A Defense of Honor ~ Review

A Defense of Honor
Haven Manor #1
By Kristi Ann Hunter

Katherine FitzGilbert has turned her back on London society after being caught up in a scandal - one that ruined her reputation and that of a dear friend. What started out as an errand of mercy to the unwanted and castoff children of society has turned into a mission of vengeance. And this time Kit finds herself in trouble having to hide within the very society that she has scorned. Unfortunately, her hiding place doesn't hide her from the all too bored eyes of Lord Wharton (aka Graham). Intrigued by the glimpse of a woman hiding in the foliage at the edges of the ballroom he meets a mysterious woman who disappears as quickly as she darted in.

Kit has a secret that she is determined none shall uncover - she is The Governess. A title that strikes fear into the hearts of gentlemen who allow themselves to ruin the reputations of young ladies. And The Governess makes them pay for their children that she cares for.

But someone is seeking The Governess threatening all that Kit and those aiding her have created in an abandoned estate in a small village that no one pays any mind to. When Graham unexpectedly shows up Kit fears that he may discover what they are hiding and reveal what he learns. But the children touch his heart and his short stay offers the children a break from the tedium of their life bringing laughter to their home.

Seeking to help a friend Graham never expected to see the mysterious woman from the ball when they set out to find his young sister. But an unguarded comment set him off leading him to Haven Manor and leaving him with questions - questions that could answer the one that he seeks "Where was Priscilla?"

When confronted about her lack of trust in God to provide for the children and her need to exact vengeance Kit is left in turmoil. Could she have been wrong all these years? Should she have given the fathers from whom she has been collecting financial support the opportunity to do the right thing by their children? 

A Defense of Honor is an interesting look at London Society and what the consequences to those who fall prey to their passions and their children must endure. A firstborn son who will never inherit. A daughter who will never have a season. Children whose only future is one of labor and not one of society. I really liked Graham and his friend Aaron Whitworth, who was one of society's castoff children who was known to his father and supported but not accepted by society.  Fans of Kristi's Hawthorne House series should enjoy this one too.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher via their blogger program with no expectation but an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:
When Katherine "Kit" FitzGilbert turned her back on London society more than a decade ago, she determined never to set foot in a ballroom again. But when business takes her to London and she's forced to run for her life, she stumbles upon not only a glamorous ballroom but also Graham, Lord Wharton. What should have been a chance encounter becomes much more as Graham embarks on a search for his friend's missing sister and is convinced Kit knows more about the girl than she's telling.

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.