Saturday, June 9, 2018

Reviewer's Bookshelf: A Defense of Honor by Kristi Ann Hunter


Book Summary (Amazon): 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.

My thoughts... This book was not what I expected...and I was pleasantly surprised. It is not your typical Regency-style novel, but explored a topic that is often hinted at but never really addressed. What happens when a romantic tryst leads to an unwanted pregnancy? What happens to the children and the adults involved? Kit has given up London society, her family, and her reputation to protect women and children...but the way she does this is controversial. You could even say immoral.

The moral dilemmas in this novel was so well written. Often it seems pretty cut and dry which character is going on the wrong path, but I could honestly see both Kit and Graham's perspective. It takes faith and wisdom from God for them to work towards a resolution. Kit wrestles with a deep need to receive forgiveness and move past the guilt and shame that drives her. She also has to learn what a relationship with an honorable man could be like. 

Personal takeaway...Guilt and shame are a burden that God gladly bears. Receiving His forgiveness can help us live a life filled with peace and freedom. 

This is an intriguing novel that covers a wide range of plot elements. I would definitely recommend it!

**I received a free copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley in order to share my opinion, which I did.**

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