Daphne Blakemoor was perfectly happy living in her own secluded world for 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 on, and the new marquis has 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.
They’ve spent their lives hiding from the past. Can they find the courage to face their deepest wounds and, perhaps, find a new path for the future together?
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Such a good story! I may have even gotten a little misty-eyed once or twice. *sniff*
For those of you who love Jane Austen Regency England, you must read Kristi Ann Hunter. You know how there are characters who crawl under you skin and won’t let you walk away? Daphne is one of those for me. She was a sweet character in the prior book, but now she steps to the foreground. Daphne’s story is poignant and one that needs to be told. William, the hero, grows personally as Daphne works her way beneath his defenses. His journey beneath hers is much more challenging, but her story is told so well. Loved every page. You will inhale it if you read the first, but will thoroughly enjoy this novel on its own. But be prepared to feel. Deeply.
In the first Haven Manor novel, we meet Daphne, and she is a lovely character. In A Return to Devotion, we get to see the Haven Manor story continue through her eyes, and she is absolutely charming and endearing. I loved getting to know her better in this story. I appreciate the Hunter continues to tackle a subject not done often in this historical setting, the consequences of having an illegitimate child in a time when it was considered to be a terrible scandal and not mentioned in “polite” society.
What is not really evident about Daphne in the first book is that she is fierce – she loves fiercely, and she protects fiercely. In essence she loses part of herself to protect the ones that she loves. Now, all these years later, she is not sure exactly who she is, nor what she wants. William is a man who thinks he knows what he wants, but his bewildering housekeeper has him questioning things. For an arrogant aristocrat, William is a complex character. Normally, I wouldn’t really care for his type, but his character development is superb. The interactions between the two of them are sometimes hilarious, sometimes poignant, and also tender and romantic. They are both loners in the sense that they really only rely on themselves, and perhaps one other person, and even with that small dependency, their inner worlds are very much hidden from others. Moreover, Daphne often hides her own true feelings from herself, so as to continue to put others before herself. A good quality, of course, but no one can pour from an empty cup.
This beautiful truth and more are woven quite seamlessly throughout the narrative. Growth comes at every stage of life, and the idea of “arriving” is a false, no matter how smooth of a ride it’s been. Though there is a lot of depth to this story, Hunter’s trademark wit is still present. One scene in particular made me chuckle several times. I wasn’t expecting, and it caught me happily off guard. The secondary characters are lovely – their inclusion and the interactions between them all really ground the story in reality, and I loved that.
Jess’s story comes next, and for those who have followed all of Hunter’s books, her story has been a long time coming for sure. Happily, we only have to wait until November for Jess’s book!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a review; this review is my honest opinion.
Review for “A Return of Devotion” by Kristi Ann Hunter
(Haven Manor Series-Book 2 )
“A Return of Devotion” is a historical fiction romance set in Marlborough, England in 1816. The main characters in this second book of the Haven Manor series are Daphne Blakemoor of Haven Manor and Marquis William Chemsford, who inherited Haven Manor from his now deceased father. There are also many other interesting characters that add humor, drama and interest to this story
For twelve years Haven Manor has been a place of refuge for the illegtimate children of the women whom society rejected because they became pregnant out of wedlock. Daphne was one of those women. She, a daughter of an earl in London’s high society, made a choice one evening at masqurade ball that created an enormous life change for her, one she has paid for dearly, as she lost her status in society and her relationship with her father.
Daphne, torn by memories of her past, but trying to make the best of her life, loves taking care of the children that live at Haven Manor, children, who know they are illigetimate, but do not know who either of their parents are. One of these children, a boy named Benedict, is Daphne’s son, but he doesn’t know that and Daphne is determined he never will. Haven Manor has become Daphne’s home, a place dear to her heart, and though the work is hard and the days are long and sometimes lonely, she feels needed there and it gives her a sense of purpose to her life knowing that she might help the children grow up to have a good future.
William, a young gentleman, who has recently become Marquis of Chemsford, because of the death of his father, decides he wants to visit one of the estates that his father won in a card game. The estate is Haven Manor, although William does not know the name of it, nor anything about it, he will find that his life is about to change greatly once he steps foot on the doorstep of Haven Manor and meets Daphne, whom he is led to believe is the housekeeper.
This book with its trails of imagination led by Daphne, who is a quiet dreamer that often escapes reality thru her dreams and fantasies, is filled with energy and tension.
You, as a reader, will experience the frustration of William as he tries to determine just what to do with his life now as a Marquis, and how meeting Daphne might influence his future. Your heart will ache for the children as they try to understand and find their places in a future society that will not be as safe and comfortable as Haven Manor has been. You will cry with Daphne for the injustice that has been done to her, for the secrets that she has had to keep, and for the life station she has had to accept in order to survive and help her son find a future.
And, you will enjoy the roller coaster ride that Daphne and William take you on as they try to deal with their emotions in their day to day lives as they interact in a society that would not accept them as equals and you will wonder, right up to the last page, if there will be a “happily ever after” ending to this story.
If you have read Book 1 in this Haven Manor series, you will surely enjoy this Book 2 and will eagerly anticipate Book 3 that will be coming out later this year.
I received a free review copy of this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
All thoughts and opinions are my own.
–Leona J. Atkinson
“But I’m not going to do that to you without your approval. I see you, Daphne. Don’t think I’m waiting for you to turn into someone else because I’m not. But I’ll never make you do something you don’t feel you can handle.”
What an incredible blend of angst, heartache, and faith! Beautiful writing, unforgettable characters, and an intricately detailed plot in Regency England make this novel one of the best historical romances I have read this year. Kristi Ann Hunter has outdone herself. This book is second in the Haven Manor series but can be read as a stand-alone. Once you’ve read this book, I’m sure you’ll be rushing out to get A Defense of Honor (book 1) if you haven’t read it already. It’s a must-read for those who love historical romance!
Daphne, a gentleman’s daughter who has fallen on hard times, has rebuilt a life for herself and those children and women whom she and her friends are trying to help. She’s a shy and awkward wallflower by nature and indulges too much in her own imaginations and fanciful musings. She’s somewhat flighty and absent-minded but so tender and cares for those who are hurt and wounded. William is a marquis who has grown up privileged but without his father’s approval or affection. Yet he’s thoughtful, kind, considerate, compassionate, and unconventional for a titled peer of the realm. They make an unlikely pair and their relationship is merely a housekeeper and the lord of the manor for quite a bit of the story. The plot starts slowly at the beginning but once Daphne’s story tumbles out, her life unravels quickly and the plot picks up pace with surprising twists and turns.
Discovering God’s purpose is a theme that resonates throughout the book and William’s gentle admonishing that “there’s life after forgiveness” brings home what forgiveness truly looks like.
I cannot wait to read the next book in the series about Jess!
I was given a copy of the book by Bethany House and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
I got lost in this wonderfully creative regency romantic fiction. The story was filled with unexpected twists and turns that had me hooked. In addition, the humor was added in all the right places. The characters drew me deeper into the story with the lessons they learned about forgiveness, finding purpose and caring for others. Although this book is the second novel in the series, it can be thoroughly enjoyed by itself. However, these characters and this story line will probably lead to wanting to read the prequel novella, as well as, book one. For those reading the series, I have a feeling that the third book is going to be the cherry on top because this series just keeps getting better. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I really love how Kristi Hunter is tackling the subject of physical relations (come one, its a historical. I can’t just say sex )in this series. Yes, premarital sex is wrong, but it isn’t an unpardonable sin. God’s amazing grace is sufficient and His forgiveness boundless. As sinners, no matter what the sin, we need to come to the point of forgiving ourselves. And, let’s face it, sometimes that’s hard.
Daphne was an interesting character. I related to her social awkwardness and not wanting to be around people but her escapism from reality had its dangers…and consequences. I loved the characters arc Daphne went through—the growth she experienced. And whenever william said he saw her, the real her, and then helped her to see herself as well…swoon.
A Return of Devotion brings us back to Haven Manor and the characters we have come to love in A Search for Refuge and A Defense of Honor. The book can be read as a standalone but is better appreciated if read after the previous two. A Search for Refuge is available for free on Amazon.
Haven Manor was created 12 years ago after Daphne Blakemoor had her son Benedict as a single woman. The haven was created to help children who were the result of similar situations. After William, Marquis of Chemsford, inherits the estate will Daphne lose the haven she loves so much?
Daphne has always looked on the bright side and after she has turned to God for repentance, she tries to find something good that can come out of it by caring for children like her son, Benedict.
I am glad Benedict has a story now. I have been interested in him from the beginning. I can’t imagine what Daphne has gone through not being able to tell him that she’s his mother. Though I know that in that time the alternative was usually that she would have to give him up and never know him. Benedict is very strong and talented for someone who is still just a boy.
I like Daphne’s thoughts on raising up the next generation like Moses but also not being allowed to enter the Promised Land because of her sin. While our sins can be forgiven, there is often a result from our sins. Daphne forgives others and teaches the children that God loves everyone, but she doesn’t really feel forgiven or worthy of His love.
William is confused because he wants to act the part of a peer and not associate with servants, but he also wants to not be like his selfish father. He lives his life trying to do the absolute opposite of what his father had done.
Daphne has always been a dreamer. She is constantly imagining scenarios in her head and missing entire conversations. It was funny when William started daydreaming and missing parts of conversations which he hadn’t done before Daphne.
William and Benedict meeting for the first time was even more intense than I thought it was going to be. I felt so bad for what little Benedict was going through while trying to be grown up.
There were a lot of serious moments but there were some lighthearted moments as well. The readers are also given a very real and beautiful romance between William and Daphne.
“How very different they were and how glorious it was.”
It is not just a fairy tale. They have to go through a lot and they come out better for it in the end.
The Bible teaches that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”.
“The past can be the stone that weighs you down or the foundation you build upon.”
Like Daphne, we need to learn that after bringing our sin to God and repenting, we need to learn to forgive ourselves.
“There’s life after forgiveness.”
Conundrum. Bewilderment. Touched on the head.
Those are the words William, Marquis of Chemsford, chooses to describe his housekeeper. From the moment she bangs the door of his house on his face to when she acts as she owns his house, not to mention when she acts as she owns him – bossing him around, corraling him in his own house-, he knows something about the entire situation is absurd. Especially since he has to remind himself now and then that the house is actually his, not hers. Thus, his dream of a secluded country life might just be unfulfilled if he doesn’t get rid of her. Soon.
We’ve known Daphne for a while, we know her story, we know she’s not touched in the head but loves fiercely. We also know part of her life has been shadowed by lies. Despite good intentions and the blessings that have come from hers and Kit’s endeavors, the thick layer of lies is undeniable. She hopes the new owner of the house might ignore a few scratches on the wall and not raise too many questions about the number of goats and chickens in his property, enough to feed an entire band of soldiers (or children). But, she didn’t expect that one person could bring all she’s built in the past fourteen years crashing down and take her back to where she found herself in that fateful day fourteen years ago: alone to deal with the consequences.
Funny how meeting someone can change our lives. Practicality might not be the answer anymore when feelings and personal stories start to interplay. But, most important of all, through this equation, refinement comes, and who you are and want to be in the end takes the biggest toll.
In a Return of Devotion, Kristi Ann Hunter brings a book filled with her usual humor, but also timeless truth delineating the characters’ stories and tugging your heart big time. I love how through this series we’re reminded that we never “overgrow” the process of learning and maturing. As life happens and our lives intertwine, we’re always impacting and sharing stories with one another, consequently expanding each other’s worldview. It’s our choice to let this be for the best or to turn a blind eye to what we now know.
I’ve said it before and I repeat, this is one of the smartest series I’ve ever read, and Jess’s book couldn’t come soon enough 🙂
A Return of Devotion by Kristi Ann Hunter totally blew me out of the water. While this was not a story of adventure and danger, it was filled with the best character development I think I have ever read and the character tension carried throughout the story was real and personal. I identified with Daphine in ways I’ve never identified with any other character, and William was equally well-developed. Seriously, this surprised me with how well it held my attention. More than one night while reading this I woke up in the middle of the night wondering about the characters. I should have just picked the doggone book up and finished it instead of trying to fall back asleep.
If you are an introvert who struggles to be around people or just in search of a book with characters who sweep you away and become real people, this is it. This is a story that will speak to your soul and leave you thinking about it for weeks after.
I thoroughly enjoyed Kristi Ann Hunter’s latest book in her Havon Manor series. I was never drawn to Regency era novels until I discovered Hunter’s works, and now I am hooked. This second book in the series starts where the previous book ended. Daphne Blakemoor is the protagonist of A Return to Devotion and is now the housekeeper of Haven Manor. William, Marquis of Chemsford arrives to move into the manor that unbeknownst to him has been used as a home for illegitimate of the aristocracy. From the first scene, the reader is drawn into the exquisite tale that has plenty of humor woven throughout. I found myself relating to Daphne, who suffers from social anxiety because I have dealt with this my entire life. William at times frustrated me with his aristocratic ways and at other times was swoon worthy and had me melting. Even though is a historical setting, Hunter’s characters are relatable, and her descriptions of the setting made me feel as if I could walk the halls of the manor and live during the time period myself. I look forward to the next book in the series, which will focus on Jess.
A Return of Devotion is a poignant novel of second chances. Daphne and William both struggle with their past mistakes. But they also struggle with looking ahead to the future instead of worrying over their pasts.
I read this book in a day, and it wouldn’t surprise me if you did, too. Hunter packs so much in it. I kept holding my breath as one revelation came after another, and just when I thought things were settling down, Hunter throws a curve-ball that had me reeling almost as much as Daphne.
(for my full review, check out my post at https://justjenniferpurcell.com/2019/10/18/a-return-of-devotion-by-kristi-ann-hunter/)
What a great second installment in the Haven Manor series! I loved both Daphne and William, and I could totally relate to Daphne’s fear of crowds and her propensity to daydream! One of the things I loved most about Daphne and William’s relationship was their willingness to compromise and come up with a way to live their lives as a married couple that would best suit them both, this example of working together to make a marriage work is something that, in my opinion, we need more of in fiction! I had been very much anticipating this book, and while A Defense of Honor is still my favorite of the series by a slim margin, I really enjoyed A Return of Devotion! I’m on the edge of my seat in anticipation waiting for the release of Jess’s book! I highly recommend A Return of Devotion!
I received an ebook copy of this book from the publisher which did not influence my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.
Daphne Blakemoor was perfectly happy living in her own secluded world for 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 on, and the new marquis has 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.
They’ve spent their lives hiding from the past. Can they find the courage to face their deepest wounds and, perhaps, find a new path for the future together?
Daphne is hiding from the world around her. She made a mistake in her youth that she is still paying for. William is not your normal Marquis. He loves peace and quiet. When he arrives at his new home he is surprised by how it is run and the lack of staff. Daphne Being the housekeeper makes that very difficult to do.
I liked the book. But there seem to be a lot of fluff mixed in with the story. Daphne liked to imagine how life could be and a lot of time was spent on her imaginations. Sometimes it seemed to go on and on. The story between Daphne and William was good. I enjoyed how they worked out their problems. If William had been a typical Marquis, things would not have worked out well for Daphne. This was the second book in the series. It isn’t necessary to read the first book. But it would be helpful so you could understand some of the things mentioned in book 2. I look forward to reading Jess’s story. Hers could be quite interesting.
I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.
In this second book in the Haven Manor series, Kristi Ann Hunter has put in so much emotion it’s like a roller-coaster ride. I waited a long time to here Daphne’s story and I was not disappointed. To read about what Daphne Blakemoor had to do to raise her son in the best way she new how among so many other children of the Manor, it was heart-renching. Of course, in the first book you know who Daphne’s child is, but you didn’t know the reason for her not telling him as he grew up that she was his mother. You learn so much more about Daphne in this book, as it should be.
In this book, the new owner of Haven Manor comes to take up residence and it is up to Daphne to present herself to William, the Marquis of Chemsford, as his housekeeper and when she first sees him, she is stunned and is determined to keep her son out of his sight. What is the mystery about William and Benedict that makes her keep them apart? What is so shocking about the new owner that has Daphne introducing herself as Mrs. Brightmoor instead of her real name?
Daphne is forced to look deep inside herself to find the woman she truly is inside and come to terms with her past so she can move on with her life. She is afraid of large groups of people, though a house full of children doesn’t bother her. How will she handle the changes brought to Haven Manor by the new owner? Will she decide the changes are just too much for her and leave everything and everyone behind?
If you are into clean, Christian, historical romance, you will love this story of love, faith, and forgiveness. Enjoy!
I received a review copy of this book from the author and Bethany House Publishing; all opinions in my review are my own.
A Return of Devotion by Kristi Ann Hunter is the second book in her Haven Manor series and definitely worth reading.
Daphne and William both find the secluded lifestyle of the country perfect since both of them have spent the last twelve years hiding from the past, but now they find their lives turned upside down and are no longer able to hide from their deepest wounds. Just maybe they can face them together and start a new life together.
I’m looking forward to reading more books in this wonderful series.
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
A Return of Devotion is one of the best regency novels that I’ve read! Daphne is an amazing female protagonist with a ministry of secretly caring for the illegitimate and ignored children of aristocrats! You will love Lord Chemsford who discovers he is a caring man once he realizes that servants are humans too! The lord’s main goal is to be nothing like his uncaring father! A Return of Devotion will show you a different view of the regency period. The book started out a little slow but I was soon drawn into the story and thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it to others. I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author, Kristi Ann Hunter, and Bethany House Publishers. This is my honest opinion
A new book by Kristi Ann Hunter… Woot! Woot! Yay!
A Return of Devotion opens with an amusing scene and vivid visualization that makes me giggle. At the clumsy, alarming, and entertaining first meeting with Lord Chemsford (William) it takes only moments to get a sense of who Daphne Blakemoor is. (All her awkward blinking cracks me up.) I effortlessly connect with her, as well as William, as he navigates his new title, new path, and new uncertainties.
I love it when I’m drawn in to a story quickly, as in this regency tale. Ms. Hunter’s witty writer’s voice (say that three times fast!) is entertaining, welcoming, and pulls you into her character’s heads effortlessly.
With all the wit and amusement, the story still holds deep and serious undertones, and I soon learn Haven Manor is cloaked in mystery. I rapidly begin turning pages and become lost in secrets of the past…
As with each of Ms. Hunter’s previous books, I begin reading slower as I reach the last few chapters. It saddens me to leave these characters, for they’ve become my friends. The spiritual undertones are meaningful, and the love and faith warm my heart. A beautiful, beautiful tale.
Opening Line: She should have been prepared.
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
This is the second book, or the third, if you include the prequel “A Search for Refuge” in the Haven Manor Series.
I totally loved it, as much or maybe even more than the first one.
Haven Manor is a long abandoned estate in a rural village that has being used in the last 12 years to accommodate and raise cast off children from the London society. The owner has long neglected this estate and knows little of the life that is going on in his estate. So when he dies and everything passes to his son William, things at Haven Manor are about to change drastically.
Daphne Blackmoore has spent more than the last decade at Haven Manor, caring for the orphaned children as the housekeeper and living a peaceful but somewhat lonely life. She carries a big secret, as Benjamin, one of her wards, is really her son, but in order to protect him, she hasn’t told him about his true origins.
So when William, the Marquis of Chemsford, arrives to claim his estate and to escape London’s shallow society, he has no idea of what is going on in there. Daphne tries to pretend she’s a mere servant and things don’t take off too well at first. On top of that, her son Benjamin has a striking resemblance to him, and she doesn’t know what to do with that, and tries to hide him from him. William suspects she is hiding something, and feels tempted to dismiss her, but she’s so intriguing and wants to know her better.
What I loved best about the story was the characters. I loved Daphne’s shy and introvert character, yet kind, compassionate and strong when needed. She was not the typical strong, outspoken and spunky heroine. Yet she felt more realistic and relatable to me. I loved her creative and imaginative mind, always daydreaming of the life she would love to have. And her love of her son and sacrifice to keep him was admirable, given her circumstances.
William was complex character and so much more than the brooding man he seems at first. I liked how he grows through out the story. They were both the perfect match even if they started out with the wrong foot.
There were great secondary characters too. I’m actually looking forward to Jess’s story and was delightfuly surprised to know that she will be the heroine of book number 3!!
The book plot had twists that captivated me and kept me intrigued until the end, rooting for the characters and for their very well deserved happily ever after.
Kristi has a was of threading through some tough issues with tact and respect, and to bring humor even out of the most awkward circumstances! I shed few tears but I mostly I laughed out loud at a few scenes!
I totally recommend this book to lovers of historical romance. It’s an inspiring and heartwarming read with an uplifting message!
Can’t wait for the release of the next installment in this series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Kristi Ann Hunter has impressed me again with her latest, A Return of Devotion. Taking up where its predecessor, A Defense of Honor, takes off (yes, you will want to read these books in order), Hunter centers this story on Daphne and her own journey to accept her past. With a message that we all can relate to – accepting our mistakes and moving forward in grace and freedom – Hunter delivers a story filled with humor and meaning. This is a story of hope, a story of redemption. With characters you cannot help but love, dialogue that is witty and thought provoking, and a plot that keeps you riveted the entire way through, this is a book you will not want to miss.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.