"A Defense of Honor" by Kristi Ann Hunter
Kit is a woman on a mission. Her mission often takes her back to London, where she was once known by a different name. Rather than basking in the spotlight, however, Kit now lurks in the shadows, dealing in dangerous secrets. During one such foray, she escapes pursuit by ducking into the shadows of a ballroom, where she can't quite escape the attention an observant young gentleman.
Lord Graham Wharton discovers a mysterious young woman lurking in the shadows near a ballroom terrace door. Unlike the season's parade of debutantes, whom he finds quite boring, she rebuffs his gentlemanly advances and evades his questions with humor and wit. His fascination grows as he follows her and witnesses her face down a band of thugs intent upon retrieving something for their master. Although she is grateful for his timely interference, she refuses his offer to walk her home and slips into the night alone.
When circumstances bring Lord Wharton and Kit back together again, can Kit trust him with her secrets? Is Wharton an honorable gentleman, or is he yet another careless cad? Will Kit's true identity and passion for the mission to which she has devoted herself destroy the growing attraction between them?
Kristi Ann Hunter's newest novel dives below the glitter of Regency era London's ballrooms, addressing some of the aristocracy's ignoble and furtive actions. She tackles a difficult topic honestly, but graciously, offering readers a perspective often rare in inspirational fiction. The plot was unique and rather plausible, and the characters were generally likeable.
In this novel, the author develops a sizable cast of characters who will likely be featured in future books within the series. While the main characters were developed fairly well, I found some of the lack of character development for the secondary characters a distraction and a detriment. I understand the author's desire to leave some stones unturned for the next novel. I wish she would have allowed me to step over them a bit more delicately, though, rather than forcing me to stub my toes upon them repeatedly.
One of my pet peeves in inspirational fiction is some authors' propensity to conveniently ignore truth in favor of happily ever after. This can take many forms, such as dialogue or plot lines which are completely inauthentic within the historic context, or (far worse!) flippantly excusing characters' unChrist-like attitudes or immoral actions. Happily, Ms. Hunter avoids entanglement in these increasingly common pitfalls. I appreciated the dialogue which developed fairly naturally between characters. More importantly, I appreciated her treatment of difficult subject matter. The characters wrestled with their actions and attitudes in a way which honored Biblical truth without becoming either trite or judgmental.
I have read at least one or two of Kristi Ann Hunter's other books in the past. I don't recall having a strong opinion about them, but after reading this novel, I may have to revisit her other works. I will be watching for the subsequent books in this series.
I received a free electronic Advance Reader Copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley for review purposes. All opinions contained in this review are my own.