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The House of Henshaw: A Love Story at the Dawn of the American Revolution
Martha Gracey, the daughter of a successful Boston proprietor, is used to getting her way. With a father who adores her, she’s headstrong, rebellious, and convinced she can have whatever she wants. That includes dashing Robert Henshaw, a Loyalist mercantile heir with a dark secret.
Martha's glittering new world of high society happenings is thrown into disarray when she meets Robert’s cousin, Asahel Wyeth, a lucrative rebel tradesman. Handsome, intractable, and uncouth, Asahel is not a man to love—or let himself be loved—easily. As she relentlessly pursues her passion for the untamable Asahel, Martha finds herself drawn deeper into a twisted world of rebellion and revolution.
Caught between the threats of a jilted lover and the struggle of loving a man fighting the ghosts of his past, Martha must wrestle with the consequences of her mistakes—before she loses everything she holds dear.
Set against the backdrop of the American Revolution, The House of Henshaw is a gripping tale of obsession, devotion, and the consequences of rebellion.
The House of Henshaw contains heavy subject matter and is intended for mature, 18+ readers only. Reader discretion is advised.
Martha's glittering new world of high society happenings is thrown into disarray when she meets Robert’s cousin, Asahel Wyeth, a lucrative rebel tradesman. Handsome, intractable, and uncouth, Asahel is not a man to love—or let himself be loved—easily. As she relentlessly pursues her passion for the untamable Asahel, Martha finds herself drawn deeper into a twisted world of rebellion and revolution.
Caught between the threats of a jilted lover and the struggle of loving a man fighting the ghosts of his past, Martha must wrestle with the consequences of her mistakes—before she loses everything she holds dear.
Set against the backdrop of the American Revolution, The House of Henshaw is a gripping tale of obsession, devotion, and the consequences of rebellion.
The House of Henshaw contains heavy subject matter and is intended for mature, 18+ readers only. Reader discretion is advised.
593 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 2, 2024
40 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
About the author
H.M. Mast
2 books13 followersH. M. Mast is a historical fiction and gothic fiction author. She writes stories featuring soul-tied lovers, beautifully researched historical settings, and raw human experiences.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 22, 2024
Name something better than an American revolution era historical fiction with spice and an FMC who is ahead of her time….. I’ll wait…….. Yeah you can’t! The author weaves such a beautiful tale with characters that you are deeply invested in all while building a world you will immerse yourself in! I 100% recommend absolutely everything about The House of Henshaw!
August 20, 2025
H.M Mast transports you to the dawn of the American Revolution in this thrilling, gripping, and emotional tale that is The House of Henshaw.
I’ve read historical fiction romances before, but this? WOW!! I was pulled right in with beautiful poetic prose. You can absolutely tell the amount of care and research that this author did to bring this story to life. I gasped, teared up, and cheered as Martha’s story evolved.
This is, without a doubt, one of my favorite historical fiction novels. I’ll be thinking about this one for a bit. But that poetic prose?? Ahhh! This book is just… art 👏
I’ve read historical fiction romances before, but this? WOW!! I was pulled right in with beautiful poetic prose. You can absolutely tell the amount of care and research that this author did to bring this story to life. I gasped, teared up, and cheered as Martha’s story evolved.
This is, without a doubt, one of my favorite historical fiction novels. I’ll be thinking about this one for a bit. But that poetic prose?? Ahhh! This book is just… art 👏
October 3, 2024
5/5 ⭐️
Alright. I had to sit down to write a proper review for this book. It deserves it.
We follow a young woman, Martha, just prior to the Boston Tea party. The novel starts with our FMC, rather light and airy, in the throws of dating a man she's not in the likes of marrying. At a revel one night, she has a run in with his cousin, Asahel Wyeth. Martha convinces herself she's not attracted to Asa--while Asa remains dark, mysterious, and gruff from a distance. But, alas, things don't stay that way for long. He reels her in with a slick fervor neither of them realize.
They fall in love. Hard. Things are raw. It's honest. There is no other way to describe the first 50% of their relationship besides yearning . If I could have chosen to pick myself up out of the middle of the road after being drug behind a vehicle, I would have said yes over enduring what these two endure. Because their lovehurt. (*coughs*, I'll elaborate later)
The Writing
H.M. Mast has some prose to throw at you. Man, and they are absolutely beautiful. At first, I wasn't sure if I'd enjoy it (I'm not always a purple prose kinda person), but after the first ten pages, I sank. I sank like I was standing in front of the ocean at the beach. You know, in the soft sand, that sucks you in, little by little, and then after a few minutes you realize you can't rip your foot out anymore? And if you can, it's difficult? That's the writing. That's the kind of feeling Mast gives you. And I ate. It. Up.
The Plot
Lord have mercy. I can tell you one thing--the love story had me in a chokehold. I was sat. Seated. Frothing at the mouth. I was giggling and shrieking in the back room of my work like a maniac--and I NEVER do that with books. The way Asa handles Martha in the beginning--I just--there are no words. It's that soul-sickening kind of obsession that makes you doubt whether or not this is healthy. The plot itself--there were a few different subplots going on (they all tangled together, but I fear I can't say much without spoiling things?), but just know, familial issues are afoot. They drive a lot of the plot--while there is no huge external issue (but, again, Boston Tea Party, so sort of, yes?). It reminded me of Outlander--while there are issues with our MCs that ultimately drive the story, there are other things going on (lost loves, spurred lovers, growing families, politics), what really shoves you forward is their love story. Which, I'll touch on more below.
The Setting
The research and intricate details used within this book takes work. I can only imagine the reading and highlighting and note taking Mast did to put all the tiny little details she did within this book. I don't read historicals as often as I do fantasy, but boy, let me tell you. The picture was painted. The details were given. Not in an overwhelming kind of way--just enough to give you exactly what was needed to sit you in the room with our MCs and the rest of the cast. I could picture the stores, the houses, the routines, the medicines, and the politics. Need we mention the political aspect of this since Asa is dabbling in the revolution? (Hello, Boston Tea Party?) The details were there. And they were like sprinkled sugar on hot butter bread. I ate it up.
The Romance
This is not Your Momma's Typical Romance. I repeat--this is not your mother's romance. Throw the Hallmark Channel away. Turn on HBO. Remove the children from the room. For the love of ALL that is holy, clutch thy pearls, because you're in for a ride, sweetheart.
I will be honest. The first half, I was ready to give my spleen for Asa. I would have ran up the mountain one side and down the other. Martha was spicy, she was pushy but nervous--all of the emotions, the desperation, it made sense. And then, as the book goes on, things shift. Life starts to get real. Really real. Martha has a pivot halfway through (because, again, subplots that are soul wrenching), which is understandable.
The only way to describe the relationship after that is raw. It gave me the same feelings I had when I read The Bronze Horseman/Outlander/Where the Lost Wander. I was rooting for them, and then I was spitting mad with both of them, then I felt guilty for being angry with them. But the responses they had--when I stopped and thought about it--are no different than any other real life relationship.
What I mean to say is, be ready for a honest relationship. Not all relationships are healthy all the time. Not all parties tell all their truths. Not all people are honest. People lie. People are selfish. People, all people, are mean or spiteful or hateful or deceptive or harsh and jump to conclusions and say things they shouldn't have. This is that kind of love.
By the end, the relationship arc has grown so much. Not all the way--no, because people are never finished growing. And neither are Asa and Martha.
Plot: Semi character driven/semi subplots (light action)
Spice: 3.5/5 <--- I would put it on the same level as the second half of The Bronze Horseman, or any HBO show
Pacing: not a single complaint
Triggers: there are attempted rape scenes/death/injuries/ (of past and present)/blood/sex (and a few other things that might be spoiler-y, but you can look through the author's accounts and the ebook copy does have a list within it)
Please. I beg of you. Out of every book I read, that I mark and rate, that tag here, pick up this one. I need someone to talk to about it. Because it chewed me up and spit me out.
Read it. Please.
Alright. I had to sit down to write a proper review for this book. It deserves it.
We follow a young woman, Martha, just prior to the Boston Tea party. The novel starts with our FMC, rather light and airy, in the throws of dating a man she's not in the likes of marrying. At a revel one night, she has a run in with his cousin, Asahel Wyeth. Martha convinces herself she's not attracted to Asa--while Asa remains dark, mysterious, and gruff from a distance. But, alas, things don't stay that way for long. He reels her in with a slick fervor neither of them realize.
They fall in love. Hard. Things are raw. It's honest. There is no other way to describe the first 50% of their relationship besides yearning . If I could have chosen to pick myself up out of the middle of the road after being drug behind a vehicle, I would have said yes over enduring what these two endure. Because their lovehurt. (*coughs*, I'll elaborate later)
The Writing
H.M. Mast has some prose to throw at you. Man, and they are absolutely beautiful. At first, I wasn't sure if I'd enjoy it (I'm not always a purple prose kinda person), but after the first ten pages, I sank. I sank like I was standing in front of the ocean at the beach. You know, in the soft sand, that sucks you in, little by little, and then after a few minutes you realize you can't rip your foot out anymore? And if you can, it's difficult? That's the writing. That's the kind of feeling Mast gives you. And I ate. It. Up.
The Plot
Lord have mercy. I can tell you one thing--the love story had me in a chokehold. I was sat. Seated. Frothing at the mouth. I was giggling and shrieking in the back room of my work like a maniac--and I NEVER do that with books. The way Asa handles Martha in the beginning--I just--there are no words. It's that soul-sickening kind of obsession that makes you doubt whether or not this is healthy. The plot itself--there were a few different subplots going on (they all tangled together, but I fear I can't say much without spoiling things?), but just know, familial issues are afoot. They drive a lot of the plot--while there is no huge external issue (but, again, Boston Tea Party, so sort of, yes?). It reminded me of Outlander--while there are issues with our MCs that ultimately drive the story, there are other things going on (lost loves, spurred lovers, growing families, politics), what really shoves you forward is their love story. Which, I'll touch on more below.
The Setting
The research and intricate details used within this book takes work. I can only imagine the reading and highlighting and note taking Mast did to put all the tiny little details she did within this book. I don't read historicals as often as I do fantasy, but boy, let me tell you. The picture was painted. The details were given. Not in an overwhelming kind of way--just enough to give you exactly what was needed to sit you in the room with our MCs and the rest of the cast. I could picture the stores, the houses, the routines, the medicines, and the politics. Need we mention the political aspect of this since Asa is dabbling in the revolution? (Hello, Boston Tea Party?) The details were there. And they were like sprinkled sugar on hot butter bread. I ate it up.
The Romance
This is not Your Momma's Typical Romance. I repeat--this is not your mother's romance. Throw the Hallmark Channel away. Turn on HBO. Remove the children from the room. For the love of ALL that is holy, clutch thy pearls, because you're in for a ride, sweetheart.
I will be honest. The first half, I was ready to give my spleen for Asa. I would have ran up the mountain one side and down the other. Martha was spicy, she was pushy but nervous--all of the emotions, the desperation, it made sense. And then, as the book goes on, things shift. Life starts to get real. Really real. Martha has a pivot halfway through (because, again, subplots that are soul wrenching), which is understandable.
The only way to describe the relationship after that is raw. It gave me the same feelings I had when I read The Bronze Horseman/Outlander/Where the Lost Wander. I was rooting for them, and then I was spitting mad with both of them, then I felt guilty for being angry with them. But the responses they had--when I stopped and thought about it--are no different than any other real life relationship.
What I mean to say is, be ready for a honest relationship. Not all relationships are healthy all the time. Not all parties tell all their truths. Not all people are honest. People lie. People are selfish. People, all people, are mean or spiteful or hateful or deceptive or harsh and jump to conclusions and say things they shouldn't have. This is that kind of love.
By the end, the relationship arc has grown so much. Not all the way--no, because people are never finished growing. And neither are Asa and Martha.
Plot: Semi character driven/semi subplots (light action)
Spice: 3.5/5 <--- I would put it on the same level as the second half of The Bronze Horseman, or any HBO show
Pacing: not a single complaint
Triggers: there are attempted rape scenes/death/injuries/ (of past and present)/blood/sex (and a few other things that might be spoiler-y, but you can look through the author's accounts and the ebook copy does have a list within it)
Please. I beg of you. Out of every book I read, that I mark and rate, that tag here, pick up this one. I need someone to talk to about it. Because it chewed me up and spit me out.
Read it. Please.
February 2, 2025
I love historical fiction, and I have always been intrigued by the Revolutionary War era. H.M. Mast did a fantastic job, The House of Henshaw has spice. It has betrayal, mystery, murder, and so much more. We follow the MFC as she deals with a betrayal of one Robert Henshaw, who is not all Martha thought he was. Then there is a murder that rocks Martha's world as she is trying to figure out her father's partner Asa, who she loves. The twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat. 10 out of 10 recommend this book. Do check trigger warnings, though.
August 3, 2025
This book was so beautifully written. I found the writing style to be very comparable to great classics like Jane Erye, Anna Karenina, Pride and Prejudice...etc.
The characters were well developed, and each one was crucial to the story.
This author is extremely talented, and I definitely look forward to reading more of her work.
I would absolutely recommend this book.
The characters were well developed, and each one was crucial to the story.
This author is extremely talented, and I definitely look forward to reading more of her work.
I would absolutely recommend this book.
June 14, 2024
I was very pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed this book as much as I did because historical romance is not my typical go-to genre! . But- I’m happy that I took a chance and read it because I really enjoyed it. Loved the characters and the authenticity of the time period that the story took place. Was very realistic and I could see it playing in my head like a movie when I read it. 10/10 recommend !!!
November 24, 2024
Oh my heart. This is my favorite read of the year. The romance had me swooning. The characters are flawed and lovable. I fell into the world with ease and was swiftly carried away in a torrid of excitement, anticipation, heartbreak and above all true-to-life, painfully and beautifully authentic, human experience. It's written in a way that is easy to read without being overly simple. I'm so glad to have come across this hidden gem of novel and can't recommend it enough.
November 27, 2024
Loving this book is like breathing in the petrichor of wildflowers and exhaling the grit of blackstrap rum. 💜🖤 Exhilarating.
H.M. Mast has created a masterpiece in storytelling. Mast simply slips away and you are left in the grips of a story that will not let you go.
This book SWEPT me away. The setting is gorgeous, the writing and prose are beautiful, and the characters are devastatingly realistic. I will admit it was a little hard to get past the first couple of chapters, but then Mast lights the fuse and the slow burn of tension ignites into an unbelievably full affliction-- the payoff is incredibly well done and worth it.
This story is delicately balanced between Martha's initial naivety and the nostalgia of young womanhood against the gritty realities of life, pain, and sacrifice. All comes crashing down in the most beautiful and devastatingly human ways. I have yet to read another author who can so gracefully capture the human condition.
I am not a typical reader of historical romance, but I can say this story will stick with me long after the last page.
Here are some quotes I particularly loved:
"Because chivalry wasn't kissing hands and holding doors. It was thrashing heads against a wall."
"I took one look at you, and I was done for."
""That night." One look. One touch. The end, right at the beginning."
"Asa was a buck in the rut, and she was a wild-eyed doe, tripping over her own unsteady legs."
"Outside wafting curtains, the moon was high in an ink sky blown with gold-dust stars: the rain had cleared."
""Standish and Sons Practices of Law. Oh no-- Wyeth-Standish and Sons."She smiled dreaminly, seeming to forget that Asa had a broom waiting for Elijah at the warehouse."
“Just a pistol, and a feeling”
“The stars, buried deep in a sleek velvet sky, wavered, ignorant of earthly heartache.”
H.M. Mast has created a masterpiece in storytelling. Mast simply slips away and you are left in the grips of a story that will not let you go.
This book SWEPT me away. The setting is gorgeous, the writing and prose are beautiful, and the characters are devastatingly realistic. I will admit it was a little hard to get past the first couple of chapters, but then Mast lights the fuse and the slow burn of tension ignites into an unbelievably full affliction-- the payoff is incredibly well done and worth it.
This story is delicately balanced between Martha's initial naivety and the nostalgia of young womanhood against the gritty realities of life, pain, and sacrifice. All comes crashing down in the most beautiful and devastatingly human ways. I have yet to read another author who can so gracefully capture the human condition.
I am not a typical reader of historical romance, but I can say this story will stick with me long after the last page.
Here are some quotes I particularly loved:
"Because chivalry wasn't kissing hands and holding doors. It was thrashing heads against a wall."
"I took one look at you, and I was done for."
""That night." One look. One touch. The end, right at the beginning."
"Asa was a buck in the rut, and she was a wild-eyed doe, tripping over her own unsteady legs."
"Outside wafting curtains, the moon was high in an ink sky blown with gold-dust stars: the rain had cleared."
""Standish and Sons Practices of Law. Oh no-- Wyeth-Standish and Sons."She smiled dreaminly, seeming to forget that Asa had a broom waiting for Elijah at the warehouse."
“Just a pistol, and a feeling”
“The stars, buried deep in a sleek velvet sky, wavered, ignorant of earthly heartache.”
October 15, 2024
This book is like if Georgette Heyer wrote, darker, sexier, historical romance based in Boston, pre-American Revolution period!
THE ENDING 😭😭😭😭😭 Sooo brutal, yet so sweet! So much hope, yet also a hint of the ruin and hardship to come... Gahhhhhh! And no epilogue, which was the perfect move IMO.
This is just what I needed to get out of a huge reading slump! THIS is a story I will be thinking about a lot! The romance, 😍 😍 😍 so good! The emotional turmoil?!?!?! My feelings were all over the place with this one! (In a very good way)🥹 And the writing....it's beautiful! I could picture every setting like I'm watching a movie. However, I don't feel dumb when I read this, I feel quite smart actually 😅 If you have been reading pure, filthy, trash, for awhile (like me 😏😜), it might take you a minute to put your thinking brain on, to read through. ESPECIALLY if you are a skim reader (again like me). BUT my god, was this story worth the "work" 😆. And in all honesty, it was an easy read, I'm just being silly when I say it was "work".
So many things happened that I was not anticipating at all! Mast had me in my feelings so much, worrying about the romance with Martha and Asa, that I had zero time to try to plot in my head where the story was going! Which is a compliment to the writing, of course! GAHHHHHHH!
CAN'T WAIT TO READ THE NEXT BOOK H.M MAST WRITES!!!
THE ENDING 😭😭😭😭😭 Sooo brutal, yet so sweet! So much hope, yet also a hint of the ruin and hardship to come... Gahhhhhh! And no epilogue, which was the perfect move IMO.
This is just what I needed to get out of a huge reading slump! THIS is a story I will be thinking about a lot! The romance, 😍 😍 😍 so good! The emotional turmoil?!?!?! My feelings were all over the place with this one! (In a very good way)🥹 And the writing....it's beautiful! I could picture every setting like I'm watching a movie. However, I don't feel dumb when I read this, I feel quite smart actually 😅 If you have been reading pure, filthy, trash, for awhile (like me 😏😜), it might take you a minute to put your thinking brain on, to read through. ESPECIALLY if you are a skim reader (again like me). BUT my god, was this story worth the "work" 😆. And in all honesty, it was an easy read, I'm just being silly when I say it was "work".
So many things happened that I was not anticipating at all! Mast had me in my feelings so much, worrying about the romance with Martha and Asa, that I had zero time to try to plot in my head where the story was going! Which is a compliment to the writing, of course! GAHHHHHHH!
CAN'T WAIT TO READ THE NEXT BOOK H.M MAST WRITES!!!
February 20, 2025
4-4.5 ⭐️ A beautifully atmospheric love story filled with absolutely lethal levels of longing (I’m TELLING YOU!!) and set against the backdrop of the early days of the American Revolution. A great read for lovers of historical fiction, the 18th century, and raw and dramatic love stories, with plenty of twists and dramatic plot points. Martha is a willful and headstrong girl who finds herself falling—hard—for her widowed father’s business partner, the dark and brooding Asa Wyeth. This is no fluffy romance, but an intense, raw, and sometimes toxic obsession. It does evolve over time, though, to something we recognize as real love. I highly enjoyed this story! I thought the references to historical moments like the Boston Tea Party and British occupation—the social heaving that went into the American Revolution—were tantalizing, and I would have liked to see the story even more embedded in, and tied to, those historical currents. I also thought Martha remained frustratingly at the mercy of the fates, because she was willful past the time it was for her to become strong. These are quibbles, though, for a book I think will appeal to most historical fiction lovers! I certainly found it a propulsive and satisfying read, and definitely recommend.
July 21, 2024
Historical romance is not my typical read but as I am, to put it mildly, in love with the American revolution, I could not pass up this opportunity for this read. It did NOT disappoint. With twists and turns that you won’t see coming to the raw emotion, vengeance, personal growth and the triumph of love, this story will capture your heart and fascination with the American spirit.
This story follows Martha, the strong-willed FMC who knows exactly what she wants and has the means to get it. Torn between two men who seem to be on opposing sides, her world is turned upside down, a rebel and a loyalist. As she follows what she thought she wanted in life, a successful high life, although she feels out of place, Robert seems to check all of her boxes. Enter stage right, Asal, the cousin of Robert and what seems like the only person who sees her for who she really is. When things take a turn, she must learn and grow, before it's too late.
H.M. Mast curated a story that is beautifully written with a realistic flare that made it a smooth and easy read. And the spice… will have you daydreaming and longing.
This story follows Martha, the strong-willed FMC who knows exactly what she wants and has the means to get it. Torn between two men who seem to be on opposing sides, her world is turned upside down, a rebel and a loyalist. As she follows what she thought she wanted in life, a successful high life, although she feels out of place, Robert seems to check all of her boxes. Enter stage right, Asal, the cousin of Robert and what seems like the only person who sees her for who she really is. When things take a turn, she must learn and grow, before it's too late.
H.M. Mast curated a story that is beautifully written with a realistic flare that made it a smooth and easy read. And the spice… will have you daydreaming and longing.
November 5, 2025
This was a true romance and I haven't read one in so long...if ever.
The yearning, the growing, the need is absolutely on point.
Asa played an almost gentleman. He's rough around the edges, maybe deeper, but he loved.
The setting of 1770 felt organic--I wasn't reminded every other sentence with some major colonial happening or item.
Martha had me enthralled from page one. She grew through the whole book. She loved and wanted vengeance.
THE PROSE. The absolute poetic nature of this book. Every word was colorful and engaging and poetic.
This is hands down an author I will auto-buy. Both her novels (Dear Mr. Boyd) and this kept me wanting more, and I simply can't wait to see what she writes next.
THAT LAST SENTENCE FUCKING BROKE ME MAST.
The yearning, the growing, the need is absolutely on point.
Asa played an almost gentleman. He's rough around the edges, maybe deeper, but he loved.
The setting of 1770 felt organic--I wasn't reminded every other sentence with some major colonial happening or item.
Martha had me enthralled from page one. She grew through the whole book. She loved and wanted vengeance.
THE PROSE. The absolute poetic nature of this book. Every word was colorful and engaging and poetic.
This is hands down an author I will auto-buy. Both her novels (Dear Mr. Boyd) and this kept me wanting more, and I simply can't wait to see what she writes next.
THAT LAST SENTENCE FUCKING BROKE ME MAST.
March 18, 2025
A powerful coming of age story
If there's one thing I'm certain of, H.M. Mast sure knows how to write a character arc. Martha's transformation from a meek girl to a strong woman was nothing short of breathtaking.
The writing was poetic and captivating and had me turning page after page. So much was said in the simplest of things and I'm sure a second read through would prove that even further.
This felt very much like one of my all time favorite novels, Jane Eyre and I can't wait to see what Mast releases next. Instant auto buy from me for this author.
*this novel is spicy
If there's one thing I'm certain of, H.M. Mast sure knows how to write a character arc. Martha's transformation from a meek girl to a strong woman was nothing short of breathtaking.
The writing was poetic and captivating and had me turning page after page. So much was said in the simplest of things and I'm sure a second read through would prove that even further.
This felt very much like one of my all time favorite novels, Jane Eyre and I can't wait to see what Mast releases next. Instant auto buy from me for this author.
*this novel is spicy
December 19, 2024
This book was delicious from page one until the very end. Every time I had to set it down, I couldn't wait to get back into it. Martha is so complex despite her inexperience, and author Mast creates twists, turns, revenge, and spice - enough to keep you eager for more! I'm a slow reader and blew through this in a week's time. Don't let the page count intimidate you - once you read that note from Frances, you won't be thinking about a page count anymore! 5 stars, and Mast will now (and forever be) an auto buy for me !!
January 5, 2025
Simply my favourite read of 2024
Hard to explain how the level of flaming spice becomes so intricately entwined with Boston tea party politics.... but it does, with great skill.
I'm not a great spice reader (am in fact put off by reviews for such things) but this was so different, with evidence of in depth research into the period
and intelligent interest.
It is hard to imagine this being the author's first novel.
A real page turner. I feel that loss you sometimes have at the end of a good book
Hard to explain how the level of flaming spice becomes so intricately entwined with Boston tea party politics.... but it does, with great skill.
I'm not a great spice reader (am in fact put off by reviews for such things) but this was so different, with evidence of in depth research into the period
and intelligent interest.
It is hard to imagine this being the author's first novel.
A real page turner. I feel that loss you sometimes have at the end of a good book
March 18, 2025
A POWERFUL COMING OF AGE STORY
If there's one thing I'm certain of, H.M. Mast sure knows how to write a character arc. Martha's transformation from a meek girl to a strong woman was nothing short of breathtaking.
The writing was poetic and captivating and had me turning page after page. So much was said in the simplest of things and I'm sure a second read through would prove that even further.
This felt very much like one of my all time favorite novels, Jane Eyre and I can't wait to see what Mast releases next. Instant auto buy from me for this author.
*this novel is spicy
If there's one thing I'm certain of, H.M. Mast sure knows how to write a character arc. Martha's transformation from a meek girl to a strong woman was nothing short of breathtaking.
The writing was poetic and captivating and had me turning page after page. So much was said in the simplest of things and I'm sure a second read through would prove that even further.
This felt very much like one of my all time favorite novels, Jane Eyre and I can't wait to see what Mast releases next. Instant auto buy from me for this author.
*this novel is spicy
August 5, 2025
This is a brilliant work of fiction. The ability that H.M. Mast has to write as if she were there in the time period is astonishing. Her descriptions of the characters, the relationships between them and the intertwining of both family and business was masterful. Adding in the actual Boston Tea Party to the mix? Well done!
This book contains spice and swearing and points at the savageness of that time period in regards to being a woman or an underling of proper society. Her research is top notch.
I will read more from her.
This book contains spice and swearing and points at the savageness of that time period in regards to being a woman or an underling of proper society. Her research is top notch.
I will read more from her.
July 4, 2024
I really enjoy a good historical fiction/romance. The beginning was a bit confusing to follow, but it came together nicely. There were a few twists that I didn't expect. The author did an exceptional job at conveying the very real and raw human emotions of heart-wrenching grief in all of its complexity. The language was a bit crude for my taste, but it didn't take away from the story any, and is probably truer to how folks actually talked to each other back then.
November 29, 2024
Beautifully written love story!
The writing in this book is so well crafted! It is an exciting love story with high stakes. The characters are complex, and the steamy scenes are amazing. It was interesting seeing the main character Martha make some of the decisions she made, and I liked how this book portrayed the human condition. I definitely recommend this if you like historical fiction and romance. It was really truly so beautifully written.
The writing in this book is so well crafted! It is an exciting love story with high stakes. The characters are complex, and the steamy scenes are amazing. It was interesting seeing the main character Martha make some of the decisions she made, and I liked how this book portrayed the human condition. I definitely recommend this if you like historical fiction and romance. It was really truly so beautifully written.
December 9, 2024
This beautifully written story will keep you hooked from the beginning and all the way until the end. H.M. Mast carefully details the atmosphere of this 18th century-based novel. The romance is spicy and the revenge is brutal. Even when you think you know what is going to happen next, you are shocked by another twist thrown in by the author, always keeping you on your toes. I highly recommend this book!
December 10, 2024
This book has everything readers love about classical literature as well as what we love from modern historical romance. An absolute must read for those who love historical romance but want it a little darker. You will not be disappointed. The mmc gives off major Rochester vibes and… swoon!!!!! Thank you so much H.M. Mast for sending me a copy of your amazing book! I love it! ( and I also apologize it’s taken me so long to finish and review it)
August 10, 2025
How do you know when a book is good?
When it grabs you by the neck and forces you to face the words head on. This book was poetry with written words and I was drawn in like a moth to flame. I was zapped as many times by the story and the spice was oh so spicy. The love story was potently dramatic and potentially damaging. I loved the characters and the story, I couldn’t put this book down even if I wanted to.
When it grabs you by the neck and forces you to face the words head on. This book was poetry with written words and I was drawn in like a moth to flame. I was zapped as many times by the story and the spice was oh so spicy. The love story was potently dramatic and potentially damaging. I loved the characters and the story, I couldn’t put this book down even if I wanted to.
August 13, 2024
I loved every second of reading this book. The setting was so carefully researched and vivid that I felt like I was there. The characters were fascinating and lived in my head even when I wasn’t reading. I especially enjoyed the depth of emotion the author portrayed. It kept me gripped right through till the end.
I also loved the gorgeous language.
I also loved the gorgeous language.
April 18, 2025
This is beautifully written. I haven’t read much historical romance to give the greatest comparison, but the intensity of the darker moments reminded me a lot of Outlander, which I love. The twists had me stressing, but I couldn’t put it down because of it.
All in all, it’s spicy, twisty, and it’s a beautiful, heart wrenching story.
All in all, it’s spicy, twisty, and it’s a beautiful, heart wrenching story.
May 6, 2025
Wow! This book was beautifully written, and I felt like it really pulled me into this era in history!
Very engaging and rich with detail, this story was a fabulous mix of romance, betrayal, mystery, revenge, twists, and the spice was spiiiicing!!!
It has been awhile since I've read a historical romance, and this one just knocked it out of the park!
I want more books from this author!!!!
Very engaging and rich with detail, this story was a fabulous mix of romance, betrayal, mystery, revenge, twists, and the spice was spiiiicing!!!
It has been awhile since I've read a historical romance, and this one just knocked it out of the park!
I want more books from this author!!!!
August 2, 2024
I honestly don't have the words to describe this book. It's beautifully written and grabbed my interest right away. I don't read a lot of historical fiction or romance, but this story had everything I wanted and more.
I smiled. I gasped. I cried. I can't stop thinking about it.
I smiled. I gasped. I cried. I can't stop thinking about it.
August 16, 2024
1700’s Boston… If you like historical fiction, romance and plot twists then I think you will like this. Historical fiction isn’t my usual go to, so it took me a bit to get into it. But then the story started coming together beautifully and I ended up really enjoying this!
October 14, 2024
Magnificent
I absolutely adored this story. Kept me spellbound from start to finish. It reminds me of "Gone with The Wind" and "Anne of Green Gables" with a touch of wilderness that lends timeless appeal.
I absolutely adored this story. Kept me spellbound from start to finish. It reminds me of "Gone with The Wind" and "Anne of Green Gables" with a touch of wilderness that lends timeless appeal.
September 2, 2024
I enjoyed the storyline for the most part, but I don’t feel like we ever got a true strong FMC and there were sooooo many typos.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2025
This book left me in shock!! The author really knows how to keep you guessing. I loved the world building the characters were amazing! I can’t wait to read what she writes next
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