#Historical Romance Book Review: #Winning the Gentleman #Kristi Ann Hunter

My Rating: 5 stars / 5 It Was Amazing

Summary: Winning the Gentleman (Hearts on the Heath book 2) by Kristi Ann Hunter

Aaron Whitworth hasn't had control over most aspects of his life, but he's always taken pride in being an honorable businessman and better-than-average horseman. When both of those claims are threatened, he makes the desperate decision to hire the horse trainer of a traveling circus as a temporary jockey for his racehorses.

Sophia Fitzroy knows that most horsemen don't take her seriously because she's a woman, but she can't pass up the opportunity to get away from the tumultuous world of travel and performing. As she fights for the right to do the work she was hired for, she learns the fight for Aaron's guarded heart might be an even more worthwhile challenge.

As secrets come to light and past vulnerabilities are confronted, will Aaron and Sophia sacrifice their former dreams and forge a new one together--against all odds? (from Goodreads)

My review of this captivating historical romance

Winning the Gentleman is book 2 in the Hearts on the Heath series by Kristi Ann Hunter, published by Bethany House Publishers. The story is set in Newmarket, England 1817 and is about stable manager Aaron Whitworth as he tries to find a jockey to enter a horse race. He is shocked when Sophia Fitzroy turns up as she is a trainer and circus artist with superb skills on horseback. Aaron has dedicated his life to maintaining a low-key position on the outskirts of Society, but Sophia’s presence makes him rethink his attitude towards that life. Sophia has a dream of starting her own riding school. They both make every effort to stay away from each other.  But feelings change while they are not looking. 

Stable manager Aaron Whitworth is sensitive about his background as a Lord’s illegitimate son, but he is well educated and has loyal friends. His view of women’s inferiority seems typical for his time but he seems kind and emphatic.  

Circus artist and jockey Sophia Fitzroy was orphaned at 17 and has lived a hard life on the move with her twin brother. She is a super skilled equestrian, but is full of self doubt. I find her a human, relatable and well rounded character very easy to like. She is my favorite of this story. Descriptions of Sophia’s struggle to be a female jockey in a male equestrian world added descriptions of some heart wrenching consequences she had to endure which made an excellent dramatic element to the story. 

The signature lighthearted and beautifully skilled writing has made Kristi Ann Hunter one of my go-to authors for years. This plot stands out as it is set in English Society’s horse racing community, which I have not read as a specific plot before. Descriptions of the competitive horse racing feels expertly done; like I was in the horse race myself. Fans of the author may be happy to recognize characters from her other books and while I’m pretty sure you would want to read other of her books, this plot easily reads as a standalone. I eagerly await the release of Hearts on the Heath book 3. 

My favorite part of the story was the surprising and utterly touching twist towards the end. I can’t tell you much about it, only that it made the story stand out as captivatingly entertaining and memorable. 

Both Aaron and Sophia were on spiritual journeys. Sophia constantly prayed for a better life while she struggled in the most difficult of conditions. Aaron started reading the Bible as he became increasingly confused about his future and felt unsure about what changes to make. 

Thank you to #Bethany House Publishers, #Kristi Ann Hunter and #NetGalley for this opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own. 

Conclusion: Winning the Gentleman is the captivating and thoroughly entertaining story about how illegitimate son Aaron desperately tries to fit into Society while super skilled female equestrian Sophie turns his world upside down and makes him question his life decisions.

Rating: 5 stars / 5

Your can get your copy here

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Book Details

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers 

Publishing date: April 20th 2021
ISBN: 0764235265 (ISBN13: 9780764235269)

Author Bio

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.

#Historical Romance Book Review #Vying for the Viscount by #Kristi Ann Hunter

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

Main reasons: innovative plot, great character building, fabulous writing and dialogue

Get your copy here:

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Barnes & Noble Paperback

Book Details

Series: Hearts on the Heath (Book 1)
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)

#Historical Romance Book Review: #A Pursuit of home by #Kristi Ann Hunter

Summary: APursuit of Home (Haven Manor #3) by Kristi Ann Hunter

In early 1800s England, Jess Beauchene has spent most of her life in hiding and always on the move in an effort to leave her past far behind her. But when she learns the family she thought had died just might be alive and in danger, she knows her secrets can only stay buried for so long.

Derek Thornbury loves the past, which has led him to become an expert in history and artifacts. He knows Jess has never liked him, but when she requests his help deciphering the clues laid out in an old family diary, he can't resist the urge to solve the puzzle.

As Jess and Derek race to find the hidden artifact before her family's enemies, they learn as much about each other as they do about the past. But can their search to uncover the truth and set history right lead to a future together?

Book Review: A Pursuit of home (Haven Manor #3) by Kristi Ann Hunter

Surviving the assassination of her entire family former spy Jess Beauchene escapes France with nothing but a family heirloom – a cryptic diary in italian. Having spent ten years in hiding, she persuades art expert Derek Thornbury to translate and decipher the diary because it could keep any remaining family safe from danger.

A Pursuit of Home (Haven Manor #3) by @Kristi Ann Hunter is about aristocrat Jess Beauchene who escapes attack on royal bloodline in Verbonne, France as an eight year old. She has since covered up her background and has been in hiding from the attackers in the English countryside. For years Jess has believed she was the only survivor of the attack in France, but now she gets report her brother is alive. Being in possession of an heirloom diary which is her only connection to her late family and her past, she feels it urgent to have it translated and deciphered.

I very much enjoyed the mystery part of the plot following Jess on her quest to reconnect with any remaining family. The wealthy and influential friends I recognize as characters from Kristi Ann Hunter’s Hawthorne House Series. I particularly enjoyed the reunion of Daphne and Kit from Heaven Manor Series coming together in this book to help Jess. Derek Thornbury is the interesting new character knowledgeable of the art world and skilled at analyzing objects connected to Jess’s project.

A Pursuit of Home (Haven Manor #3) seems different from others of this genre. I can’t remember having read about art collectors, analyzing techniques and painting brush strokes like this and found it very interesting. It makes the work stand out positively for me. Expertly mixed with amusing situations A Pursuit of Home (Haven Manor #3) makes for a delightful reading experience you don‘t want to miss.

There is in my opinion plenty of descriptions of funny and endearing situations making up Kristi Ann Hunter’s writing style which I enjoy a lot, both in Haven Manor Series, Hawthorne House Series and other works I have read.

There is a bit more of a mystery to this plot than the first two of the Haven Manor Series, which I like. My art appreciation is very limited at best, but I still found I enjoyed this story very much as the plot developed. Both exiting and interesting, reminiscent of a treasure hunt, as Jess and Derek travel across England in search for paintings, to explain her family history.

The romance I found a bit of a slow burn starting with mutual resentment, moving on to understanding and acceptance of each other and friendship. The faith element seems to play a background part in the beginning of the story. As the danger intensifies, the faith element seems to become more distinct.

As these series have been my absolute favorites, I have read all the installments of the Haven Manor Series and the Hawthorne House Series as they were released. Reading A Pursuit of Home as a standalone would be no problem at all, but if you want the luxury of picking up on reoccurring characters and references to previous story lines, I would recommend reading them in order.

A Pursuit of Home (Haven Manor #3) by Kristi Ann Hunter is an endearing story mixed with elements of mystery and danger. There is also a slight element of faith intensifying towards the end. Fans of Kristi Ann Hunter will enjoy this book. It is recommended for readers of historical fiction too. For similar works it might be a good idea to check out Julie Klassen’s and Sarah E. Ladd’s work. All opinions in this review are completely my own.

My rating: 4 stars / 5

Book Details (from Amazon)

Print Length: 383 pages

Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0764234838
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (November 5, 2019)
Publication Date: November 5, 2019
Sold by: Amazon.com Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B07NNPFTG7

About The Author (from Goodreads)

Kristi Ann Hunter graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in Computer Science but always knew she wanted to write. Kristi is an RWA Golden Heart contest winner, an ACFW Genesis contest winner, and a Georgia Romance Writers Maggie Award for Excellence winner. She lives with her husband and three children in Georgia. Find her online at www.kristiannhunter.com.

Book Review: Legacy of Love (Haven Manor book 1.5) by Kristi Ann Hunter

Summary: Legacy of Love (Haven Manor #1.5) by Kristi Ann Hunter

When Sarah Gooding returned a valuable brooch to the elderly Dowager Countess of Densbury, she had no idea it would lead to a job as the lively woman's companion. Nor did she expect to admire the Dowager's youngest grandson so much, even though the difference in their stations means nothing will ever come of her daydreams.

Book Review: Legacy of Love (Haven Manor #1.5) by Kristi Ann Hunter

Grown-up foster child Sarah Gooding once did The Dowager Countess of Densbury a huge favor finding her most prized possession, a large amethyst brooch she had lost in the snow. This resulted in securing her a position as the countess’ companion.  One of the tasks of this job is accompanying the countess to the weekly dinner with her family. During the event she sits behind the piano hidden from view playing music to entertain the family. Sarah dislikes them all, save for one, Randall Everard who is The Countess’ grandson. Hidden behind the piano she gets to listen in on quite the unsavory discussion when The Earl of Denbury is trying to direct wealth towards his oldest son and heir at the expense of his mother The Dowager Countess and later also his son, Randall.

We discover early on that the Dowager Countess has a good heart, and that her grandson is her favorite. She tries to encourage him to stop working for his father’s estate, which will never be his, and start working for something of his own. Whenever he spends time with his grandmother he tries to talk to her companion, but Sarah seems meek and shy so he doesn’t know quite what to make of her. The Dowager Countess, however, encourages them to spend time together even if Sarah is of a much lower standing than Randall and any serious connection between them seems out of the question.

This story can be read as part of the Christmas Heirloom collection or, like I did, as #1.5 in the Heaven Manor series. Either way you are in for a treat. It is a quick and sweet read that will easily get you into the Christmas mood. It is recommended for fans of Kristi Ann Hunter’s other works and for readers of historical fiction in general.

My rating: 4 stars /5

(all opinions are my own)

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.