En busca de refugio

Haven Manor #0.5

by Kristi Ann Hunter, Tamara Arteaga (Translator), Yuliss M. Priego (Translator)

Margaretta Fortescue necesita desesperadamente desaparecer de la sociedad de Londres, y su única esperanza es seguir los pasos de otra joven que recientemente se hizo una vida lejos de la mirada de la sociedad londinense. Su búsqueda la lleva a la ciudad comercial de Marlborough, donde, a pesar de sus esfuerzos por evitar la atención de la gente, parece que no puede eludir al abogado local, Nash Banfield.
Todo lo que Nash quiere es una vida tranquila, sin riesgos ni sorpresas. Cuando Margaretta, claramente huida, y sin ganas de responder preguntas, interrumpe su soledad, su curiosidad y sus principios no le permitirán dejar a esta mujer sin ayuda.
Pero ¿valdrá la pena saber la verdad de lo que hizo huir a Margaretta y podrá abrir finalmente su corazón al amor?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Romance, Regency, Novella, Historical, Historical Romance

122 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2018

About the author

Kristi 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.

Reviews

[Staci · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Search for Refuge is the novella that starts off the new Haven Manor Series. While I enjoyed parts of the story, some pieces including the romance were rather abrupt.

[Cherry's Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Una historia corta muy dulce que da inicio a la nueva serie de Kriti Ann Hunter. En este relato conocemos a las dos protagonistas de los siguientes dos libres mientras la autora nos cuenta la historia de Margaretta, una joven que llega a Marlborough huyendo e intentando ocultar un enorme secreto, y Nash, un abogado de un remoto pueblecito que tras un suceso duro de su pasado se ha aislado de todo y todos. El relato consta de diez capítulos bien estructurados en los cuales se va desentrañando el misterio que envuelve a Margaretta y como ella y Nash se van uniendo durante ese proceso. En este relato he echado a faltar esas notas de humor que tanto me gustaron en "Por fin en Marshington Abbey", pero comprendo que el tema que se trata y la situación de ambos protagonistas (y también de los personajes secundarios) no daba pie al humor. Quizás el único persona que rompe un poco la tensión del relato sea la señora Lancaster. Me he quedado con ganas de saber mucho más sobre este último personaje y sobre Margaretta y Nash, espero de corazón que en los libros siguientes tengan algún papel y nos cuenten que es de ellos.

Una buena historia para leer un domingo por la tarde ;)

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Search for Refuge is a lovely little story. Margaretta is an endearing character, and I found myself empathetic to her plight. I appreciated the realism that Hunter portrays in this story. Women had so few options without the care of a husband, brother, father, etc., and when those options weren't available to them, it was difficult indeed. Though his change of heart seemed a bit abrupt, Nash's protectiveness of those he cares about drew me in, and I ended up enjoying the romantic thread, especially because it's clear there is a distinct passage of time. For a novella, the secondary characters are quite endearing and well-developed. I especially loved Mrs. Lancaster and hope she is still around in the first book. This shows a lot of promise for the new series, and I can't wait to read more about book one's main character, Katherine. She seems to be a very uniquely determined individual. It will be fun to see Margaretta and Nash again, hopefully, too.

[Sydney · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel like this story may have done better as a full-fledged novel, because the plot seems pretty interesting and something that I would enjoy reading.

However, while I liked it well enough at first, the more I got into it the more I just couldn’t get into it. I didn’t really feel invested into the two main characters so their romance really did nothing for me.
I don’t know. There are some historical inaccuracies that bother me a little, as well; little things such as language and manners.

I want to leave this review on a positive note, so I just have to note how GORGEOUS this cover is... I mean honestly, it’s just so elegant and pretty and I love how it pulls in an object of the story into it.

[Hallie (Hallie Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

Reading Challenge Categories:
-Beat the Backlist Reading Bingo: Novella

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Some parts were confusing to try to read through, but overall this was a really enjoyable little story. Nash and Margaretta were an interesting couple and made a sweet pair in the end. I liked the exchange Nash and Mr. Fortescue had...also I'm looking forward to Katherine's story this summer.

[Chanel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It piqued my interest about the main characters in the following books, along with giving a satisfying romance between Nash and Margaretta. I was charmed by the town and characters, but eager to finish due to the lingering questions about Margaretta's past and the people she's searching for. Overall, a great introduction to the series and one I encourage you not to miss!

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the characters, the setting, and the lead-in to the first book in the series! I love prequels that really add to the backstory and depth of a series.

[Belinda Vlasbaard · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars - English Ebook

Review follows later.

[Joleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Newly widowed Margaretta needs to escape from her late husband's brother. Traveling round-about routes to throw off anyone who might be following, and with only a modest amount of money, she takes mail coaches as far away from London as she can.

The first woman she befriends, and my favorite character, Mrs. Lancaster. She offers Margaretta a room above her store. But who Margaretta really wants is to find is Katherine, a woman who also went into hiding, believing Katherine can help her with her predicament.

The town solicitor, Nash, makes no bones about suspecting this new comer of ill-motives, and keeps his eye on her. As he observes and spends time with her, he realizes she may not be what she portrays, that she's not out to hurt Mrs. Lancaster or anyone else. The day comes that two men from her past turn up in town, and Nash deeply feels the need to help her, to protect her from what she's never said she's running from.

Fairly nice story, but could use a bit more development. Feelings change too rapidly without enough storyline to justify it. Someone's feelings about children (a huge issue in this person's mind) literally change overnight.

The novella size makes it a bit difficult for proper story detail, unfortunately.
3 1/2 stars

[Sarah Monzon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice introduction to a new series. <3

[Cara Putman · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely delightful novella. I enjoyed each page.

[Fiction Aficionado · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the premise behind this new series: Haven Manor—a place for young women who find themselves in ‘a delicate situation’, as they might say, where they can escape the scorn of society and receive the support they need. This novella is set about ten years before the first full-length novel in the series takes place (due to release 5 June 2018) and tells the story of how Haven Manor comes to be. There’s a little bit of intrigue, and I enjoyed the development of Margaretta and Nash’s friendship. I thought Nash’s ‘problem’ was perhaps a little simplistic, and there were a few instances of Americanisms/anachronistic language that threw me out momentarily (I can’t remember them precisely since Kindle saw fit to somehow discard ALL my highlights) but overall, it was a quick and enjoyable read.

And I loved the secondary character, Mrs. Lancaster—a woman with a big heart and a little bit of spunk. I’m not sure whether she’ll appear in future books of the series, but I’d love it if she did!

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting prequel to the series. It definitely has me intrigued now to continue the series and see what the full-length novels are like. I liked the characters and the romance was okay.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was pretty excited to see Hunters new series. Maybe I made it too big in my head. It was a good little story. I was lost in a couple parts, the writing seemed rushed. This is the starting book to a series called Haven Manor and this in no way puts me off reading the rest of the series. I know they will be good books, this one just did not hit the spot for me. Squeaky Clean with a Christian element, and adult subjects of unwed mothers.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was just ok for me...I didn't connect very well to the main characters. Nash had a lot of baggage to deal with and Margaretta...I don't know...

Moral Note: Mild talk of pregnancy outside of marriage.

[mirada · Rating 3 out of 5]

Novela corta que presenta la nueva serie de esta autora.
Personajes algo planos y una angustia fácilmente arreglada.
A ver cómo es el siguiente.

[Olde American Spirit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, captivating story.

[Andrea Boyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I look forward to the rest of this series. I hope to see more of my favorite character, Mrs. Lancaster!

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, what a delightful, delightful story! I loved this introduction to the Haven Manor series, and am looking forward to reading more.
I really loved Margaretta's pluckiness, and determination to do what needed to be done to ensure her safety. I also loved Nash's concern for his townspeople, and how he eventually learned to trust Margaretta's presence in their lives. And, Mrs. Lancaster! What a joy she was . . . exemplifying the life that a Christian should lead in being a blessing to those she met.

[Reese Songbird · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short, sweet story. I enjoyed this romance and the writing style was very intriguing and held my attention really well. Really enjoyed it, and would recommend!

Content:
Kissing and talk of grief and loss

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Search For Refuge is another delightful tale from Kristi Ann Hunter.

In 1804 England, Margaretta is fleeing for her life and trying to find her friend Katherine, who disappeared under questionable circumstances. Can she find the answers and refuge in Marlborough? Are Mrs Lancaster, a local shopkeeper, and Nash Banfield, a solicitor, people she can trust or will they reveal her whereabouts to her father and unscrupulous brother-in-law? Margaretta is out of her element. Having grown up in wealth and comfort, she now has to fend for herself. Will Nash be the one to help her and get to the bottom of who she is running from and who she is trying to protect?

This is a very well-rounded novella, providing intrigue in a historical English setting.
Kristi always portrays interesting, believable characters. The faith element is very natural to the story, giving depth and insight.
I can’t wait for the next full length novel!

* I purchased this free novella from Amazon. All opinions are my own.*

[Sheila Holmes · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

A novella. Under 100 pages, so it was a quick read.

Sweet little story. Enjoyable read. Only downloaded it on a fluke, but really glad I did.

I can easily recommend this novel. And, I'm thinking about continuing in this series.

[Alisha Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great way to start the series.

[Tandie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the beginning, but the love story was pretty weak. MC is a Mary Sue and very much the damsel in distress.

The hero, Nash, had a pretty flimsy reason (IMO) for avoiding relationships and children. I might be more sympathetic if it was his own wife who died in childbirth, the baby soon after, but it was his brother’s wife and child. Nash’s bro got super depressed and said the worst part was that he was responsible. He had caused her death by making love to his wife and getting her with child.

The funny thing is that Bro pulled himself out of his despair, remarried, and is happy with his second wife and children. NASH is so traumatized by Bro’s experience that he gets nervous around children, especially babies. A baby means that a woman was very recently at death’s door. Puh-Leez Nash! It’s called the circle of life. Go watch The Lion King.

I’m pretty sure Nash’s determination to avoid everything that would lead to a woman giving birth is called negative motivation. A character who’s main goal is NOT to do something is less interesting than a character who actually works toward something they want. I have a GR friend who made me aware of this and I’m finding it to be true.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excited for the new series from Kristi Ann Hunter, and this novella intro was a nice big step into the location and storyline. My major issues with the book, really stem from the fact that its a short story, which provides so many limits that, had this been a full novel, based on what I have read in the past by this author would have ironed out all of those details.

At times, it gets a little confusing. We are introduced also to Nash's really big difficulties with marriage and family. His reasons are crystal clear, and the reader can genuinely accept his stance. With that, also comes the sudden change in emotion. Its fair to say that Nash has had time to get to know Margaretta - the resolution to her plight and his feelings changing and suddenly overcoming all his fears seem a little too hurried.

The dialogue/interchange between Nash, Mr Fortescue & Samuel Albany is clever, and was a great way to put off the real threat that is being posed, at least for a time - enabling Nash to step in and act. It wasn't clear where her father stood, until that last interaction in the office, and it was a good one.

Overall, I enjoyed this story. Clever plot line, and something entirely new from the author. I'm looking forward to the release of the first book in the summer.

[Rebekah Morris · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story was okay.

Some of the characters were likable. Nash’s manner in the beginning didn’t make me like him at first, and his whole reason for not getting married, while somewhat understandable, seemed a little odd when you think about all the other people he would have had to know.
I didn’t really care for Margaretta, though I also didn’t dislike her. She was just okay. But tell me, if you were wanting to hide and not be noticed in a town, would you travel with a bright yellow cloak and hide your face in it? I sure wouldn’t. And if a bad guy was in town, I certainly wouldn’t try to go through town wearing my bright yellow/gold cloak. This is something that make me shake my head.
There were some times in the story that left me puzzled and as though I was missing information that I should have. Also the ending was confusing.
The whole thing with Samuel seemed to be a tantalizing threat of action that never materialized.

The Christianity in this story was pretty brief and vague. A few mentions of going to church, and a few sort of prayers, but nothing felt clear and real.

I might try another book by this author, but this story just didn’t cut it for me.

[Ailin Skye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Si hay algo que he disfrutado, es una amistad que va creciendo y fraguando un amor que poco a poco va dando pie. Uno de los grandes elementos es precisamente esa búsqueda que nos hace repasar el arte bosquejado por la autora, y puedo decir, que la historia que ella ha orquestado alrededor de una nación me ha parecido adictivo. Arte con un mapa, pistad y espías, dando un giro total a todo lo que habíamos tenido en Haven Manor. Y esto hace que DE VUELTA AL HOGAR, me haya sorprendido desde el inicio. Sabía que Jess podría ocultar algo, pero lo que realmente tenemos aquí, es una historia de espías, una búsqueda de tesoro sin perder de vista lo que es el género y un romance delicioso que te deja con una sonrisa de oreja a oreja al llegar al final, sintiendo una pena terrible por despedirme de estas mujeres tan peculiares que tanto me han dado.
Kristi Ann Hunter, me ha sorprendido de forma positiva, lo digo en serio, me encandiló con su primer libro y ahora me declaro fan de su obra, de hecho quiero ver si hay una historia de cierto duque, así que me despido que tengo una caza que hacer ¡Feliz lectura!

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

" . . .worries belonged to the Lord since He stayed up all night anyway."

The Lord only knew how many worries Margaretta carried under the hood of her bright yellow cloak when she stepped off the mail carriage in Malborough, England. Following the trail of a months old letter from a dear friend, she found herself in Lancaster's store, nearly begging for food and dodging questions from a tall, dark and handsome local solicitor.

Nash Banfield's keen instincts told him that "traveling alone, traveling light, and hiding her face", meant that the young woman who had just stepped into his town was running away from something . . or someone. Determined curiosity and a deep affection for Mrs. Lancaster propelled Nash forward, anxious to make sure the kindhearted storekeeper was not duped by a pretty face and a sad tale. However, neither of them was prepared for the challenges that one simple introduction would require.

Kristi Ann Hunter's series prequel swells with encouraging reminders that the "morrow shall take thought for the things of itself", for "no matter how lost she (Margaretta) felt, none of this was a surprise to God".

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A woman with a secret and a suspicious man - what a combo!

Margaretta Fortescue desperately needs to disappear from London society, and her only hope is to follow the rumors of another young woman who recently made a life for herself away from the glare of society. Her search leads her to the market town of Marlborough where, in spite of her efforts to avoid attention, she can’t seem to elude local solicitor, Nash Banfield.

All Nash wants is a quiet, sedate life—no risks or surprises. When Margaretta, clearly on the run and unwilling to answer questions, interrupts his solitude, his curiosity and his principles won’t let him leave this determined woman without assistance.

But will the truth of what Margaretta is running from be worth finally opening his heart up to a chance at love?

This author was new to me, but I intend to read more of her books, beginning with the sequel to this one!