A Pursuit of Home

(Haven Manor #3)

When she learns the family she thought dead might be alive and in danger, Jess Beuchene knows her secrets can only stay buried for so long. Desperation brings her to Derek Thornbury, an expert in history and artifacts, to help her decipher the clues in an old family diary. Will their search to uncover the truth of the past lead to a future together?

My Review: 10/10

I have wanted this story since book #1... ages ago. Jess was certainly interesting and unconventional and embodies a lot of qualities I wish I had. So I was THRILLED when I discovered her tied up in the next series and I patiently waited until her time came. I was not disappointed.

But I have to admit that when I saw Derek being set up as her romantic interest, I was a little let down. I found him awkward, stuffy and boring in A Return of Devotion - everything Jess is not and he just didn't hold my interest. It seemed Jess agreed with me. But he won her over (and me too, in the process).

SPOILERS
One thing I didn't like was a small moment when Jess reunites with Ryland and household. She makes him promise that he will put his wife and child ahead of her and not get so personally involved. While the sentiment is nice, I felt offended on Miranda's behalf that it implied that Ryland would put Jess first, that he needed to be reminded, let alone swear an oath. Maybe it's my jealousy coming out, but I wouldn't have appreciated that implication if I were Miranda.

I did love just about every mention of all previous characters, Ryland and Miranda especially.

And the end of the book was one of the best I've read in a while. I won't give everything away, and I can't even give quotes, because I loved so many lines that I basically highlighted the last few chapters of the book. Let's just say, things aren't wrapped up like a fairy tale. They are hopeful, but more realistic. There is still struggle and hard work ahead. Loved that picture. The disappointment of a years (or decades) long fantasy falling short of expectation is real and hard and certainly introduces doubt at the very least. Very relatable, despite the extreme circumstances.

Loved this book!