Margaretta Fortescue desperately needs to disappear from London society, and her only hope is to follow the rumors of another young woman who recently made a life for herself away from the glare of society. Her search leads her to the market town of Marlborough where, in spite of her efforts to avoid attention, she can’t seem to elude local solicitor Nash Banfield. All Nash wants is a quiet, … quiet, sedate life–no risks or surprises. When Margaretta, clearly on the run and unwilling to answer questions, interrupts his solitude, his curiosity and his principles won’t let him leave this determined woman without assistance.
But will discovering the truth about Margaretta make him think twice about finally taking a risk on love?
A Search for Refuge is an e-only novella that gives an exciting introduction to Kristi Ann Hunter’s new Regency historical romance series, Haven Manor! Includes an extended excerpt of the first full-length novel in the series, A Defense of Honor.
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A Search for Refuge (2018) by Kristi Ann Hunter is the first story in her soon-to-release series, Haven Manor. This novella was just released this past Tuesday, March 6, 2018, by Bethany House Publishers. This novella comes in eBook format, and is 129 pages in length. With a full-time job and a very busy five-year old at home, this story took me two days to devour! Currently, this novella is free through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and CBD. I downloaded a copy to read and review from Amazon on March 6, 2018. The opinions expressed in this review are my own. I give A Search for Refuge 5 STARS. This story is a Christian Historical Romance.
I love Kristi Ann Hunter’s novels. She is such a masterful storyteller. She creates wonderful worlds, engaging and deep characters, and her sense of wit and humor is excellent. I will read anything she writes. So, when I heard A Search for Refuge had released, I had to make room in my review schedule to read this book immediately! Boy, am I glad I did. I love Margaretta and Nash’s story, and I cannot wait for the next book, A Defense of Honor, to release in June! I fear it’s going to be a long wait.
Nash is an excellently written hero, and my favorite part of the book. He is handsome, of course, but he is way more than that. He is kind and compassionate, and he cares so deeply that tragedies hurt him a little more than the average fellow. Nash has a big heart for the people in his community, especially for Mrs. Lancaster, an elderly widow (who is a total hoot, and I can’t wait to see her again in A Defense of Honor), but he holds everyone at arm’s length. A few years prior to the start of this story, Nash lost his sister. The pain he felt, and the pain he witnessed from his sister’s husband, made Nash vow to keep people out. He would not allow a deep connection with anyone, especially a woman he could potentially fall in love with. I appreciate this very realistic aspect to Nash’s character. I get this need to protect one’s self from pain. Why make such a deep connection with someone when it’s quite possible to lose them? How could anyone ever get over the hurt and the pain of such deep loss?
Ten years ago, I was with a very close friend on the day she was told her son had been killed in a horrific train crash. The conductor of the train had been on his cell phone and didn’t see the yellow light and two red lights telling him another train had right of way. It was a terrible crash that took the lives of many innocent passengers, and it all could have been prevented if one person was paying attention.
I will never forget the empty look, the tears streaming down my friend’s face, the absolute terror she exuded as the cop relayed that she would never see her child ever again. I remember thinking that 18 years is not enough time to have with your child. And, I remember a deep sense of fear settling in the pit of my stomach. How could I ever put myself into a position where one day a cop could tell me a loved one has been lost? That day, I felt the walls to my heart close up. I was determined to not let anyone in. I was going to “protect” myself if it was the last thing I did.
I will not lie. My friend will never be the same, and for the first two years after her son’s death, I worried for her and her husband’s health. Things were not good. BUT, time passed. My friend and her husband will miss their child every day. How could they not? But life keeps going. Today, my friend smiles, she laughs, and she loves. She has three grand babies who bring her such joy that she lights up when she talks about them. She found purpose in the foundation she and her husband created as a way to teach people the importance of cellphone-free driving. My friend survived by allowing her heart to hurt, then heal, then thrive.
I have learned a great lesson from my friend. There is an order to grief. Tragedies happen and they are awful. People have to allow time to grieve and hurt. But, they also have to allow time to heal so they can get back to living. People cannot stay in the grief-and-hurt-and-fear mode. If they do, they will live paralyzed lives. They will be like Nash — lonely and separate. This is not a lifestyle God desires for us to have. God wants us to love and live and experience and grow. Over the course of A Search for Refuge, Nash realizes that a life lived without love is not a life being lived, it’s a life being wasted. After making this revelation, Nash smiles to himself and feels free. He is free from the fear of potentially losing someone, and allows joy into his life. He finally claims the life God wants him to live. And, this reminder — that I need to live the life God gave me with joy and love and hugs and kisses — is the absolute best part of the book.
I did learn from my friend’s example. I opened my heart to life. I did fall for my husband, and we have a wonderful blessing in our lives — our beautiful daughter, Miss Isabella. I cannot imagine my life without my husband and daughter. Yes, I could lose them to an accident or sickness, but to not have had them in my life would have been even more of a loss. I am choosing God’s path for me rather than the fear that I experienced that day ten years ago when my friend lost her child. This choice to follow God’s path, and not my fear, has made my life more meaningful, and I feel a joy that is beyond anything I could have imagined for myself. God is SO good!
A Search for Refuge is a fantastic novella, and I cannot recommend it enough. This brief story lays an excellent foundation for what I am sure will be a phenomenal series. If you are looking for a fast-paced, highly engaging, romantic story that includes a timely and wise message, then I encourage you to visit Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Christian Book today and purchase a free copy of this book. You will not be disappointed that you did!
A captivating novella filled with interesting characters, a lovely setting, and a tale that captures your heart.
A Search for Refuge leaves the reader with a bit of a cliffhanger, but don’t worry because it’s the type that will make you feel good about what you’ve read, and make you want to hang on for more! This novella is a great foundation for the Haven Manor series, and readers of wholesome historical romance are certain to form a friendship with Margaretta and Nash. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
Full review at the blog.
After reading the story and some of the other reviews, I’ve decided that this novella was greatly enhanced by a stellar audio narration. I really enjoyed the story and the main characters. I also found myself anxious about the heroine’s predicament and what or who she was fleeing from. Although a short novella lead-in to the Haven Manor Series, I think it did a splendid job showcasing this author’s writing style, as well as introducing upcoming characters and story settings. I’m really looking forward to continuing with the next full-length book.
This is a wonderful introduction to a new historical romance series!
I love the main characters in this novella. Margaretta and Nash are extremely well developed. They are each dealing with very real emotional issues.
I love the fact that they have both found a true friend in Mrs. Lancaster. She is the stalwart support and encouragement that everyone needs when they are going through intensely difficult times.
I’m looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
I recently read The Christmas Heirloom which featured a story by Kristi Ann Hunter. I absolutely loved it and wondered why I hadn’t read more of her books. I thought I’d remedy that by starting the prequel to her Haven Manor series, A Search for Refuge. It was awesome! I read it as fast as I could and was sad when I reached the end. It was a quick read that had me instantly rooting for the characters – my favorite of which was Mrs. Lancaster. She was such a kind and generous lady, so sweet and helpful. The premise for this series is so intriguing and I can’t wait to start A Defense of Honor. Highly recommended!
This novella begins a series about women and children who are looking for…you guessed it…refuge! I loved the town lawyer who now sees the town that saved him as his to protect. Everyone from the superhero masquerading as a shop keeper to the mysterious stranger in a yellow cloak who gets off the mail coach is under the protective wings of this lonely man. I loved the little twists in this novella! The ending leaves you with the warm fuzzies and a desire to read the next book!
I absolutely love Kristi Ann Hunter’s books, and this novella which starts her new Haven Manor series was wonderful. Hunter’s sense of humor tickles my funny bone and adds so much enjoyment to her stories. The setting for the story was interesting, and the premise for the series is very creative. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.
” . . .worries belonged to the Lord since He stayed up all night anyway.”
The Lord only knew how many worries Margaretta carried under the hood of her bright yellow cloak when she stepped off the mail carriage in Malborough, England. Following the trail of a months old letter from a dear friend, she found herself in Lancaster’s store, nearly begging for food and dodging questions from a tall, dark and handsome local solicitor.
Nash Banfield’s keen instincts told him that “traveling alone, traveling light, and hiding her face”, meant that the young woman who had just stepped into his town was running away from something . . or someone. Determined curiosity and a deep affection for Mrs. Lancaster propelled Nash forward, anxious to make sure the kindhearted storekeeper was not duped by a pretty face and a sad tale. However, neither of them was prepared for the challenges that one simple introduction would require.
Kristi Ann Hunter’s series prequel swells with encouraging reminders that the “morrow shall take thought for the things of itself”, for “no matter how lost she (Margaretta) felt, none of this was a surprise to God”.
A wonderful novella that captures time and place. Well written so that it draws you into Margaretta and Nash’s story. Lots of surprises in a short story, but is complete and keeps you engaged. I look forward to the novel of Katherine’s story and hope it includes more of the characters I grew to love in this novella. Impressive is the word I use to describe this story.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
Wonderful novella to kick off a new series! Kristi Ann Hunter introduces her setting in the Regency era. She crafts an engaging story full of tension and romance. I was immediately drawn to these characters and found myself cheering for these women. Although these characters face difficult circumstances, they forge friendships and learn to value what is truly important. I can’t wait to read the entire series. Fortunately the novella includes an excerpt of the first book. Right now, the novella is free.
I loved this novella! It is an introduction to the Haven Manor series by Kristi Ann Hunter. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more books in this new series!
Margaretta is desperate to get out of London and to somewhere safe where her husband’s family hopefully can’t find her.
Nash Banfield loves his quiet life in his small town and knows something is off about Margaretta as soon as she steps out of the mail coach. Even though he doesn’t want anyone or anything to disturb his organized life he doesn’t seem to be able to walk away from Margaretta when she seems to really need his help and is more than just a little surprised when he develops feelings for her.
A Search for Refuge is a lovely little story. Margaretta is an endearing character, and I found myself empathetic to her plight. I appreciated the realism that Hunter portrays in this story. Women had so few options without the care of a husband, brother, father, etc., and when those options weren’t available to them, it was difficult indeed. Though his change of heart seemed a bit abrupt, Nash’s protectiveness of those he cares about drew me in, and I ended up enjoying the romantic thread, especially because it’s clear there is a distinct passage of time. For a novella, the secondary characters are quite endearing and well-developed. I especially loved Mrs. Lancaster and hope she is still around in the first book. This shows a lot of promise for the new series, and I can’t wait to read more about book one’s main character, Katherine. She seems to be a very uniquely determined individual. It will be fun to see Margaretta and Nash again, hopefully, too.
What a wonderful novella about trust, acceptance, and living life to the fullest. Margaretta Fortescue leaves London for protection from her brother-in-law after the death of her husband. She arrives in Marlborough looking for her friend who had disappeared under suspicious circumstances. However, she had received a letter from Katherine that came from this small town. Perhaps she will find her friend there.
Nash Banfield is a local solicitor who takes an interest in Margaretta out of concern for the local store owner, Mrs. Lancaster. To keep Mrs. Lancaster safe from this unknown woman, Nash starts visiting the store to talk to Margaretta and try to find out who she is and who she’s running from. Mrs. Lancaster has taken pity on Margaretta and allows her to use an upstairs room in exchange for cleaning around the store.
What takes place between these three people is fun and heartwarming. This is a very well thought out story by Kristi Ann Hunter. The characters are well defined and the banter is fun to read. If you like clean, historical, Christian romance, you will love this Novella. Enjoy!
This book was such a great read! I love that the characters made me laugh with their banter. It was so great to see the characters grow in their faith. Parts of the book had me on the edge of my seat. I hated that the book had to end, I’m looking forward to the next book by Kristi Ann Hunter!