"A Defense of Honor" by Kristi Ann Hunter

Forced to run for her life, Kit FitzGilbert finds herself in the very place she swore never to return to--a London ballroom. There she encounters Lord Graham Wharton, who believes Kit holds the key to a mystery he's trying to solve. As much as she wishes that she could tell him everything, she can't reveal the truth without endangering those she loves.

Ever since A Noble Masquerade, I have expected great things from this author, and goodness, if she hasn't surpassed expectations! It has all the humor and touching message I expected, but the story is so tender, so compassionate toward and passionate for unwed mothers and their children. I confess my eyes were not quite dry on more than one occasion.


Graham is completely charming: smart, funny, compassionate, and great with kids. Utterly adorable. Kit, on the other hand, is more complex and ever so human. I worried she would be pretty hardened, given her blackmailing and guilt, but there is still softness to her. And who doesn't try to control their own lives? It's really hard to let go of control and trust that God has your back, especially when evidence of hardship and pain is all around you. I liked her a lot, and it was so wonderful to see her transformation when she finally lets go and embraces the freedom of trusting God when everything else seems to be falling apart around her.

I loved that Jess from the Hawthorne House books made her way to Haven Manor. I hope--no, I expect! one of the upcoming books will be devoted to her so we finally get her whole story. It will be a good one.

This is Christian fiction at its best.

Thank you Bethany House for the free book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.

Haven Manor
0.5: "A Search for Refuge" (free prequel e-novella)
1. A Defense of Honor

2. A Return of Devotion
3. A Pursuit of Home
3.5: "Legacy of Love" (published in The Christmas Heirloom novella collection)

Related Series (takes place chronologically before Haven Manor):

Hawthorne House
0.5 "A Lady of Esteem" - a free novella introduction to the Hawthornes and friends!
1. A Noble Masquerade
2. An Elegant Facade
3. An Uncommon Courtship

4. An Inconvenient Beauty

Related Series (takes place chronologically after Haven Manor):
Hearts on the Heath
1. Vying for the Viscount
2. Winning the Gentleman