and glamour. The settings of London and Marlborough are breath-taking and wonderfully descriptive; the story is well-written; the plot is intricately detailed and well-paced; the dialogue is fantastically amusing and witty; the characters are so lovable despite their faults and flaws; and the thread of faith, grace, and mercy is strong throughout the book. Anyone who loves Regency romance with fun twists and turns to the plot and a swoon-worthy hero would absolutely love this book.
Graham is a privileged son of an earl who is bored out of his mind. He, unlike so many of his peers, has a set of parents who dote on each and dote on him. He has never had hardship in his life and he knows it. Despite his privileged station in life, Graham is easy-going, down-to-earth, tender-hearted, oh-so-lovely, and truly a gentleman. When his world collides with Kit’s, he has the opportunity to shake himself out of his boredom and actually do something meaningful with his life. Kit is such a broken soul, riddled with guilt and shame. She’s only focused on one thing until Graham comes knocking on her door – literally and emotionally. Graham and Kit’s story shows how God can use individuals to touch multitude of lives for the better.
I didn’t read the prequel novella (A Search for Refuge) but that didn’t hinder my enjoyment of this book and this can definitely be read as a stand-alone. I have a long ways to wait for book #2 (A Return of Devotion) since it’s slotted to be released in early 2019….. please write faster, Ms. Hunter!
I received this book from the author and Baker Publishing Group and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own and subjective.
I do not fancy myself a romance reader, but I could be swayed if more authors in this genre would spin stories like Kristi Ann Hunter. Everything about this book is perfection! The characters were genuine and likable. The writing is effortless and captivating. Highly recommend!
This story is unlike any other Regency era story I’ve read and I loved it! Great Christian fiction!
Aristocratic life isn’t all about ‘the season’ with its pretty dresses and fancy balls. Sometimes things happen and unexpected children are the result, forever ruining the mother’s life but having little consequence for the father. Kit is a rescuer of these women and the unwanted offspring. The women get a second chance and the children are not condemned to orphanages or the workhouse.
Her method of providing support for the children is unorthodox but she doesn’t see another option. I loved her determination to do what she thought was best. It took a good bit of bravery, even if she wasn’t always feeling brave on the inside. Without giving spoilers, I can say that things are going fairly well until she meets Graham, Lord Wharton, she leaves to go back to her life but then he finds her.
“…Haven Manor wasn’t just a refuge it was a family…” This line from the book tells what it is truly about. Family. Kit, Daphne, Jess, and the children. A uniquely created family.
What happens when Graham finds her and Haven Manor? You must read that for yourself,
Parts of this story are very moving. Some parts are quite funny. The children will steal your heart.
I highly recommend this book! I first got the audible edition and loved it! The narrator is fantastic.
When I saw the Kindle version on sale, I had to have it too. Though I knew the story well, I enjoyed reading it again in preparation for the next book in the series.
Haven Manor is almost a world unto itself. It drew me into its halls, filling my heart with compassion and love for the women and children who reside there. The cast of characters is a treasure trove. I loved witnessing their lives change and enrich through each other. Hunter writes authentic Regency, the details and descriptions seem so real.
A Defense of Honor is the first book in a new trilogy by acclaimed author, Kristi Ann Hunter. It is a moving look at what life possibly warranted for women compromised and bearing illegitimate children of the aristocracy. I never gave much thought to the subject and was quite intrigued as I read along.
Katherine “Kit” FitzGilbert finds her life changed from that of a dazzling debutante to a do-whatever-it-takes champion of these women. All she imagines for them is the work house, or even death, if she doesn’t step in and seek to provide a haven in order to protect them and their children from a lugubrious future. Needless to say, Kit is untrusting of men and reasons that none would step forward to do the right thing without strong-arm tactics.
Graham, Lord Wharton, is simply a refreshing character and exactly whom Kit needs to become acquainted with to show her the fallacy of her thinking. He is heir to an earldom, looking for purpose in life. He has no dark and dangerous history as is often found in Regencies, which upon first glance may seem dull but he is anything but! Hunter has written an exceptionally romantic character in Wharton. There is a viridity about him that I found refreshing.
Historical fiction fans will undoubtedly savor this narrative of mystery, cunning manipulation, mysterious chess pieces, delightfully charming children, heart-stirring romance, containing themes of forgiveness and redemption. I know I was enraptured and had a difficult time setting it aside to do other things. I eagerly await book two.
I was provided a print copy of the book from the publisher. No review was required. No compensation has been received.
A Defense of Honor is book one in the Haven Manor series by Kristi Ann Hunter. If you love the Regency area romance than this is the book for you. This story is one that grabs at the heartstrings. This is a story that is full of love, hope, longing, dreams and what has been. I love the protectiveness and determination of Kit. Then there is Graham oh my. A girls dream guy. Be sure to get your copy of A Defense of Honor today.
A Defense of Honor (2018) by Kristi Ann Hunter is the first book in her Haven Manor series. This book comes in all forms including eBook, and is 376 pages in length. With a full-time job and a very busy six-year old at home, this novel took me two days to read. I received a copy of this book in paperback form from the author via her publisher, Bethany House. In no way has this influenced my opinion of the story. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. I give A Defense of Honor 5 STARS. This novel is a Christian Historical Romance set in England in 1816.
Kristi Ann Hunter is one of my most favorite Christian authors. I adore her stories. Each one is so good and so unique, I think to myself, “How can she possibly do a better story than this?!” But each story gets better and better. And, A Defense of Honor may be my new favorite.
Ruth is one of my most favorite books in the Bible. I love Ruth’s heart. Ruth shows love the way Jesus shows love — completely and without strings attached. And, she knows how to trust God absolutely. Kit is very much a Ruth-like character. She loves the people in her care so much. And her sense of doing what is right and just is laudable. Daily, Kit defends and fights for women and children whom the world views as rubbish. Kit is truly doing the Lord’s work! But is she really? At one point, Kit realizes that her actions aren’t as noble as they seem. Kit is defending and fighting for women and children, but she is doing so with a vengeful heart rather than with a loving one. Kit realizes that her work has led her down a path where she doesn’t even talk to God anymore. She is more about making men pay for their crimes than she is about trusting God’s will in the lives of the women and children she is saving. Somewhere along the way, Kit lost her Ruth-like heart and is on the wrong path.
Trusting God is a really big theme in A Defense of Honor. While reading, I became so invested in Kit and her noble cause that I didn’t even realize that she wasn’t trusting God. I was right there with Kit during her freak outs and worry moments. I started stressing about things like finances and food and clothes. When Graham shows Kit that she is actually in the wrong, I was so ready to beat him up. “What are you talking about, Graham!? Kit is wonderful. Leave her alone” is what I wanted to yell at him. But, as he explains to Kit where she is falling short, my mouth gaped in dawning understanding. Oh my word…I stink. I was so invested in Kit because I am Kit. I try so hard to do everything on my own, to take care of everyone on my own, and to fix everything on my own. I go in guns blazing! But where does that get me? In trouble!!! I find I’m backed into a corner with nowhere to go but to God. And this is what Kit realizes. She does have a noble cause. She needs to never stop fighting for the women and children in her care, but she needs to do it with God, not without. I love this message SO much, and I am so grateful I read this book because I clearly needed this reminder.
A Defense of Honor is a really great story, and I highly recommend it. I found it to be highly engaging and fast-paced. The characters are well written and very realistic. And, the messages and themes are timely. If you are looking for an excellently penned Regency novel with substance then A Defense of Honor is definitely the book for you.
Such a lovely start to what promises to be an engrossing series! I admit, I’m pretty attached to the Hawthorne family, but the inhabitants of Haven Manor are proving to be stiff competition. Kit, Daphne, Jess (who readers will probably recognize from the Hawthorne books) are easy-to-love characters, not to mention the sweet rambunctious nature of the children in their care. Graham is endearing from the start, easily climbing over all of the barriers that the three ladies, especially Kit, have set in order to keep themselves and the children hiding in seclusion. As the son of an earl, he is restless and lacking purpose, but not lacking a good heart and a desire to help others. There were a few times that I wished for Kit not to feel quite so distant (although that did make me empathize with Graham), but eventually I was won over by her genuine struggles and loved her all the more for them. Children in stories are hit or miss for me because sometimes they just end up sounding just like the adult characters. The children in this story feel realistic, and I found myself completely charmed by them.
One thing especially spoke to me throughout this story. One being that God places value on everyone, whether the world does or not – what a comforting, needed thought that is right now. Kit deals with a lot of guilt and shame, something that many find overwhelming and are unable to defeat without support. There is a lot of urging to reach out for help if you need it, but often those who need help most can’t find it in themselves to do that – others must reach out to them and be observant to their cries of help. I didn’t mean to go on this tangent, but the message that there is so much hurting in the world and sometimes one kindness or one relationship can make all of the difference is so important.
I enjoyed the change of pace from the ballrooms and society-driven needs of London. Most of the setting is in a quiet country village that radiates peace, tranquility, and safety. The subject matter of illegitimate children is handled quite well, painting a realistic picture without going into sordid details. Hunter doesn’t shy away from the consequences of their indiscretion and is very honest about the huge difference and double standard of those consequences for the woman involved. Kit’s work with these women offers them hope in an otherwise hopeless situation. This combined with her overall realization that she doesn’t have to bear it all makes for a emotional story.
Along with Kit and Graham, this story introduced several intriguing and lovable secondary characters. Of course, Daphne’s story is next, and I can’t wait to read that. Jess is no less deserving of her own story, and I even like the quirky Priscilla. Oh, and I must mention Graham’s best friends, Oliver and Aaron. I especially loved Aaron and wouldn’t mind seeing him again. Historical details, a thoughtful plot, and endearing characters make this first book in the Haven Manor series a winner for me.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher and was not required to post a review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Another absolutely splendid novel from Kristi Ann Hunter! I have been eagerly anticipating this first novel in the Haven Manor series since March when I read the prequel novella, A Search for Refuge! I knew A Defense of Honor was going to be fabulous and to say that I was not disappointed would be a humongous understatement, I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH! This story grabbed hold of me on page one and would not let go! When I pick up a book by this author I know I’m in for a super fun, witty ride that somehow also manages to strengthen my faith, touch my heart, and make me think, and that is exactly what A Defense of Honor did! I will be thinking about this story for a long time to come. I loved Kit, Daphne, and Jess (I loved Jess in A Noble Masquerade, and I was thrilled to get to hang out with her again!) not to mention all the delightful children! And Graham, oh my word! What a noble, Godly, caring, lovable, hilarious, swoon-worthy hero. Kit, you’re one lucky lady! These characters have become like dear friends to me and I so look forward to hanging out with them again!
I also absolutely loved watching Kit and Graham grow in their faith, the faith journey they took has challenged and inspired me in my own life, and was exactly what I needed to read at this point in my life!
I don’t want to risk spoiling anything so I will just say that I absolutely adored every moment I spent reading this book, and hated to see it end, but a sigh of happiness escaped my lips when I turned the final page! A Defense of Honor is one of my favorite reads of 2018 so far, I definitely plan on rereading it in the future, and I can’t wait for the rest of the series! Highly recommended, I would give it every star in the sky if I could, but alas I am forced to limit my rating to five stars! Seriously, read it, read it, READ IT, you will not be sorry!
Thank you to the author and publisher for sending me a copy of this book to help promote it. Which did not influence my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.
“He was being passed over for a bush?”
Lord Graham Wharton craves conversation with a woman who is more than just a pretty face in the midst of a room full of social elites, so after glimpsing a fair headed maiden clothed in a bright green dress slipping in and out of the greenery along the perimeter of the ballroom, his curiosity births “an unbidden and unfathomable desire to defend the unknown woman’s honor”. Was she in some sort of mortal danger or simply avoiding an annoying suitor? Ironically, the former Lady Katherine FitzGilbert was not, nor ever would be, a figment of his imagination, for there was much to more to the disappearing woman than a clandestine meeting behind a potted plant.
Kit has avoided her past for more than a decade, but after a meeting in London turns dangerous, she ducks inside a crowded ballroom in order to hide in plain sight . . . .except that she never gets the opportunity to remain hidden. The memory of her short, entertaining conversation with Lord Wharton and his subsequent assistance against a gangs of thugs, follows her home to Haven Manor where her precious “family” desperately needs to remain hidden, especially from a future earl. How in heaven’s name did he find her? And why does her heart keep telling her that she never wants him to leave?
Graham knew that “there were secrets here (Haven Manor), inside every feminine head, but it was Kit who most fascinated him. He’d never worked so hard to get to know someone in his life”. It was those secrets that could prove to be their downfall, unless faith was given a chance to claim victory over fear.
An outstanding novel by Kristi Hunter!
I received a copy from the author; the opinions stated above are entirely my own.
A riskier darker side to the Regency era we all know and love. A deeply emotive story that will open up an alternate view point, to the challenging world of illegitimacy in the 1800s . With a unique plot, and genuine heartfelt storyline, Kristi tells a story you probably haven’t heard before. With an eye for even the tiniest of details (and I notice, as a British reader) I can tell she has thoroughly researched her subject. This story follows through now 12/13 years on from her novella – with a humorous but catchy opener between Graham & Kit. She’s back in London, it’s a mystery to the reader & to Graham who is certain he has never seen her grace the London scene before. Known as Lord Wharton to his peers, he and his 2 loyal friends – Oliver & Aaron, will find themselves finding a lot more than they bargained for as their search for Oliver’s sister takes Graham & Oliver to market town of Marlborough.
I loved so much about this story. Yes, it might not be your typical regency tale – and difficult subjects are addressed. This is what made this book so engaging. The fears, the plight, the uncertainty, the secrets, even the means in which Kit, Daphne & Jess are keeping their little band holed up hidden at Haven Manor. They are survivors, and doing what they think is best with the means they have. It isn’t until Graham is able to bring a little light, and eventually objectivity that change is made possible – and with that a lesson for all of us. It’s ok when we get through our lives the way we see fit, but how much more light can we invite in when we let go of the control we desperately cling to, and trust in a God who can show us a better way. Growth happens. Peace can be felt. I love the authors writing style. Everything is so descriptive without being wordy, she had me right there in the scene, with such clarity, each emotion was felt, the images vivid in my mind. There’s an ‘almost fly on the wall’ experience. That’s what I want to find in a book. I got lost in this tale!
I’m so excited to see what more is in store in this series!
Thank you to Bethany House for a complimentary copy of this book. This is my honest review.
“The most precious gems are forged from pressure. God brings beauty from adversity, when you let him.”
A terrific read that touches the heart. Children in books is one of my favorite things, and it generally guarantees a heart touching story. It’s happy and sad, wonderful and glorious, yet heartbreaking as well.
What is the right way to handle the illegitimate children and the mothers? This book proves that there is no easy answer to that question, and not every situation has the same answer. The one thing that is known is that God loves them all.
The characters in this story are incredibly well done, the subject is a difficult one that was handled so incredibly well by this author, and the story is one that evokes compassion and empathy. Adoption and foster care are two subjects so very close to my heart. We adopted a toddler who needed a family so this story felt so personal!
It’s hard to say sometimes what is exactly the right way for wrong in this world to be handled. It is easy to say that Ms. Hunter did a terrific job in handling the subject in this well done novel. To me, though I liked the characters, the plot is what pulled me in to the story…the adventures of the children were a delight as well. Please don’t miss this story that, though historical, deals with a topic that still resonates today in many ways.
“ The very idea that anyone would tell Benedict or Blake or young, quiet Arthur that they were curses who never should have been born made Graham’s hands curl into fists…he did feel incredibly, unbelievably blessed.”
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
A beautiful and inspiring story of forgiveness, love, and faith. Kristi Ann Hunter’s delightful prose, interesting characters, and inspiring faith gave this book a wonderful foundation upon which she created a beautiful story.
Full review at blog.
A Defense of Honor by Kristi Ann Hunter is the first book in a new series of Christian regency romance.
Many years ago, Kit and her friends decided to start an orphanage, in a hidden country estate, for the abandoned, illegitimate children of the nobility. Business takes her to London, and she runs into Lord Graham. He is searching for his sister and begins to follow Kit because he believes she might hold the answer. Can Kit keep the children hidden?
Kristi Ann Hunter is one of my favorite authors, and I jumped on the chance to read this book. It didn’t disappoint. The romance was a lot of fun, especially because of all the secrets to unravel and the suspense and misunderstandings that brought. Not that I would find it particularly fun to live through, but it was interesting to watch and see what would happen next. I also liked the characters themselves, because many of them had memorable personalities, and I enjoyed watching the way that they grew into better people.
This book was very enjoyable to read, and since I already read the rest of the series, let me say that I loved all of those books as well. It is a good series with cute romances, quirky characters, some humor, and historical cultural details fitted seamlessly into the story. I highly recommend it.
I received a complementary copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for sharing them.
Set in 1816 England. Christian Historical Romance
Characters who are people you would like to know. This held my interest right from the beginning. Graham (Lord Wharton) is at a party for London’s society when he spies a girl behind some of the potted shrubbery. Her hand darts out to grab some of the pastry off the tray of a passing servant. Hooked!
I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.”
#ADefenseOfHonor #KristiAnnHunter #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #NetGalley
Hunter creates a careful balance between the serious subject matter and the humorous personality of hero Graham, Lord of Wharton. Kit’s seriousness is sometimes a bit much, but her take-charge attitude is exactly what Haven Manor needs, even if she doesn’t go about it the right way. But the best way Hunter rounds her cast of characters is with motherly Daphne, street smart Jess, dramatic Oliver, down-to-earth Aaron, and the adorable children. How Hunter manages to give each character their own personality is beyond me, but she does a great job of giving each character their own voice.
(My full review can be found on my blog at https://justjenniferpurcell.com/2019/08/23/just-read-a-defense-of-honor-by-kristi-ann-hunter/)
I’ve read all of Kristi’s books and have loved every one of them. But this is my favorite! Cannot wait to get my hands on the next one!
A Defense of Honor is an entirely different Regency novel than what I usually encounter. Many novels are a series of fancy balls and flirtations as the heroine hopes to find a proper husband. In this tale, readers see another side of the wealthy society – the women taken advantage of by men who abandoned them and did not acknowledge the children produced by the relationship. Under most circumstances the women were left in disgrace and often children were doomed to a life of servitude if not death. Determined to make a difference, Kit FitzGilbert and two friends take it upon themselves to provide a home and education for as many of the unwanted children as possible and perhaps saving their mothers from scandal. Despite their personal sacrifice, providing for these children required funding and Kit’s unconventional methods of acquiring money came close to landing her in trouble more than once. When Lord Wharton enters her life, Kit finds it difficult to keep her secrets but the children’s future could depend on her silence.
I loved everything about this book. It was fun watching the relationship develop between Kit and Graham and gratifying to witness her change of heart about her methods of collecting funding and learning to depend on the Lord to provide. An excellent plot with wonderful characters and several unexpected twists, A Defense of Honor held my attention throughout. I look forward to more titles by this author.
I love the way she handled the topic, illegitimacy. Her heroine tried to right a wrong, in the wrong way, but sympathy immediately surged for the heroine as well as the other characters.
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 that’s saying a lot because 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 anymore. That title was lost in a moment of selfishness and greed, and now she’s paying the price. After 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 be 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 wanting 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 something special to share 🙂