Hearts to Be Mended

Forbidden Love #6

by Bree Wolf

A lady in love. A gentleman with a reputation. And a secret that keeps them apart.

LADY ELEANOR ABBOTT is in love. However, the one man who manages to send her heart into an uproar with a single smoldering look is the one man she is forbidden to marry. As the fifth son of a baron, the man who conquered Eleanor’s heart is not the match her mother wants her to make. Instead, Eleanor finds herself faced with an endless stream of appropriate suitors and under stern instructions to choose a suitable husband before the season’s end.

HENRY WALTHAM, fifth son of Baron Caulfield, has always considered himself fortunate to have grown up in a close-knit family. However, now that his brother’s less than respectable reputations ruin his every chance to marry the woman he loves, Henry finds himself torn between simply whisking her off to Gretna Green - and let propriety be damned! - and the deep desire to prove himself an honourable man.

However, not everything is as it seems, and soon Eleanor and Henry realise that the key to their future can only be found in the past.



This tale by a USA TODAY bestselling author shows that love isn’t always easy…but worth fighting for.

If you like bittersweet stories about a love so deep and compelling that it unhinges your whole world and leaves you reeling, then you’ll love this instalment of Bree Wolf’s emotionally charged Forbidden Love Novella Series. Buy HEARTS TO BE MENDED, grab a cup of tea, settle into your favorite reading spot and start this swoon worthy romance now!



A Forbidden Love Novella Series

#1 The Wrong Brother
#2 A Brilliant Rose
#3 The Forgotten Wife
#4 An Unwelcome Proposal
#5 Rules to Be Broken
#6 Hearts to Be Mended
To Follow:
#7 Winning her Hand
#8 Conquering her Heart


Love's Second Chance Series

#1 Forgotten & Remembered - The Duke's Late Wife
#2 Cursed & Cherished - The Duke's Wilful Wife
#3 Despised & Desired - The Marquess' Passionate Wife
#4 Abandoned & Protected - The Marquis' Tenacious Wife
#5 Ruined & Redeemed - The Earl's Fallen Wife
#6 Betrayed & Blessed - The Viscount's Shrewd Wife
#7 Deceived & Honoured - The Baron’s Vexing Wife
More to follow:
#8 Sacrificed & Reclaimed - The Soldier's Daring Widow (Bonus Novella)

Genres: Historical Romance, Novella, Historical Fiction, Historical, Romance, Forbidden Love, Regency

122 pages, ebook

First published February 14, 2018

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Excited for my new series? The Flames of Winter Series:

An epic love story that spans across an entire series. Ensure that you have a good cup of tea, something to nibble on and perhaps a box of tissues at hand before you dive into this slow-burn Regency romance full of enchanting moments between Sarah and Keir, the little wisp and the highlander.

Reviews

[Marivi Sanz · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Hearts to be mended" is the 6th novella in the lovely Forbidden Love series.

Eleanor and Henry are deeply in love, but Eleanor's mother does not consent to their marriage. She opposes completely, but wouldn't tell her why. Even if her brother Arthur consents to her marriage, she would never go against her mother's wishes. Henry, the 5th son of a Baron is doing all in his power to convince her, but Lady Stanhope is set against him based on the bad reputation of his brothers.

Eleanor's sister in law wants to help her and organizes a family party, including Henry as a guest, but things don't go out as expected. Unless Eleanor finds why her mother is so set against her marriage to Henry she won't have her HEA.

This is another short novella by Bree Wolf, as lovely as the rest. It's a treat to find characters from previous stories drop into new ones as she finds new ways of keeping her lovers apart, but not for too long. These short novellas are sweet and angsty, and short enough to satisfy the need of a regency romance at any moment.

The only thing I didn't like in this one was when Eleanor asks Henry to spend the night with her, even if it's only to sleep, while her family is there. I didn't find it believable, but I can forget it because Bree Wolf's stories are delicious treats.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I would like to thank the author Bree Wolf for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Clever plot. Lovely seeing the MC's from the rest of the series
Love story is less believable because they have spent so little time together.

[Lia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to thank Bree Wolf for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review!
Eleanor is a sweet girl in love with a man that her mother doesn’t approve. But she cares so much for her mothers opinion and doesn’t want to go against her wishes..
Another very nice and romantic story that I enjoyed and highly recommend

[Elsbeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I love most about this series, is that the stories are really intertwined. The main characters from the former parts and the parts to come, play real roles in each others stories. I realized it when I started reading part 7 and came across things I should have known had I read part 6 first. So I started part 6 and came to the same conclusion: I just had to read part 5!
So when you get attached to the main characters of one story, you don't have to say goodbye to them: just read the next one!

And when you read this one, you get two love stories for the price of one. What a wonderful surprise!
I received a copy and chose to review it.

[✨ Gramy ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

.
This was an entertaining historical romance series, albeit each installment was relatively short, not allowing the characters to grow effectively. The characters each had distinct personalities and the bits of humor were welcoming. Strange incidents were proposed that I had never heard of before, some of which were totally believable and some which were absolutely not. It was not always easy to understand or empathize with the characters. There were some grammatical errors and some did lead to distraction. This author does have a strange imagination. But things seem to be improving as the series grows.

The characters in this installment were extremely believable . . . The concept of prejudice against the entire family for the sins of one is nothing new. Thankfully, the majority of the family dug deep enough to find the root problem and two couples come together because of the diligent efforts.

Each story is able to stand on its own, however, characters do crossover within the installments, so the reader is offered more insight by reading the books in the order they were presented. On the positive side, these books are clean, which I personally prefer. Each conclusion contains its own unique H.E.A.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

In previous books in this series, Lady Eleanor's mother comes across as the worst type of harridan. Finally the mist clears and the reader comes to the understanding that there is more to the situation than meets the eye, even if Lady Stanhope is meting out blame where it is not deserved. In this book as the various players come together, the friendships that had previously been formed prove their worth and the truth is revealed. Although this is Eleanor and Henry's story, it revolves more around breaking through Lady Stanhope's icy exterior than a love story. However, as the young lovers work to resolving the problems in a respectful manner, Lady Stanhope is eventually appeased and more than one situation is resolved. Many of the characters in this book appear in previous books in this series, and it therefore helps if the books are read in sequence. However, each book is a standalone with a happy ending. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Avis · Rating 5 out of 5]

***I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book from the author in exchange for a true and honest review.***

Lady Eleanor just wants to have her HEA with Henry. In the beginning Eleanor comes across as being timid and a people pleaser- particularly her mother. Her mother seems to dislike Henry for reasons she just doesn’t understand. Finally with the help from friends and family, Eleanor decides to seek her happiness. Eleanor stands up for herself no matter the cost of hurting her mother.

Poor Henry he has no idea why Eleanor’s mother does not like him. He knows it has something to do with his brothers who are all “rakes”. But Henry really loves Eleanor and he is willing to do anything to have her as his wife.

When Eleanor and Henry true feelings are revealed, the true situation of mistrust is revealed. But nevertheless, Eleanor and Henry have their Happily Ever After.

I have read all of the books from the Forbidden Love Novella Series. So I was familiar with all the characters. It was nice see them in this story, particularly William and Catherine from The Forgotten Wife. I so glad that I discovered Bree Wolf’s books. I truly enjoy them. I like how she has been able to weave into her stories, previous characters from her books. I look forward to her next book in this series, which has to be about Eleanor’s friend Winifred and Lord Chadwick. We shall see.

[Joann Herley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hearts to Be Mended is a romantic story with a bit of mystery and suspense. Eleanor's heart belongs to Henry and Eleanor feels the same. However, Eleanor's mother will have none of it. Henry believes it is because he is only the fifth son of Baron Caulfield. Nothing could be further from the truth. There is a secret keeping them apart. I enjoyed this story because it kept me guessing.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
Lady Eleanor Abbott is in love with Henry Waltham & he’s in love with her. However Eleanor’s mother he Dowager Countess of Stanhope won’t give her consent. A lovely short story, which is well paced & has lovely characters. Henry & Eleanor featured in the previous novella ‘Rules to be Broken’ & I couldn’t wait for their story. The couple need to find out why Lady Stanhope is so against them, there’s also Henry’s brother Nick who is slowly but surely destroying himself. Things come to a head at the house party that Arthur & Diana hold. Whilst this short story could be read as a stand alone I’d definitely recommend reading Rules to be Broken as the pair work in tandem. I thoroughly enjoyed the novella & look forward to more especially as Griffin & Winifred are back.

My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Monique Takens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this novella as an ARC in september 2017 and my comment on it to Bree was : You have written a new favorite of mine , what a beautiful moving story . Don't change a thing ! This is a solid 5 stars novella !!!!

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Eleanor and Henry Waltham are in love, but Eleanor’s mother is dead set against her marrying Henry. Henry’s 4 brothers have established their bad reputation and her mother thinks Henry is likely of a similar character. However, it soon becomes clear to Eleanor that something more must be involved as she sees FEAR in her mother’s eyes in situations in which Henry appears, or his name is the focus of discussion.
Nick, Henry’s brother, is in the depths of despair, drowning in alcohol, repulsing all efforts to save him. He is arm twisted into attending a house party with Henry, as Henry is trying to convince Eleanor’s mother that his brothers are not the disreputable rakes that society has painted them. Furthermore, he is quite concerned over Nick’s recent change in behavior including the over indulgence in alcohol. Over his protesting, barely sober body, Nick is carried off Stanford Manor , then on to Stanhope Grove for a house party.
Eleanor’s brother and his wife know Henry and his brothers, yet approve of Henry’s suit. In fact, Arthur, her brother, gives her permission to marry Henry despite their mother’s disapproval. Eleanor can’t bring herself to hurt her mother in that way. Diana, Arthur’s new wife, comes up with a plan to allow Eleanor’s mother to see for herself that Henry is a fine young man, worthy of marrying Eleanor. A house party with several couples as well as unattached friends as well as Henry are invited to the country home, Stanhope Grove.
Nick’s presence precipitates an emotional response in Eleanor’s mother. Finally we find out WHY her mother is fearful of Henry, WHY Nick was the object of her hatred, and WHERE Corinne actually is. Also, it is a surprise as to whose heart is actually broken, as it is not the H or the h! A few of the characters from other books in the series make their appearance as well. But this is Eleanor and Henry’s story. It seems a bit less fleshed out than the other books in the series so far, but still quite enjoyable with the twists in the story.
This is a sweet & clean Regency Romance, appropriate for readers of all ages.

[Diana Aden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hearts to be Mended is book 6 in the Forbidden Love Novella Series by Bree Wolf. I have read all six books and find myself amazed each time I've read one of them how engrossed I become in the story and the characters she has written about. As a reader, I tend to gravitate toward books that are more sensuous. but that is not the case with Bree's books. Yet she still manages to portray the deep emotions and feelings her main and supporting characters have or develop for one another and at the same time, tie up a reader's emotions until the very last page is read.

Lady Eleanor Abbott, sister of Arthur, featured in the previous novella, Rules to be Broken, is deeply in love with Henry Waltham, fifth son of a baron, who has no prospects. Eleanor's mother is adamantly opposed to any match between them and will not be persuaded to change her mind. Eleanor feels there is something her mother is not revealing about why she is so opposed to Henry. Will Eleanor be able to change her mind and find her HEA with Henry?

It was nice that several characters from previous books show up in this novella. New characters include Henry's brother Nick who is slowly destroying himself but won't communicate with or accept help from Henry. All in all, Bree did a very nice job developing the story and it will be interesting to see which characters will appear again in any additions to this series.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good novella, two stories for the price of one.

Here we meet back up with Eleanor and Henry, who we met in the previous novella about her brother, Arthur and Diana. We get to see how things are going for Arthur and Diana after they went against society's norms to be together before her mourning period had ended.

This novella centers on Eleanor and Henry as they seek to find a way to be together. Her brother, Arthur supports the union, but her mother is strongly against it and she can't bear to go against her mother' wishes.

Even with all the worry about them not marrying and the scheming to prevent such an outcome, I found myself more invested in Nick and Corinne and how things would turn out for them. The story of Eleanor and Henry took a backseat to theirs, at least for me. I will say though that I was surprised by the existence of Corinne in this novella, I don't recall her being mentioned at all in the last novella. And Eleanor's mother was already deeply against Henry then, so I would assume the thing with Corinne had already come to pass...so she felt like a bit of an afterthought in this storyline.

Many thanks to Bree Wolf who shared a copy of this novella with me, this is my honest review.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this book by Bree Wolf. It was nice to see a few of the characters from the other books in the series. The story is well written and the characters are well developed. I found the plot very interesting and was rooting for the couple the whole time.

Lady Eleanor Abbott is madly in love with Mr. Henry Wiltham, but her mother is extremely apposed to the relationship because of something from Henry's past that she refuses to talk about. Eleanor and Henry believe she objects to their relationship based on the reputations of his older brothers and that Henry is not titled or of great wealth. Is this the true reason Lady Stanhope objects to a union between her beloved daughter and a man without a title and the reputation of his older brothers? Will they ever be able to change Lady Stanhope's mind and allow the union? What is the big secret Lady Stanhope is holding from her family? Check out this great story and find out. This is a clean historical romance. Enjoy!

I received a copy of this book from the author. I voluntarily reviewed this book and the comments are purely my own.

[Lokdyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Eleanor Abbott is in love with Henry Waltham, the fifth son of a baron, but their love seems to be doomed. Eleanor’s mother refuses to consider him as a suitor. Eleanor feels her mother is keeping some kind of secret. Is there something more to her dislike of Henry than just his brothers’ reputations? While Henry is trying to find a way to marry Eleanor, he is dealing with his brother Nick’s drastic change in behavior. When the truth finally came out, I was surprised, but very pleased, because this story has two happy endings instead of just one. This story has several lessons to teach—the truth is always the best; love can conquer all; no matter the circumstances, never give up. I thoroughly enjoyed reading how Eleanor and Henry overcame the obstacles put in the way of their happiness. I would recommend this book to everyone who likes clean, Regency romance. I look forward to more books in this series. I received an advance review copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Zena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eleanor and Henry are crazily in love with each other but her mother is not keen for them to have a relationship at all but won't say why not. They try to find out and in order to see each other engage the help of friends.
BUT! 'the truth will out', or some such saying and this happens in a most unusual way and totally by chance.
The story itself is well written, entertaining with a mystery to solve, a love story in the making and it has its moments of joy and others of sadness too. All of this is so well told that you want to get to the happily ever after which you know will be coming up.
I am happy to say that I am a fan of Bree Wolf's story telling and am delighted to recommend this as a quick and very enjoyable read.
I received a free advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased review of it.

[Anna Swedenmom · Rating 5 out of 5]

A definite buy novella. I started to give four stars as it was a little too fast for me. However, such is a novella. Keeping that in mind, I write this review.

I was totally captured by the way this author has of pulling her readers inside the plots and stories as they unfold. I like the way she weaves the threads of the past books in the series to the present. She has a truly remarkable way of making the reader want more even at the end of the novella. I can say , while these make great traveling companions, I would love to have a meaty book by this author along the lines of this series. She is truly an amazingly gifted writer. I was given this book in return for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own. Regards, Anna Swedenmom

[Raven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eleanor Stanhope's dream of Henry Waltham becoming her husband appeared less likely as each day passed. Her mother simply would not yield. Eleanor had her brother Arthur's blessing, but her mother continued to object to the union; because the love of an adoring mother is to protect her daughter's heart from a poor match. Eleanor and Henry were determined to find a way to marry with her mother's approval. Eleanor's sister-in-law Diana set the stage with her husband's help. House party Invitations were sent and all invited guests responded favorably. Henry's brother Nick attended and Lady Stanhope went into a rage. What family secrets were disclosed that included Nick? More importantly, were they justified?

[Vicki Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Special Couple get their HEA; guess who!?

Another couple gets their HEA! Actually, make that two. We finally get to see the present and future unfold for Eleanor and Henry; learn why Lady Stanhope doesn't like Henry's "wild" family; and revisit Arthur and Diana. A continuation of the previous books with mentions of them and their lives throughout the book. Another quick, clean enjoyable read with a "teaser" of who will occupy the upcoming books. My only complaint, the prologue was repetitive of the end of the previous book. This would probably not be a problem if you weren't reading the books back to back. One of the best edited books too. I do recommend this book for all those who enjoy Regency Romance.
Vicki from Wyoming

[Candy Briggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was a good story but with some complications. Eleanor is the sister of Lord Stanhope and her mother is the Dowager. It starts off with the wedding of her brother to Diana. The problem is the Dowager does not like her. Eleanor and Henry are very much in love, her brother gives his consent but the Dowager does not. Henry is the 5th son of a baron and her mother thinks he has no prospects.
It all seems to flow smoothly and is well written. The characters are so life like and you can close your eyes and see it all fold out. There are a lot of different characters and situations. I liked when the baby came along.
I received this ARC free and voluntarily reviewed it.

[Frances Shellings · Rating 5 out of 5]

The past will let the future have their happy ending?

She's in love! Her mother forbids it. But she can't make her heart stop the way it feels. And worse her mother doesn't give a reason.
All she wants is to marry her love, but she can't without her mother's permission and she deems to get it one way or another!
Trying to get out of his brothers shadow is harder then he thought especially when he has met the love of his life. There is no one else! Hopefully her brothers and sister in laws plan works. But has he ruined everything with bringing his guest?
Once you start YOU won't put this down!!!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short review. Another well-written novella in the Forbidden Love Novella. Eleanor and Henry are a wonderful couple and likable characters, it was also good to see the other characters from the previous books. There is mystery surrounding why Eleanor's mother refuses to allow her and Henry to marry. I admired the fact that it was important for Eleanor and Henry to find out why her mother disapprove of her marrying Henry. Even though there were times I just wanted them to say to hell with it and follow their hearts and do what makes them happy.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. A clean romance. A story of love overcoming trials and tribulations of societies opinions. I liked the characters in this book as they were engaging and relatable. Henry was determined to have Eleanor as his wife. But there were obstacles. Henry and Eleanor's characters were devoted, sweet and loving. Eleanor's mother's objection to Henry is eventually uncovered and Eleanor and Henry have their HEA. A very good read.

[5 Kindles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lovely story about young love and the obstacles in their path. Henry and Eleanor are very much in love but Eleanor's mother is set against their relationship. In fact she is vehemently against the match and Eleanor does not feel her mothers arguments are really fair. With a little help from family and friends, there will be an HEA. The story of how all is resolved is well worth reading. The characters are believable and the story flows so smoothly that I was unable to put it down. Bree always offers an interesting and well told story and this one is no exception.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although the book started kind of slow for me it quickly picked up and I was carried along on their adventure. What happens when two people are convinced they are made for each other but they don’t have the mother’s blessing? Strategize, strategize, strategize. Covert meetings and a house party bring matters to a head to find out what is really going on and who is behind their unhappily ever after moment. I don’t want to spoil it for anyone so let’s just say it got really really intriguing at that point. In the end everyone was happy and that’s what matters most to me!

[Carol Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A shorter story of sweethearts not being supported in their courtship.

Eleanor's mother was dead set against her choice for marriage and refused to give her blessings and would not give a solid reason for denying their marriage. This was a good story but many times I stumbled as reading because I was not sure who was speaking and who they were talking about, so after rereading the previous paragraphs I would just guess who was logically speaking. Maybe it was me but I found it a bit confusing. Other than that it is a good regency love story.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eleanor Stanhope has fallen in love with Henry, fifth son of a baron. Her mother is vehemently opposed to Henry but will not tell Eleanor why. Henry's older brothers are all rakes of the worst kind and Henry has no title as a fifth son but Lady Stanhope says those are not the reason. Arthur Stanhope, Eleanor's brother tries to persuade his mother and even arranges for Henry and his brother, Nick to come stay at the cottage nearby so that he can get better acquainted with Henry. When they hold a house party, tempers fly and the truth will be found!

[Corinne · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Although Eleanor and Henry have Eleanor's brother's approval to wed, Eleanor also wants her mother's blessing, which is being withheld without explanation. Eleanor thinks her mother just does not know Henry well enough; she hopes a house party will solve this problem. The outcome is not what she or the reader expected. Nice short read.
I received an advanced copy; I voluntarily read and reviewed it.

[Sieravonne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice story. It was like a 2 love stories in one. However, I just wish that Lady Stanhope, Eleanor's mother, should have told Eleanor the real reason behind her objection on Henry's suit at an earlier time. Because in doing so, she'll be saving 4 people from heartaches.

And how I really dislike people whom they think that they know what is best for others. That they deem that they're doing another person a favor by "protecting"them. I am talking about Stephen, Henry'a eldest brother.