My Rating
- You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you. (More Info)
Daphne Blakemoor was content living in her own secluded world for the last 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 to a new marquis with 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.
Both Daphne and William have spent their lives hiding from the past. Can they find the courage to face their deepest wounds and, perhaps, forge a new path for the future together? (From Bethany House)
My Thoughts
Having such a life-altering event happen to her early in life, Daphne has been consumed by the rearing of orphans. She has such a tender and loving heart. Even though she has severe social anxiety, she is at ease caring for people. This is something I can TOTALLY relate to! I don't do well in large crowds of people I don't know. BUT, if I have a job to do, or am taking care of my kids, or am the one giving orders and delegating, I have no problems. Might sound strange, but THAT gives me peace. Because I have something to focus on other than the fact that I don't know anyone.
Lord Chemsford is dashing, eccentric, and a man of honor. When he sees a wrong, he wants to right it, or at least try to make amends the best he can, even if HE wasn't the one in the wrong. I loved watching him fall in love with Daphne. Even with all the secrets and scandal, he never (truly) lost his cool and remained gracious and understanding. I love that he defied the "family traits" and became the man he WANTED to be and not the man that society EXPECTED him to be.
All in all, a lovely story and I can't wait to read the next installment...I believe I saw a peek into the hilarious antics that are yet to be explored in book 3. Kristi Ann Hunter is not only a fabulous author, but a wonderful person as well! Check out her website and follow her below, you won't be disappointed!
I received a complimentary copy of A Return of Devotion from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
About the Author
Kristi is the RITA® award-winning author of Regency romance novels from a Christian worldview. Her books include the award-winning Hawthorne House series as well as the newly published first stories of the Haven Manor series. Beyond writing, she is also speaker, teaching classes in writing as well as Biblical and spiritual topics. She has spoken to writers' groups, schools, and young women's groups at churches.
When she is not writing or interacting with her readers, Kristi spends time with her family and her church. A graduate of Georgia Tech with a computer science degree, she can also be found fiddling with her computer in her free time. A born lover of stories she is also an avid reader. From very young she dreamed of sharing her own stories with others and praises God daily that she gets to live that dream today.
