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London Dreams #1
Frankly, My Dear Clara
Every little boy grows up imagining he will one day be called upon to save the damsel in distress, but Mr. Hugh Lockhart is certain the enemy in his imagination has never been a kite. He knows that support from a wealthy aristocrat is all he needs to get his own clock-making shop, but rescuing Viscount Eversly’s cousin from a child’s toy isn’t how he thought he would gain that attention.
Miss Clara Woodbury knows she should be thankful her aunt is willing to sponsor her for a London season, but she doesn’t want to have any part of the decadence and dissolution of London. Knowing she must marry and wanting to please her family, she sets her sights on a younger son bound for the church.
As life continues to throw Clara and Hugh into each other’s paths, their conversations begin to challenge everything they thought they knew about what they wanted in life. When they finally discover that what they need is each other, will it be too late to change decisions already put into motion?
Miss Clara Woodbury knows she should be thankful her aunt is willing to sponsor her for a London season, but she doesn’t want to have any part of the decadence and dissolution of London. Knowing she must marry and wanting to please her family, she sets her sights on a younger son bound for the church.
As life continues to throw Clara and Hugh into each other’s paths, their conversations begin to challenge everything they thought they knew about what they wanted in life. When they finally discover that what they need is each other, will it be too late to change decisions already put into motion?
316 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2024
34 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
About the author
Kristi Ann Hunter
24 books1,648 followersKristi Ann Hunter graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in Computer Science but always knew she wanted to write. Kristi is an RWA Golden Heart contest winner, an ACFW Genesis contest winner, and a Georgia Romance Writers Maggie Award for Excellence winner. She lives with her husband and three children in Georgia. Find her online at www.kristiannhunter.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 17, 2024
This was a delightful book! The opening scene made me laugh. I'm really glad to be back into Hunter's Regency world!
Clara is not very good with people. She has absorbed a lot from her minister father and greatly desires to have a life of service just like she has grown up with, but she's not actually very good at sharing in a loving way (which is to say, she comes off extremely self-righteous at times). Hugh is a good balance for her, both in his personality (much more easy with people), and his ability to confront her preconceptions without attacking her. I like how they challenge each other to do better. And I really love that they're friends, well before romance sets in.
I enjoyed the tie-ins with Hunter's other series, particularly the Haven Manor series. After I realized Lord Eversly was Clara's cousin, I had to pause my reading to go thumb through my copy of A Defense of Honor to make sure I was remembering him right (of course, had I read through this book to the end, it would have all been confirmed anyway). But now I'm really excited that we should be getting his story in the near future! And Marmaduke was a lot of fun. I'd really enjoy spending more time with him as well.
I greatly look forward to the rest of the series!
Clara is not very good with people. She has absorbed a lot from her minister father and greatly desires to have a life of service just like she has grown up with, but she's not actually very good at sharing in a loving way (which is to say, she comes off extremely self-righteous at times). Hugh is a good balance for her, both in his personality (much more easy with people), and his ability to confront her preconceptions without attacking her. I like how they challenge each other to do better. And I really love that they're friends, well before romance sets in.
I enjoyed the tie-ins with Hunter's other series, particularly the Haven Manor series. After I realized Lord Eversly was Clara's cousin, I had to pause my reading to go thumb through my copy of A Defense of Honor to make sure I was remembering him right (of course, had I read through this book to the end, it would have all been confirmed anyway). But now I'm really excited that we should be getting his story in the near future! And Marmaduke was a lot of fun. I'd really enjoy spending more time with him as well.
I greatly look forward to the rest of the series!
November 18, 2024
I loved this book! I’m not going to spoil it by giving out details so you’ll need to read it yourself. Nobody does Regency OR Christian Regency better than Kristi Ann Hunter!
January 22, 2025
I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect when I picked up this book—the description was vague but intriguing!—but I really enjoyed it 🥰
It’s been a while since I’ve read one of Hunters books, but I think from this and my memory of the others, she writes character driven stories, and I love that! Clara was a bit of a snob (no spoiler it’s that way from the start 😆) but grows so much and I loved her. Hugh. He was my favorite. Such a great lead while still being a realistic man character (yay for that!). There were also some fantastic side characters and nods to previous books, though you could read this one solo just fine! I’m definitely eager to see what happens in the rest of the series.
I appreciated the themes of pride vs. humility, genuine service to God, and letting God lead our lives not pushing our own way. He is the Lord, not us!
Overall a fun regency story with depth, wit… clocks and kites 😉
Content: sweet romance (a couple kisses, not extremely detailed), alcohol mentioned several times
Recommend 16+
It’s been a while since I’ve read one of Hunters books, but I think from this and my memory of the others, she writes character driven stories, and I love that! Clara was a bit of a snob (no spoiler it’s that way from the start 😆) but grows so much and I loved her. Hugh. He was my favorite. Such a great lead while still being a realistic man character (yay for that!). There were also some fantastic side characters and nods to previous books, though you could read this one solo just fine! I’m definitely eager to see what happens in the rest of the series.
I appreciated the themes of pride vs. humility, genuine service to God, and letting God lead our lives not pushing our own way. He is the Lord, not us!
Overall a fun regency story with depth, wit… clocks and kites 😉
Content: sweet romance (a couple kisses, not extremely detailed), alcohol mentioned several times
Recommend 16+
January 9, 2025
Hunter has yet to disappoint me. This new series is absolutely fantastic and I can't wait for the rest.
The banter was top notch, the snark was spot on, and the epilogue - oh-my-word 🥰.
I also very much love that this is a new series with a new group of people, but we STILL get the connections to her other books. That is quite a talent and makes you feel like some sort of secret insider if you notice the references. Well done.
The banter was top notch, the snark was spot on, and the epilogue - oh-my-word 🥰.
I also very much love that this is a new series with a new group of people, but we STILL get the connections to her other books. That is quite a talent and makes you feel like some sort of secret insider if you notice the references. Well done.
January 12, 2025
Frankly, My Dear Clara is a well-paced romance novel set in bustling Regency Era London. This book is slightly different from other Hunter books set during the London season as the female protagonist, Clara, is not one of the upper-crust used to such seasons, but rather a country Vicar's daughter being sponsored by her Viscountess Aunt for a single season. Clara brings a different attitude from many other female protagonists in this genre as she not only eschews the frivolity of England's elite and their pastimes but goes so far as to eschew any money-making endeavors, including all business and commerce. Clara believes that business is in direct opposition to serving the Lord, which she feels called to do, and this brings her into direct conflict with our main male protagonist, Hugh, who happens to be a clock-maker from the business class working for Clara's cousin.
I loved Hugh and his entire character, and I enjoyed the banter between the two. I admit, Clara got on my nerves quite a bit throughout the book and I found myself rolling my eyes at many of her actions and the things she said. She did grow throughout the novel, both protagonists grew, but I do wish she had grown just a bit more for my personal preference.
I adored Clara's bother and cousin, Marmaduke and Ambrose. They both had entertaining characters and Hunter placed just enough info about their personal stories to make them intriguing. I cannot wait till for the next two books in the series, which will delve into each of their stories.
I loved Hugh and his entire character, and I enjoyed the banter between the two. I admit, Clara got on my nerves quite a bit throughout the book and I found myself rolling my eyes at many of her actions and the things she said. She did grow throughout the novel, both protagonists grew, but I do wish she had grown just a bit more for my personal preference.
I adored Clara's bother and cousin, Marmaduke and Ambrose. They both had entertaining characters and Hunter placed just enough info about their personal stories to make them intriguing. I cannot wait till for the next two books in the series, which will delve into each of their stories.
January 14, 2025
4.75 stars
I’m thrilled to be back in Kristi Ann Hunter’s regency world! And to make it even more fun, the timeline and some characters crosses over with her Haven Manor series, specifically book one. You don’t need to read A Defense of Honor in order to thoroughly enjoy this book, however!
First off, Kristi is the queen of banter! Especially banter in familial and friend relationships. I just want to be friends with all her characters in real life haha
The story started a little bit slow for me, but I quickly got swept up in the book (and finished it in one day!). Clara and Hugh are wonderful, realistic characters who are flawed yet loveable (as we all are!). I really love how Kristi writes such authentic characters and growth arcs that make me reflect on my own life. Clara and Hugh are both imperfect and make mistakes, but ultimately are seeking to honour God and love people.
This was both a thought-provoking book and a fun (and funny!) romp in regency London! As always, Kristi melds truth-filled wisdom, faith, action, and genuine characters into a wonderful story!
Also, I am so very excited for Ambrose’s and Marmaduke’s stories!
P.S. you can get a hint at what Ambrose’s story might entail by reading A Defense of Honor!
I’m thrilled to be back in Kristi Ann Hunter’s regency world! And to make it even more fun, the timeline and some characters crosses over with her Haven Manor series, specifically book one. You don’t need to read A Defense of Honor in order to thoroughly enjoy this book, however!
First off, Kristi is the queen of banter! Especially banter in familial and friend relationships. I just want to be friends with all her characters in real life haha
The story started a little bit slow for me, but I quickly got swept up in the book (and finished it in one day!). Clara and Hugh are wonderful, realistic characters who are flawed yet loveable (as we all are!). I really love how Kristi writes such authentic characters and growth arcs that make me reflect on my own life. Clara and Hugh are both imperfect and make mistakes, but ultimately are seeking to honour God and love people.
This was both a thought-provoking book and a fun (and funny!) romp in regency London! As always, Kristi melds truth-filled wisdom, faith, action, and genuine characters into a wonderful story!
Also, I am so very excited for Ambrose’s and Marmaduke’s stories!
P.S. you can get a hint at what Ambrose’s story might entail by reading A Defense of Honor!
November 22, 2024
The first of another great series
Clara is in London for a Season she really doesn’t want, sponsored by her aunt at her cousin Ambrose’s home. She enjoys helping her father, a rector at a small country church, visiting the poor and sick. In London she feels she has no way to serve, stifled by society’s strictures.
Hugh’s ambition is to be the best possible clock and chronometer maker with a shop of his own. He and Clara’s paths cross one day as he sets out to deliver a repaired clock and ends up rescuing Clara, her mother and aunt who wound up entangled by a kite.
Kristi Ann Hunter gives us another great story of characters who are not perfect (just like us!), muddling their way towards their hopes and dreams and finding sometimes what they expect is not the best plan. I enjoyed the appearance of Lady Grableton and the very brief mention of Graham from the Haven Manor series and expect to see more of characters from that series in at least one future London Dreams book. I look forward to reading them as they become available.
Clara is in London for a Season she really doesn’t want, sponsored by her aunt at her cousin Ambrose’s home. She enjoys helping her father, a rector at a small country church, visiting the poor and sick. In London she feels she has no way to serve, stifled by society’s strictures.
Hugh’s ambition is to be the best possible clock and chronometer maker with a shop of his own. He and Clara’s paths cross one day as he sets out to deliver a repaired clock and ends up rescuing Clara, her mother and aunt who wound up entangled by a kite.
Kristi Ann Hunter gives us another great story of characters who are not perfect (just like us!), muddling their way towards their hopes and dreams and finding sometimes what they expect is not the best plan. I enjoyed the appearance of Lady Grableton and the very brief mention of Graham from the Haven Manor series and expect to see more of characters from that series in at least one future London Dreams book. I look forward to reading them as they become available.
January 3, 2025
Kristi Ann Hunter often delivers heartwarming stories filled with memorable characters. However, Frankly, My Dear fell short of the charm I’ve come to expect from her novels.
The story had potential, but it lacked the spark that usually pulls me into her worlds. The plot meandered without much tension or drive, and I found it difficult to stay engaged. The characters felt underdeveloped. Most failed to make a lasting impression—except for Hugh.
Perhaps the pacing contributed to the book’s lack of
impact. It moved slowly, and the stakes never felt high enough to make me care deeply about the outcome. The romance, while sweet, lacked the tension or chemistry to make it unforgettable.
Overall, while I admire Kristi Ann Hunter’s talent and remain a fan of her earlier works, Frankly, My Dear didn’t meet my expectations. If not for Hugh, I might have struggled to finish it. This might appeal to readers seeking a gentle, slow-paced romance, but it didn’t leave the lasting impression I hoped for.
November 26, 2024
When I saw that Kristi Ann Hunter had written another Regency-era novel, I had to purchase it. It's been too long! It did not disappoint.
Clara and Hugh have a wonderful, sparing relationship; never mean-spirited, but rather thought-provoking. As Clara makes her way through the Season she must navigate her brother's and cousin's antics, an Aunt's shallow and meddlesome ways, a complacent mother, and the whims of the Ton. But one man speaks plainly to her. In turn, he is drawn into her world, a simple tradesman who previously was content to live outsideof it.
QUOTABLE:
"Company wasn’t a normal part of his work environment, but he’d found that talking to her made his mind consider alternative ideas. And he simply liked doing it."
There are elements of faith throughout and this was a very enjoyable story.
I look forward to both Marmaduke's and Ambrose's stories.
Five Stars
All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.
Clara and Hugh have a wonderful, sparing relationship; never mean-spirited, but rather thought-provoking. As Clara makes her way through the Season she must navigate her brother's and cousin's antics, an Aunt's shallow and meddlesome ways, a complacent mother, and the whims of the Ton. But one man speaks plainly to her. In turn, he is drawn into her world, a simple tradesman who previously was content to live outsideof it.
QUOTABLE:
"Company wasn’t a normal part of his work environment, but he’d found that talking to her made his mind consider alternative ideas. And he simply liked doing it."
There are elements of faith throughout and this was a very enjoyable story.
I look forward to both Marmaduke's and Ambrose's stories.
Five Stars
All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.
December 3, 2024
Clara is in London for a season living with her aunt, along with her mom, her brother Duke (really his name is Marmaduke and Duke is his nickname, which is hilarious in Regency England), and her cousin, Ambrose. I didn’t love Clara’s character through most of the book, which I think was the point, but it decreased my enjoyment of the book overall. That said, I loved how she learned to overcome her weaknesses. I could relate to her, which might have been what made it uncomfortable.
Hugh, a clockmaker, becomes involved with the life of the family. He is hard working and full of integrity. I liked him a lot!
Overall it’s a good story and I really look forward to Ambrose’s story in the future. If you’ve not read a book by Kristi Ann, start with her series. It’s my favorite!
Hugh, a clockmaker, becomes involved with the life of the family. He is hard working and full of integrity. I liked him a lot!
Overall it’s a good story and I really look forward to Ambrose’s story in the future. If you’ve not read a book by Kristi Ann, start with her series. It’s my favorite!
November 22, 2024
What a delightful story!
I laughed out loud a several places! Oh the dangers of a child’s toy ( wink wink).
Clara is a strong, faithful young woman who has her plans made… until they change. I did struggle with her attitude at times but as I continued to read and see her development I grew to love her.
Hugh is a young man also set upon his life goals and runs into a situation that leads to a different path.
I enjoyed the banter between each of the characters. The family love is shown well also.
I cannot wait for the other characters to get their own story.
For a sweet, funny yet touching story, this is it.
I laughed out loud a several places! Oh the dangers of a child’s toy ( wink wink).
Clara is a strong, faithful young woman who has her plans made… until they change. I did struggle with her attitude at times but as I continued to read and see her development I grew to love her.
Hugh is a young man also set upon his life goals and runs into a situation that leads to a different path.
I enjoyed the banter between each of the characters. The family love is shown well also.
I cannot wait for the other characters to get their own story.
For a sweet, funny yet touching story, this is it.
January 24, 2025
My favorite Hunter novel since the Hawthorne House Series
A lovely start to a new regency historical Christian romantic series. Faith themes are prominent and presented with surprising depth as pride, apathy, self-righteousness, forgiveness, and restoration are all examined. Hugh was a wonderful character, Clara was a little harder to love, but in the end, I cheered for their HEA. The supporting characters are compelling, and I look forward to future novels featuring Ambrose and Marmaduke. There are also cameo references to characters and features from previous Hunter novels.
A lovely start to a new regency historical Christian romantic series. Faith themes are prominent and presented with surprising depth as pride, apathy, self-righteousness, forgiveness, and restoration are all examined. Hugh was a wonderful character, Clara was a little harder to love, but in the end, I cheered for their HEA. The supporting characters are compelling, and I look forward to future novels featuring Ambrose and Marmaduke. There are also cameo references to characters and features from previous Hunter novels.
July 18, 2025
Hugh and Clara's story. (seems as though Ambrose and Marmaduke will also get future stories).
I thought this book could have had many a titles and was surprised by the conversation title and I was on the lookout for it.
This was a different style of read. The character Clara was interesting, I could relate to her thinking not her society status. Hugh had to content he was in trade and society would look on him or actually not notice at all.
Miriam her mother, had made her choices long ago (whether she thought herself fortunate with longings of past status). Staying with her sister and nephew who were in the elite circle.
I thought this book could have had many a titles and was surprised by the conversation title and I was on the lookout for it.
This was a different style of read. The character Clara was interesting, I could relate to her thinking not her society status. Hugh had to content he was in trade and society would look on him or actually not notice at all.
Miriam her mother, had made her choices long ago (whether she thought herself fortunate with longings of past status). Staying with her sister and nephew who were in the elite circle.
December 29, 2024
I've read all of Kristi Ann Hunter's Regency novels and I'm so excited that she's writing more. This story starts with a fun bit of mayhem then settles into a sincere story of connection and meaning in life. I always love the questions at the heart of Hunter's stories, in this case: Are entrepreneurship and ministry mutually exclusive? While I didn't connect as deeply with these characters and I did with the Hawthorne family, I still enjoyed the read. Note, some parts of this story will be better understood if you've read A Defense of Honor, Haven Manor book one.
January 14, 2025
I enjoyed this one! It was nice to spend time in a Hunter book once again.
Clara and Hugh were good, strong characters, and I enjoyed their witty banter. Clara could definitely come across a bit prideful and 'holier than thou' mostly to her cousin, Ambrose, but she did make some changes by the end of the novel.
I liked the clock-making aspect, and also the side characters throughout. I'm so excited that Marmaduke and Ambrose will get their own stories told; I am definitely here for that. :)
All in all a fun regency romance with good touches of faith and growth.
Clara and Hugh were good, strong characters, and I enjoyed their witty banter. Clara could definitely come across a bit prideful and 'holier than thou' mostly to her cousin, Ambrose, but she did make some changes by the end of the novel.
I liked the clock-making aspect, and also the side characters throughout. I'm so excited that Marmaduke and Ambrose will get their own stories told; I am definitely here for that. :)
All in all a fun regency romance with good touches of faith and growth.
February 12, 2025
I am excited for this new series! This book introduces some great characters and I look forward to seeing their stories told in future books. In this story, Clara and Hugh are each trying to decide what their futures will look like, and put some plans in place to accomplish it. While I easily connected with Hugh, Clara is a bit unique and was harder for me to like. Their story deals with faith and forgiveness and is clean (3.5 stars).
June 16, 2025
I enjoyed the book, especially the references to Kristi Ann Hunter's other books. Both Hawthorne House and Haven Manor characters and or plot points get mentioned. I had to go back and check where this book fell in the timeline (after Hawthorne but about the same time as Haven).
While Clara isn't my least favorite heroine of Kristi's books, she wasn't quite as easy to like as say Miranda.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
While Clara isn't my least favorite heroine of Kristi's books, she wasn't quite as easy to like as say Miranda.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
January 21, 2025
A hilarious Regency romantic comedy. Reluctant socialite Claire Woodbury is detesting her upcoming participation in the upcoming London season. She meets the dashing clockmaker Hugh Lockhart after he saves her from the assault of a kite (yes you heard that a kite). From there these two just keep running into each other and they both wonder if romance between the two of them is even possible. 😉
June 10, 2025
I enjoyed this Regency romance though it took awhile to warm up to Clara. I didn't like the way she treated her cousin Ambrose and was so opinionated. She had a lot to learn. She made the right choice in the end, though. I enjoyed the other characters and look forward to reading the rest of the series.
July 16, 2025
The book started a hit slower than I normally like and the female lead was rough in the beginning. I thought multiple times “what even is there for him to fall in love with?” but as the book continued I started to like her more and by the end I enjoyed the books pacing and the couples sweet love story. 🥰
November 13, 2024
This is a good story
I was interested in the portions of the story- as the portions were developing. I thought the
interaction of the characters were described well. I liked the story and recommend it to you.
I was interested in the portions of the story- as the portions were developing. I thought the
interaction of the characters were described well. I liked the story and recommend it to you.
February 26, 2025
I like Kristi Ann Hunter's approach to integrating spiritual themes and conversations through her characters. I think everyone will see a bit of themselves in at least one of the characters. I'm also curious about the next books in the trilogy and how she will connect them to past characters.
November 21, 2024
The characters in this book were interesting. It gave a viewpoint that people are more complex than we some times realize.
December 24, 2024
Loved this story. From then comical opening scenes to meticulous clock making research and the relationships between main characters. This book is a winner.
January 8, 2025
Another winner by Kristi Ann Hunter! Great characters and it was fun to see some subtle tie-ins to some of her previous books, but you can definitely follow this plot if you haven't read the others.
January 11, 2025
I really enjoyed this book and how the characters matured, even though not much really happened (typical regency).
Looking forward to the rest in the series.
However, I did not enjoy the cover.
Looking forward to the rest in the series.
However, I did not enjoy the cover.
February 14, 2025
It was delightful to enter Kristi Ann Hunter's Regency world again!
July 30, 2025
High-flying fun
I highly recommend this book. If you're a Haven Manor fan, this one wiggles into the middle of book one.
I highly recommend this book. If you're a Haven Manor fan, this one wiggles into the middle of book one.
October 17, 2025
DNF
I really wanted to read this book and expected to love it. Sadly, I was bored and quit at 30%. 😢
I really wanted to read this book and expected to love it. Sadly, I was bored and quit at 30%. 😢
August 2, 2025
There's such a beautiful message from God woven throughout both the heroine's and hero's stories. It's such a charming tale! I really appreciate how the author captures genuine emotions and how God works to shape the characters into His likeness. It's truly delightful!
I found myself laughing out loud in several parts, especially during the scenes with the child’s toy (wink wink). Clara is a strong and faithful young woman with her plans all set... until life throws her a curveball. I did find myself struggling with her attitude at times, but as I continued reading and saw her growth, I couldn't help but love her character.
Hugh is also a young man with his eyes set on his goals, but he finds himself on an unexpected journey. The banter between the characters is so enjoyable, and the family love shines through wonderfully.
I’m really looking forward to seeing more stories from the other characters! If you're looking for a sweet, funny, and touching read, this is definitely the one!
I found myself laughing out loud in several parts, especially during the scenes with the child’s toy (wink wink). Clara is a strong and faithful young woman with her plans all set... until life throws her a curveball. I did find myself struggling with her attitude at times, but as I continued reading and saw her growth, I couldn't help but love her character.
Hugh is also a young man with his eyes set on his goals, but he finds himself on an unexpected journey. The banter between the characters is so enjoyable, and the family love shines through wonderfully.
I’m really looking forward to seeing more stories from the other characters! If you're looking for a sweet, funny, and touching read, this is definitely the one!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews