Haven Manor A Return of Devotion, Book 2, (Paperback)

In this book, Kristin Ann Hunter has given us the very sweet and unusual regency character of Daphne. Daphne is a jewel. She's fiercely loyal, loving, and quite protective of those in her care. She's very shy and has a hard time with the social niceties of the day; and views herself as the ultimate wallflower at any gathering. She's a dreamer and uses her daydreams to soften the sometimes harsh realities of her life. She's made a good life for herself and the illegitimate children who have been left in her care. When Daphne's world is turned upside down by the return of the owner of the run-down manor house where she and the children reside, Daphne must find a way to continue to care for those she loves as well as protect her own heart. When William first meets her, he wonders if she's going to be able to learn to function as his housekeeper. The charm of this story is in the way Daphne lovingly fumbles her way from one situation to the other, yet makes a profound difference in the lives of all of those around her. William finds that he can't help but love her, but will Daphne find the courage to accept his love? This is a completely charming, yet different, regency story. Daphne made me laugh, sigh, and smile. There's a whole supporting cast of wonderful characters that make this storyline complete. This is clean, sweet regency and it's a book that I'll read again. It would be helpful to have read the first book in this series before reading this one, but it's easy to quickly catch up with all the characters and the things that have gone on before. I love Kristi Ann Hunter's books, and this one gave me a reason to look forward to her next one. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

"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.