A Lady of Esteem (Hawthorne House): A Novella

Love this book, but a little short. Would have liked to see it a little longer. Good clean romance with a little bit of christian tone of forgiveness. Always live finding a new author to fit into that profile. Definitely will be looking for others.

I thought the principles of shame and forgiveness were introduced smoothly into the story. Anthony's struggles with change and a new desire for integrity should resonate with many who battle their own pasts. The love story for Amelia was not complicated, but simple and sweet. It's an easy read but full of hope.

amelia met anthony in an unusual place, enough for anthony been intrigued of who she is. this story is about once you are a new creation in God, the past has no hold on you...the flow of the story will bring a smile and hurry up i want to enjoy but cannot wait how it ends and not peeking nor read the last page first...

An enjoyable historical romance. The story was much more about the romance than the history or the settings. I liked the plot overall but I enjoy a little more of the historical background and setting weaved into the storyline.

What a fun surprise to come across this novella/author. I gobbled it up in one sitting and enjoyed the writing style and humor. I devoured the sneak peek into her next book (A Noble Masquerade) and can't wait to read that one as well. Engaging characters and wit. I look forward to more of this author's works.

A very lovely story. An excellent introduction to Kristi Ann Hunter and her Hawthorne House series! Christian Regency with plenty of entertaining characters, interesting situations, and witty dialogue. I'm very much looking forward to reading the rest of this series!

I enjoyed reading this novella, it was a light-hearted, fun story to read! I appreciated the struggle of forgiving ones-self for past mistakes that Anthony struggled with. I enjoyed laughing at the antics of Amelia, and enjoyed her kindness.

I like that there is no foul language. The characters are nice people. The story is not very realistic for the time setting; however, it's entertaining and an easy read. Even though there are several references to God and the Bible, it's hardly noticeable.

I literally caught myself laughing out loud as I read this story. The characters were well formed and sweet, but I couldn't get enough of the subtle actions and meddling of a certain group of people in the book. Loved it! I will definitely be looking out for more by this author :)

I received so much enjoyment from this book that I was disappointed when it ended. (Small spoiler alert) I was quite surprised to find who was behind the gossip in the plot twist. I look forward to more from this author.

I like that there is no foul language. The characters are nice people. The story is not very realistic for the time setting; however, it's entertaining and an easy read. Even though there are several references to God and the Bible, it's hardly noticeable.

I literally caught myself laughing out loud as I read this story. The characters were well formed and sweet, but I couldn't get enough of the subtle actions and meddling of a certain group of people in the book. Loved it! I will definitely be looking out for more by this author :)

I received so much enjoyment from this book that I was disappointed when it ended. (Small spoiler alert) I was quite surprised to find who was behind the gossip in the plot twist. I look forward to more from this author.

This is a love story about a forgotten orphaned young woman with lots of pluck and determination who literally falls into the arms of a notorious but reformed rake. The young woman is intelligent and personable and loved by the servants of a few households who help gain the love and life she desires.

This is a very sweet novella, and I enjoyed reading it a lot. While it is most certainly Christian, I wouldn't call it overly preachy. But, the main character's faith is very important to them, and one of the points in the story is that, in Christ, we all new creations. Personally, I liked it and thought it went well with the story.
Amelia is used, outside of her circle of friends, to being ignored. But while she is from what would be considered a 'good' family, orphaned at 10 and with a guardian who seems to have all but forgotten that she exists, that circle of friends is not one of high social standing. In fact, it is comprised entirely of servants. So, when on an errand of mercy for a friend/maid she has an encounter with Anthony Pendleton, Marquis Raebourne, she naturally does the sensible thing and runs!
For his part, Anthony is fascinated with this girl who is such a strange mix; well-bred, but caring little for societal norms, and far more comfortable with the servants than anyone else. But, having returned to London after an absence of several years, which haven't seemed to dim his reputation in the slightest; when with the help of friends (and servants, who all know and adore her) he finally gets to know Amelia, he's not convinced that he's the sort of person she needs. He may have given his life to Christ, but he still can sometimes feel the stirrings of his old self.
Will Anthony accept forgiveness and love? What will happen when Amelia is suddenly called away from town? And just how many ways can servants conspire to bring two people together, anyway?
I loved the story and the characters. I also liked that this novella, although a prequel, is well able to stand alone. We are introduced to the central characters of the official series, and they all have their parts to play, but this story has far more to it that that. The first three chapters of the first book in the series are also included. Well written and fun, I cannot wait to read more!

This short, sweet story is captivating, enchanting and romantic! I really love the encounters the two have and the writers ability to bring the reader along for the ride of love, drama and repentance.

A romantic Christian story, short and easy to go through, yet providing interesting characters and some funny quotes and plot twists. I definitely want to read more about the Hawthorne siblings! Recommended for anyone who wants to spend some relaxing hours reading a clean, romantic story.

In a world where a decent romance novel devoid of profanity and graphic sexual content is becoming almost like a treasure hunt, I absolutely enjoyed this book. So much so that I want to encourage Kristi Ann Hunter to please continue writing because I know that I am not alone in my search. I can barely contain my excitement as I wait for A Noble Masquerade and September never felt so far away!

I enjoyed this book. I really liked Amelia - she was a real sweetheart. The way she saw people and made friends regardless of station, her slightly clueless responses to society norms (for good reasons), and her tendency to chatter when nervous was endearing. Her romantic interest was also fun to read about, and the cast problems/characters did not feel contrived. A Lady of Esteem was free on the store when I bought it - can't beat that price! Try it - it's a short, enjoyable read.

This is such a sweet story. I loved the involvement of the servants-how they weren't necessarily main characters but they weren't just background people either. Amelia's relationship with them was a breath of fresh air.

I loved the main character she has such a likable character that I found myself cheering for her from chapter 1. I felt there was a certain predictability to the book which is what kept me from giving it five stars but still a fun read. I would definitely read more from this author after reading this one.

A forgotten ward left to her own resources, makes friends with the servants to the surprise of the high society she finds herself apart of. Her honesty is refreshing as she bridges the gap between the two.

Kristi Ann Hunter, a debut author through Bethany House, released A Lady of Esteem as an e-novella at the beginning of July 2015 to introduce her Regency-era series, Hawthorne House. A Lady of Esteem features Miss Amelia Stalwood, a ward of a reclusive nobleman. Living in London since childhood, Amelia spent the previous ten years befriending the servants of her household and the surrounding neighborhood. Through a series of amusing events, Amelia meets Anthony Pendleton, the Marquis of Raebourne, a former rogue and close friend of the Hawthorne siblings. Together, Anthony and the Hawthornes introduce Amelia to London’s aristocratic society. When rumors begin to swirl regarding Anthony’s past and Amelia’s circumstances, they soon discover new-found strength through their faith and friendships with the Hawthorne family.

Overall, I was rather impressed with Ms. Hunter’s debut novella. Throughout the work, she develops an accessible story with a clear Christian focus. I am looking forward to seeing how Ms. Hunter continues to build upon the storyline and characters first introduced in A Lady of Esteem, especially after reading the preview chapters for her upcoming novel, A Noble Masquerade (September 2015). While the main characters of A Lady of Esteem were interesting, I could definitely tell that the author’s thought and attention focus primarily on the Hawthorne siblings (Griffith, Duke of Riverton; Miranda; Trent; and Georgina). The novella does a good job of setting up the series (especially after reading the introductory chapters of A Noble Masquerade, which directly references events from the novella). However, the full novel will be easily understood and enjoyed by those who do not read A Lady of Esteem, which is currently only available in e-book format.

Thanks!
Brittany at BooksandBiscuits.com

Kristi Ann Hunter, a debut author through Bethany House, released A Lady of Esteem as an e-novella at the beginning of July 2015 to introduce her Regency-era series, Hawthorne House. A Lady of Esteem features Miss Amelia Stalwood, a ward of a reclusive nobleman. Living in London since childhood, Amelia spent the previous ten years befriending the servants of her household and the surrounding neighborhood. Through a series of amusing events, Amelia meets Anthony Pendleton, the Marquis of Raebourne, a former rogue and close friend of the Hawthorne siblings. Together, Anthony and the Hawthornes introduce Amelia to London’s aristocratic society. When rumors begin to swirl regarding Anthony’s past and Amelia’s circumstances, they soon discover new-found strength through their faith and friendships with the Hawthorne family.

Overall, I was rather impressed with Ms. Hunter’s debut novella. Throughout the work, she develops an accessible story with a clear Christian focus. I am looking forward to seeing how Ms. Hunter continues to build upon the storyline and characters first introduced in A Lady of Esteem, especially after reading the preview chapters for her upcoming novel, A Noble Masquerade (September 2015). While the main characters of A Lady of Esteem were interesting, I could definitely tell that the author’s thought and attention focus primarily on the Hawthorne siblings (Griffith, Duke of Riverton; Miranda; Trent; and Georgina). The novella does a good job of setting up the series (especially after reading the introductory chapters of A Noble Masquerade, which directly references events from the novella). However, the full novel will be easily understood and enjoyed by those who do not read A Lady of Esteem, which is currently only available in e-book format.

Thanks!
Brittany at BooksandBiscuits.com

I actually read book 2 first without realizing this was a series. Loved book 2 and when I found out Anthony and Amelia's story was available as a prequel I was thrilled. This was a great book. Easy to read and very enjoyable. Looking forward to reading book 1 next.

Anxiously waiting the full novel. The preview was very enticing, so well written and this new author is sure to have a great future. I would like to reserve the whole series as soon as each book becomes available.