Bethany House Review- A Pursuit of Home by Kristi Ann Hunter

Happy Tuesday everyone! If you're like me, Tuesday can be one of the best days of the week simply because we've made it over the first hurdle...Monday! Regardless, any day of the week is a good day for reading. This past week was a very happy mail/reading week...Kristi Ann Hunter's newest landed in my mailbox!

*Summary*

In early 1800s England, Jess Beauchene has spent most of her life in hiding and always on the move in an effort to leave her past far behind her. But when she learns the family she thought had died just might be alive and in danger, she knows her secrets can only stay buried for so long.

Derek Thornbury loves the past, which has led him to become an expert in history and artifacts. He knows Jess has never liked him, but when she requests his help deciphering the clues laid out in an old family diary, he can't resist the urge to solve the puzzle.

As Jess and Derek race to find the hidden artifact before her family's enemies, they learn as much about each other as they do about the past. But can their search to uncover the truth and set history right lead to a future together?

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                         *My Thoughts*

Like curling up under a favorite blanket, Kristi Ann Hunter's stories of intrigue and love will warm you from the inside out.

The characters throughout this book were such a fun group! Derek was a most unusual hero and I think that is what makes him so endearing. Kristi took the usual dashing hero that sweeps the heroine off her feet from the very first page and turned him into a quirky, socially awkward, adorable man that annoys the heroine to no end. Combining his personality with that of Jess, the self dependent, spunky, sarcastic heroine made for such a realistic and enjoyable read. The supporting characters really brought life to the story. The blends of personalities and friendship made reading the book really feel like coming home.

I loved the way Jess and Derek's relationship progressed over time. A slow progression from annoyance to attraction, not just their physical attributes but the little quirks and nuances that make them who they are. You could feel their emotions, everything from the defeatist way Jess looked at herself when Derek knew something she didn't to Derek's confusion and mistrust of which personality was the real Jess. Their relationship was sweet, gradually beginning to understand each other. There really was not much "traditional" about this book and I enjoyed it. I don't even think they kissed in all 300+ pages, but it was just as sweet!

One thing I will say, is this is an information packed book. It has a story-line and a point throughout, but there are a lot of details that can make it seem slow at first. Stick with it though, there is so much going on between the beautiful covers, you don't want to miss it!

I loved Kristi's first series, but somehow this series snuck right on by me. I read this book without reading the earlier novellas or books 1 & 2 and I did not feel lost. I did get the feeling that the supporting characters might have their own stories so I checked and they do! Moral of that story is, definitely get the whole series, I am sure they are all wonderful, but these can be read as a stand alone treat. That said, book 3 of Kristi's Haven Manor series is a wonderful addition to my bookshelf, now I need to go buy the rest of the series!

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    *My Rating*

  I give A Pursuit of Home by Kristi Ann Hunter...

                                       



                             4 1/2 stars! 
            

*I received this book free of charge from the author.


Happy Reading,

Nicki