Review ~ A Return of Devotion (Haven Manor #2) by Kristi Ann Hunter

Paperback, 352 pages

Published February 5th 2019 by Bethany House Publishers 

Daphne Blakemoor was perfectly happy living in her own secluded world for 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 on, and the new marquis has 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.

They've spent their lives hiding from the past. Can they find the courage to face their deepest wounds and, perhaps, find a new path for the future together?

My Review

4 STARS

Regency is my favorite genre to read. I like the intertwining of the culture with mystery and romance and manners. When the setting is an out-of-the-way manor house used to house illegitimate children of the upper crust, my interest is piqued. These things happened. A lot. This is not a subject that is delved into in any of the books I had previously read until this series from Hunter. While it may sound slightly uncomfortable, the matter is dealt with compassion and sensitivity.

William, Lord Chemsford, was a delight to read. When he meets Daphne, whom we met in book one, A Defense of Honor, his thoughts made me chuckle more than once. She comes off as slightly dimwitted (okay maybe a lot dimwitted) and says and does strange things to keep him occupied and away from certain areas of the house. Of course, he begins to become suspicious as to why and then the game is on. His character is sort of gruff but then his true gentlemanly nature comes out and oh my. He is something!

There are sections of the book that seemed to drag with too much info but then I am a dialogue driven reader. Truly, the banter was such fun to read I would have liked more of that. It’s an entertaining and moving story though and one I highly encourage fans of Regency to read. I look forward to the third book coming out this fall. That will feature Jess and if you’ve read either of these books, you know she is a spitfire!

I was provided an electronic copy of the book through Netgalley and the publisher. No review required. No compensation received.