In early 1800s England, Jess Beauchene has spent most of her life in hiding and always on the move in an effort to leave her past far behind her. But when she learns the family she thought had died just might be alive and in danger, she knows her secrets can only stay buried for so long. Derek Thornbury loves the past, which has led him to become an expert in history and artifacts. He knows Jess … knows Jess has never liked him, but when she requests his help deciphering the clues laid out in an old family diary, he can’t resist the urge to solve the puzzle.
As Jess and Derek race to find the hidden artifact before her family’s enemies, they learn as much about each other as they do about the past. But can their search to uncover the truth and set history right lead to a future together?
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I’ve been waiting for Jess’s story for-ev-er! When you add the cameo appearances of beloved characters from other stories I was giddy with delight. In fact, I think the cameo appearances is my favorite aspect of this story. To see several books come together in one story…happy dance!
I also loved the chemistry between Jess and Derek. Seeing them interact usually had me chuckling and quickly reading to see what would happen next.
There was also intrigue, mystery, and good ol fashion history rolled into A Pursuit of Home.
All in all, Ms. Hunter kept me interested until the last page.
*I received a complimentary book from the publisher. My review was not required nor influenced.
I LOVED this book! In my opinion, it was the best in the Haven Manor series, and maybe my favorite of all of Kristi’s books. Wonderful, twisted plot. Excitement blended with mental puzzles to decipher, and a nerdy hero to cheer for. I highly recommend it. Even if you’ve not read the other books in the series, you will enjoy this one on its own.
This is definitely the best book in this series! I absolutely loved it! Not only do we finally get to learn Jess’s story, we also get to visit with some old friends! This makes me want to reread all of these books! This was definitely worth the wait! Kristi Ann Hunter is definitely a favorite when it comes to Regency!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
“The truth was that while the past colored the future, the people living in the present still wielded the paintbrush.”
What a surprising and completely satisfying conclusion to the Haven Manor series! This third book in the series ties in all the characters from previous books, as well as some endearing characters from A Noble Masquerade (first book in Hawthorne House series). With her trademark writing style that is fluid, easy to read, and often humorous, Kristi Ann Hunter draws us quickly into the world of intrigue and mystery in 1816 England as we finally….finally…. learn about Jess’ past. The setting and the world that the author weaves during this time period are so realistic and believable that you won’t know what’s fictional and what’s history until the author’s note at the end of the book unless you’re a European history expert (and I’m far from that). The plot is incredible with unexpected twists and turns and the maturation of faith we see in Jess is inspirational and encouraging. Derek is an unconventional hero, but a hero in his own right and you can’t help but fall in love with his geeky, awkward, but sweet, honest, loyal, and selfless ways. And their romance! So delightful, funny, filled with mishaps and tenderness! This book can definitely be read as a stand-alone but reading A Noble Masquerade and then the two previous books in the Haven Manor series prior to this book will give you a wonderful insight and affinity for Jess.
If you enjoy historical fiction with a good dose of mystery and intrigue, you will absolutely love this book. It will captivate you from the prologue and have you turning the pages for just one more chapter to try to piece together what’s happening. I received a copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
From “Somewhere in the French countryside 1806” to “I just helped you see it.” I was lost in this story, in the best way possible. The room around me disappeared.
I have wanted to know more about Jess from the moment I met her in “The Noble Masquerade.” I LOVED Jess’s story immensely!
Jess and Derek have quite an adventure as they travel around searching for clues to a hidden artifact. Something Derek was more than uncomfortable with. Seeing Derek try to figure Jess out was incredibly entertaining. Seeing Jess figure out who she was and who she was wanted to be was heart-touching. I have great respect for her. (I know this is a fiction book, but these people are real to me.)
I loved seeing Ryland and Miranda again as well as Kit and Daphne.
*I highly recommend this book. I’m sure I will be reading and/or listening to this story many times. I own the audio too. The narrator is fantastic!
Loved Jess’ story. Perfection! And loved how prior characters played such a large role in her story. It really was a beautiful story of redemption and healing. And the power of love.
‘Diaries were incredible windows into the past…He wanted that diary. The question was, did he want it badly enough to deal with her?’
Jess has been an enigma since the first book in this incredible series, A Defense of Honor. She’s cantankerous and intensely private. I was intrigued to read her story and taken completely by surprise. Jess has a sharp tongue but she is funny. Oh the dialogue between her and Derek was downright hilarious at times. He’s marvelous, by the way. A man of God who desires to help others makes him the perfect counterpart to Jess’s prickly exterior.
I enjoyed this book and didn’t want it to end. Hunter has once again given Regency fans a series to read over and over again, making it a modern ‘classic’. I can’t wait to see what is next in her repertoire of book ideas.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher. No review was required. No compensation received.
1800s Do you like mysteries? This will keep you on your toes. Jess is a girl to be liked, admired and in awe of. An interesting world of intrigue with just the right mix of servants, high society, intelligence and sweet personalities. A royal family runs from Napoleon’s henchmen in this French country. Even though they are exiled, their family stories are repeated to them, and Jess is given some key information to keep safe and later rebuild their kingdom. In the meantime as she is in hiding she becomes a spy and master of disguises in England. Derek has been brought in to the Manor to access and catalog artwork. He has special knowledge that Jess needs to unravel an encrypted diary of her Grandmother’s. And save a monarchy. A story that is richly told right to the end, and is a wonderful continuation of the Haven Manor series. It’s great to revisit these characters and see Jess’s long awaited story unfold. A fabulous way to spend time. Fabulous author. This one’s a keeper.
Disclosure of Material Connection: 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.”
#APursuitOfHome #NetGalley
If you have read the first two books in the Haven Manor series, you will surmise that this is Jess’s story. Jess Beauchene has been the cook at Haven Manor for many years. But her past has been a secret from her friends at Haven Manor from the very beginning. Then Jess learns that the family she thought dead may be alive and in mortal danger.
Derek Thornbury loves history, so much so that he became an expert in history and artifacts. One day Jess brings Derek an old family diary to translate for her, even though she does not like him very much. The clues in the diary pertain to an artifact that will prove who the real ruler of Jess’s kingdom is.
Together Derek and Jess embark on a harrowing trip in search of the artifact that may very well save her life and the life of a member of her family. Along the way Derek and Jess begin to grow closer and more accepting of each other. So, what will happen to Derek and Jess in their travels chasing down clue after clue? Will they find the missing artifact in time to save the kingdom? What will become of Jess and Derek’s budding relationship when things come together?
If you like clean, historical romance with a bit of intrigue, you will love A Pursuit of Home as much as the other two in this series. Enjoy!
I was gifted a copy of this book by the author without expectations of a positive review. All opinions stated in this review are completely my own words.
What a surprise! The author brought back a beloved character from a precious book! Jessamine Beauchene makes the reader feel brave and spunky as she continues to land in dangerous situations all for a good cause. This might be my favorite of the three in the Haven Manor Series. Thanks for giving Jess her own story.
An Amazing Mystery! Jess has spent most of her life on the run. Born in a castle and part of the nobility, she has had to fight for her life since she was a teenager. She has learned to quickly change her appearance, gather intelligence or defend herself.
At long last, Jess has found a safe place to live anonymously when the unexpected happens: her brother is alive and he might re-gain the throne. But only if he has possession of a much-revered heirloom. Additionally, there is a short time to produce it, or the chance will be lost.
Thus, Jess sets out to solve a complicated mystery that has clues hidden in paintings, whose locations are unknown. She also finds herself in the uncomfortable position of asking those she would rather not for help. Jill faces thrills, subterfuge and danger in this amazing mystery. Just when everything looks like it might have a certain outcome, the story twists again.
This clean story, told from a Christian viewpoint, is so good you will hate for it to end. You won’t want to put this down! I highly recommend this 5-plus-star book to anyone who enjoys well-written fiction that will keep you guessing, and turning the pages.
Bethany House Publishing through NetGalley has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, A Pursuit of Home, for the purpose of review.
A Pursuit of Home wildly and beautifully exceeded my high expectations. From her mind-blowing backstory to the long-awaited glimpse into her heart and mind, Jess completely captivated my reader heart. The tough, no-nonsense exterior readers are so familiar with paired with her keen intellect gives Jess a Regency Wonder Woman turned 007 vibe and I love it!
Derek is the perfect brainiac sidekick for our superheroine because he continually surprised me as well! Between their banter, his social awkwardness, her brutally blunt honesty, and the whirlwind plot involving twists, turns, beloved characters from previous Haven Manor installments, and friends from the Hawthorne House set… this story is totally ridiculously delicious.
Kristi Ann Hunter is a top-notch storyteller who crafts genuine characters and stories with heart. I highly recommend her books and I’m delighted to have them on my all-time favorites shelf.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
I have greatly enjoyed this series, but for some reason this last book fell a little flat for me. Jess is such an intriguing character with her mysterious past, and I was excited to learn about her origins and everything she has gone through to bring her to where and who she is. I liked the contrast in personalities between her and Derek, and the way they come to appreciate each other’s unique talents and abilities. The vagueness of the mystery they are solving made it hard for me to reason out their choices and visualize their methods. I understood the purpose and end goal, but there was much that was unclear and I felt rather lost along their journey.
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
I loved this last book in Kristi Ann Hunter’s Haven Manor trilogy. I had not read Regency fiction in years until I found Kristi Ann Hunter’s books. Jess’s story was full of suspense, and I loved seeing the budding relationship with what would appear an unlikely match with the art historian, Derek Thornbury. Jess was such a fun character, and I kept turning the page late into the night to see what what would happen next. I look forward to reading other books by this author.
I have been anticipating this story since A Noble Masquerade first came out and it didn’t disappoint! I actually think Kristi Hunter stepped it up a notch with this one. Only complaint- no swoon-worthy kiss. What’s up with that?
Wow! What a (carriage) ride! The heroine, Jess Beuchene, has appeared in the previous books in the Haven Manor series as well as one of the Hawthorne House books. She has always been a bit of an enigma so what better story for her than one containing a mystery.
Kristi Ann Hunter in A Pursuit of Home has filled Jess’ story with intrigue, knives, disguises, and interesting characters (some returning, some new). How can Derek Thornberry, an expert in art history, be a match for the mysterious Jess? Oh, but he is! Their quest to find the answer to a family secret provides excitement and suspense.
I so enjoyed this conclusion to the Haven Manor series. I found it to be a bit different in story line from the previous two books, but no less enjoyable. The action is non-stop and the conversation between characters is priceless. Hunter’s sense of humor is present in this book as in her other writings. I highly recommend this book, but I will add that reading at least the first two Haven Manor novels will aid the reader in understanding the story better.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review.
A Pursuit of Home is the third and final book in the Haven Manor series. I recommend reading the first two books in the series before starting this one because you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the cast of wonderful characters and you’ll love this series as much as all of the readers who have read it.
Like every other fan of this series, I have been so anxious to read Jess’s story, although the wait was hard, it was well worth it. Kristi Ann Hunter certainly crafted a terrific storyline for Jess and coming up with so many incredible disguises for her with so many interesting parts including twists,, turns, an old family diary and Derek Thornbury. I really liked Derek who is perfect for Jess.
They are quite the pair, their strengths play off of each other perfectly and of course the witty banter is something I always appreciate.
This is an amazing conclusion to an amazing series which is why it’s one of my all time favorite series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.
Where to start? I guess with the basics. This is the third installment of the Haven Manor series, and it was amazing. This book is all about Jess, the mysterious little fire-cracker who poses as Haven Manor’s cook. I have been intrigued by Jess since, well, I won’t give it away. Let’s just say it’s been a long time and it was fascinating to read her story. It was unlike any romance novel I’ve ever read, and I rather loved that.
Let’s talk about characters. Jess is so complicated and she doesn’t even know it. She sees things as black and white, cut and dry. She needs someone to add a layer of color to her life. Enter Derrick. Derrick cracked me up because he is equal parts naive innocence and realistic common sense. He helped Jess see things in a whole new way. Including herself.
Now let’s talk story line. Um. Wow. This was so interesting! The author has created a fictional country and intriguing history abounding in mystery. And the art? I so wished it was all real so I could go look it up.
This was not a sappy, kissy-faced love story. Let’s be real, I love those. But this was deep. I enjoyed that it wasn’t two devastatingly good looking people who are attracted to each other by virtue of their shared good looks. That’s hard to swallow. This felt real.
I highly recommend the Haven Manor series. They should be read in order. This is a gem and the perfect way to finish it off.
Wow!! I truly loved this story!! I think it’s her best yet in the Haven Manor Series!
I’m not sure if this is the end of the series, but if it is this was a grand finale!
I had been waiting long for Jess’s story, since I met her in A Noble Masquerade. Jess is a wonderful character, full of high spirits, determination, cleverness and spunk. And I loved that her match was Derek, even though they initially seem so opposed to each other, they really complement so well. And their romance was the sweetest of all. Maybe because of Derek’s patience and kindness to Jess, and the perseverance to melt all of the walls she had built…
This story dates from the early 1800’s. Jess comes from a royal family in Verbonne, but her family was thrown from her country and murdered, leaving her as the solely survivor. Her rescuer took her to England when she was a child, and she has always lived on the move, in secret, trying to leave her past behind and make a new life for herself without her real identity being discovered. But her past comes back catching up with her when she learns the family she thought was dead might be alive and in danger, she know she has to come to the light and do something before it’s too late.
And now she needs Derek’s help, in order to find a piece of art, guided by an old diary, that has been a hidden legend, but that could save her family and change her future. Derek is an expert in anything ancient and all history. He couldn’t be more perfect for the task, even if Jess is reluctant to ask for his help at first.
This journey of searching together for this antique artifact will be a great adventure full of intrigue, danger, and mystery. At times, it kept me on the edge of my seat because I wanted to know how the mystery would unravel. At others, it had me laughing out loud of the characters antics and their witty banter that I loved. But most of all, I loved the clean, sweet and tender growing romance between Jess and Derek. It was not a passionate explosion. It was the getting to know each other while discovering a mystery and racing to save Jess’s family and their own lives on the run, that got them to see the best of each other and to bring the best of each other in spite of the difficulties of the circumstances.
I don’t want to give anything out to spoil the story. I just want to say that the plot was totally captivating with unexpected twists and turns. The description of the artistic theme in the book seemed well researched as well as the knowledge of the Roman Empire. It seems the author did a lot of research, and it made the book more realistic. Best of all was the characters: Jess and Derek had unique traits of characters that endeared them to me. I was really looking forward to Jess’s story and it was a bit of a surprise that she matched so well with Derek. I also loved seeing characters I also loved from previous books. And some secondary characters are also worth mentioning, like Ryland, for example.
It’s a very rich story in everything: character development, historical accuracy, plot and writing style.
I truly enjoyed it as one of Kristen’s best novels!
I definitely recommend it to everyone!
Finally I get to know Jess and I loved her. She is funny, loving, loyal and deadly. Readers will understand what makes her so prickly. This story was engaging, a tearjerker and about someone who persevere despite the tragic circumstances. One of the things I love with Ms. Hunter’s writing is her wit among her characters. This one is definitely a keeper for me. You will be surprised and happy to see who pops up.
I cannot wait for her next book.
I received this book from the publisher and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.