Winning the Gentleman by Kristi Ann Hunter Review

 Hello Friends :)

Thank you for taking the time today to stop by The Preppy Book Princess for another book review. I'm so glad you decided to join me. :)

Did you all have a great holiday weekend? Ours was pretty quiet, but that was okay as we were able to spend more time reflecting on what Easter truly means, and how it's more important than ever to put our trust in Jesus and never this world.

In keeping with my quest to try new to me Christian fiction authors this year, I'm happy to report that I finally got the chance to read a Kristi Ann Hunter book, and today I'm going to tell you all what I thought about it.

Have you read this author before? If so I'd love to hear in the comments what your favorite book by her is.

Winning the Gentleman by Kristi Ann Hunter:

Source: Publisher via NetGalley

Publisher: Bethany House

Publication Date: April 20th, 2021

Genre: Christian Fiction/Historical Fiction

Series: Hearts on the Heath

Synopsis:

Aaron Whitworth hasn't had control over most aspects of his life, but he's always taken pride in being an honorable businessman and better-than-average horseman. When both of those claims are threatened, he makes the desperate decision to hire the horse trainer of a traveling circus as a temporary jockey for his racehorses.

Sophia Fitzroy knows that most horsemen don't take her seriously because she's a woman, but she can't pass up the opportunity to get away from the tumultuous world of travel and performing. As she fights for the right to do the work she was hired for, she learns the fight for Aaron's guarded heart might be an even more worthwhile challenge.

As secrets come to light and past vulnerabilities are confronted, will Aaron and Sophia sacrifice their former dreams and forge a new one together--against all odds?

(synopsis from goodreads)

My Review:

Winning the Gentleman was my first experience with a Kristi Ann Hunter novel, and I truly ended up adoring it. I loved how it's equal parts charming and witty; while still diving into more serious topics like how your past doesn't need to define you, and that anything is possible through faith in our Heavenly Father.

I've long adored books that feature the circus, and I thought it added an extra fun element to this story that Sophia comes to the racing circuit from first being a circus performer. Her over willingness to share, and determination to make a better living for herself and her brother really endeared her character to me. I thought the reader gets to see quite a change in Aaron over the course of the story, and his and Sophia's romance was sweet, hysterically funny and swoon worthy.

I do have to say, however, that I did find the start of this one really slow moving. It took me quite awhile to get into it, but once I got to the halfway point I really found the story picked up, and could barely bring myself to want to put it down. I did actually enjoy the side characters (especially Jonas and Rigsby) more than I did the main characters, but I still enjoyed them nonetheless.

Overall, my first experience with a Kristi Ann Hunter novel was a positive one, and I'm looking forward to reading more of her books in the future. I loved how strong the faith element was, and I loved how strong the friendship is between Aaron and his friends, despite their drastically different upbringings and circumstances.

Final Rating: 4/5.

Definitely pick this one up if you're a fan of Regency type Christian historical fiction novels.

Thanks so much to Bethany House for allowing me to advance read and review this.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher (Bethany House) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thanks so much for reading guys! May the Lord work in amazing ways in your lives this week!