Thursday, March 10, 2022

ENCHANTING THE HEIRESS by Kristi Ann Hunter, Reviewed by Paula and Winnie


PAULA'S REVIEW:
With a heroine who reminds me of Jane Austen’s Emma, a meddlesome lady who wants to help people because she knows what is best, Ms. Hunter brings levity to her latest romance. “After all, it seemed making other people’s dreams come true was what she did best.” The setting was one of my favorites, a few country estates with good friends within riding distance of each other.

Jonas Fitzroy and sister Sophia from book two in the series, are settling in to their country life. In Jonas, the author gives us an unusual hero who is neither rich nor titled and is several years younger than the heroine, Harriet. To Jonas, Harriet is a puzzle: “There were a great many things he didn’t know about, and he was quickly moving ‘women’ to the top of that list.” Jonas, who has a Bible quote for almost every contingency, wonders about his purpose in life. Since his sister married, he is no longer her protector. Harriet sets her sights on Jonas to resolve the situation. But does Jonas want her meddling in his life? Opposites attract but it takes a while with such stubborn, opinionated people.

A likable story with quirky characters and a pretty country setting. It was fun to see Jonas and Harriet grow and learn to navigate what life threw at them.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.* 4 stars and a strong faith thread.
WINNIE'S REVIEW:
“We all have bearing on one another. It is our duty to make that bearing as beneficial as possible.”

When two colorful and interesting, but seemingly incongruent, characters were thrown together in this book, I couldn’t see how it was going to work out, but author Kristi Ann Hunter shuffled them through enough adventures and awakened their minds enough that we got a happy ending. Wealthy heiress Harriet Hancock loves to use her wealth and prestige to anonymously bless the lives of others. What she doesn’t realize is that sometimes it felt like she was manipulating them.

“Why was it so difficult for people to understand that helping others was its own reward? It was a purpose in and of itself.”

Hardworking and unpretentious Jonas Fitzroy is a stable hand who enjoys working with horses but doesn’t really care for prestige or society in general. He’s thoughtful and protective of his sister and shuns the spotlight—until Harriet takes him on as her newest project. I enjoyed the interaction between Harriet and Jonas and seeing their relationship grow.

“There is so much of God in nature, whether it be the flow of a stream or the beauty of a horse or the tickle of a breeze. The fact that everyone feels the same wind or wades through the same water regardless of who they are or where they were born reminds me that God sees us all the same and loves us equally.”

This story felt like it had more of an inspirational message than most of Kristi Ann Hunter’s books. Threads of being truthful, having integrity, and not being manipulative, as well as forgiveness were woven through it. Hunter’s signature sense of humor still was apparent, though, to lighten up the scenes. Although it can be read as a stand alone book, it was fun to see characters from the previous books in the series play parts in this one.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers. All opinions are my own. 
 

BackCover Blurb:
Miss Harriet Hancock enjoys playing the role of eccentric heiress, using her wealth and influence to cleverly and anonymously better the lives of those in Newmarket. Though she keeps people at a distance to protect a years-old secret, when her friend pleads for help on a personal project, Harriet can't resist.

Stable hand Jonas Fitzroy would do anything for his twin sister, even if it means seeking out the woman whose meddling ways have made him wary and suspicious. The last thing he expects is for Miss Hancock to request his help in writing a book. Intent on revealing her underlying plan, Jonas agrees.

As they work together, an unexpected friendship forms. But when things for once don't go according to Harriet's plan, she's left wondering if good intentions might not be enough. Is there a way to mend the broken pieces of her life? And will Jonas give her another chance at his heart? 

Bethany House Publishing, March 1, 2022
Available in digital ebook, hardcover, and audiobook:
Buy ENCHANTING THE HEIRESS at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

1 comment:

Share This Post

How Our Giveaways Work: The Official Rules

We, the ladies of Inkwell Inspirations, would love to give free stuff to everybody. Since we can't, we will often have a giveaway in conjunction with a specific post. Unless otherwise stated, one winner will be drawn from comments left on that post between the date it was published and the end of the giveaway as determined in the post. Entries must be accompanied by a valid email address. This address is used only to contact the commenter in the event that he/she is the winner, and will not be sold, distributed, or used in any other fashion. The odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. NO PURCHASE, PLEDGE, OR DONATION NECESSARY TO ENTER OR TO WIN. ALL FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND MUNICIPAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPLY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

Pinterest