After meeting Graham, Kit finds herself wishing things could have been different for the first time in her life, but what she wants can't matter. Long ago, she dedicated herself to helping women escape the same scorn that drove her from London and raising the innocent children caught in the crossfire. And as much as she desperately wishes to tell Graham everything, revealing the truth isn't worth putting him and everyone she loves in danger."
Author: Kristi Ann Hunter
Length: 384 pages
Format: paperback, hardcover, e-book, audio book
"Grace doesn't work like that, Kit.
Grace doesn't come from anything you can do.
Jesus didn't die and rise again so you could crucify yourself with guilt."
We always talk about all the things we "miss" from the 1800's, but we never talk about the truly terrible things that happened during this time period. Leave it to Kristi to deal with heavy topics with such a flawless execution!
Illegitimate children born to aristocracy were a huge issue, that was also taboo to talk about. The men could sire a child and never see a consequence, while the mother of this child would lose her place in society and quickly become an outcast. AND THE POOR CHILD! 😲😞 It was a sad time indeed! One we still don't talk a whole lot about, much less read about it. Kristi took on this bear of a topic and crafted a story full of hope and redemption while educating me.
You get a foundation for a series that will deal with loads of loaded subjects in this book.
We met Kit briefly in "A Search for Refuge" and you can tell she is carrying a heavy weight on her shoulders. 12 years later and that weight has only gotten heavier. Kit had been carrying around so much guilt for 12 years it had completely changed her outlook on life, and God. Yes she still believed in Him, but one might say she was "going through the motions".
Throughout the book you can see the change take place on the pages. You can see her shell harden and harden until it finally crumbles and God's love turned her into a new creature.
Graham was Kit's opposite in SO many ways. Yes they both grew up in Society, but that's about where the similarities end. Graham had an easygoing life. He had loving parents, good (if unconventional) friends, and he didn't have a "past". He was a gentleman with a good heart! Even when he came across Haven Manor he was patient, relaxed and observant. AND HE HAD A SENSE OF HUMOR!
While you can see Kit's armor fall apart, you see a change in Graham as well. You see his faith in himself and God solidify and a purpose begin to take root.
This book was FULL of touching moments! One of my ABSOLUTE favorites was the deep conversation between Graham and his father. *tears up a bit just thinking about it*
Kristi TRULY knows how to craft a family from ashes of nothingness, and turn it into the PERFECT blend of humor and seriousness!
I rated this a 4.5/5 stars. I cannot wait to come back to Haven Manor for I know I will leaved changed again!
Quotes:
Jess stared out over the lake for a few silent moments. "I've learned a funny thing about the past," she finally said. "The ghosts that haunt you the most are the ones you refuse to acknowledge. The past you try to bury has the most power to hurt you."
"Favorite book?"
"You can't ask a book lover such a question. It's like asking a mother who her favorite child is."
He waggled his eyebrows at her. "Who's your favorite child?"
"The most precious gems are forged from pressure. God brings beauty from adversity, when you let Him."
*I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review**I was not required to give a positive review**All opinions are my own*
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