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 was quite literally dying to get my hands on this book. Hunter has a way of making me fall in love with characters and she’s done it from the first book of hers I picked up. I loved Jess right away and was hoping she would finally get her own story. She is such a fun and completely unique character and I couldn’t wait to get to know her even more. Hunter took me by surprise as I had no way of guessing what was going to happen in this story. Just as unpredictable as Jess herself, so is this book. Derek was also a one of a kind character and I found him easy to love. I enjoyed his interest in life and history, even if he might often come across as a know it all. Once you get to know him as I have you’ll know what I mean. Hunter had me laughing in one chapter and holding my breath in the next. I could not wait to see what would happen, and was turning pages way too late into the night trying to find a place where I could actually put the book down. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes Historical Romance. I was blessed to read the first two books in the Haven Manor series, and although you don’t have to read them to enjoy this book, I totally recommend that you do. Otherwise you’ll be missing out on all the fun of seeing some of the main characters return. I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and was in no way forced to post a review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.
The reader is immediately drawn into A Pursuit of Home by a story from Jess Beuchene’s past in the intense prologue.
Throughout the book there is an important mystery that must be solved. It will lead Jess Beuchene and Derek Thornbury on a journey together where they must rely on each other.
Jess and Derek are so different. He is book smart and her intelligence comes from her unique life experiences.
“He always seemed perfectly happy to be his odd self.”
He is so awkward and could spend every moment discussing paintings or telling someone a random fact.
“At least he was moving toward the carriage, even if he couldn’t stop himself from reciting every obscure fact about the smallest thing that no one in his vicinity even knew about, much less cared for.”
Even when Derek thinks of his attraction for Jess, he thinks of it from a painting’s perspective. Jess sees people and their actions and motives. She doesn’t want to get close to people because of what she has lost, and she doesn’t want to be emotional.
“Anyone who insisted on foisting their romantic notions on her could find themselves with ipecac in their tea.”
Although they are so opposite and even argue with each other in multiple languages, they are still perfect together. This is especially true when they are able to open up, like the really sweet scene when Derek is teaching Jess how to knit.
“This was different from attraction, different from friendship, different from anything she’d ever known. This made her feel vulnerable. This was terrifying.”
My favorite book by Hunter is A Noble Masquerade and I absolutely love that Ryland and Miranda return in Jess’ story. While there are returning characters from the Hawthorne House series and others from the earlier books in the Haven Manor series, any of these books can be enjoyed on their own.
A Pursuit of Home is a story of mystery, adventure, and love that will keep you guessing what will happen next.
Jess and Derek’s interactions are humorous, especially with all of Jess’s disguises, but I loved the moments where they had surprisingly deep discussions with one another. One of the supporting characters (you’ll have to read the novel to find out which one) describes Derek as a perfect fit for Jess, and I have to agree. Derek isn’t afraid to challenge Jess, which she at times hates. But he pushes her to be herself, or at least try to figure out who she is.
I think my favorite part, though, was seeing Ryland and Miranda again! A Noble Masquerade remains my favorite Kristi Ann Hunter book. Seeing Jess’s friends and former employers again was like an early Christmas present. In many ways, A Pursuit of Home reminds me of why I loved A Noble Masquerade. There’s intrigue, action, and incredible chemistry between the characters. I sighed; I laughed; I swooned.
And I groaned when it ended.
I think it’s safe to say I loved this book. Who am I kidding? I loved this series!
This book gripped me from the prologue and didn’t let go until The End. Charming and intriguing plot with great character development and a wonderful smattering of past characters. Highly recommend if you like historical romance or European-based novels.
Art, family secrets to uncover, danger, intrigue, love and more are found in this great story. From disguises to bravery, main character Jess made me want to know even more about her. A wonderful read. I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required.
After her family’s murders, Jess Beuchene, left only with the diary her father entrusted with her and family legends about their beloved home country, Verbonne, worked with the English to defeat Napoleon. Having finished her work, she moved on, ending up working as a cook in a home for unwed mothers and their children, never expecting that she would receive word that her brother, long presumed dead, is alive and trying to claim his place as king of Verbonne. In order to do that, however, he needs a special symbol of his right to rule–and the secret of where to find that item is hidden in the words of the diary Jess has kept safe. Although she’d prefer to work alone, the diary is written in Italian and describes various works of art, and Jess must enlist the help of Derek Thornbury, an art expert who can also translate the diary. Unfortunately for her, he’s one of the most annoying people she has ever met–and while he agrees to help, he asks far too many questions and sees through her attempts to give him as little information as possible. Determined to be a full partner in their quest, Derek doesn’t settle for Jess’s half-answers and evasiveness; he pushes for more and in so doing, he comes to know Jess better than anyone.
Wow! This is a thrilling read. I’ve been waiting for Jess’s story, because she’s been such a fascinating side character in the author’s previous books, and this book did not disappoint. I loved seeing the interactions between sarcastic, world-wise Jess and scholarly, somewhat oblivious Derek–and especially seeing the moments when Derek wasn’t quite as obtuse as Jess thought. I loved how Derek, while determined to help, recognized that there were things that Jess was better at than he was and didn’t try to stop her from doing them, while also asserting himself when he did have the strengths needed to help. I also loved seeing other characters from previous books who refused to let Jess brush them off in her attempts to keep them safe and protect them from caring about her. This was a great conclusion to the series.
4.5 stars.
I read an ARC provided by the publisher via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.