Legacy of Love

Haven Manor #1.5

by Kristi Ann Hunter

When Sarah Gooding returned a valuable brooch to the elderly Dowager Countess of Densbury, she had no idea it would lead to a job as the lively woman's companion. Nor did she expect to admire the Dowager's youngest grandson so much, even though the difference in their stations means nothing will ever come of her daydreams.

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

105 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2019

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

[Serena Miles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Otro libro de la autora que me ha gustado, y aunque se me hace pesado lo religiosos que son todos sus protagonistas, sigo disfrutando de la saga y la historia de Sarah es muy bonita. El epílogo me ha dejado con una gran sonrisa

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mi primer Kristi Ann Hunter y me ha gustado un montón. Qué manera tan dulce de narrar tiene esta autora; no sé por qué he tardado tanto en ponerme con una de sus historias visto lo mucho que me la recomendaron. Navidad, personajes adorables, un romance creíble y cargado de emociones... me ha dejado con el corazón calentito y espero repetir pronto ♥

[Sarita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was probably my second favourite novella in the collection .

I just loved Sarah's quiet but strong personality and just the loving character Lady Densbury. Lady Densbury had so much wisdom and in her quiet way a humorous personality. Even though she was old, she never stopped living life and seeing adventure.

Lady Densbury nodded. “I’ve always loved the snow. It covers up all the ugly. Makes the whole world clean. I like that. I like to think that’s how God sees me, covered in a blanket of snow just like it is out there. Not a blemish in sight.”

This was a sweet, bit sad story but at the end I was left with a feeling of love and hope and more enriched with some of the spiritual wisdom Lady Densbury imparted.

Love God. Love family. Love life.”

[Ailin Skye · Rating 3 out of 5]

El argumento francamente es muy sencillo, pero como siempre, vamos a encontrarnos con la bondad del ser humano, con la lucha por vivir con libertad de las clases y un romance inesperado pero tierno. Todo esto mientras la Navidad va llegando paso a paso y los sueños se van cumpliando. Para mi LEGADO DE AMOR cumple el cometido de cerrar con esta chica todo lo que nos quedaba pendiente, dejando claro que nuestras chicas hicieron su trabajo y yo encantada.

Kristi Ann Hunter me está ganando totalmente, ya le tengo echado el ojo a otra de sus series, que llegado ese punto necesito desesperadamente. ¡Feliz lectura!

[Sombra · Rating 3 out of 5]

No tenía ninguna expectativa cuando cogí este libro en la biblioteca y, cuando vi que eran historias cortas, sabía que una de las cosas que me iban a pasar al leerla era que el romance de los personajes iba a ser instantáneo desde el momento en que se vieran. Y así ha sido, claramente. Aunque otra cosa que me ha llamado la atención (y no lo digo como crítica) ha sido que las historias de amor y en general casi todas las acciones que los personajes llevaban a cabo estaban siempre centradas en la Biblia y en cómo Dios les guiaba a perdonar, perdonarse y, en definitiva a cumplir con lo reflejado en los distintos salmos.
Y, como digo, no es que critique que la autora haya metido esa temática en la novela y lo haya convertido en historias “blancas” si es que se puede decir así (seguramente en aquellas épocas fuera lo más común), solamente lo comento por si hay algun@ lector@ que este tipo de tramas no les llama mucho la atención, sepan a qué atenerse. (En mi caso, no son de mis preferidas, pero si la historia está bien contada y me engancha, no tengo problema con ello)

En cuanto a las historias, la primera me ha encantado. La historia está ambientada en las épocas navideñas y la pareja protagonista aunque no empieza con buen pie, finalmente acaban siendo el uno por el otro gracias al personaje de la abuela de éste, que protagoniza uno de los momentos más bonitos y más tristes a la vez para conseguir que ambos puedan finalmente vivir la vida que soñaron.

La segunda me ha dejado un poco descolocada, si bien ha sido bonito. La historia de Margaretta, una joven que se ve obligada a huir de su casa y del hermano de su difunto marido para evitar que le hagan daño, ha sido bastante original. Y su romance con Nash, aunque con altibajos, también me ha gustado. El problema ha sido cuando la autora ha querido tratar el tema del cuñado, que es del que huye Margaretta en todo momento. Para mi gusto ha sido muy light y sin apenas esfuerzo, por lo que me ha dejado un poco fría. Aún así en conjunto ha sido una historia interesante y con un mensaje sobre las mujeres de aquella época y sus dificultades para sobrevivir por sí solas que te hace reflexionar.

Y para terminar, la tercera historia ha sido la más graciosa de las tres. Amelia es una joven que toda su vida ha vivido de tutor en tutor y solo ha mantenido relaciones de amistad con los criados, por lo que cada vez que quiere comportarse en sociedad de la manera adecuada le cuesta y hace cosas que la dejan en una situación un poco comprometida. Anthony, su interés amoroso y para más Inri marqués, es el blanco de esas meteduras de pata y cada vez que amos se encuentran la risa está asegurada. Y más cuando a medida que la historia avanza y Amelia es agredida por ciertos personajes, los criados entran en acción haciendo unos sabotajes que ni el mejor espía.

En definitiva, un libro en conjunto bonito, con unas tramas sencillas y que te deja con la sonrisilla cuando acabas.

[Randi Annie Framnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grown-up foster child Sarah Gooding once did The Dowager Countess of Densbury a huge favor finding her most prized possession, a large amethyst brooch she had lost in the snow. This resulted in securing her a position as the countess’ companion. One of the tasks of this job is accompanying the countess to the weekly dinner with her family. During the event she sits behind the piano hidden from view playing music to entertain the family. Sarah dislikes them all, save for one, Randall Everard who is The Countess’ grandson. Hidden behind the piano she gets to listen in on quite the unsavory discussion when The Earl of Denbury is trying to direct wealth towards his oldest son and heir at the expense of his mother The Dowager Countess and later also his son, Randall.

We discover early on that the Dowager Countess has a good heart, and that her grandson is her favorite. She tries to encourage him to stop working for his father’s estate, which will never be his, and start working for something of his own. Whenever he spends time with his grandmother he tries to talk to her companion, but Sarah seems meek and shy so he doesn’t know quite what to make of her. The Dowager Countess, however, encourages them to spend time together even if Sarah is of a much lower standing than Randall and any serious connection between them seems out of the question.

This story can be read as part of the Christmas Heirloom collection or, like I did, as #1.5 in the Heaven Manor series. Either way you are in for a treat. It is a quick and sweet read that will easily get you into the Christmas mood. It is recommended for fans of Kristi Ann Hunter’s other works and for readers of historical fiction in general.
My rating: 4 stars /5
(all opinions are my own)

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Legacy of Love by Kristi Ann Hunter is one of four novellas in the Christmas Heirloom collection by four well-known Christian authors. It is a finalist in the Christy Awards for the 2018 season.
The first scene showcases Ms. Hunter’s stunning sense of humor and her quirky heroine, Sarah Gooding. Sarah is a companion to Countess Densbury. It is her duty to do the Lady’s bidding including playing the piano for the family’s weekly dinner. However, Sarah has a habit of speaking her mind which sometimes gets her into trouble.
Lady Densbury’s doting grandson, Randall Everard, catches Sarah’s eye but she has to endure the less than friendly looks from the rest of the family. Can Sarah and Randall help make this Christmas memorable for his grandmother? Or is Grandmother hoping for more than friendship between the two?
There are more than a few moments that will have you chuckling and wanting to know more of the story. Ms. Hunter crafts a heroine we can sympathize with on her journey to better herself. She reveals the Countess’s heart of gold and shows she bequeaths more than her heirloom brooch.
Be sure to read the other novellas in this Christian historical collection to see where the brooch goes on its journey to new owners.
* I won a copy of this book from Faithfully Bookish blog. I was under no obligation to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

[Robin Hatcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75🌟
Audiobook:
This novella isn't truly 1.5 in the Haven Manor series, except for perhaps by publication date. It takes place well after the third novel in the series. And its relationship to Haven Manor and the other characters in the series is barely mentioned. That little tidbit aside, it's a sweet story that I'd actually read before when it was published as part of the Christmas Heirloom collection. It was fun to read it again as the Christmas reading season kicks into gear.

Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Excellent read. Couldn’t put it down. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Liked it. Glad I read it. Engaging/entertaining/interesting.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed other books so much more.
1🌟 = For whatever reason, I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.

[Ashlee (bookswithnopictures) · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is nothing I do not love about this novella. Despite the small number of pages, the story feels well-rounded and satisfying. I can easily re-read anything that Kristi Ann publishes and this is a perfect one to get lost in for an hour or two.
Sarah is a minor character in the Haven Manor series. It's great to see the life of one of the children once they're grown and on their own.

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my favorite from the novella collection, The Christmas Heirloom: Four Holiday Novellas of Love Through the Generations, I read from last year. Though I enjoyed them all, this was the one that has stayed with me the longest. It's short and sweet and perfectly festive. :)

[Anna |This Curly Girl Reads| · Rating 4 out of 5]

Technically my 2nd time reading this (it’s also part of a novella collection). I recently reread the Haven manor series, so, of course, I reread this one too! It’s so fun to see where Sarah ended up. I also like Randall and his grandma so much! A nice little read with a HEA.

(Also, yay for big family’s 😉)

[Lidia Rosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Relato navideño mucho mejor que el primero.

[Yolanda Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very quick easy read. Even though this is a novella the author did a great job of developing the characters and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[LAS LECTURAS · Rating 5 out of 5]

La pluma de Kristi Ann Hunter es mi lugar seguro para salir de un bloqueo lector. Cada novela que leo de ella; se queda en el centro de mi alma. 🥰✨️

Debo confesarles que me lleve una sorpresa por que la empecé, sin saber que esperar, y resulta que parte de la historia se centra en Navidad, y eso me encantó por que justo la leí para esa fecha.

Dentro de mis géneros favoritos está EL ROMANCE HISTÓRICO y por lo tanto siempre me siento feliz leyendo el género, por imaginar reinos, descubrir tradiciones, costumbres, dentro de la monarquía o personajes cerca del entorno.

En esta historia encontrarás referencias muy distintas a otros libros de la autora, porque aquí tenemos a un tercer hijo de la línea sucesora a un condado, es decir que para la sociedad y para los mismo padres y hermanos; alguien sin importancia, sin futuro y sin autoridad y eso hace que te duela el corazón y a la vez da impotencia, pero Randall hasta consiente de aquello pero es un joven muy trabajador y con la estima bien puesta. Aawwww es que lo amé.

Por otro lado tenemos a Sarah una protagonista que me causó mucha inquietud, cada vez quería saber de ella; más y más, me encantaba leer sus pensamientos y la amé un mundo al descubrir los obstáculos que había encontrado en su vida y aún así tenía una alma tan bonita.
✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️ 5/5

[Meagan Myhren-Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Legacy of Love
Haven Manor #1.5
By Kristi Ann Hunter

Sometimes one just needs to escape into a book and this novella was just what I needed. This sweet Christmas story finds Sarah Gooding in service to the Dowager Countess of Densbury, as her companion. But the Countess is in failing health, something her family doesn't seem to realize but Sarah sees it as the woman, who has become more than an employer, becomes frailer as Christmas approaches.

Randall Everard is more than a little shocked at his grandmother's deterioration since his last visit. And when he hears his family's plans to put her aside he is more than a little surprised at his grandmother's companion speaking out so forcefully against their lack of regard for her comfort. Sarah's championing of his grandmother allows Randall to see her as something other than a mousy, silent shadow.

As the Countess sets plans in motion for her final Christmas she brings Randall and Sarah together in her own special way allowing them to get to know one another for who they truly are rather than their societal station. And her final gift is a legacy of love.

[MJSH · Rating 5 out of 5]

“And if it’s all the same to you, I’d rather not be one half of a tragic love story.”

Such delightful, witty, and satisfying Regency romance from Kristi Ann Hunter. This clever novella can be read in one sitting and can be read as a stand-alone (and fans of the Haven Manor series will adore this “extra” storyline).
Sarah and Randall, though born into different stations in life, are very similar in that neither of them has any claim unless they choose to stake a claim in life and work hard for it. Brought together by a frail but thoughtful and loving dowager countess (Sarah’s employer and Randall’s grandmother), they learn how to give and receive love deeply as well as chase after their dreams. The love they share for the dowager countess is tender and beautiful; the happy-ever-after ending in this story is particularly touching and lovely.

[Danielle V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

También es bonito, menos emocional que la saga principal. Debería ir después del libro 2 pero no se por qué está marcado como 1.5, la protagonista Sarah aparece también en el libro 2 donde mencionan que le encontraron trabajo, pero la historia se entiende de todas formas.
Mi resumen:
Sarah es una de las hijas ilegítimas que estuvieron en Haven Manor pero ya es mayor, ama tocar el piano y estuvo trabajando en la casa de un músico pero luego conoció a una mujer mayor que la hizo su dama de compañía. Esta señora tiene una familia horrible, su hijo, la esposa, y tres nietos, solo el nieto menor es agradable pero como es el tercero en la línea, nadie mas que su abuela lo pela. Arregla todo para que a su muerte Sarah y su nieto se casen, les deja una granja en EEUU y puedan vivir con la fortuna que ella les deja.

[Joleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Legacy of Love by Kristi Ann Hunter (5 ⭐️)
1827 Lancashire, England
Sarah Gooding was the Lady’s companion to a woman she loved dearly. A gifted pianist, Sarah was unknown to everyone but to her employer, the Dowager Countess. Only in her presence could Sarah be completely herself.
But the Dowager’s life was near the end and her grandson, Randall, knew it. Spending as much time with his grandmother as he could, Randall began to see the true Sarah Gooding and realized this was a woman of great surprises.
********************************************
What a wonderful story. Utterly unique. A novella matching any whole book I’ve ever read, missing nothing in its brevity. Ms. Hunter wove a lovely tale around a brooch which will continue to appear in the other stories of The Christmas Heirloom, collection. This was perfection!

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a novella, this story packed so much importance into every word that the pace flowed naturally and didn’t feel rushed at all. Add in a physically ailing but mentally sharp matchmaking grandmother with two young people who feel left out on the edge of their respective worlds, and you’ve got a heartwarming, poignant tale of familial and romantic love that is sure to lift your spirits. Although this could be considered book # 1.5 in the Haven Manor series, it can definitely be read as a stand-alone.

[Erna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful tribute to loving and living

The story of Sarah Gooding and Randall Everard was a fitting finale to my reading the Haven Manor trilogy. What a sweet and powerful conclusion! Sarah’s upbringing at Haven Manor as an orphan (an unwanted child) was superior even though she had no parents or worldly goods. And her life bore testimony to God’s grace and love as a result.

I rated this 5 stars as a novella and part of a series, even though it was short. It was extremely satisfying as I say goodbye to the lovely and exciting series.

[Dana MV · Rating 4 out of 5]

Las 3 historias son realmente hermosas. Es un libro sencillo, corto y con momentos tensos o divertidos que, realmente te hacen pasar un buen momento. Me hubiese gustado tener más epílogo en las 2 últimas historias, por eso no se ganó unas 5 estrellas, en mi opinión.
Fuera de todo, amé cada momento leyéndolo, la autora juega relativamente bien con las referencias religiosas y aunque no fué por completo de mi agrado...los temas centrales de las historias fueron suficientes para dejarme pasarlo por alto. En definitiva este libro se quedará en mi colección de romance histórico.

[Es Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story, very simple, cute. I felt the conclusion was a bit weird, but I understand that the purpose was to make a 4-novella book and I assume the other authors wanted to write about characters in the US.

I really like this story about a third son, and how impoverished they are, how they're dependent on their family's charity. And this family doesn't seem to be too kind to poor people. I haven't read book 1 yet, so it'll be interesting to see how the mom is portrayed in it.

[Carolina Colleene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Language: G (0 swears, 0 "f"); Mature Content: PG; Violence: G
This is a cute short story that actually goes after the third book in the series if you want to read them in order of when they happen chronologically in their reality. There are no spoilers for books two and three if you read this one between one and two, but Sarah is mentioned in book two before the events in Legacy of Love take place.
The mature content rating is for kissing.

[Cassy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful Christmas book!! I absolutely love this book and it coming off a series was great! (Although it’s really not a 1.5 book as the timeline (and year taken place) is after the 3rd book in the series and the character is grown and on her own so if anything it would be a 3.5 Or anything after the last book of Haven Manor )
Again though… great message!!! GREAT BOOK!!!

[Shalini M · Rating 3 out of 5]

I quite liked the rest of the series, but this novella was just about average. I find that quite often, novellas interceding the main books in a series do not make an impact compared to primary books, either because the scope of character growth and plot development is limited or because they are possibly an afterthought.
2.5 stars rounded to 3.

[Alisha Grant · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Charming story of love - a new couple, complicated aristocratic family dynamics and close grandson and grandmother relationship. This story set at Christmas time was a great read but touched the heart of this reader. I need a moment to breath after the ending, but the Epilogue gave hope for the future.

[Luci Jamison · Rating 4 out of 5]

clean romance

A delightful setting of one of the children mentioned in the Haven Manor series. It was fun to see how the character found her place.
The author does a great job of describing her characters, both the hero and heroine. She does a nice job with other characters as well. Those you like and others not so much.
I recommend the book, series and author!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Sarah and Randall's story. His Grandma was wonderful. She had such spunk. I really liked her character. I loved the little nudge she gave Randall that finally allowed him and Sarah to start building a relationship together. I was surprised how the story ended, but it seemed perfect.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick read about Lady Densbury’s companion, Sarah, and her trying to play matchmaker for her Grandson, Randall. A quick and delightful story. I loved how Lady Densbury lived her life by this motto…”Love God, Love family, Live life.”

[Ana Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this novella!
I liked reading about Sarah’s life, what she did and who she fell in love with.
I really liked the chemistry between Sarah and Randall, it was so well written that it didn’t feel rushed or anything like that.