Summary: Vying for the Viscount (Hearts on the Heath #1) by Kristi Ann Hunter
For
Hudson, the newly titled Viscount Stildon, moving to England from India where
he was born and raised was already an arduous enough endeavor. When he learns
the fate of the racing empire he inherited along with his title depends upon
him getting in the good graces of another stable owner, he's even more at a
loss.
The stable at the neighboring estate has been Miss Bianca
Snowley's refuge for years, and when a strange man appears to be stealing the
horses, she jumps to their protection without a second thought. Upon learning
Hudson is actually the new owner, she can't help but be intrigued by the area's
newest eligible bachelor.
Any thought of romance is quickly set aside, however, when
Hudson proposes they work together to secure suitable spouses for each other.
As their friendship grows, Hudson and Bianca begin to reconsider what they
truly want in life. But will societal expectations and the weight of their
responsibilities keep them from pursuing their true desires? (from
Amazon).
Book Review of Vying for the Viscount
Vying for the Viscount by Kristi Ann Hunter is the first book in her new series Hearts on the Heath,
published by Bethany House Publishers. The story is set in Newmarket, Suffolk
1817 and is about Hudson, Viscount Stildon, who has just arrived from India
where he was born and raised. Having listened to local gossip he finds himself
in an extensive group of bachelors hoping to court one of the country’s most eligible
single women who has a prize winning stallion as her unofficial dowry.
He meets volunteer horse trainer and neighbor Bianca Snowley who shows up every morning to exercise one of his horses. Hudson hires Miss Snowley to help him learn how to move about in society without making a fool of himself.
Main character Hudson, Viscount Stildon, is knowledgeable about horses but confused about the ins and outs of English society and customs. He seems a likeable character who is able to look past social prejudices to view each person’s individual merits. Much like we would today.
Secondary character Bianca Snowley has a difficult relationship to her stepmother reminiscent of Cinderella. I felt sorry for her, but I was pleased to see she stood up to her stepmother more as the story progressed. Bianca was my favorite character of this story.
I found the plot rather unique, as I have not read a story which centers on horses like this one. Main ideas of the plot is what people are willing to do to gain better positions by wealth or inheritance and deals with class distinction and social prejudices relating to children born out of wedlock.
I love the light
hearted and funny writing style with a friendly bantering dialogue and great
atmosphere. I felt each character
was very well thought out, beautifully described and perfectly placed into the
plot. I loved that the story included characters from Kristi Ann Hunter's Uncommon
Courtship, book 3 in Hawthorne
House Series.
My favorite part of this story was Holden’s adjustment to English society and the romance development between him and Bianca. It started with easygoing, bantering friendship. Romance was developing slowly between them when they were looking the other way.
My least favorite part of the story was how Bianca was treated by her stepmother. A terrible, conniving character that would make Cinderella’s stepmother seem almost kind hearted.
Back in India, Hudson felt God was distant from his
life and he didn’t attend church. He starts attending church sermons and
reading the Bible and reflects on his faith more and he gradually comes to trust
God’s plan.
Vying for the Viscount is the unique story set in horse
racing environment with great character building and light hearted and bantery
writing style. I would recommend it to anyone, and I eagerly await next installment.
Readers of historical
romance fiction would enjoy it too. Similar authors to explore might be Sarah
M. Eden or Julie Klassen.
Thank you
to Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for this eARC which gave me the
opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.
My rating: 5 stars / 5
Get your copy here:
Book Details
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers; 7/2 edition (August 4, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764235257
ISBN-13: 978-0764235252
About The Author
Kristi Ann Hunter graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in Computer Science but always knew she wanted to write. In addition to several pre-published contests, Kristi is a Rita award winner and has also been a finalist in the INSPY, Christy, and GRW Maggie Award of Excellence. She lives with her husband and three children in Georgia. Find her online at www.kristiannhunter.com. (from Amazon)
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