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.
Kate 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.
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.
I implore you to read this book RIGHT NOW. The longing, the yearning, I have never seen an author so beautifully and completely convince me that two characters are this in love. This is probably the best love story I have ever read. It's unique and powerful and left me sobbing. Absolutely perfect.
Thank you so much to BookSirens and the publisher for giving me an advance review copy for free. I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
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.
This book made me want to read everything else this author has written or will ever write. It was stunning and captivating both in the story it told and how it told it. The words wove a spell. It was like listening to a haunting story over a campfire. I kept highlighting passages just for the beautiful use of words. The writing style moved the story along, created tension, created poignant moments.
I loved that the love over the ages started out as a suggestion and became more obvious as the book moved along. I loved that mirroring of the love story. This wasn’t a story about people who happen to be magic - magic was woven into the entire world and a character unto itself. It felt bold and powerful, and dark without being ominous. The bishop was so deliciously terrible as a villain. The love story was well done. They barely touched until toward the end of the book, but the tension, chemistry, sizzles, and deep emotional connection are all there throughout. Every scene Ambrose and Aveline are in together is genuine and electric.
My one drawback was the ending, which felt like it lagged, unlike the pacing in the rest of the book. It seemed several times like I had reached the conclusion, but the story kept going. The mystical/fantastical element of the end was a little tricky to follow and the tension of the major conflict was over, so I didn’t feel the need for it to be as drawn out as it was.
I’m still going to find and read that next book though, and definitely recommend this one to my fantasy-loving friends.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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.
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.
Aveline is the laundress, Ambrose is the priest. They share an understanding of how the church serves the village: Aveline helps the less fortunate women in life and death, while Ambrose covers for her and hears the confessions and gives the sermons. In between, though, they share a respect and quiet love for each other.
Unfortunately, the bishop sees their relationship as being unnatural. He compiles incidents to throw against Aveline to sentence her to death (mind you, this is a story that takes place in a very unenlightened time), but Ambrose is not having any of it. He defends Aveline to the best of his ability but ends up shut in his own cathedral as the bishop burns it down.
There is a bit of a history between Aveline and Ambrose that goes back to the Roman occupation of Britain, which is woven nicely throughout this gothic narrative.
I enjoyed Aveline's character very much. She is a woman of love, rules be hanged. Every woman needs a friend like Aveline, unafraid of addressing the issues to be resolved and willing to help others despite the risks. The ending had me somewhat puzzled, but there's a book 2, which will address the cliffhanger of the ending. The story is a contradiction of compassion vs control and well-balanced throughout.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really enjoyed Mirror Heart. It’s a great idea and a really interesting concept that felt fresh compared to a lot of what’s out there. The story is written in such natural, easy prose that it was simple to fall into the world. It felt really immersive and atmospheric — the kind of book that quietly pulls you in without you even noticing. I especially liked the themes running through the book, and Aveline and Ambrose completely won me over — I was rooting for them from page one. The love story was beautifully written too. The yearning and want between them definitely came through on the page and made their connection feel genuine and emotional. And of course, every good story needs a villain, and this one definitely didn’t disappoint. I truly did not like him (which is exactly the point!), and as the so-called messenger of God, I absolutely felt he needed to be taken down. The story itself is unusual in a good way, and the concept isn’t something I’ve come across before. It’s not normally the kind of book I’d pick up, but I’m really glad I did because I enjoyed both the journey and the characters. The flashbacks were also a lovely touch and added extra depth. Definitely worth 4 stars from me. I received this as an ARC, and my review is entirely my own and was not influenced in any way.
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.
Mirror Heart immediately drew me in with its premise: ancient Britain under threat of Roman expansion, native tribes struggling to hold onto their land, and a strong thematic clash between structured religion and pagan traditions. The setting is vivid and atmospheric, and the historical backdrop feels thoughtfully crafted, making the world one of the book’s strongest elements.
While the romance is clearly meant to be central, it didn’t fully land for me. It wasn’t rushed, but it lacked the tension and emotional intensity I was hoping for in a dark romance. I kept waiting for that spark—the chemistry or sense of urgency that makes a relationship feel consuming—and it never quite materialized.
The plot itself felt somewhat predictable in its direction, which softened the impact of key moments. I’m also curious to see how the story will expand into a duet, since this installment felt fairly contained on its own.
Overall, this was an intriguing concept with a rich historical setting, but I wanted more emotional depth and intensity from the romance to match the scale of its world.
The imagery is strong from the start—“a fortress of order,” “ancient, green hunger,” and altars that sweat blood establish a grim, almost gothic atmosphere that immediately signals the book’s intentions. Where the story shines most is in its mood. The tension between institutional faith and the creeping presence of pagan rot beneath the town is compelling, and the concept of a priest maintaining order through morally dubious sacrifice is rich with potential. However, the execution doesn’t always match the promise of the premise. The prose occasionally leans too heavily into dramatic imagery, sometimes at the expense of clarity or character depth.The result is a story that is atmospheric and intriguing but slightly underdeveloped in its characters and emotional payoff. There’s a strong skeleton here—gothic horror, religious guilt, ancient bargains—but it could have benefited from deeper character work and a bit more narrative focus. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
Beautiful, Tragic - A Story of Love and Loss and Love throughout Time... a Must Read Tragic. This story had me in tears. First, because the story of Marius/Ambrose and Elowen/Aveline broke my heart. What they endured ... so tragic... unable to be together and love each other. And later i cried again at the beauty of their ending. This story was so well written and the journey to the end was absolutely beautiful. I would definitely recommend this read but know that you will "feel" and question. I look forward to reading more by this author. I am hooked.
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
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.
Deeply disappointed in something that had the potential to be amazing.
I wanted to love this because I love lush and gothic romantasy. Unfortunately, it just missed the mark for me in so many ways. The only emotion it evoked for me was disappointment, when I'm sure it was meant to stir fury at the unfairness of it all.
*Copy provided by Book Sirens. Opinions are my own.
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.
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.
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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.