Vying for the Viscount

Viscount Hudson Stildon has lived his entire life in India and is now going to England to manage the estate left to him after his grandfather’s passing. Hudson’s love and knowledge of horses is such that he hopes to build a well-renown stable for the racing community. He is feeling a bit uncertain in a new country with its cold climate and unfamiliar ways, so he seeks refuge with the only familiar thing he knows, horses and stables. As Hudson begins to acquaint himself  with his new race horses, Bianca Snowley his neighbor, enters the stable and mistakes him for a horse thief. Bianca is determined to drive off the thief with the only weapon she can find, her boot. 

“Get out of here,” she said, embracing the idea of being Hestia’s avenger. The boot nearly jerked from her hand as it solidly connected with the man’s shoulder, but Bianca held on and swung it again, aiming for his midsection this time. “Tell whoever sent you”  — swing—“that no one” — swing— “steals” — swing— “from Hawksworth stables.”

After laughing until my side hurt, I knew this was going to be a fabulous story. And, indeed, it was. My expectations were high for this book because I have read Ms. Hunter’s Hawthorne House series and fell in love with the people, their stories, and the relationships that have been formed. I was delighted to see that this was going to be such a story and that Hudson had these wonderful people as his neighbors and confidants.

As you can see from Bianca’s initial encounter with Hudson, she is a loyal defender of those she loves. While she has a horrible stepmother who is so uncaring and makes even the worst mother seem sweet, she manages to be true to herself and to forgive her repeatedly. Bianca shows great self control in living with her and choosing to love, making me admire her all the more.

Hudson has “head knowledge and little experience” when it comes to England and its customs and needs someone who is familiar with the horses and the racing community. Of course, his choice is the highly spirited Bianca since she can introduce him to the right people and help him learn of the English ways. The journey of forgiveness, trust, and love for both Hudson and Bianca's lives was beautifully told. 

If you are looking for strong characters, humor, and a message of hope will want to read this book. I don't think you will be able to stop there, though, because you will want to know all about the other people who befriend Hudson. The good news is that you can read about them in the Hawthorne House series.  

This is the first in the Hearts on the Heath series. You can preorder the next book, Winning the Gentleman now. The release date is April 20, 2021. 

I was given this book as a really fun book exchange that author, Becky Wade, has at Christmas. You can be a part of it too.