"A Return of Devotion" by Kristi Ann Hunter---Haven Manor, book 2

Daphne Blakemoor knows the father of her son, but even she is astounded when a man--who is NOT her son's father--shows up on her doorstep wearing her son's face. William, Marquis of Chemsford has no idea what to make of the odd housekeeper employed at his remote country residence, but something is definitely off. She is clearly hiding something--beyond her undeniable inadequacies as a housekeeper--but what, he can't put his finger on. Both Daphne and William have spent their lives hiding from their past, but together, they just might find a way to forge a new path for the future.

I loved Daphne. She's whimsical and day-dreamy, rather shy, and a terrible liar. She isn't spunky, nor quite the proverbial Mama Bear, but she is a brave Mama Bird, dragging her wing to lure the predator away for her nest. She's delightful. And I have to give credit William--though his decision process is maybe not the soundest (choosing to do whatever he thinks is the opposite of what his father would have done), he has a good heart: he cares as he learns Daphne's story. He knows where he has gone wrong, and he isn't willing to throw stones.

I love the humor in Kristi Ann Hunter's books--this one made me laugh out loud (as I said, Daphne is delightful, and prone to predicaments). But even more it had me tearing up over and over again as we learn more of her story, the hard and hurtful things she has endured through her own mistakes, the difficult decisions she has to make now as her son is growing up and distancing himself. Choices have consequences--and she has made poor choices. But God also has grace. And she has learned from her mistakes to move forward, raising up children to be wiser than she was.

This has been a spectacular series, touching on the people who are too often unseen and forgotten. It's a brave subject, and not an easy one, but one that is important to remember. I'm really looking forward to Jess's story; something tells me behind her terrifyingly competent, knife-wielding exterior is a woman just as in need of a haven (emotional as well as physical) as Daphne and Kit and all the other women they've helped. Highly recommended!

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