Enchanting the Heiress + Giveaway

Random Retro Read

Miss Harriet Hancock enjoys playing the role of eccentric heiress, using her wealth and influence to cleverly and anonymously better the lives of those in Newmarket. Though she keeps people at a distance to protect a years-old secret, when her friend pleads for help on a personal project, Harriet can’t resist.

Stable hand Jonas Fitzroy would do anything for his twin sister, even if it means seeking out the woman whose meddling ways have made him wary and suspicious. The last thing he expects is for Miss Hancock to request his help in writing a book. Intent on revealing her underlying plan, Jonas agrees.

As they work together, an unexpected friendship forms. But when things for once don’t go according to Harriet’s plan, she’s left wondering if good intentions might not be enough. Is there a way to mend the broken pieces of her life? And will Jonas give her another chance at his heart?

My Review:

Truth: I wasn’t enamoured with Harriet in the previous book…she’s a meddler, bordering on manipulator and thinks she knows what is best for everyone…especially Sophia (heroine from book two) and by default, her twin brother, Jonas. She’s also seven years older than our hero, and that’s not a fave trope of mine. Especially since the gap between 23 and 30 seems so vast, especially when it’s the man who is younger. But that might just be me being old-fashioned and jaded by the old-timey romances that used to feature heroes old enough to be the heroine’s father (shudder) and I know that isn’t this story but, still, I was reluctant. So much so that I read the first two Hearts on the Heath books twice before gathering up the courage to dive into this one.

Ahem, I’m here to publicly acknowledge the error in my thinking, both about Harriet’s personality and the age gap because Kristi Ann Hunter bedazzled me in spite of my misgivings! Lesson learned by a Reluctant Reader: do not judge a book by your own prejudices.

So, is Harriet meddlesome? Why yes, she definitely is, but there are complicated layers to her character and we are gradually given glimpses into her back story that suggest she comes by her…unusual…personality honestly. 🙂 She’s also an expert manipulator — which sounds like a bad thing — only she uses her powers for good. To spare hurt feelings, distract from a social disaster, provide charity under the guise of someone doing her a favour. In fact, she spends a lot of time slyly helping others, often to the detriment of her own social standing. So, Harriet has a heart oozing with compassion, even if it is very well hidden…along with her secrets!

Jonas has never been a Harriet fan. He tolerates her for his sister’s sake since she is Sophia’s friend. And, now that Sophia is married to a gentleman, Harriet has taken her in hand, helping her ease into society. But, my oh my, when those two ladies join forces to meddle their way into Jonas’s life…well, nothing will ever be the same again!

Opposites attract…but royally battle before they recognize that fact! There’s banter and humour mixed in with emotional drama. And such a wonderful faith thread woven throughout that the author provides scripture references by chapter at the end of the book. And no, that doesn’t mean it’s heavy handed — it’s just that Jonas has a scripture for every occasion. 🙂

A wonderful conclusion to the Hearts on the Heath series and I’m ashamed it took me so long to finally read it!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

Paperback available to any reader, any where in the world so, yay, an International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Enchanting the Heiress, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday July 29 , 2023.

26 thoughts on “Enchanting the Heiress + Giveaway”

  1. This book sounds so fun. I love what you said about your misgivings before reading this book! I know there are various books I was hesitant to read and later was glad I gave a try!

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  2. I read the first two in the series, but not this one! Sounds like I should give it a try. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!
    Jolene – iwant2save34 at gmail dot com

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  3. Thank you for your review on “Enchanting the Heiress”. There’s so much there that reminds me of hubby and I. Yes opposites do attract. Yes sometimes it’s the woman that’s the older. 🙂 Sounds like a fabulous story and one I’d love the opportunity to read. Love the cover and how the woman with her blue dress pop right you and then you see the handsome man headed her way.

    Thank you for the chance to win a copy!
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

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  6. Yikes, I’m with you on the hero being so much younger than the heroine!! I’m reading a book now where the heroine is 7 years younger than the hero….which to me is okay because of some old fashioned ideas (I’m 6 years younger than my husband). You and I think a LOT alike Kav! I also don’t like a manipulator.

    Now that being said….. I also love when an author redeems a character in a subsequent book in a series. There’s always a reason that person is the way they are, and peeling back those layers is so eye-opening to me. Could be past hurts, how they were raised or some such thing like that. Secondly, I adore Kristi’s writing so I would trust her to write the kind of books & characters that I come to love….eventually, lol!

    I’ve also learned to (reluctantly) give unloved troupes a chance….I’ve actually come to enjoy some of them more than I thought! Of course, there’s going to be the occasional dud, I just DNR those move on.

    In any case, put me in for the draw!! Love Kristi!!

    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. We do seem to enjoy the same tropes and running screaming from others. lol It’s good to be bibliophile brave occasionally. And you’re right — Kristi Ann Hunter is an amazing author. Which reminds me, I must check and see if her contemporary is on audible yet. Good luck, Trixi!

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    1. Ohh, church libraries. I started attending a new church this summer and it has a library!!!! with about five shelves of Christian Fiction. But no librarian in sight. I’m kinda hoping there’s a volunteer opening there. That would be sheer bliss. Good luck, Becky!

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  9. I always enjoy Kristi Ann Hunter’s books so Enchanting the Heiress was no exception. Harriet does take a bit of getting used to. I found the age difference to be interesting and wonder if perhaps one reason it worked is the maturity of Jonas. I already have this book so don’t add me to the giveaway.

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    1. Yes, Jonas has lived a lot of life by the time they meet — his back story is so interesting. That’s a good point since I went into the read thinking 21st 23 year old versus 30 year old! Happy Reading, Pam!

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  12. I still haven’t read many regency romances, but your reviews are so very tempting!

    Sandyavery at comcast dot net

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