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Love from London #4
Miss Ashbury and the Anatomy of Mending a Heart
In Vera’s defense, the man certainly looked like an intruder…
Miss Vera Ashbury has always done precisely what her mother says…until now. When she absconds to the countryside to support her dearest friend, Vera can’t possibly expect the repercussions that follow. Newly alone and penniless, she throws herself on the mercy of others, only to find herself house-mates with the most boorish man of her acquaintance.
In Stephen’s eyes, Miss Vera Ashbury is a cunning charlatan, nothing more…
Lord Winthrop feels he deserves a bit of rest and relaxation after doctoring the populace of India for six years. He’s keen to forget his broken heart—along with all eligible ladies in general. But when he arrives home to find a particularly violent one living in his own house, he’s convinced she must have nefarious plans for his dear mother’s fortune…
Can Vera and Stephen look past their initial impressions and find forgiveness—and something far more precious—on the other side?
Miss Vera Ashbury has always done precisely what her mother says…until now. When she absconds to the countryside to support her dearest friend, Vera can’t possibly expect the repercussions that follow. Newly alone and penniless, she throws herself on the mercy of others, only to find herself house-mates with the most boorish man of her acquaintance.
In Stephen’s eyes, Miss Vera Ashbury is a cunning charlatan, nothing more…
Lord Winthrop feels he deserves a bit of rest and relaxation after doctoring the populace of India for six years. He’s keen to forget his broken heart—along with all eligible ladies in general. But when he arrives home to find a particularly violent one living in his own house, he’s convinced she must have nefarious plans for his dear mother’s fortune…
Can Vera and Stephen look past their initial impressions and find forgiveness—and something far more precious—on the other side?
408 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2025
About the author
Jill M. Beene
18 books227 followersBe sure to follow me on Goodreads to get every update! I live in sunny California with my handsome husband and my slobbery English Mastiff, Rupert. I've always loved stories and wanted to write novels. When I'm not getting words on the page, I'm walking my dog or cooking something (hopefully) delicious. Feel free to ask me a question or connect with me here, but you can also find me on Instagram or my website, JillMBeene.com. I so appreciate my readers! Thank you!
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 6, 2026
📝 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝗯𝗲:
Regency romance with forced proximity, enemies-to-lovers tension, emotional healing, and strong character growth. Quietly angsty but ultimately tender, with an emphasis on personal boundaries and becoming whole again.
💬 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀:
This turned out to be my favorite installment in the series. I had been anticipating Vera’s story, and watching her slowly come out of her shell was deeply satisfying. Her journey toward self-worth, confidence, and speaking up for herself felt earned and meaningful, especially given what we’ve seen of her in previous books.
I’ll admit I was genuinely annoyed with Lord Winthrop at the start. His tendency to overstep Vera’s boundaries made me pause more than once, and I struggle with main characters who disregard consent or personal space. Thankfully, the story doesn’t excuse this behavior. His growth comes through accountability, self-awareness, and a sincere shift in how he treats Vera, which makes their eventual connection feel more believable.
Once their dynamic softened, the story truly shone—the forced proximity allowed for honest conversations, emotional vulnerability, and the gradual development of trust. I especially appreciated how neatly everything wrapped up, both romantically and emotionally, without feeling rushed or forced.
❤️🔥 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗼𝗿:
Vera’s character arc, her emotional healing, and the way the story centers the FMC’s growth rather than sacrificing it for romance.
⚠️ 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁:
Emotional vulnerability, grief and past loss, boundary-crossing behavior early in the story (addressed and corrected), mild emotional angst. Closed-door romance.
✅ 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗜𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲:
• Regency romances with strong character development
• Enemies-to-lovers that focus on emotional growth
• Forced proximity used for healing rather than drama
• Quiet, introspective FMCs finding their voice
• Closed-door romance with depth and heart
Regency romance with forced proximity, enemies-to-lovers tension, emotional healing, and strong character growth. Quietly angsty but ultimately tender, with an emphasis on personal boundaries and becoming whole again.
💬 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀:
This turned out to be my favorite installment in the series. I had been anticipating Vera’s story, and watching her slowly come out of her shell was deeply satisfying. Her journey toward self-worth, confidence, and speaking up for herself felt earned and meaningful, especially given what we’ve seen of her in previous books.
I’ll admit I was genuinely annoyed with Lord Winthrop at the start. His tendency to overstep Vera’s boundaries made me pause more than once, and I struggle with main characters who disregard consent or personal space. Thankfully, the story doesn’t excuse this behavior. His growth comes through accountability, self-awareness, and a sincere shift in how he treats Vera, which makes their eventual connection feel more believable.
Once their dynamic softened, the story truly shone—the forced proximity allowed for honest conversations, emotional vulnerability, and the gradual development of trust. I especially appreciated how neatly everything wrapped up, both romantically and emotionally, without feeling rushed or forced.
❤️🔥 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗼𝗿:
Vera’s character arc, her emotional healing, and the way the story centers the FMC’s growth rather than sacrificing it for romance.
⚠️ 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁:
Emotional vulnerability, grief and past loss, boundary-crossing behavior early in the story (addressed and corrected), mild emotional angst. Closed-door romance.
✅ 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗜𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲:
• Regency romances with strong character development
• Enemies-to-lovers that focus on emotional growth
• Forced proximity used for healing rather than drama
• Quiet, introspective FMCs finding their voice
• Closed-door romance with depth and heart
May 7, 2026
📚✨ BOOK REVIEW ✨📚
Title: Miss Ashbury and the Anatomy of Mending a Heart
Series: Love From London, Book 4
Author: Jill M. Beene
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📝 My Thoughts: Heartfelt Healing Hearts 🩺💖
This story is the "grumpy meets sunshine" trope with a delightful Regency twist! Vera Ashbury is such a resilient heroine, disowned by her mother and finding her own way while working alongside a physician in the countryside. The dynamic between her and Stephen, a doctor returning from India with a massive chip on his shoulder, is absolutely top tier. Watching them go from mutual distrust to a deep partnership and eventually love was so rewarding.
💖 Why I Loved It:
* The Banter: The verbal sparring between Vera and Stephen is incredibly witty and sharp.
* The Setting: I adored the quirky atmosphere of Bertforth House, who wouldn't love a parlor shared with rescued hedgehogs and squirrels?
* The Growth: Seeing Stephen soften as he rediscovers his passion for healing, and Vera gain her true independence, was truly moving.
🔖 Favorite Quote:
"Letters were such funny things... A bit of pulp, a splash of ink, the whole thing weighed hardly anything. And yet, the contents could change a life forever."
📌 Final Verdict:
A heartwarming and humorous historical romance that proves healing comes in many forms. While it is the fourth book in a series, it works beautifully as a standalone. Perfect for fans of sweet romance and capable, independent heroines.
#BookReview #RegencyRomance #JillMBeene #Bookstagram #SweetRomance #MustRead #HistoricalFiction #GrumpyXSunshine #LoveFromLondon #BookRating
Title: Miss Ashbury and the Anatomy of Mending a Heart
Series: Love From London, Book 4
Author: Jill M. Beene
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📝 My Thoughts: Heartfelt Healing Hearts 🩺💖
This story is the "grumpy meets sunshine" trope with a delightful Regency twist! Vera Ashbury is such a resilient heroine, disowned by her mother and finding her own way while working alongside a physician in the countryside. The dynamic between her and Stephen, a doctor returning from India with a massive chip on his shoulder, is absolutely top tier. Watching them go from mutual distrust to a deep partnership and eventually love was so rewarding.
💖 Why I Loved It:
* The Banter: The verbal sparring between Vera and Stephen is incredibly witty and sharp.
* The Setting: I adored the quirky atmosphere of Bertforth House, who wouldn't love a parlor shared with rescued hedgehogs and squirrels?
* The Growth: Seeing Stephen soften as he rediscovers his passion for healing, and Vera gain her true independence, was truly moving.
🔖 Favorite Quote:
"Letters were such funny things... A bit of pulp, a splash of ink, the whole thing weighed hardly anything. And yet, the contents could change a life forever."
📌 Final Verdict:
A heartwarming and humorous historical romance that proves healing comes in many forms. While it is the fourth book in a series, it works beautifully as a standalone. Perfect for fans of sweet romance and capable, independent heroines.
#BookReview #RegencyRomance #JillMBeene #Bookstagram #SweetRomance #MustRead #HistoricalFiction #GrumpyXSunshine #LoveFromLondon #BookRating
May 7, 2026
Lord Stephen Winthrop did not send a letter home to his mother, Baroness Jacqueline Winthrop, to say he was on his way home from India. Thus, when Vera Ashbury, a long-term guest of the baronesses, is startled by a strange man in the house, she starts attacking him with a poker. Fortunately, Jacqueline soon comes upon the couple and tells Vera that that is her eldest son, Stephen, a doctor.
Stephen suddenly decided to return home after a broken heart. He was engaged to a missionary's daughter, but she abandoned him and married another. He is immediately suspicious of Vera and what she wants from his mother. He confronts her repeatedly, and finally snoops into her correspondence to find out the truth. When he does, he is ashamed and offers her a job as his nursing assistant. He promises that after three months as his assistant, he will write her a letter of recommendation to help her find other employment.
However, things change over the next three months. Each party starts to see the other in a different light. Overall score = 4.5 stars.
Love from London – Total of 6
1. Mr. Pickwick's Guide to Marriageable Young Ladies (2020)
2. Lord Salisbury's Ledgers on How to Woo a Wife (2022)
3. Lady Waldrey's Gardening Almanac for Cultivating Scandal (2025)
** 4. Miss Ashbury and the Anatomy of Mending a Heart (2025)
5. Miss Warrington's Portfolio for Designing a Betrothal (2026)
6. Lord Cole's Compendium of Love and Other Curiosities (2026)
Stephen suddenly decided to return home after a broken heart. He was engaged to a missionary's daughter, but she abandoned him and married another. He is immediately suspicious of Vera and what she wants from his mother. He confronts her repeatedly, and finally snoops into her correspondence to find out the truth. When he does, he is ashamed and offers her a job as his nursing assistant. He promises that after three months as his assistant, he will write her a letter of recommendation to help her find other employment.
However, things change over the next three months. Each party starts to see the other in a different light. Overall score = 4.5 stars.
Love from London – Total of 6
1. Mr. Pickwick's Guide to Marriageable Young Ladies (2020)
2. Lord Salisbury's Ledgers on How to Woo a Wife (2022)
3. Lady Waldrey's Gardening Almanac for Cultivating Scandal (2025)
** 4. Miss Ashbury and the Anatomy of Mending a Heart (2025)
5. Miss Warrington's Portfolio for Designing a Betrothal (2026)
6. Lord Cole's Compendium of Love and Other Curiosities (2026)
November 17, 2025
Extremely witty, beautiful (and clean!) enemies-to-more Regency romance with deep lessons
I know I’ll be absolutely biased but I love this series so much, and this book only adds to its charm. It’s witty, delightful, and at the same time, deep (the reconciliation and forgiveness are incredible lessons here).
Mrs. Beene creates such a wonderful atmosphere one can’t help but wish for the characters to live next door. With their own share of secrets, heartaches, and the feeling of lostness in the circumstances they’re thrown into, this pair of true enemies-to-friends-to-more is one to cheer for. Also, the meet cute is simply fantastic! However, it’s the mending of their hearts as well as the growth in their relationships that occur afterwards that are truly a gem.
And the dual POV, engaging style (oh the humor!) and a well-developed plot make this book a delight to read. Give it a try (but I’d highly recommend to start with the first one in the series - because all the reappearances of the other characters will make so much sense).
Possible triggers: diseases, death, orphan/adoption, dysfunctional family, loss
I had a privilege to read an advanced copy and absolutely loved it! All opinions expressed are my own.
I know I’ll be absolutely biased but I love this series so much, and this book only adds to its charm. It’s witty, delightful, and at the same time, deep (the reconciliation and forgiveness are incredible lessons here).
Mrs. Beene creates such a wonderful atmosphere one can’t help but wish for the characters to live next door. With their own share of secrets, heartaches, and the feeling of lostness in the circumstances they’re thrown into, this pair of true enemies-to-friends-to-more is one to cheer for. Also, the meet cute is simply fantastic! However, it’s the mending of their hearts as well as the growth in their relationships that occur afterwards that are truly a gem.
And the dual POV, engaging style (oh the humor!) and a well-developed plot make this book a delight to read. Give it a try (but I’d highly recommend to start with the first one in the series - because all the reappearances of the other characters will make so much sense).
Possible triggers: diseases, death, orphan/adoption, dysfunctional family, loss
I had a privilege to read an advanced copy and absolutely loved it! All opinions expressed are my own.
January 6, 2026
This book was fabulous. Regency characters in unusual plots with some great humor - the raccoon in the bathtub had me in stitches! Now I have to wait several months until the next one comes out. Meanwhile, I'll look for other books by this delightful author!
Amazon synopsis:
n Vera’s defense, the man certainly looked like an intruder…
Miss Vera Ashbury has always done precisely what her mother says…until now. When she absconds to the countryside to support her dearest friend, Vera can’t possibly expect the repercussions that follow. Newly alone and penniless, she throws herself on the mercy of others, only to find herself house-mates with the most boorish man of her acquaintance.
In Stephen’s eyes, Miss Vera Ashbury is a cunning charlatan, nothing more…
Lord Winthrop feels he deserves a bit of rest and relaxation after doctoring the populace of India for six years. He’s keen to forget his broken heart--along with all eligible ladies in general. But when he arrives home to find a particularly violent one living in his own house, he’s convinced she must have nefarious plans for his dear mother’s fortune…
Can Vera and Stephen look past their initial impressions and find forgiveness--and something far more precious--on the other side?
Amazon synopsis:
n Vera’s defense, the man certainly looked like an intruder…
Miss Vera Ashbury has always done precisely what her mother says…until now. When she absconds to the countryside to support her dearest friend, Vera can’t possibly expect the repercussions that follow. Newly alone and penniless, she throws herself on the mercy of others, only to find herself house-mates with the most boorish man of her acquaintance.
In Stephen’s eyes, Miss Vera Ashbury is a cunning charlatan, nothing more…
Lord Winthrop feels he deserves a bit of rest and relaxation after doctoring the populace of India for six years. He’s keen to forget his broken heart--along with all eligible ladies in general. But when he arrives home to find a particularly violent one living in his own house, he’s convinced she must have nefarious plans for his dear mother’s fortune…
Can Vera and Stephen look past their initial impressions and find forgiveness--and something far more precious--on the other side?
January 17, 2026
── .✦ "…in order to be fully truthful with others, first one must be fully truthful with oneself."
~
˗ˏˋ˗ˏ 4 🌟 ● 🫑
~
Well, that's that! Until book five on Feb 1st, of course.
I cannot believe how quickly I have gone through this series. How easily i ate them all up. And i can happily tell you that they are very easy to read, given you don't mind a formal way of writing. As if the book is from the 1800s itself.
We love to see a bit of enemies-to-lovers. Or rather, a misunderstanding-to-love. Loved the way these two were written. The way Stephen had a way of thinking re: Vera, and was swiftly told otherwise.
And how he spent the majority of the book trying to fix his own misstep. And how, unlike the third act conflict in the earlier books, this one was an actual accident with the rain and the carts.
Also enjoyed seeing a doctor being our MMC for once. And the FMC being a 'nurse' of sorts. And how they got their little girl.
~
˗ˏˋ˗ˏ 4 🌟 ● 🫑
~
Well, that's that! Until book five on Feb 1st, of course.
I cannot believe how quickly I have gone through this series. How easily i ate them all up. And i can happily tell you that they are very easy to read, given you don't mind a formal way of writing. As if the book is from the 1800s itself.
We love to see a bit of enemies-to-lovers. Or rather, a misunderstanding-to-love. Loved the way these two were written. The way Stephen had a way of thinking re: Vera, and was swiftly told otherwise.
And how he spent the majority of the book trying to fix his own misstep. And how, unlike the third act conflict in the earlier books, this one was an actual accident with the rain and the carts.
Also enjoyed seeing a doctor being our MMC for once. And the FMC being a 'nurse' of sorts. And how they got their little girl.
February 25, 2026
Refreshingly sweet
Vera was one of my favorites from the last book, so I was pleased to get my hands on her story. This one is as well written as the others and sweeps you away just as quickly. With banter and a misunderstanding for the ages, this story made me feel light and hopeful and reiterated the tone from the others in the series that love has a place for all.
5 🌟 0 🌶 suitable for any age, and a delight to any who read it. Give this book a try and you won't be sorry you did.
Vera was one of my favorites from the last book, so I was pleased to get my hands on her story. This one is as well written as the others and sweeps you away just as quickly. With banter and a misunderstanding for the ages, this story made me feel light and hopeful and reiterated the tone from the others in the series that love has a place for all.
5 🌟 0 🌶 suitable for any age, and a delight to any who read it. Give this book a try and you won't be sorry you did.
April 18, 2026
While I agree with some reviewers that there are similarities between the 4 books in this series that I've read, there are other aspects that keep me coming back. The characters are engaging and fun. Enough time elapses that it is believable that the characters can come to love each other. The adopted animals in the household cause chaos to say the least. I'm looking forward to finishing this series and appreciate clean romance in the books.
May 13, 2026
This one has probably been the best out of the series so far. Though I did really enjoy Lord Salisbury’s book, this one was superior. The found family was great. There was no true villain to repeatedly come back again. Just a spector of one. Some fun antics for the characters, and some true and intentional relationship development. Really wish we could give 1/2 stars. This should be 4.5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2025
Miss Ashbury
This is another good book in this series. I love when the characters from other books are in the books in the rest of the series. It is refreshing to read a clean romance book. I found this book very engaging with all of the animals. I laughed out loud when the good doctor woke to find a fox in his bed. Lol
This is another good book in this series. I love when the characters from other books are in the books in the rest of the series. It is refreshing to read a clean romance book. I found this book very engaging with all of the animals. I laughed out loud when the good doctor woke to find a fox in his bed. Lol
January 20, 2026
While I'm enjoying the series, I'm becoming frustrated with the similarity in the plots and situations. I realize that social rules limited communication between the sexes but the constant misunderstandings that arise from the inability to communicate is making me rethink. I don't know if I'll go on to the next one.
January 21, 2026
3-1/2 stars, rounded up to 4 because I'm not going to finish the series. This book's lack of effective editing was slightly less intrusive, which is faint praise indeed. The author has such potential; it's unfortunate that wrong-word choices and grammatical errors became issues I couldn't overlook.
May 9, 2026
delightful!!!
Jill is one of my very favorite authors and I thoroughly enjoy reading all her books, but this one was especially delightful! The main characters are adorable and so lovable (at least once our male lead starts behaving himself!). The supporting cast of random woodland creatures added the perfect touch of whimsy!
Jill is one of my very favorite authors and I thoroughly enjoy reading all her books, but this one was especially delightful! The main characters are adorable and so lovable (at least once our male lead starts behaving himself!). The supporting cast of random woodland creatures added the perfect touch of whimsy!
December 24, 2025
I don't really like grumpy heroes (enough of those irl), and heroines giving up their jobs when they marry. Not to mention slobbery mastiffs. But I liked the menagerie, and Vera's development of her fashion sense.
December 13, 2025
A sweet series. Enjoyed the gentleman with a job angle. Also…this series/author always includes a GREAT dinner scene. The dialogue!
December 21, 2025
Loved it! I loved the personalities, the growth, and the enemies to lovers. Definitely one of my favorite ones in the series.
December 22, 2025
Bah - I have to wait two months to finish this series
January 28, 2026
an enjoyable story
March 1, 2026
Finally
Finally we found out what happened to Vera. Her mother was ill. And that is never funny. She got her happily ever after as they all do.
Finally we found out what happened to Vera. Her mother was ill. And that is never funny. She got her happily ever after as they all do.
March 14, 2026
A doctor’s assistant… great idea! I enjoyed this book very much!
April 21, 2026
Very cute story! The ending had me thinking of Mr. Darcy coming through the misty sunrise to find his true love.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews