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Mirror Heart
Stone does not bleed. Not unless you cut it deep enough.
Father Ambrose built a fortress of order in the valley of St. Jude. He is a man of iron rules and cold stone, a living gargoyle dedicated to keeping the ancient, green hunger of the pagan forest at bay.
But the wall has a crack. Her name is Aveline.
She is the cathedral’s laundress, the keeper of stains. She knows that Ambrose’s order is a lie. She knows the town’s peace is bought with blood. And she knows that the only thing holding back the Root caused the bleeding in the first place.
When Bishop Valerius arrives to purge the parish, the high altar begins to sweat blood. As the Inquisition tightens its grip, Ambrose is forced to make a terrible sacrifice the woman he loves to save his soul, or let the cathedral fall and embrace the rot beneath the floorboards.
To save the flock, the shepherd must feed the wolves.
Father Ambrose built a fortress of order in the valley of St. Jude. He is a man of iron rules and cold stone, a living gargoyle dedicated to keeping the ancient, green hunger of the pagan forest at bay.
But the wall has a crack. Her name is Aveline.
She is the cathedral’s laundress, the keeper of stains. She knows that Ambrose’s order is a lie. She knows the town’s peace is bought with blood. And she knows that the only thing holding back the Root caused the bleeding in the first place.
When Bishop Valerius arrives to purge the parish, the high altar begins to sweat blood. As the Inquisition tightens its grip, Ambrose is forced to make a terrible sacrifice the woman he loves to save his soul, or let the cathedral fall and embrace the rot beneath the floorboards.
To save the flock, the shepherd must feed the wolves.
- GenresHistorical FictionHorror
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2026
2 people are currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
Kate Seger
114 books134 followersKate is a book worm, dog mom, and world-builder, living on the banks of the Hudson River in NY. Her #lifegoal is to be kidnapped by the Fae or stumble into a portal and be transported to a magical land.
A lover of mythology and fairy tales, Kate writes YA Fantasy and Paranormal Romance. Her first novel, "The Wood Witch's Daughter," just launched on April 20th!
She has since thrown herself into the chaotic mayhem that passes for her writing process in an attempt to write the sequel.
A lover of mythology and fairy tales, Kate writes YA Fantasy and Paranormal Romance. Her first novel, "The Wood Witch's Daughter," just launched on April 20th!
She has since thrown herself into the chaotic mayhem that passes for her writing process in an attempt to write the sequel.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 4, 2026
This book can be placed under the genre of dark Romance.
The character building is fantastic and so is the environment where the story is situated in.
The romance is dark, pure and also raw but to me it was a touching story, that kept me engaged from beginning to the ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The character building is fantastic and so is the environment where the story is situated in.
The romance is dark, pure and also raw but to me it was a touching story, that kept me engaged from beginning to the ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 10, 2026
The first half I hated every second. The only reason I finished it is because i wanted to get it over with. The second half? Well it was better. The story is tragic, twisted, and extremely unhappy. Its messed up in so many ways. Ambrose and Marius angered me so dang much, which was the point. The plot with the grove and religion was interesting enough. However, I think it could be wrapped up in one book. The way this ends, very unhappily, but I dont have a desire to continue on.
Review of advance copy
Mirror Heart is a captivating, emotionally resonant read that blends romance, personal growth, and introspection into a story that feels both intimate and engaging. Kate Seger crafts characters who are flawed, relatable, and compelling, making it easy to become invested in their journeys.
The book’s strongest feature is its emotional depth. The protagonist’s struggles and growth are handled with sensitivity and authenticity, and the romance unfolds naturally, layered with tension, misunderstandings, and heartfelt moments. Secondary characters add richness to the story, providing humor, support, and additional perspective.
Seger’s writing style is clear and engaging, with vivid descriptions and dialogue that flows naturally. The pacing is generally steady, though certain reflective passages occasionally slow momentum slightly, which may test readers who prefer faster-moving plots.
The story is well-structured, balancing romance and personal exploration effectively. While the plot may feel familiar at times, the emotional resonance and relatable characters give it a distinct voice that sets it apart.
Overall, Mirror Heart is a touching, immersive romance with strong character work and heartfelt storytelling. Its emotional authenticity, engaging romance, and relatable themes earn it a solid four-star rating, making it a satisfying read for fans of contemporary romance and character-driven stories.
The book’s strongest feature is its emotional depth. The protagonist’s struggles and growth are handled with sensitivity and authenticity, and the romance unfolds naturally, layered with tension, misunderstandings, and heartfelt moments. Secondary characters add richness to the story, providing humor, support, and additional perspective.
Seger’s writing style is clear and engaging, with vivid descriptions and dialogue that flows naturally. The pacing is generally steady, though certain reflective passages occasionally slow momentum slightly, which may test readers who prefer faster-moving plots.
The story is well-structured, balancing romance and personal exploration effectively. While the plot may feel familiar at times, the emotional resonance and relatable characters give it a distinct voice that sets it apart.
Overall, Mirror Heart is a touching, immersive romance with strong character work and heartfelt storytelling. Its emotional authenticity, engaging romance, and relatable themes earn it a solid four-star rating, making it a satisfying read for fans of contemporary romance and character-driven stories.
February 4, 2026
This is an achingly tender love story about the devotion that binds two souls together and the duty that keeps them apart across centuries.
Father Ambrose is a priest shepherding his flock towards the obedient and righteous behaviour that he himself struggles to exemplify. For years his heart has belonged not to God, but to Aveline, the church's laundress, however much he tries to deny it. Aveline, who washes away the sins of the congregation the same way she scrubs the linens, who cares for the sick, protects the vulnerable, and shows mercy where the church turns a blind eye. These acts of service and compassion are Aveline's way of expressing the depth of her own forbidden love for Ambrose. Yet under the watchful eye of the Bishop, those who disobey the rules invite corruption and must be uprooted.
Kate Seger's writing is sensuous and evocative, full of poignant images and interesting turns of phrase. The result is a story that is deeply atmospheric but still feels down to earth and authentic. The narrative flows beautifully between Ambrose and Aveline and their previous incantations as Marius and Elowen. The depth of their connection and emotions is palpable.
This story warmed by heart as much as it broke it, and I will be impatiently waiting for the next book in the series!
Many thanks the author and Book Sirens for providing me with an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Father Ambrose is a priest shepherding his flock towards the obedient and righteous behaviour that he himself struggles to exemplify. For years his heart has belonged not to God, but to Aveline, the church's laundress, however much he tries to deny it. Aveline, who washes away the sins of the congregation the same way she scrubs the linens, who cares for the sick, protects the vulnerable, and shows mercy where the church turns a blind eye. These acts of service and compassion are Aveline's way of expressing the depth of her own forbidden love for Ambrose. Yet under the watchful eye of the Bishop, those who disobey the rules invite corruption and must be uprooted.
Kate Seger's writing is sensuous and evocative, full of poignant images and interesting turns of phrase. The result is a story that is deeply atmospheric but still feels down to earth and authentic. The narrative flows beautifully between Ambrose and Aveline and their previous incantations as Marius and Elowen. The depth of their connection and emotions is palpable.
This story warmed by heart as much as it broke it, and I will be impatiently waiting for the next book in the series!
Many thanks the author and Book Sirens for providing me with an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 2, 2026
Mirror Heart is a haunting, carefully written novel that rewards patient reading. Kate Seger’s prose is deliberate and immersive, grounded in texture and atmosphere, and confident enough to let silence and restraint do much of the work. The writing carries a quiet intensity that never rushes, trusting me to sit with discomfort and complexity.
What stands out most is the novel’s emotional discipline. Rather than relying on spectacle, it builds weight through interior tension and moral uncertainty. Themes of faith, devotion, and identity are handled with seriousness and care, without simplifying or softening their consequences. The result is a story that feels thoughtful and mature, unafraid to challenge me while remaining deeply human.
It is not a book designed to be consumed quickly or forgotten easily. It lingers, asking questions rather than offering easy answers, and leaving an emotional impression that deepens over time. This is a novel for readers who appreciate atmosphere, introspection, and writing that trusts them to engage fully.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What stands out most is the novel’s emotional discipline. Rather than relying on spectacle, it builds weight through interior tension and moral uncertainty. Themes of faith, devotion, and identity are handled with seriousness and care, without simplifying or softening their consequences. The result is a story that feels thoughtful and mature, unafraid to challenge me while remaining deeply human.
It is not a book designed to be consumed quickly or forgotten easily. It lingers, asking questions rather than offering easy answers, and leaving an emotional impression that deepens over time. This is a novel for readers who appreciate atmosphere, introspection, and writing that trusts them to engage fully.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Definitely was a bit different than what I had expected, but it was a fantastic read - read the entire thing in a single setting in under 5 hours, and could NOT put it down.
Love the mix of, and tying in between, the Roman centurion and the druid priestess and the Catholic Father and laundress, their connection, his attempts to deny and overcome his nature, true self, destiny, whatever you want to call it. Cannot wait to see where it goes, what other lives we get to see them in, how it comes about - are we going to skip ahead another 500+ years? 1000+? more/less? how many more lives will we get to see? How will he find her again with where she lays now? Definitely left plenty of fun avenues to explore just between their connection, and I love that!
Definitely loved the setting and characters, the world, their connection, really all of it. Definitely recommend!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Love the mix of, and tying in between, the Roman centurion and the druid priestess and the Catholic Father and laundress, their connection, his attempts to deny and overcome his nature, true self, destiny, whatever you want to call it. Cannot wait to see where it goes, what other lives we get to see them in, how it comes about - are we going to skip ahead another 500+ years? 1000+? more/less? how many more lives will we get to see? How will he find her again with where she lays now? Definitely left plenty of fun avenues to explore just between their connection, and I love that!
Definitely loved the setting and characters, the world, their connection, really all of it. Definitely recommend!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 31, 2026
A truly immersive love story that spans eons, thwarted by the differences that divide them and make their love a forbidden one. She is the spirit of the wild forest, of root and seed and he is the epitome of law and order. Can the memory of their love save them from the shadow that is about engulf their lives in the cathedral of St Jude. And will Father Ambrose be able to see through the lies he has told himself to keep order so that he can save the woman he dares not admit he loves?
Beautifully written with memorable characters and concepts that draw you into this romantasy. The settings are beautifully detailed and atmospheric. Emotionally tender and heartbreaking by turns, I am glad that there will be another book in this series on the way soon. I would have given it 5 stars but I felt it was needing a bit more editing in places. This does not affect enjoyment of the story though.
Beautifully written with memorable characters and concepts that draw you into this romantasy. The settings are beautifully detailed and atmospheric. Emotionally tender and heartbreaking by turns, I am glad that there will be another book in this series on the way soon. I would have given it 5 stars but I felt it was needing a bit more editing in places. This does not affect enjoyment of the story though.
Review of advance copy
This was a very different tale about love and the ability to find each other across time. I have loved the stories that I have read by Kate Seger. She knows how to tell a story with her whole heart and make you feel it as well. This was not the happily ever after that you want but the path of choice, obligations, and love. We are made to think about the choices that the characters made. We feel what they feel and, in my case, think about the decisions I have made in my life. I love when a book makes you go through it instead of just reading it. That was this book for me. I will be waiting for the next one.
February 3, 2026
This is book 1 in a series. There is no HEA this book.
I'll be honest. The first part of the book it was hard to get into and I nearly DNF'd. I am so glad I didn't by the end I was so gripped and so invested.
It was a truly beautiful and tragic story, of love, truth, and standing for your beliefs when living a lie is sometimes the easier option.
At times it was hard to read but only because it challenged me, and I made myself face that.
I cannot wait for the rest of the series. It was truly a beautiful story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout
I'll be honest. The first part of the book it was hard to get into and I nearly DNF'd. I am so glad I didn't by the end I was so gripped and so invested.
It was a truly beautiful and tragic story, of love, truth, and standing for your beliefs when living a lie is sometimes the easier option.
At times it was hard to read but only because it challenged me, and I made myself face that.
I cannot wait for the rest of the series. It was truly a beautiful story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout
February 6, 2026
I was sucked into this the more I read. The yearning between the MMC and FMC was magical - not spicy but more romantic and mysterious. I found myself clutching my heart several times; the suspense is woven throughout the story beautifully. There is an interesting magic system, and I enjoyed how the author allows the reader to slowly discover it throughout the book. Because of the dual timelines I found I needed to look up quite a few terms to best be able to visualize what I was reading. I provided this review in exchange for reading the book.
February 8, 2026
This was not a typical love story (no harlequin romance here if one is into that sort of thing). This one is a love that exists over time and space. It wasn't exactly what I expected, but it was absolutely better and the storyline really reeled me in ans kept me reading to find out where the journey of Ambrose & Aveline was going to take me. The author does an amazing job with setting, unique storyline, and character development. Definitely adding this author to my reading list.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
February 10, 2026
This was a beautiful, heartbreaking story about two souls that were meant to be together but kept apart by circumstances throughout centuries. I never knew where the story was going to take me and loved the themes of morals vs duty used throughout. The writing was beautiful and engaging and I am looking forward to where the story takes us throughout the rest of the series.
Thank you very much to the author and BookSirens for the free advance review copy I received. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you very much to the author and BookSirens for the free advance review copy I received. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was so beautiful. It's really tragic, watching them fail and fall but I loved every minute of the tragedy. The historical elements from the Roman Empire ro the Vikings to the medieval town and clergy were like icing in the cake of the reincarnation romance. Beautiful book that hit me where it hurts. I can't wait for book 2
Review of advance copy
This book is a gut wrenching, forbidden, slow burn romance that transcends the concept of time and reincarnation. The yearning of the main characters pulled at my heart.
I cannot wait for the second book in this series to come out.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I cannot wait for the second book in this series to come out.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 2, 2026
Be still my beating heart. I loved this book, devoured it whole and came up wanting more. Pure, unadulterated love which transcends time, this is the sort of tale books were designed for. I cannot wait for the next chapter.
February 5, 2026
This is a hauntingly sweet and tragic love story for the ages. Two souls that find each other again and again throughout time and whose love knows no bounds. I was not expecting that ending. I wasn't sure whether to scream or cry.
February 8, 2026
This is such a beautiful story of how 2 souls find each other throughout multiple lifetimes.
First as Marius and Elowen then as Ambrose and Aveline. You can tell the love and longing from the quotes alone throughout this book. As sad as the cliffhanger ending was it was also beautiful in a way. I cannot wait to see their love blossom in the second book.
First as Marius and Elowen then as Ambrose and Aveline. You can tell the love and longing from the quotes alone throughout this book. As sad as the cliffhanger ending was it was also beautiful in a way. I cannot wait to see their love blossom in the second book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews