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A Siege on Her Heart
Ana María Bailon believes her heart is as shattered as the burning city she flees. Once bold and brilliant in her father’s war councils, she now carries a secret child and a soul scorched by the siege of San Sebastián. When an English captain offers a hurried marriage and safe passage to a foreign land, Ana wonders if she is walking toward healing or a new form of heartbreak.
Captain Peter Ashmore lives with memories that stalk him like smoke from a burning town. Honor compels him into a marriage of convenience, yet every glance from his Spanish bride stirs a longing he fears he does not deserve. As they travel to his English estate and step into a world of drawing rooms and whispered judgments, Peter grapples with guilt, desire, and a God he worries has turned away.
In the quiet rooms of Abbeygate, Ana starts to trust the gentle man beneath the scarlet uniform, but nightmares, secrets, and grief threaten every fragile step. Peter feels himself falling for the courageous woman he vowed to shield, even as the truth of her past and his role in the siege loom over them both.
Can Ana and Peter confront the ruin behind them and choose a love that rebuilds what war tried to destroy?
Captain Peter Ashmore lives with memories that stalk him like smoke from a burning town. Honor compels him into a marriage of convenience, yet every glance from his Spanish bride stirs a longing he fears he does not deserve. As they travel to his English estate and step into a world of drawing rooms and whispered judgments, Peter grapples with guilt, desire, and a God he worries has turned away.
In the quiet rooms of Abbeygate, Ana starts to trust the gentle man beneath the scarlet uniform, but nightmares, secrets, and grief threaten every fragile step. Peter feels himself falling for the courageous woman he vowed to shield, even as the truth of her past and his role in the siege loom over them both.
Can Ana and Peter confront the ruin behind them and choose a love that rebuilds what war tried to destroy?
300 pages, Paperback
Published January 5, 2026
17 people are currently reading
341 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Brousseau
1 book29 followersJessica has never been able to put a book down late at night, and she notoriously developed the habit of reading Shakespeare in the wee hours of the morning during high school. But her passion for writing started even earlier, when her sixth-grade teacher read her first attempt at historical fiction and
told her she should become an author someday.
She received her bachelor’s in English literature and creative writing. After living in South America for 2 years, Jessica fell in love with the Spanish language and the history of foreign countries, which helped inspire her first novel. Jessica gets writing motivation by reading daily and constantly watching adaptations of Jane Austen’s works. She never goes anywhere without her emotional support Kindle.
Jessica loves crafting, baking, going on walks, playing with her kids, and eating anything that has cream cheese frosting. She lives a real-life love story with her husband, who gives her plenty of inspiration for her stories. Together they are building their happily-ever-after as Utah-born, Midwestern “trans-
plants” in Wisconsin.
Learn more about Jessica and her upcoming projects by connecting with her online!
Instagram: @author.jessica.brousseau
Facebook: Author Jessica Brousseau
told her she should become an author someday.
She received her bachelor’s in English literature and creative writing. After living in South America for 2 years, Jessica fell in love with the Spanish language and the history of foreign countries, which helped inspire her first novel. Jessica gets writing motivation by reading daily and constantly watching adaptations of Jane Austen’s works. She never goes anywhere without her emotional support Kindle.
Jessica loves crafting, baking, going on walks, playing with her kids, and eating anything that has cream cheese frosting. She lives a real-life love story with her husband, who gives her plenty of inspiration for her stories. Together they are building their happily-ever-after as Utah-born, Midwestern “trans-
plants” in Wisconsin.
Learn more about Jessica and her upcoming projects by connecting with her online!
Instagram: @author.jessica.brousseau
Facebook: Author Jessica Brousseau
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
January 14, 2026
I'm on the same page as many other reviewers when I say that this was a wonderful debut novel for this author! She did a fantastic job with this moment of history that she sets her book in. I loved learning more about it and my heart went out to those affected by the siege of San Sebastián. Especially our main characters! My heart ached for Ana Maria and the burdens she carried through what happened during the siege. Peter is a great man who tried hard to stop what was happening and was found pretty helpless in doing so, except in trying to care for and further protect Ana Maria.
Wow! An incredible story and sacrifice, heartache, family, healing, and most definitely above all love. And not just a romantic type love but a deep, lasting, all encompassing and unconditional love. It is such a beautiful aspect of this story.
I loved watching Peter join in a marriage of convenience with Ana Maria to protect and care for her, and then for them both to find healing in their friendship and then for love to develop between them, which of course added to their healing.
There's still some mystery happening as the story unfolds and Peter continuing to try to set things to right. The author did a really great job with all of the different topics that she was addressing in this book.
Content: There are some heavier topics addressed in this book and I felt the author did so in a very sensitive and gentle way. There is talk of PTSD from the war and its aftermath. She addresses grief and trauma, aftermath of r@pe (not detailed and only some flashbacks of it but again not detailed or pictured), postpartum depression and other similar emotions. There are moments where the characters talk/think about their faith. I would consider this a clean read.
I received a copy from the publisher, Cedar Fort Publishing. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
Wow! An incredible story and sacrifice, heartache, family, healing, and most definitely above all love. And not just a romantic type love but a deep, lasting, all encompassing and unconditional love. It is such a beautiful aspect of this story.
I loved watching Peter join in a marriage of convenience with Ana Maria to protect and care for her, and then for them both to find healing in their friendship and then for love to develop between them, which of course added to their healing.
There's still some mystery happening as the story unfolds and Peter continuing to try to set things to right. The author did a really great job with all of the different topics that she was addressing in this book.
Content: There are some heavier topics addressed in this book and I felt the author did so in a very sensitive and gentle way. There is talk of PTSD from the war and its aftermath. She addresses grief and trauma, aftermath of r@pe (not detailed and only some flashbacks of it but again not detailed or pictured), postpartum depression and other similar emotions. There are moments where the characters talk/think about their faith. I would consider this a clean read.
I received a copy from the publisher, Cedar Fort Publishing. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
December 29, 2025
What a stunning debut! I love that this is a regency romance but taught me about a sort of that time period I was completely unaware of. It felt so fresh and different and I loved it!
Ana Maria and Peter were two characters I was cheering on from page one. They both have been through so much in their life, and the grief that they experience after the tragedy of San Sebastián was a catalyst to bringing them together. The healing that this book shows! Wow, it was so well done! It felt so raw and honest, especially with the ups and downs that come from healing. The way that Peter and Ana had to face their past on their own, but slowly come to realize that they are stronger together was so sweet!
I can’t wait to read more from this author! And I’m very curious about Matthew and his wife…maybe we will try their story??
Ana Maria and Peter were two characters I was cheering on from page one. They both have been through so much in their life, and the grief that they experience after the tragedy of San Sebastián was a catalyst to bringing them together. The healing that this book shows! Wow, it was so well done! It felt so raw and honest, especially with the ups and downs that come from healing. The way that Peter and Ana had to face their past on their own, but slowly come to realize that they are stronger together was so sweet!
I can’t wait to read more from this author! And I’m very curious about Matthew and his wife…maybe we will try their story??
Review of advance copy received from Author
**ARC REVIEW**
This regency romance is the debut novel from @author.jessica.brousseau and is available January 5, 2026. What better way to start the new year than buying a new book!!
I absolutely loved it. It grabbed my attention from the first chapter, where I had a couple of tears trickling down my cheek. The story of Peter and Ana is one of strength, endurance and redemption. Peter is the hero who rescues Ana but in turn, Ana rescues Peter.
This regency romance is the debut novel from @author.jessica.brousseau and is available January 5, 2026. What better way to start the new year than buying a new book!!
I absolutely loved it. It grabbed my attention from the first chapter, where I had a couple of tears trickling down my cheek. The story of Peter and Ana is one of strength, endurance and redemption. Peter is the hero who rescues Ana but in turn, Ana rescues Peter.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“I will always be with you, as will our God. And I am learning that God will heal your wounds which time—and I—cannot. We must trust Him.”
This amazing marriage of convenience story is packed with little known history, personal struggles, faith, and a beautiful blossoming love. I completely forgot that this was a debut novel, it is so fantastically written. It brought me to tears multiple times but I finished feeling happy and satisfied.
Ana is brave, resilient, and incredible strong as she faces loss, a new country, home, and husband all while dealing with an unexpected pregnancy. I enjoyed her broken English (and was very thankful for the included Spanish Glossary 😁). I loved her growth, growth in her trust in Peter and her trust in God. I loved her determination to be the best mother she could be. Peter is protective, tender, and loyal. His battle with his desire to see justice for San Sebastián was intense. I enjoyed seeing him come to the realization that God was in control and there were other ways he could seek justice. I loved his tender care and complete acceptance of Ana and his gentleness and love for Essie was beautiful. Ana and Peter had a long hard path to travel but their happiness and love won out in the end. That epilogue 🫠 I absolutely loved Peter’s mother, her gentle acceptance of Ana and the way she helped Ana during her struggles with support and tender understanding was perfect. And Peter’s honest conversation with Matthew brought me to tears.
A few more quotes:
“Precisamente. We need to have the faith in God to find this spirit. The spirit of power and love. And that will bring us the peace of a mind . . . how you say?” “A sound mind.” “Yes, a sound mind. I know God promises this to us.”
“But I want to understand you, Ana, in all the ways you need to be understood. And I will strive for that, I promise.”
“I only wanted to protect you from further pain.” “And you do, more than anyone else. You are my protector, my rescuer. But I need this.” She waved a hand between them, indicating the closeness, the openness, the honesty that was difficult to explain. “As do I. And I promise that we will never lose it again.”
Content warning: FMC r@pe off-page, only seen through MMC view afterwards. FMC deals with post-partum depression.
This ARC was provided by the author. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.
This amazing marriage of convenience story is packed with little known history, personal struggles, faith, and a beautiful blossoming love. I completely forgot that this was a debut novel, it is so fantastically written. It brought me to tears multiple times but I finished feeling happy and satisfied.
Ana is brave, resilient, and incredible strong as she faces loss, a new country, home, and husband all while dealing with an unexpected pregnancy. I enjoyed her broken English (and was very thankful for the included Spanish Glossary 😁). I loved her growth, growth in her trust in Peter and her trust in God. I loved her determination to be the best mother she could be. Peter is protective, tender, and loyal. His battle with his desire to see justice for San Sebastián was intense. I enjoyed seeing him come to the realization that God was in control and there were other ways he could seek justice. I loved his tender care and complete acceptance of Ana and his gentleness and love for Essie was beautiful. Ana and Peter had a long hard path to travel but their happiness and love won out in the end. That epilogue 🫠 I absolutely loved Peter’s mother, her gentle acceptance of Ana and the way she helped Ana during her struggles with support and tender understanding was perfect. And Peter’s honest conversation with Matthew brought me to tears.
A few more quotes:
“Precisamente. We need to have the faith in God to find this spirit. The spirit of power and love. And that will bring us the peace of a mind . . . how you say?” “A sound mind.” “Yes, a sound mind. I know God promises this to us.”
“But I want to understand you, Ana, in all the ways you need to be understood. And I will strive for that, I promise.”
“I only wanted to protect you from further pain.” “And you do, more than anyone else. You are my protector, my rescuer. But I need this.” She waved a hand between them, indicating the closeness, the openness, the honesty that was difficult to explain. “As do I. And I promise that we will never lose it again.”
Content warning: FMC r@pe off-page, only seen through MMC view afterwards. FMC deals with post-partum depression.
This ARC was provided by the author. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.
January 2, 2026
First of all, the cover is stunning! The red roses and garden walkway are a nice little tribute to this story! A Siege on Her Heart is a sweet regency read, I thoroughly enjoyed Peter and Ana’s story and the San Sebastián Siege history. All the difficulties and aftermath of war were portrayed with as much tribute and grief as they deserved, while not being grotesque or overly descriptive. Everything the characters experienced was handled gracefully and yet honors the very real tragedies of San Sebastián. I love it when authors can still show grace and hope through extreme darkness in their stories without shying away fr the truth of tragedy. This was immensely well done.
The relationships between all the characters were well written and realistic, and I enjoyed the themes of sacrificial love and reconciliation woven between a few of side characters, not only Peter and Ana.
This is a magnificent debut novel from Jessica Brousseau!
I can’t wait for the rest of the series!
I received an ebook to honestly review from the author and all opinions are my own.
The relationships between all the characters were well written and realistic, and I enjoyed the themes of sacrificial love and reconciliation woven between a few of side characters, not only Peter and Ana.
This is a magnificent debut novel from Jessica Brousseau!
I can’t wait for the rest of the series!
I received an ebook to honestly review from the author and all opinions are my own.
January 9, 2026
4.25 stars. This was a great debut novel by indie author Jessica Brousseau. This story explores the true historical events that occurred in San Sebastián in the early 1800's.
Peter is a captain in the British army and is stationed in San Sebastián where he meets a foreign translator (Ana) and is immediately intrigued by her. After the army goes on a rampage one night, Peter finds Ana has been attacked and the need to protect her rises within him. Peter decides the safest place for Ana is in England with him and Ana agrees to go with him and be his bride. A marriage of convenience becomes more than neither Ana or Peter had anticipated.
This is a beautiful story of found family, love and enduring promises, feelings of abandonment and also deals with postpartum in a time when it wasn't understood.
The author has intelligently woven in the Spanish culture and language which has been fun to learn about and explore along with the characters.
There are so many touching moments and the deep relationship between Peter and Ana is beautiful to watch unfold and develop.
I was given an ARC ebook copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Peter is a captain in the British army and is stationed in San Sebastián where he meets a foreign translator (Ana) and is immediately intrigued by her. After the army goes on a rampage one night, Peter finds Ana has been attacked and the need to protect her rises within him. Peter decides the safest place for Ana is in England with him and Ana agrees to go with him and be his bride. A marriage of convenience becomes more than neither Ana or Peter had anticipated.
This is a beautiful story of found family, love and enduring promises, feelings of abandonment and also deals with postpartum in a time when it wasn't understood.
The author has intelligently woven in the Spanish culture and language which has been fun to learn about and explore along with the characters.
There are so many touching moments and the deep relationship between Peter and Ana is beautiful to watch unfold and develop.
I was given an ARC ebook copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a lovely debut by Jessica Brousseau. This book shows that beauty can come from the ashes of our lives. The traffic events that begin this story turn into a beautiful and strong love story. The characters do their best to help, understand and care for one another through difficult challenges. Language and cultural barriers, the horrors of war, childhood scars and more. Peter and Ana have depth, flaws and strength. I loved this book and look forward to many more.
January 28, 2026
"𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙨𝙪𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙧 𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙢. 𝙄𝙩 𝙘𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙗𝙚 𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙, 𝙘𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙗𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙙. 𝙊𝙣𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙤𝙧 𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝 𝙞𝙩, 𝙧𝙚𝙟𝙤𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙞𝙩. 𝙁𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙖 𝙨𝙪𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙧 𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙢, 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙗𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙜𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙩𝙝. 𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙖 𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙮 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙛 𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙚𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙜𝙧𝙤𝙬 𝙤𝙧 𝙙𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙣."
This was a beautiful story!! It started slow for me, just wondering where it was going, but it melted my heart by the end. 🩷
Ana is a true warrior. Her strength for life was so inspiring and amazing. She is the real example of how to fight through the battles in life. How to overcome them. She is definitely a new favorite FMC. 😍
Peter was also so inspiring and amazing. 🩷 He's the perfect fit for Ana, and never gave up on her. What he did for her, not all men would do. By the end of the book, I was glued to it, very curious how it would all end!!
ℹ️ Content guide: This is clean and closed-door, but I would recommend this for older teenagers and up. Mention of past rape, and brief flashbacks of it. Mentions of blood & birth.
*I received an e-ARC copy, all opinions are my own
This was a beautiful story!! It started slow for me, just wondering where it was going, but it melted my heart by the end. 🩷
Ana is a true warrior. Her strength for life was so inspiring and amazing. She is the real example of how to fight through the battles in life. How to overcome them. She is definitely a new favorite FMC. 😍
Peter was also so inspiring and amazing. 🩷 He's the perfect fit for Ana, and never gave up on her. What he did for her, not all men would do. By the end of the book, I was glued to it, very curious how it would all end!!
ℹ️ Content guide: This is clean and closed-door, but I would recommend this for older teenagers and up. Mention of past rape, and brief flashbacks of it. Mentions of blood & birth.
*I received an e-ARC copy, all opinions are my own
January 7, 2026
This book was stunning and if there was one word I could use to describe it, it would be authentic. This book just felt authentic in its depiction of a marriage of convenience and not just the cute moments but the nitty gritty!
I absolutely loved Peter and Ana so much and their love was so beautiful! Peter and Ana survived the siege of San Sebastián and the horrors that occurred. As they enter into a marriage of convenience to protect Ana from society as she is carrying an unexpected child.
This book follows their journey as they fall in love, figure out military life and new parenthood!
I feel like I related to Ana in her emotional expression.
As well as her postpartum experience. As someone who has struggled with postpartum depression the depiction felt very accurate and it made me feel so seen!
Parts I loved:
🌹Announcing the Bebe to the staff
🌹Ana seeing snow tor the first time
🌹Peter's Christmas gitt to Ana
🌹The Vineyard
🌹The baby's birth
🌹Peter's protectiveness
🌹Lady Ashmore
There were so many moments of healing and growth with the characters and this was just a true historical fiction! It encouraged me to learn more about the siege of San Sebastián and the results, repercussions, and more about the Napoleonic Wars!
I loved Lady Ashmore's care for her son as well as her sweet care for Ana in her dark moments it was so lovely! Peter was such an attentive and gentle husband and seeing him come into fatherhood reminded me so much of watching my husband become a father and I just loved the depiction so much!!
I absolutely loved Peter and Ana so much and their love was so beautiful! Peter and Ana survived the siege of San Sebastián and the horrors that occurred. As they enter into a marriage of convenience to protect Ana from society as she is carrying an unexpected child.
This book follows their journey as they fall in love, figure out military life and new parenthood!
I feel like I related to Ana in her emotional expression.
As well as her postpartum experience. As someone who has struggled with postpartum depression the depiction felt very accurate and it made me feel so seen!
Parts I loved:
🌹Announcing the Bebe to the staff
🌹Ana seeing snow tor the first time
🌹Peter's Christmas gitt to Ana
🌹The Vineyard
🌹The baby's birth
🌹Peter's protectiveness
🌹Lady Ashmore
There were so many moments of healing and growth with the characters and this was just a true historical fiction! It encouraged me to learn more about the siege of San Sebastián and the results, repercussions, and more about the Napoleonic Wars!
I loved Lady Ashmore's care for her son as well as her sweet care for Ana in her dark moments it was so lovely! Peter was such an attentive and gentle husband and seeing him come into fatherhood reminded me so much of watching my husband become a father and I just loved the depiction so much!!
January 7, 2026
aRC REVIEW!
One of my favorite tropes is marriage of convenience!
Ana and Peter’s story is so amazing it captivates you from the beginning of the first chapter! For @author.jessica.brousseau first novel she did amazing! Can’t wait for her next book! Thanks @cedarfort for the book!
Synopsis;
Ana María Bailon believes her heart is as shattered as the burning city she flees. Once bold and brilliant in her father’s war councils, she now carries a secret child and a soul scorched by the siege of San Sebastián. When an English captain offers a hurried marriage and safe passage to a foreign land, Ana wonders if she is walking toward healing or a new form of heartbreak. Captain Peter Ashmore lives with memories that stalk him like smoke from a burning town. Honor compels him into a marriage of convenience, yet every glance from his Spanish bride stirs a longing he fears he does not deserve. As they travel to his English estate and step into a world of drawing rooms and whispered judgments, Peter grapples with guilt, desire, and a God he worries has turned away. In the quiet rooms of Abbeygate, Ana starts to trust the gentle man beneath the scarlet uniform, but nightmares, secrets, and grief threaten every fragile step. Peter feels himself falling for the courageous woman he vowed to shield, even as the truth of her past and his role in the siege loom over them both. Can Ana and Peter confront the ruin behind them and choose a love that rebuilds what war tried to destroy?
One of my favorite tropes is marriage of convenience!
Ana and Peter’s story is so amazing it captivates you from the beginning of the first chapter! For @author.jessica.brousseau first novel she did amazing! Can’t wait for her next book! Thanks @cedarfort for the book!
Synopsis;
Ana María Bailon believes her heart is as shattered as the burning city she flees. Once bold and brilliant in her father’s war councils, she now carries a secret child and a soul scorched by the siege of San Sebastián. When an English captain offers a hurried marriage and safe passage to a foreign land, Ana wonders if she is walking toward healing or a new form of heartbreak. Captain Peter Ashmore lives with memories that stalk him like smoke from a burning town. Honor compels him into a marriage of convenience, yet every glance from his Spanish bride stirs a longing he fears he does not deserve. As they travel to his English estate and step into a world of drawing rooms and whispered judgments, Peter grapples with guilt, desire, and a God he worries has turned away. In the quiet rooms of Abbeygate, Ana starts to trust the gentle man beneath the scarlet uniform, but nightmares, secrets, and grief threaten every fragile step. Peter feels himself falling for the courageous woman he vowed to shield, even as the truth of her past and his role in the siege loom over them both. Can Ana and Peter confront the ruin behind them and choose a love that rebuilds what war tried to destroy?
February 16, 2026
"You are my home. You are my life. Ana Maria Ashmore, I love you."
A Siege on her Heart by debut author Jessica Brousseau
OH MY GOODNESS! This book is debut perfection!
Jessica, are you sure you haven't written other books before? Because this beautiful novel reads like someone who is seasoned in writing historical novels.
I loved it so much!
Ana Maria has had a difficult past living with her Papa while serving as a translator for the military in Spain. Her life is made even more difficult during the Siege of San Sebastian.
Peter Ashmore is a captain for the British army located in San Sebastian and is disgusted and horrified when his own countrymen rampage and pillage and do unspeakable things to the women and children of San Sebastian after their victory against the French armies.
What follows is a beautiful tale of seeking healing through Christ, a story of tender and gentle romance between a couple with pain in their past beginning with a marriage of convenience, and a novel of learning to rely on each other through the good and the bad.
While I have not experienced Ana's heartache, I have experienced pain and healing.
I thought the emotional journey that Ana and Peter went on was beautifully done and perfectly conveyed. So many tender moments! I loved Peter's thoughtfulness, his sweet gestures in trying to ensure Ana is comfortable there at his family's estate, and the gifts he gives her. I adored all of it!
The amount of research that was done by Jessica made the historical aspects rich and even more beautiful. And I learned so much from her historical notes at the end. I am truly horrified by what the British soldiers did there at San Sebastian.
Much of the book talks about pregnancy because Ana is pregnant and when she felt the baby move for the first time, my baby was kicking and it made that moment in the book even more special and beautiful to me.
I definitely recommend this amazing debut novel! Definitely already a top read this year!
And I look forward to ANYTHING this author writes.
Favorite Parts:
Peter’s attempt at speaking Spanish to Ana the first time
Marriage of convenience
Peter
Village
Christmas gift
His return home
Perfume
She gets a Lady’s Maid
Dia de los Inocentes celebration
Hide and seek
During the storm
Feeling baby’s first movements
Vineyard scene
Lady Ashmore and her wisdom
Healing in Christ
The Whole Book!
Content Guide:
Language: None
Sexual Content: Closed-door- Off-page sexual assault (nothing is described or in detail), passionate tender kissing, implied intimacy between married couple (mentioned)
Violence/gore: Mild-battlefield violence (remembered by MMC), domestic abuse (memories of MMC, somewhat described)
Substance Use: Mild-occasional social drinking, MMC's father would drink in excess (this is mentioned in his memories of his father, father has since passed)
Prejudices: Moderate-Against the Spanish and foreigners
Religious Content: Christian themes of redemption, seeking healing through Christ, forgiveness
Other: Postpartum depression, PTSD, abuse (see above), parental abandonment, pregnancy and difficult childbirth
Book Info:
Series: Book 1
Genre: Historical Romance; Regency
Romance Level: Closed-door
Release Date: Available Now
Publisher: Cedar Fort
POV: Dual Third Person
Debut
Thank you to the Author and publisher for my e-review copy. All thoughts are my own. And thank you again, Jessica, for my beautiful paperback copy of the book!
A Siege on her Heart by debut author Jessica Brousseau
OH MY GOODNESS! This book is debut perfection!
Jessica, are you sure you haven't written other books before? Because this beautiful novel reads like someone who is seasoned in writing historical novels.
I loved it so much!
Ana Maria has had a difficult past living with her Papa while serving as a translator for the military in Spain. Her life is made even more difficult during the Siege of San Sebastian.
Peter Ashmore is a captain for the British army located in San Sebastian and is disgusted and horrified when his own countrymen rampage and pillage and do unspeakable things to the women and children of San Sebastian after their victory against the French armies.
What follows is a beautiful tale of seeking healing through Christ, a story of tender and gentle romance between a couple with pain in their past beginning with a marriage of convenience, and a novel of learning to rely on each other through the good and the bad.
While I have not experienced Ana's heartache, I have experienced pain and healing.
I thought the emotional journey that Ana and Peter went on was beautifully done and perfectly conveyed. So many tender moments! I loved Peter's thoughtfulness, his sweet gestures in trying to ensure Ana is comfortable there at his family's estate, and the gifts he gives her. I adored all of it!
The amount of research that was done by Jessica made the historical aspects rich and even more beautiful. And I learned so much from her historical notes at the end. I am truly horrified by what the British soldiers did there at San Sebastian.
Much of the book talks about pregnancy because Ana is pregnant and when she felt the baby move for the first time, my baby was kicking and it made that moment in the book even more special and beautiful to me.
I definitely recommend this amazing debut novel! Definitely already a top read this year!
And I look forward to ANYTHING this author writes.
Favorite Parts:
Peter’s attempt at speaking Spanish to Ana the first time
Marriage of convenience
Peter
Village
Christmas gift
His return home
Perfume
She gets a Lady’s Maid
Dia de los Inocentes celebration
Hide and seek
During the storm
Feeling baby’s first movements
Vineyard scene
Lady Ashmore and her wisdom
Healing in Christ
The Whole Book!
Content Guide:
Language: None
Sexual Content: Closed-door- Off-page sexual assault (nothing is described or in detail), passionate tender kissing, implied intimacy between married couple (mentioned)
Violence/gore: Mild-battlefield violence (remembered by MMC), domestic abuse (memories of MMC, somewhat described)
Substance Use: Mild-occasional social drinking, MMC's father would drink in excess (this is mentioned in his memories of his father, father has since passed)
Prejudices: Moderate-Against the Spanish and foreigners
Religious Content: Christian themes of redemption, seeking healing through Christ, forgiveness
Other: Postpartum depression, PTSD, abuse (see above), parental abandonment, pregnancy and difficult childbirth
Book Info:
Series: Book 1
Genre: Historical Romance; Regency
Romance Level: Closed-door
Release Date: Available Now
Publisher: Cedar Fort
POV: Dual Third Person
Debut
Thank you to the Author and publisher for my e-review copy. All thoughts are my own. And thank you again, Jessica, for my beautiful paperback copy of the book!
January 5, 2026
I had to look up the details on San Sebastian after reading this. The author was adept at showing the ugly results of war and that the political representation of outcomes do not always reflect what actually happened to individuals. The author was tactful in handling issues of rape. Representation of the resulting PTSD for both the female and male characters was well done. They had to learn to work through it and learn to trust each other in the new life they were building together.
There could have been a stronger buildup of the conflicts in his relationship with his mother and brother as well as more interaction with the society of the day. I understood their reluctance to engage with society, but I wish this would have been addressed. Realistically, there would have been some push back from society on both the fact that she was Spanish and that he was vocally against the stance being put out by his superiors. But all-in-all, it was a good story.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
There could have been a stronger buildup of the conflicts in his relationship with his mother and brother as well as more interaction with the society of the day. I understood their reluctance to engage with society, but I wish this would have been addressed. Realistically, there would have been some push back from society on both the fact that she was Spanish and that he was vocally against the stance being put out by his superiors. But all-in-all, it was a good story.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
January 5, 2026
I read an ARC copy of this book and loved it!
The FMC is from Spain so the book includes a lot of cultural things and quite a bit of Spanish phrases. (There is a guide in the book if you want to know what the phrases mean ;) I loved the sweet romance between the FMC and MC! The yearning and slow burn was so precious as the characters grew and the story progressed. The book also has a lot of good Christian dialogue as the characters work through shared trauma. Overall a super cute arranged marriage book with a sweet romance!
January 6, 2026
This was such a beautiful story of hope and healing in the wake of tragedy and brokenness. Peter and Ana entered a marriage of convenience out of necessity, but the love and friendship that grew between them brought healing to them both. I also love the mental health representation (PTSD & PPD) and the way that it is handled with such grace.
CW: assault resulting in pregnancy (off page)
CW: assault resulting in pregnancy (off page)
Review of advance copy received from Author
This upcoming regency novel is truly a very interesting read not only does it offer a good love story but it is also an incredible healing story and gives a direct insight on women's mental health issues and how they were handled at this time. I will admit I was hooked on this story from beginning to end and I am super glad that I took the opportunity to read it.
In 1813 we are introduced to Ana a young spanish woman and Peter an Army Captain from England. Ana has not only suffered the loss of her father but she was brutally attacked which left her with child. Peter being the good Samaritan decides ro offer a marriage of convenience for her. Overtime they get to know each other and with some help they are able to overcome some obstacles.
I will say I was deeply impressed with the characters. We got a good insight in how the trauma that Ana went through affected her going forward. Peter while he is not perfect he does try his best. My favorite character Peter's mother Lady Ashmore was truly a treasure. I think what she had endured in her marriage to Peter's father helped with her understanding of Ana's situation.
In 1813 we are introduced to Ana a young spanish woman and Peter an Army Captain from England. Ana has not only suffered the loss of her father but she was brutally attacked which left her with child. Peter being the good Samaritan decides ro offer a marriage of convenience for her. Overtime they get to know each other and with some help they are able to overcome some obstacles.
I will say I was deeply impressed with the characters. We got a good insight in how the trauma that Ana went through affected her going forward. Peter while he is not perfect he does try his best. My favorite character Peter's mother Lady Ashmore was truly a treasure. I think what she had endured in her marriage to Peter's father helped with her understanding of Ana's situation.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Favorite parts:
- Christmas Eve in Mickleham
- Christmas Day kiss
- Twelfth Night cake
- Talking with Lady Ashmore
- Peter returning home
This story is one of heartbreak, tragedy, love, hope and finding peace. I love the history that is told in this story and how well the characters emotions are depicted.
As Ana and Peter grow closer together they are able to heal from the past - it's not a fast healing, and many times they take one step forward and two or three steps back in that process, but ultimately they are able to heal and find peace through their faith in God and their trust in each other.
Thank you to the author and publisher for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
- Christmas Eve in Mickleham
- Christmas Day kiss
- Twelfth Night cake
- Talking with Lady Ashmore
- Peter returning home
This story is one of heartbreak, tragedy, love, hope and finding peace. I love the history that is told in this story and how well the characters emotions are depicted.
As Ana and Peter grow closer together they are able to heal from the past - it's not a fast healing, and many times they take one step forward and two or three steps back in that process, but ultimately they are able to heal and find peace through their faith in God and their trust in each other.
Thank you to the author and publisher for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
January 13, 2026
What a debut novel!! A Siege on Her Heart is an emotionally layered historical romance that will stay with you long after the final page. Set in the aftermath of the siege of San Sebastián, it's about the slow work of putting yourself back together after everything has gone wrong.
Ana María Bailon is a heroine I immediately cared about. She’s smart, brave, and carrying the weight of a past that refuses to let her go. Once she was confident and outspoken in her father’s war councils; now she’s fleeing a burning city, pregnant, grieving, and unsure if she’ll ever feel whole again. Her fear, guilt, and hope all felt real, and I could understand the choices she made.
Peter Ashmore is just as compelling. He’s an English captain who believes doing the right thing matters, even when it costs him. His offer of marriage to Ana comes from his strong sense of honor, but he’s haunted by the war and whether he deserves happiness. He’s gentle with Ana in a way that feels sincere, and watching him slowly open his guarded heart is one of the best parts of the book.
Abbeygate is far away from the horrors of war, but it’s far from easy. Between their (Ana & Peter's) secrets, the social expectations, whispers, and lingering trauma, Ana and Peter are constantly navigating emotional landmines that threaten to undo the fragile relationship they're trying to build.
I loved how their marriage of convenience turns into something real through small moments, growing trust, and honesty. I appreciated how the author addressed the realities of PTSD and post-partum depression, and I loved how Peter's mother, Lady Ashworth, was so loving towards Ana and helped her through it. This is not a light romance, but if you love historical romance with depth, heart, and a gentle but powerful love story, this one is well worth reading.
Content: Aftermath of war, PTSD, trauma, grief, loss, flashbacks to aftermath of a r@pe (not on the page), references to pillaging, killing, burning town, faith elements. Kisses only on the page.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the author and publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Ana María Bailon is a heroine I immediately cared about. She’s smart, brave, and carrying the weight of a past that refuses to let her go. Once she was confident and outspoken in her father’s war councils; now she’s fleeing a burning city, pregnant, grieving, and unsure if she’ll ever feel whole again. Her fear, guilt, and hope all felt real, and I could understand the choices she made.
Peter Ashmore is just as compelling. He’s an English captain who believes doing the right thing matters, even when it costs him. His offer of marriage to Ana comes from his strong sense of honor, but he’s haunted by the war and whether he deserves happiness. He’s gentle with Ana in a way that feels sincere, and watching him slowly open his guarded heart is one of the best parts of the book.
Abbeygate is far away from the horrors of war, but it’s far from easy. Between their (Ana & Peter's) secrets, the social expectations, whispers, and lingering trauma, Ana and Peter are constantly navigating emotional landmines that threaten to undo the fragile relationship they're trying to build.
I loved how their marriage of convenience turns into something real through small moments, growing trust, and honesty. I appreciated how the author addressed the realities of PTSD and post-partum depression, and I loved how Peter's mother, Lady Ashworth, was so loving towards Ana and helped her through it. This is not a light romance, but if you love historical romance with depth, heart, and a gentle but powerful love story, this one is well worth reading.
Content: Aftermath of war, PTSD, trauma, grief, loss, flashbacks to aftermath of a r@pe (not on the page), references to pillaging, killing, burning town, faith elements. Kisses only on the page.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the author and publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
January 10, 2026
A Siege on Her Heart is a stunning and wonderful debut from author Jessica Brousseau! With deep emotional and psychological insight into trauma, loss, parenthood, and recovery made this story a study of the human heart, mind, and spirit as much as a fictional story. The beautiful depiction of Spanish culture and language within a Regency England setting was incredibly well done. And the unique perspective on a little-known piece of history-the Siege of San Sebastian-made the premise and historical insight incredibly interesting. Combine all of that with a super protective hero and a marriage of convenience trope, and you have a wonderfully compelling read! I really enjoyed this one, and if this is what Jessica Brousseau can do with a debut novel, I am excited to see what she does next!
I received a copy of this book from the author for review purposes. My thoughts are my own— I really did love it!
I received a copy of this book from the author for review purposes. My thoughts are my own— I really did love it!
February 12, 2026
Wow! This is one of those books that just transports you to a different place and time. When you look up from your reading, you sort of feel like you’re coming out of a daze and re-entering the “real” world again. At least that’s how it was for me. A Siege on Her Heart by Jessica Brousseau is a beautiful Regency romance; however, it is not a light read. The novel takes place during one of the Napoleonic Wars which I know next to nothing about. I know who Napoleon is. That’s the extent of my knowledge! The particular battle around which the beginning of the book is set is the Siege of San Sebastian in Spain, and those events aren’t pretty. Brousseau handles it in a sensitive way while still informing the reader of the atrocities that happened.
I absolutely loved Ana Maria and Peter. I read so many books, but I don’t think Ana Maria will ever leave me. She is intelligent, brave, fiercely protective, and fiery. She handles the things that life has given her with a grace I know I wouldn’t possess. The author paints a very realistic picture of when Ana experiences postpartum depression. Reading about her healing is so uplifting and moving. I cried. Peter is steadfast and also fiercely protective of Ana Maria. He has a very strong moral code and struggles when injustices seemingly go unpunished. Though theirs begins as a marriage of convenience, Peter and Ana’s feelings for each other become more real than either of them could imagine. They don’t walk an easy road, but walking it together brings them hope and healing.
I recommend this novel to readers who are able to read about sensitive topics (particularly assault, both physical and otherwise) which are dealt with in a non-graphic, delicate way. As I said, this isn’t a novel and these aren’t characters I’ll likely forget about a few books down the road. It’s one I highly recommend, and one I’ll be talking about for a long time!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
I absolutely loved Ana Maria and Peter. I read so many books, but I don’t think Ana Maria will ever leave me. She is intelligent, brave, fiercely protective, and fiery. She handles the things that life has given her with a grace I know I wouldn’t possess. The author paints a very realistic picture of when Ana experiences postpartum depression. Reading about her healing is so uplifting and moving. I cried. Peter is steadfast and also fiercely protective of Ana Maria. He has a very strong moral code and struggles when injustices seemingly go unpunished. Though theirs begins as a marriage of convenience, Peter and Ana’s feelings for each other become more real than either of them could imagine. They don’t walk an easy road, but walking it together brings them hope and healing.
I recommend this novel to readers who are able to read about sensitive topics (particularly assault, both physical and otherwise) which are dealt with in a non-graphic, delicate way. As I said, this isn’t a novel and these aren’t characters I’ll likely forget about a few books down the road. It’s one I highly recommend, and one I’ll be talking about for a long time!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
January 26, 2026
There’s something about a regency romance. This one captured that ethereal feel. The marriage of convenience was beautiful. Peter’s tender but protective way with Ana was endearing and her small, but determined, steps towards trust despite her past were so intentional.
Beautiful story.
Beautiful story.
February 10, 2026
This is a beautiful story of Faith, love and healing! It acknowledges a tragic event tastefully while not skirting around the truth. This is a beautiful story that mothers who have experienced trauma and/or postpartum depression can relate to and find healing in!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Happy Release Day to @author.jessica.brousseau and her debut novel!
I very much enjoyed this Christian regency romance. Loved the culture weave and historical elements! This story has a unique historical piece that I haven't read before.
Despite the tragedy and recovery Ana Maria and Peter go through, the romance was sweet, tender and just beautiful.
Read for:
🌹Dual POV
🌹Spanish FMC and British Soldier
🌹Mental Health Rep
🌹Marriage of Convenience
🌹Christian Faith arc
🌹Found Family
🌹Historical Intrigue
Some brief thoughts- This story had a great start and had definite moments of heaviness and themes that pulled on your hearts strings. I found some of the inner monologues repetitive which pulled me from the plot a bit. A stronger finish would have helped as well. Overall, a great debut book for this author and I am eager to see what she comes up with next.
Thank you to the author and publisher for my #gifted eARC.
🌹🌹🌹
*Romance- kisses
*TW- brief talk of trauma, rape. Postpartum. Death of loved ones.
#pubday #newrelease #debutauthor #cedarfort #regencyera #historicalromance #marriageofconvenience
I very much enjoyed this Christian regency romance. Loved the culture weave and historical elements! This story has a unique historical piece that I haven't read before.
Despite the tragedy and recovery Ana Maria and Peter go through, the romance was sweet, tender and just beautiful.
Read for:
🌹Dual POV
🌹Spanish FMC and British Soldier
🌹Mental Health Rep
🌹Marriage of Convenience
🌹Christian Faith arc
🌹Found Family
🌹Historical Intrigue
Some brief thoughts- This story had a great start and had definite moments of heaviness and themes that pulled on your hearts strings. I found some of the inner monologues repetitive which pulled me from the plot a bit. A stronger finish would have helped as well. Overall, a great debut book for this author and I am eager to see what she comes up with next.
Thank you to the author and publisher for my #gifted eARC.
🌹🌹🌹
*Romance- kisses
*TW- brief talk of trauma, rape. Postpartum. Death of loved ones.
#pubday #newrelease #debutauthor #cedarfort #regencyera #historicalromance #marriageofconvenience
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A Siege on Her Heart is a captivating debut Regency romance. I loved how Peter and Ana navigated their relationship and handled the joys and struggles they shared.
I'm already looking forward to reading more from this author!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and all opinions are my own.
I'm already looking forward to reading more from this author!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and all opinions are my own.
December 29, 2025
What a good debut novel for Jessica!
It was truly a sweet story. Between the history, romance, and faith themes it was well rounded. It covers some heavier topics that were cool to see in the book because they aren't the norm. And I loooved the pregnancy and postpartum representation so much!
It was truly a sweet story. Between the history, romance, and faith themes it was well rounded. It covers some heavier topics that were cool to see in the book because they aren't the norm. And I loooved the pregnancy and postpartum representation so much!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow!! This story is very deep, but I love the message that no matter what we have to go through in life, we have support from so many places! People are put in our lives to help us!
I love these characters and how they helped each other through some really tough things!
I love these characters and how they helped each other through some really tough things!
January 6, 2026
A Siege on Her Heart by Jessica Brousseau is a phenomenal novel and has easily become a new favorite! I was captivated from the first page and literally couldn’t put it down! With such an amazing debut novel, I can’t wait to read future books by Jessica!
Based on the true historical events of the Siege of San Sebastián in 1813, A Siege on Her Heart features a marriage of convenience between a
vibrant Spanish woman named Ana and Peter, a Captain in the British Army. After fighting to protect the innocent citizens of San Sebastián from his own men, Peter is horrified to find Ana Maria, a woman he has long admired, severely injured after a vicious attack. Putting aside his rage, Peter rescues Ana Maria and escapes the Siege with one purpose: to protect her at all costs.
This book follows Ana Maria and Peter as they create a new life together in England and learn to find trust, love, and healing in the wake of unimaginable suffering. It has a compelling plot with well written characters that instantly draw you into their story!
Peter is the hero with a perfect balance of gentle compassion and fierce protectiveness! He is a true gentleman in every sense of the word and is devoted to taking care of Ana Maria. Despite enduring such horrific trauma, Ana Maria fights to retain her passion, vibrancy, optimism and loving nature. A surprising favorite character was Peter’s Mother, Lady Ashworth, who provides unconditional love and understanding when needed most. I look forward to reading more about these characters in future books!
Without including graphic scenes or descriptions, the author addresses multiple heavy topics in a very sensitive and authentic way. As characters navigate challenges with PTSD, abuse, postpartum depression, assault and other mental health issues, the author captures these intense and raw emotions in such a poignant way. She also provides helpful language to describe some of these complicated struggles in a way that helps readers feel validated, seen and understood. This type of representation is so important!
In a world full of deep suffering and excruciating unfairness, the powerful scenes where characters choose to find healing through Christ are a beautiful example of the type of inspiration that is essential in books with Christian themes. Readers will be moved by the way these characters overcome their challenges and find hope through their faith in God.
With a mix of heartwrenching challenges, amusing misunderstandings between languages, thoughtful gestures, vulnerable conversations, and growing attraction, this love story between Peter and Ana Maria is one for the ages!
If you love any of these themes as much as I do, this should be your next read!
• Protective Hero: A hero who rescues the heroine and then dedicates himself to keeping her safe
• Marriage of Convenience: Features forced proximity and growing attraction
• Romance Style: Slow burn, closed door (clean)
• Family: Found family and adoption tropes
• Inspirational: Christian themes including healing and grace
• Realism: Authentic mental health representation
• The Ending: Happily Ever After Epilogue + Swoony Bonus Epilogue available from Author
Based on the true historical events of the Siege of San Sebastián in 1813, A Siege on Her Heart features a marriage of convenience between a
vibrant Spanish woman named Ana and Peter, a Captain in the British Army. After fighting to protect the innocent citizens of San Sebastián from his own men, Peter is horrified to find Ana Maria, a woman he has long admired, severely injured after a vicious attack. Putting aside his rage, Peter rescues Ana Maria and escapes the Siege with one purpose: to protect her at all costs.
This book follows Ana Maria and Peter as they create a new life together in England and learn to find trust, love, and healing in the wake of unimaginable suffering. It has a compelling plot with well written characters that instantly draw you into their story!
Peter is the hero with a perfect balance of gentle compassion and fierce protectiveness! He is a true gentleman in every sense of the word and is devoted to taking care of Ana Maria. Despite enduring such horrific trauma, Ana Maria fights to retain her passion, vibrancy, optimism and loving nature. A surprising favorite character was Peter’s Mother, Lady Ashworth, who provides unconditional love and understanding when needed most. I look forward to reading more about these characters in future books!
Without including graphic scenes or descriptions, the author addresses multiple heavy topics in a very sensitive and authentic way. As characters navigate challenges with PTSD, abuse, postpartum depression, assault and other mental health issues, the author captures these intense and raw emotions in such a poignant way. She also provides helpful language to describe some of these complicated struggles in a way that helps readers feel validated, seen and understood. This type of representation is so important!
In a world full of deep suffering and excruciating unfairness, the powerful scenes where characters choose to find healing through Christ are a beautiful example of the type of inspiration that is essential in books with Christian themes. Readers will be moved by the way these characters overcome their challenges and find hope through their faith in God.
With a mix of heartwrenching challenges, amusing misunderstandings between languages, thoughtful gestures, vulnerable conversations, and growing attraction, this love story between Peter and Ana Maria is one for the ages!
If you love any of these themes as much as I do, this should be your next read!
• Protective Hero: A hero who rescues the heroine and then dedicates himself to keeping her safe
• Marriage of Convenience: Features forced proximity and growing attraction
• Romance Style: Slow burn, closed door (clean)
• Family: Found family and adoption tropes
• Inspirational: Christian themes including healing and grace
• Realism: Authentic mental health representation
• The Ending: Happily Ever After Epilogue + Swoony Bonus Epilogue available from Author
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is the marriage-of-convenience-Regency-romance equivalent of K-Pop Demon Hunters. It’s going to be a well loved edition to many bookshelves. It smashes into the regency romance scene with all of the force of a fresh, well-written and well-researched debut novel, with a plot that will leave your soul singing and your fingers reaching for a reread.
Ana and Peter both somehow survived the horrors of the siege of San Sebastián, but at a terrible cost. Although they both flee to England to escape what they’ve experienced, the consequences of their time in Spain follow them like smoke and result in a hastily arranged marriage of convenience. Though their marriage starts on rather shaky foundations, soon Ana and Peter’s friendship starts to deepen into something more. But so many obstacles to their happiness remain. Between Ana’s pregnancy, Peter’s guilt over San Sebastian, and the ever looming threat of a call back to war, the young couple must throw their whole souls in their marriage to make it work. When the trials of life lay siege on their hearts, will they be able to make it through together?
I thought this book had great mental health/postpartum representation. Ana’s struggles to manage difficult emotions in a time where there were little to no emotional supports available for her is heart wrenching and inspiring. Though Ana does experience severe trauma throughout the book, everything is closed door and not graphic.
The marriage of convenience aspect also did not disappoint! We definitely get weightier issues cropping up from the beginning of their marriage, and it results in a deeper, more mature love that you sometimes get in romance. There were still a couple fun and flirty scenes included as well though! I loved the hide and seek game (iykyk) and the little Spanish traditions that Ana and Peter share. Finally, I loved how Peter is depicted as loyal and devoted, if rather clueless as to how to help Ana. It’s always nice when I like both the boy and the girl in a book! As a Spanish speaker, I loved the Spanish words sprinkled throughout (no need to know any Spanish though to read it!)
Overall, this book was a great read, and I’m looking forward to the other ones in the series.
Ana and Peter both somehow survived the horrors of the siege of San Sebastián, but at a terrible cost. Although they both flee to England to escape what they’ve experienced, the consequences of their time in Spain follow them like smoke and result in a hastily arranged marriage of convenience. Though their marriage starts on rather shaky foundations, soon Ana and Peter’s friendship starts to deepen into something more. But so many obstacles to their happiness remain. Between Ana’s pregnancy, Peter’s guilt over San Sebastian, and the ever looming threat of a call back to war, the young couple must throw their whole souls in their marriage to make it work. When the trials of life lay siege on their hearts, will they be able to make it through together?
I thought this book had great mental health/postpartum representation. Ana’s struggles to manage difficult emotions in a time where there were little to no emotional supports available for her is heart wrenching and inspiring. Though Ana does experience severe trauma throughout the book, everything is closed door and not graphic.
The marriage of convenience aspect also did not disappoint! We definitely get weightier issues cropping up from the beginning of their marriage, and it results in a deeper, more mature love that you sometimes get in romance. There were still a couple fun and flirty scenes included as well though! I loved the hide and seek game (iykyk) and the little Spanish traditions that Ana and Peter share. Finally, I loved how Peter is depicted as loyal and devoted, if rather clueless as to how to help Ana. It’s always nice when I like both the boy and the girl in a book! As a Spanish speaker, I loved the Spanish words sprinkled throughout (no need to know any Spanish though to read it!)
Overall, this book was a great read, and I’m looking forward to the other ones in the series.
January 19, 2026
This is unlike any other regency novel I’ve read in the best way possible!!
Where do I even start with this book?
First of all, I love a historical fiction that comes with a lengthy list of sources at the end that lets me know that the author went to great pains to treat the events and settings they take place in with as much care and accuracy as possible. I can’t believe I had never heard of the sacking of San Sebastián before reading this and loved the honesty and tenderness with which the author wrote about these events as well as the care with which she handles some of the hard topics associated with it.
The writing is absolutely beautiful and pulled me right into the story. I felt like I was experiencing it all right alongside to the characters.
I came to really love the characters in this book, who come with their own passions and also pain and trauma. Seeing them heal from some of that was healing for me as well.
It has always seemed a tragedy to me that so many romance stories end at marriage and never explore the beauty of strengthening your marriage and bringing children into the world. This book explores both of those things with so much care and grace.
The representation of pregnancy and postpartum depression quite literally brought tears to my eyes as I read this book. So many women of the regency era’s experiences with these were swept under the rug and forgotten because they weren’t polite to speak about and so I definitely did not expect to find healing from my own postpartum experiences in a regency era novel. I think the author’s intentional, honest, and compassionate representation of these things will help readers feel seen and find healing for years to come.
This book also improved my Spanish vocabulary, which I loved, but don’t let that scare you- the author added a very comprehensive Spanish glossary at the back of the book! I loved the representation of cultures you don’t typically see in this genre.
Finally, I loved how swoony and sweet the romance was in this book, proving that you don’t need spice to enjoy a beautiful love story.
Overall, a beautiful, life-changing book that I hope you take a chance on and read. ♥️
Where do I even start with this book?
First of all, I love a historical fiction that comes with a lengthy list of sources at the end that lets me know that the author went to great pains to treat the events and settings they take place in with as much care and accuracy as possible. I can’t believe I had never heard of the sacking of San Sebastián before reading this and loved the honesty and tenderness with which the author wrote about these events as well as the care with which she handles some of the hard topics associated with it.
The writing is absolutely beautiful and pulled me right into the story. I felt like I was experiencing it all right alongside to the characters.
I came to really love the characters in this book, who come with their own passions and also pain and trauma. Seeing them heal from some of that was healing for me as well.
It has always seemed a tragedy to me that so many romance stories end at marriage and never explore the beauty of strengthening your marriage and bringing children into the world. This book explores both of those things with so much care and grace.
The representation of pregnancy and postpartum depression quite literally brought tears to my eyes as I read this book. So many women of the regency era’s experiences with these were swept under the rug and forgotten because they weren’t polite to speak about and so I definitely did not expect to find healing from my own postpartum experiences in a regency era novel. I think the author’s intentional, honest, and compassionate representation of these things will help readers feel seen and find healing for years to come.
This book also improved my Spanish vocabulary, which I loved, but don’t let that scare you- the author added a very comprehensive Spanish glossary at the back of the book! I loved the representation of cultures you don’t typically see in this genre.
Finally, I loved how swoony and sweet the romance was in this book, proving that you don’t need spice to enjoy a beautiful love story.
Overall, a beautiful, life-changing book that I hope you take a chance on and read. ♥️
Review of advance copy received from Author
"...truth will always remain, weighing you to the things that are most important, like the gravity that keeps your feet grounded to the earth." pg 49-50
"There will come a point when you must decide that your future is no longer determined by your past - a past which you did not want nor choose - but instead by your decisions, which you will make of your own volition." pg 156
Thank you Jessica Brousseau and Cedar Fort for the ARC copy of A Siege on Her Heart!
This is Brousseau's debut novel and I am looking forward to reading more from her.
The year is 1813 and Peter is part of the army that is in San Sebastián helping to fight against the French and ultimately against Napoleon's army. However, this city was the site of a brutal siege and devastating sack leading to its near-total destruction by fire, the death and torture of many civilians, and the molestation of women and children.
Peter is trying to defend and protect many of the citizens, but he is only able to do so much. Amid the destruction, he see Ana Maria bloody and used and he promises that he will do everything he can to protect her. He takes her back to England with him and they decide it is best if they marry - as this is the only way he can protect her.
This story focuses on healing that can come after devastation and tragedy. Both Peter and Ana start to find themselves on the road to healing and moments of peace as they navigate their new life together as husband and wife.
This is a touching story where you will find your heartstrings tugged at. There is much heartache and travesty that comes with war and many lives are forever altered. Brousseau does a great job of handling this heavy topic with care. While death, torture, rape, and war are mentioned, they are handled respectfully and no explicit details are shared on page.
I was given a complementary copy and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
"There will come a point when you must decide that your future is no longer determined by your past - a past which you did not want nor choose - but instead by your decisions, which you will make of your own volition." pg 156
Thank you Jessica Brousseau and Cedar Fort for the ARC copy of A Siege on Her Heart!
This is Brousseau's debut novel and I am looking forward to reading more from her.
The year is 1813 and Peter is part of the army that is in San Sebastián helping to fight against the French and ultimately against Napoleon's army. However, this city was the site of a brutal siege and devastating sack leading to its near-total destruction by fire, the death and torture of many civilians, and the molestation of women and children.
Peter is trying to defend and protect many of the citizens, but he is only able to do so much. Amid the destruction, he see Ana Maria bloody and used and he promises that he will do everything he can to protect her. He takes her back to England with him and they decide it is best if they marry - as this is the only way he can protect her.
This story focuses on healing that can come after devastation and tragedy. Both Peter and Ana start to find themselves on the road to healing and moments of peace as they navigate their new life together as husband and wife.
This is a touching story where you will find your heartstrings tugged at. There is much heartache and travesty that comes with war and many lives are forever altered. Brousseau does a great job of handling this heavy topic with care. While death, torture, rape, and war are mentioned, they are handled respectfully and no explicit details are shared on page.
I was given a complementary copy and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 15, 2026
You all know historical fiction is my jam (with a soft spot for Amish romance), and I hold historical romance to a high standard. I want the research. I want the sources. I want to trust that the author has treated real events and real places with care.
Jessica Brousseau absolutely does.
One of my favorite things about this novel is the lengthy, thoughtful list of sources at the back. Before I even finished the story, I knew I was in the hands of a writer who had gone to great lengths to honor the history behind it. I could hardly believe I had never heard of the 1813 sacking of San Sebastián before reading this. The author handles these painful events with honesty, tenderness, and deep respect for the people who lived through them.
The writing is beautiful. Immersive. I felt as though I was walking the streets with the characters, hearing what they heard, fearing what they feared. The setting is not a backdrop. It is alive.
And the characters. They carry passion, trauma, grief, and hope in equal measure. Watching them heal felt quietly healing to me as a reader, too.
I used to adore Regency romance until I grew tired of the giggling ballrooms and social trivialities. This book has none of that. The story feels grounded and real. The romance does not end with marriage. It deepens as the characters face the hard human realities that make love meaningful rather than decorative.
It is difficult to believe this is Jessica Brousseau’s debut novel. It reads like the work of a seasoned historical novelist.
The reason for four stars instead of five is a small but notable reading inconvenience. I am not a Spanish speaker, and while I appreciated the authenticity of the Spanish phrases, flipping to the back-of-Kindle glossary interrupted the reading flow.
Still, this is a beautifully written, carefully researched, emotionally rich historical romance that treats both history and love with the seriousness they deserve.
Jessica Brousseau absolutely does.
One of my favorite things about this novel is the lengthy, thoughtful list of sources at the back. Before I even finished the story, I knew I was in the hands of a writer who had gone to great lengths to honor the history behind it. I could hardly believe I had never heard of the 1813 sacking of San Sebastián before reading this. The author handles these painful events with honesty, tenderness, and deep respect for the people who lived through them.
The writing is beautiful. Immersive. I felt as though I was walking the streets with the characters, hearing what they heard, fearing what they feared. The setting is not a backdrop. It is alive.
And the characters. They carry passion, trauma, grief, and hope in equal measure. Watching them heal felt quietly healing to me as a reader, too.
I used to adore Regency romance until I grew tired of the giggling ballrooms and social trivialities. This book has none of that. The story feels grounded and real. The romance does not end with marriage. It deepens as the characters face the hard human realities that make love meaningful rather than decorative.
It is difficult to believe this is Jessica Brousseau’s debut novel. It reads like the work of a seasoned historical novelist.
The reason for four stars instead of five is a small but notable reading inconvenience. I am not a Spanish speaker, and while I appreciated the authenticity of the Spanish phrases, flipping to the back-of-Kindle glossary interrupted the reading flow.
Still, this is a beautifully written, carefully researched, emotionally rich historical romance that treats both history and love with the seriousness they deserve.
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