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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What a fantastic finale to a fabulous series! Kristi Ann Hunter is one of my favorite authors, and her Haven Manor series has had me captivated. From the richly painted settings to the colorful and endearing characters and on to the carefully crafted story lines, Hunter excels at creating tales that keep me turning pages. I’ve been looking forward to Jess’s story and was not disappointed.
Jess has always been an enigma to me, and I’m so glad she got her happy ending. Although Derek seemed a bit stodgy at first, I loved the way he stepped up to his role as a caring, knowledgeable accomplice and hero for Jess. The banter between the two was so witty and fun that I was kept chuckling. Jess is such a unique and quirky character that she was constantly delighting and astounding me, and it was so satisfying to have her finally find herself and her home.
Although this book is part of a series, it could be read as a standalone, but you’ll want to read the entire series to get the full experience. I enjoyed seeing many of the characters in the previous books pop up in this one to put their “two cents” (or two pence) in and throw in some matchmaking efforts.
Brimming with adventure, intrigue, suspense, and romance, with some inspiration thrown in to give even more dimension, this story is sure to appeal to historical fiction lovers. 4.5 stars
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I was first introduced to the character, Jessimine or better known as Jess in Kristi Ann Hunter’s first novel, A Noble Masquerade, which remains to this day one of my favorite Christian romance novels. It was so inspiring and taught me a lot about forgiveness and sacrifice…..Jess has been hiding a secret for ten years and hiding out because if any of her family is living she fears for their life. But now, with the discovery that someone she long thought dead is possibly alive, it’s time for her to come out of hiding to help. She is a rather tough lady and she receives help from the antique nerd that she seemly disdains. With his intelligence and vast knowledge of antiquities, together they seek to find an object long hidden in myth and legend in order to save her family and her future. There are many twists and turns in their searching and we get to visit former characters from the previous books. It is almost a must to read the first two books. All in all another great from Kristi Hunter……I received a copy from the publisher and NetGalley and this review is in my own words.
Book Review “A Pursuit of Home” by Kristi Ann Hunter
Haven Manor Series Book 3
“A Pursuit of Home” opens “Somewhere in the French Countryside 1806” and continues to lead the reader on a journey ten years later throughout England following the adventures of Jessamine Beauchene, current cook at Haven Manor in Marlborough, England, knife expert extraordinaire, whom we learn much more about in the pages of this book as she sets out to find hidden treasure that could save a country, restore her family’s heritage, and perhaps cost her life.
Jessamine, who perfers to be called “Jess”, finds herself needing a someone who can help her in her quest and that someone happens to be a man whom she hates.
The man, Derek Thornbury, is an expert in history and paintings, and Jess needs his knowledge, yet she finds it very hard to ask his help for she is very independent.
When she finally does ask, and Derek reluctantly agrees, there begins an adventure that is filled with intrigue, humor, surprise, mystery, romance and more. Readers will surely not tire as they turn each page which leads these two further into danger and clues that either bring them closer to solving the mystery or teetering on the edge of disillusionment.
If you enjoy historical romance with lots of drama and intrique mixed in you will love this book. And if you have read the previous two books in this series, “A Defense of Honor” and “A Return of Devotion” you will really enjoy Jess’s story and the return of the familiar characters you met in books 1 and 2.
I was given a copy of this book free by the author in return for an honest review. All thoughts and comments are my own.
–Leona J. Atkinson
A pursuit of home has been much anticipated and I can hardly believe it’s finally a reality! The character of Jess practically leapt off of the pages in Kristi Ann Hunter’s debut series, even as a side character. I felt as though she stole every single scene in each Haven Manor book where she appeared, and now she has her own story!
This book was like an adventurous scavenger hunt through art and a cryptic journal. Jess and Derek were an quite the mismatched pair. She is action and boldness and he is caution and intellect and together they endeavored to solve a mystery while slowly breaking down barriers and forming a friendship. A few beloved characters from the previous series make an appearance and I couldn’t get enough of them!! It was the perfect way to tie these series loosely together. I won’t give spoilers, but I was satisfied with the conclusion of this one and wasn’t a bit mad about a happy ending for one of the most memorable characters of Kristi Ann Hunter’s novels!
We got to meet Jess in a previous book but now get to see the real her and learn her story.
What an intriguing story line.
Be sure to read the other books in the Haven Manor series in order before you read this one, just makes more sense.
Jess really is an amazing woman, who will she be next? Her disguises where phenomenal .
Art, an old family diary,hidden secrets,danger,the pursuit of happiness,
As strong as Jess is I see a certain vulnerability in her which makes her all the more relatable.
Very unexpected twist at the end wrapping up the series excellently.
Very captivating which I’ll recommending to all!
Published November 5th 2019 by Bethany House Publishers
I was given a complimentary copy. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
A Pursuit of Home
Haven Manor #3
By Kristi Ann Hunter
Jess has spent most of her life hiding her true identity, trying to forget her past. But the past has come back with a vengeance and what she remembers is what is needed to save the future of the country she was forced to flee and the family she’s long believed dead.
Derek Thornbury is employed to catalog the art collection at Haven Manor and has drawn the immediate ire of the estate’s cook. For some reason, Jess has determined to make his life as uncomfortable as she possibly can. But when she needs his help he’s not about to say no – not with the history involved in her search. And he’s not about to be just a minor piece in this quest – she needs him and his expertise to solve a family puzzle – a puzzle that Jess had no idea was in her possession.
A Pursuit of Home is fun in that we see Jess’s two worlds merge as Kit and Daphne are back and Miranda, Ryland, and Jefferies of the Hawthorne House series take an active role. To stay ahead of her family’s enemies Jess will put her skills to use. There is just one problem someone has managed to see past her disguises and that is something she never thought would ever happen.
With limited time to secure the treasure that more than one person is seeking Jess and Derek find themselves having to use their contrasting viewpoints to decipher the clues hidden within an old family diary and pieces of art scattered throughout England.
This book was, in my opinion, the best in the series. Jess has always been one of those characters you want to learn more about and this is your chance to do just so. Who knew she had such a varied and intriguing past. I like Derek and how he manages to confound Jess and all her preconceived notions about him and his work of art assessing. Some books just need to be experienced and this is so one of those books. This is the third and final book in the Haven Manor series an can be read as a standalone title but it reads so much better when read in series order.
I received a complimentary copy of this with no expectations but that I provide my own honest opinion – all thoughts expressed are my own.
This was my first ever Kristi Ann Hunter book…an odd place to start, isn’t it? Well, I’m happy I began at the end. I have no idea what I’m missing, but I enjoyed every single page! This book was ridiculously enjoyable. Jess was a perfect heroine. She’s fun yet serious, fiery but reserved, confident in some ways but she’s also insecure in others. And I absolutely adored Derek. He’s wickedly smart and nerdy in all the right ways. I loved seeing how Jess and Derek’s relationship grew. How it changed both of them. I’m really looking forward to going back and reading the first two books in this series! And seeing what comes next from Ms. Hunter!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. A positive review was not required. All opinions expressed are my own.
The journey that these two main characters take is adventurous, dangerous and still filled with moments of humor. I was glad that two characters, who were so different, came to appreciate and enjoy each other’s company, providing a great example for our world today. While the destination provided lessons these two hadn’t expected, I can’t help but think that they were glad that they had traveled. The creatively fun ending was simply magnificent. One of the things that I enjoyed most about this book was the return of characters from previous books. There was just the right balance of developing the story of the main characters, as well as, updates and appearances of familiar characters, which made me want to go back and read all of Hunter’s books again. Of course, A Pursuit of Home can certainly be read and enjoyed on its own without having read her previous books. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
n 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 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.
I loved reading Jess’s story. Every page was an adventure. Jess has many disguises that she has used throughout the years to survive. She is constantly surprising people with what she is up too. We find out that she has been hiding her identity for 10 years. Now she has to help her country establish its identity and crown the rightful king. This is where she needs Derek’s help. He is a paint expert and catalogs the paintings of the wealthy. These two travel across England looking for 6 paintings that has clues as to where to find the proof of the real king of her country.
I highly recommend this book. I was given this book by Bethany House Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.
3.5stars
“I am starting to wonder . . . .if I have ever actually met you. . . . . . Are you that prickly, argumentative woman . . . . or are you the woman who talked to me in the hayloft?”
Sometimes Jessamine Beauchene doesn’t even know who she truly is, so how can she possibly explain herself to the man who has morphed from constantly irritating into annoyingly (or in rare instances adorably) perceptive? Forced to confide in art expert Derek Thornbury, Jess tasks him with helping her to solve a generational mystery that could literally change the course of history, but she is equally convinced that her brain might die a slow, awkward death if she has to endure Derek’s incessant diatribe of interesting (to him only) facts.
Travelling surreptitiously through-out England to view a rare collection of paintings brings Jess and Derek closer to the truth, but also reveals the danger embedded in their search. There are those intent on thwarting her, making Jess all the more cautious about involving those that she has grown to love; forcing her to wonder just how the quirky, but increasingly gallant historian fits into a different picture . . . that of her future.
Carrying the weight of heavy plot elements, this book’s myriads of twists, turns, art references and duplicious, poetic meanderings may serve to confuse the reader as much as it did the characters themselves. Fortunately, its core is strong and its characters quite resiliant, for the ending is definitely worth the beginning; or perhaps the beginning is definitely worth the ending, for both are positively a “pursuit of home”.
I received a copy of this book from author and publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
Stunning, utterly unique and gigantic twist in the whole Haven Manor series – I literally could not stop reading. What I loved about the very first book I read by this author has returned in what is by far the best in the series.
Kristi Ann Hunter is not only an author who can engage the reader in a fun, humorous way via the dialogue of the characters, but so skilled in her approach to story telling. There is so many angles, and depth to this plot, the reader will not be able to see what is coming or where it will end.
A story based on something I genuinely know very little about, and a look into the past life of Jess, who has so far remained largely anonymous although essential to the stories of those who came before. One should not be surprised in the least that you end up being quite literally that – surprised.
What I especially love about this story, is there is growth and change in Jess too, as well as Derek – the art expert that has been invited to Haven Manor to catalog Lord Chelmsfords inherited collection. What you get to see between the two of them and individually is pure delight, and leaves a great sense of peace that we all have that ability to find ourselves – given time and grace.
The common reminder that Jesus Christ gave the ultimate sacrifice, but yet, also gave us the perfect pattern to follow is another gratitude that I will take away from this story.
Now I want to go right back to the beginning and read a Noble Masquerade again. Another fantastic book by this author. Her writing continues to be unique and a style all of her own. You won’t be disappointed to add this author as a must-read.
Thank you to Netgalley for the eARC. This is my honest review.
I was already a superfan of Kristi Ann Hunter’s Regency books but wow, did A Pursuit of Home blow all of my (rather high) expectations out of the water.
First, there’s Jess! Finally, finally, Jess’s backstory is revealed and it’s beyond anything I could have dreamed up. Then Hunter pairs the lady who gets things done whatever it takes with a somewhat stodgy and cerebral art appraiser. From there, sparks fly. Sometimes they’re flying as Jess and Derek butt heads over opposing opinions and others, well, let’s just say there’s a shift in their attitudes towards each other at some point.
As if that wasn’t enough to capture readers, Hunter also brings Kit, Daphne, and some familiar faces from the Hawthorne House series make their way into the fold and make for the perfect recipe (especially since the Hawthorne’s matchmaking machinations have not abated with time).
Wrongs are righted, questions are answered, and with Derek’s help, Jess figures out the person she’s meant to become. You most definitely do not want to miss the Haven Manor series finale.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
From the fertile mind of Kristi Ann Hunter comes a tale of intrigue. A spiritual journey is in store for Jess Beauchene and a trip to a place she has left behind. While in hiding, word comes that one she thought dead needs her help to solve a mystery. Jess has been holding her own for ten years. She is capable and equipped to defend herself. So she is confounded to realize that she in turn needs help from a man who irritates her no end. He comes in the person of art and antiquities curator, Derek Thornbury. Jess also gains help from friends she left without saying goodbye to because she intended to protect them. Can she realize with Derek’s help that she is worth something to God?
“Love is a sacrifice, but it’s also selfish, because when you are able to give the other person what they need, it comes back on to you, too. Which means you don’t get to decide if you’re worth it or not.”
Jess has come a long way since we first met her in A Noble Masquerade where she was a parlor maid and a spy. But her past has caught up with her and she MUST do something about it.
How Ms. Hunter comes up with these intricate plots is mystifying. But she executes the story flawlessly. The characters come alive through their enjoyable banter and the spiritual message shines through.
I suggest that you read the whole Haven Manor series starting with A Defense of Honor. But why stop there! Add the two novellas as well. And don’t forget the Hawthorne House series which introduces us to Jess. That is an exceptional series as well.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
We FINALLY have Jess’s story!! Insert “squealing” here! I have been needing Jess’s story for several books now and am so excited it’s finally released! I could not put this one down. Derek is a perfect match for Jess in every sense of the word and I adored him and his growth in the book. Jess’s backstory was one I wouldn’t have thought up but it was perfect the way Kristi wrote it. We are reunited with several characters from the Hawthorne House set and that was a favorite part of the story for me. The humor I have come to expect from Kristi’s books was there in spades and made the story even better for me. I know that I am gushing but Kristi has been a favorite author of mine since reading her first book(I have read them all) and she never disappoints. From great characters, tons of humor and a fantastic setting and time period, Kristi’s books are always instant favorites for me and I devour them as soon as they are released. Her books are firmly on my keeper shelf!
I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
Yay!! I have been waiting for Jess’s story ever since The Noble Masquerade. That’s 6 books I’ve been waiting (yeah, yeah, it wasn’t a hardship but still!). When we met Darek in book 2 of The Haven Manor series, I rang my hands in gleeful anticipation. I knew Darek and Jess’s chemistry was going to have me grinning up a storm. And I wasn’t wrong. These two are a classic look at opposites attracting. She gets him to look at the world differently and vice versatility. They round each other out in such a wonderful way.
There was a mystery to this story that we haven’t really seen in other Kristi Hunter books and it was well done and intriguing. We were all along for the ride, trying to piece together the clues in the art.
I loved seeing beloved characters from past books as well. And that closer scene was great and romantic. I only wish there had been more romantic scenes like that. A bit more heart-eye swoonies and this story would have ticked all the boxes.Yay!! I have been waiting for Jess’s story ever since The Noble Masquerade. That’s 6 books I’ve been waiting (yeah, yeah, it wasn’t a hardship but still!). When we met Darek in book 2 of The Haven Manor series, I rang my hands in gleeful anticipation. I knew Darek and Jess’s chemistry was going to have me grinning up a storm. And I wasn’t wrong. These two are a classic look at opposites attracting. She gets him to look at the world differently and vice versatility. They round each other out in such a wonderful way.
There was a mystery to this story that we haven’t really seen in other Kristi Hunter books and it was well done and intriguing. We were all along for the ride, trying to piece together the clues in the art.
I loved seeing beloved characters from past books as well. And that closer scene was great and romantic. I only wish there had been more romantic scenes like that. A bit more heart-eye swoonies and this story would have ticked all the boxes.
Jess’ story is here!! And oh my word is it fantastic! Right from the opening, I was glued to it! As always, Kristi Ann’s humor shines through and I am here for it! But readers, there are some amazing themes in this book… love, sacrifice, belonging, and family. The way that KAH weaves these into the story is so beautifully done! Jess’ story is everything I had hoped it would be and so much more. I can’t begin to comprehend the research that must have gone into this book with the Holy Roman Empire and artwork. Oh! The artwork! I’m not much for staring at a painting and trying to discover what the artist was feeling when they created it, but KAH drew me in with the art and made it real and fascinating. I loved Derek and Jess’ interaction from the beginning when he was introduced in A Return of Devotion and watching the two of them navigate this mystery together was splendid! Fans of KAH will delight in the presence of so many previous characters from both series as well. Superbly done! I highly recommend it!
“Sometimes stories are more about the one doing the telling than the tale being told. The true magic is the heart in the words, the emotion in the pauses, the depth of the conviction. “
This is the beginning of A Pursuit of Home by Kristi Hunter the third book in the Haven Manor series. Our heroine, Jess Beauchene, has appeared in the last two novels and has always been a favorite character of mine. Her past has been a mystery and we really do not know her backstory until now. Our hero, Derek Thornbury, is an expert in artifacts and history. The two have never really hit it off, but now Jess needs Derek and his talents to solve a family mystery.
Their story is filled with adventure, intrigue, disguises, love, and the humor Kristi Hunter is known for. I was drawn into this amazing book after the first two sentences and reminded of how much I love Ms. Hunter’s gifted storytelling, the depth of her writing, and her insightful spiritual themes. I was so glad for the opportunity to read A Pursuit of Home and truly sad when it ended. It is a wonderful read. I highly recommend you read A Pursuit of Home. It will be the highlight of your year.
I was given a copy by the publisher, but not required to write a positive review.
Kristi Ann Hunter is one of my favorite Regency period writers. The setting of Haven Manor has been perfect for this series, and from her detailed descriptions, I think I could recognize the Manor if I came upon it during a walk in that fictional countryside. Her storylines are interesting and always have a thread of intrigue. There’s been some other wonderful characters in this series, but Jess has always been the character in whom I’ve been the most interested. There’s always been such mystery around her, and it was obvious that she had some serious defensive skills. It was fun to read her story, and it was all that I’d hoped for with a suspenseful storyline and a good dose of humor.
I never would have put Jess and Derek together as a couple, but it was the perfect combination of their differences that made this story so entertaining to read. I was looking for every chance I could find to read and see what was going to happen next. We also get to catch up with some other characters from the series and that added to the fun. This is a clean, sweet Regency story with a thread of faith that winds all the way through it. I’m ready to read through this series again, and at the same time, looking forward to the next one from this author.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I’ve been waiting for Jess’s story, and I wasn’t disappointed. It was just as convoluted, mysterious, and exciting as Jess herself. There were beloved characters from previous books that added much to the story, but the character and skills of Jess really come through in this story.
Though the story is wrought with suspense and intrigue, Jess still is what makes this book so good. Her varied and amazing costumes, many talents, and backstory are fascinating. Her future uncertain
I really came to like Derek. He’s so far removed from what most thrilling main male characters are suppose to be. There is nothing overly exciting about him, but he’s content to be himself, which is rare. I’m no lover of art so that’s a foreign concept, but I loved that he knew so many interesting facts. He reminded much of my hubby…not exciting or thrilling, but steady and always there when needed. He really is a unique male hero, and that isn’t a bad thing.
This book has a mild faith theme that grows and is woven well throughout the book.
I usually would read a book like this in one or two sessions, but I didn’t with this one. I’m not really sure why myself. Maybe I wanted to savor a book that wrapped up so many book friends, or perhaps I was pretty sure of part of the ending at least so I didn’t feel I had to rush through the book. I savored this one.
With a wonderful cast of characters, a country that needs saving, and a young woman coming into her own and discovering new things about herself, it all wraps up to make for a terrific novel well worth the read.
Take a journey with Jess-mostly to see what she discovers about herself and where her heart calls home.
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Having read previous Haven Manor novels, I had wondered how Jess’ story would play out and was not at all disappointed by the result. The numerous twists, turns, and layers of mystery made this book very hard to put down! I loved the character development of Jess and Derek and how their relationship changed throughout the book. It was fun getting to revisit familiar faces from some of Ms. Hunter’s other novels who reappeared in A Pursuit of Home.
Not only was this novel entertaining and riveting, but it also evoked several different emotions ranging from sadness to outright laughter. It was also educational, creating a greater understanding and appreciation for artistic painting of the Regency time period and earlier. If you’re looking for an entertaining, informative, and page-turning
read, you have definitely found one in A Pursuit of Home. Well worth your time and well done!
I received an advanced review copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.