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Bramley Hall #1

Love At Last

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As the Parson’s daughter, Mariah Morten has spent much of her life inside the stone walls of Bramley Hall. Before tragedy struck, she had fond childhood memories made alongside her two brothers and the Earl’s son: Harrison Pembroke.

Years later, she has done her best to ignore the yearning of past memories and futile dreams of becoming the next countess. If only she could secure her own happiness and let her heart have it’s one true desire.

Harrison Pembroke is the seventh Earl of Bramley. He’s spent the last four years trying to reconcile his heart after being jilted so that he can focus his energy on those under his care. Except no matter how much he wishes to keep his walls up, the draw he feels toward a certain set of sparkling sapphire eyes can’t be ignored.

An invitation arrives, sweeping Mariah and Harrison into the midst of balls, soirees, family meddling, and one memorable night under the stars. Will outside forces keep them separated forever, or will their own wants persevere allowing them to find Love At Last?

Love At Last is a clean Regency Romance and the first book in a three-story series that will entertain and delight you with its swoon-worthy heroes and the compelling leading ladies that capture their hearts. Each book can be read as a standalone, but are best read in release order.

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2022

27 people are currently reading
174 people want to read

About the author

Michelle Helen Fritz

14 books60 followers

Michelle Helen Fritz began her literary career as a personal assistant to Indie authors. She enjoys being immersed in the process of turning an idea into a complete and published book. Michelle loves to write about dashing heroes and the compelling women that tempt them with a bit of intrigue and an abundance of romance, creating swoon-worthy characters and stories for her readers to enjoy. Occasionally, her characters talk to her and change the entire plot. Maryland is where her humble abode resides, housing her four home-schooled children along with her jaunty hero-husband who makes all her dreams come true. Michelle fully believes in happily-ever-afters and wishing upon stars.

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5 stars
24 (51%)
4 stars
10 (21%)
3 stars
11 (23%)
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2 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Author 20 books5 followers
January 8, 2022
Love at Last is a "when you think you can't have them" romance novel where you can tell that its author is very passionate about it. It immediately establishes its rhetorical situation and main plot concern, which is inviting; there are some sweet moments and some good bits of humour; I like the loss and soulmates themes; and a few instances of metaphorical language that I really liked related Alicia to an ocean, emotions to having been packed into tightly closed trunks, and the difficulty Harrison experiences with Mariah to having been squished and having fallen off of a cliff at the same time.
Profile Image for L.J. Evans.
Author 34 books1,340 followers
January 7, 2022
This aching debut from Ms. Fritz is incredibly sweet and tender. The love built between Mariah and Harrison since childhood survives hardships, nasty villains, and class divides. With an almost Austen-like start, Fritz introduces us to the golden world of Bramley Hall and its neighbors and then brings us along on a dream-like adventure.

I'm honored to have read this ARC from a dear friend who is sure to find a huge following in fans of sweet and clean historical romances with this book.
Profile Image for Brittany Smith.
932 reviews15 followers
February 19, 2022
A thrilling debut that re-ignites my love for regency romance! You can tell that this book was a labor of love, as the author has clearly put her heart and soul into it, down to the smallest detail.

We meet Mariah who has had one season out in society but is just as happy to stay at the parsonage with her darling parents. Harrison is the Earl of Bramley and has had a trying time indeed in the romance department. Though these two had grown up together and have had many happy memories together in childhood, it is in adulthood that things become more complicated. Mariah has always had a soft spot for the Earl, and the Earl harbors his own private feelings for the parson's daughter. Though class division would make it more difficult on its own, Harrison still feels a tiny bit burned from his previous venture into courting. Once spurned will he ever let a lady back in his heart, and will Mariah have her dreams made real or will she live happily a spinster and friend for the rest of her life?

I immediately fell in love with this book from the get-go! It does have a few reminders of Austen's P&P in it, mainly Mariah's parents, who are downright adorable. The whole cast of characters are so vividly detailed and wholly told that you feel like they are real people in your life. Every single detail of lace or shade of blue has been expertly described that it all unfolds right before you and unfolds as if a film is playing in your mind; and yet you are never bogged down in the reading.

The writing flows so easily in this book that you are carried along and find that you do not want to put the book down. The plot is pretty routine yet, the twists and turns along the way make for a fantastic read. There were a few times that I found myself catching my breath in shock, which is a fantastic sign for me. There is one other particular character, that though you do not want him ruining the story for our MCs, you do develop a soft spot for and really hope he does well on his own (and maybe even get his own story!)

All in all, this is a very sweet, clean regency romance that will leave you with all the feels, and a few cheesy grins along the way I am sure!
Profile Image for Paullett Golden.
Author 17 books161 followers
October 14, 2022
A lovely debut novel that sets the stage for what we can expect from this budding Regency novelist. This is a clean read but includes enough romantic tension to satisfy steam lovers, as well. Great world building with a plethora of teasers to other characters who may yet have their own love stories. I look forward to seeing new releases from Fritz and being part of her success.
Profile Image for Merrit Townsend (always1morebook) .
1,216 reviews53 followers
March 6, 2022
This is the debut novel of Author Michelle Helen Fritz and co written with E. A Shanniak. I was gifted a copy from the authors. I was not compensated for this review and all opinions are my own.

This story follows Mariah who is the Parsons daughter and Harrison who is the son of the local Earl. both grew up as childhood friends with many for memories between them. As adults, social differences have taken their toll on their relationship. Will they be a able to overlook how society see's them as a couple or will hearts be forever broken?

I loved this historical romance. The story reminded me of the books that I grew up with that were sweet with love and desire but without the vulgar language that you see in many of todays books. the story was well paced and the characters lovable with a hint of sarcastic banter. This was an easy read that I found myself engrossed in and loved every second of this book. this is book one in the series but can be read as a standalone. Thank you Michelle for trusting me with your baby. I truly enjoyed the story. I give this book 5 stars.
Profile Image for Patty.
1,210 reviews50 followers
February 14, 2022
I had not read many traditional romance novels for the longest time and it seems that in the last six months or so I have been presented with a delightful assortment of simple, classic romances. You know the kind – most of us went through a stage when it was pretty much all we read whether they were modern day or historical.

We meet the woman. She is usually young (but not always) if it is an historical romance the young lady may or may not be titled but the man more generally is. Her first season is ahead but wants to loved for herself and not her money. She meets him. The might fall in love or it might take a couple of chapters and then something breaks them apart! But true love always wins out and they find their way back to each other and happiness abounds.

I am not giving away any secrets here. This is why we all enjoy these books so much. In the case of Love at Last our hero and heroine knew each other as children but they were of different classes. She the parson’s daughter, he the Earl’s son.

Harrison is feeling the pressure to get married but his first try at finding a bride didn’t go so well and he’s now a little put off of the whole thing. He doesn’t realize he isn’t looking in the right place for what he seeks is much closer to home.
Mariah knows she loves Harrison but also realizes that he is far above her station. But fate intervenes and they find themselves thrown together and he starts to realize that maybe what he was looking for might have been right in front of him all along. But it’s not going to be that easy, for the course of love never runs smoothly. At least not in romance novels.

What follows is a truly engaging read with delightfully likeable characters (except for those we are supposed to despise, of course) that told a tale of a sweet romance between two people obviously meant to be together despite their differences.

Their union doesn’t come easily but it’s worth waiting for and this was wonderful way to spend a weekend reading.

4.5
Profile Image for Darlene Maslek Colaianni.
36 reviews8 followers
December 1, 2022
I so enjoyed reading about Harrison, the young Earl of Bramley, and Mariah, the Parson's daughter. Harrison and Mariah had known each other since they were children. They were always close. Their love for each other grew over the years and even after a misunderstanding, they ended up together. I loved the descriptions of the balls and other social events. The writer made me feel like I was right there. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Yvette.
801 reviews26 followers
June 22, 2022
A sweet romance between childhood friends finds an Earl and a parson’s daughter longing for each other, both doubting the return of their affection. While Moriah has long loved Harrison, his heart was broken by another and he becomes convinced that he must test his newfound apathy towards that past love in order to move forward. 

Jealousies, false impressions, and would-be interlopers bring complications to this gentle romance set in the fine houses, balls, and soirees of Bath in this cross-class Regency romance. And while the word choices first struck me as odd, soon I was swept up into a story that those word choices helped to frame the story in a bygone era. 

Moriah is shy, bookish, and all that is good - though rather prone to tears - and Harrison is her perfect match. Seeing them realize their love and overcome small hurdles is where the joy lies in reading this story, and spotting Austen references adds to the fun. Love at Last by Michelle Helen Fritz & E.A. Shanniak will tick the boxes if demure (though Harrison will keep pushing the boundaries of strict propriety) Regency romance is your cup of tea.

This review refers to a finished print copy that I voluntarily received and read from the author. A positive review was not required and all views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Judith McNees.
Author 7 books70 followers
March 3, 2022
Loved it!

First of all, I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised to read a regency where the hero and heroine get together before the end of the novel. Maybe I'm just the oddball, but the "will they, won't they" through the entire thing when, let's be real, we already know they will, gets a little old. This couple was soooooo sweet together, and the declaration the hero makes when he's ready to lay it all on the line? Oh my heart!

It took me a few days to write my review because I was mad at Mariah for a while after I got done reading it. I was so invested in their HEA that I was pretty emosh reading the last several chapters. But such is the life of a romance novel couple...the course of love never runs smooth. I suppose I can forgive her for the turmoil she caused because I just loved this couple so much!

I don't want to give spoilers, but ugh! So good! Just read it!

11 reviews
March 7, 2022
Love At Last truly matches its title. You could feel the author's passion for these cinnamon roll characters, genre and setting. I adore friends-to-lovers with a healthy amount of pining, so I happily rooted for Mariah and Harrison from the very first page. I cannot wait to see what else the author has in store!
1 review
March 8, 2022
I enjoyed this book so much and look forward to reading the next one.

I enjoyed the theme and also the characters. I enjoyed the plot and I also enjoyed no cursing or nakedness or lewd speech.
Profile Image for Amber Esser.
18 reviews1 follower
February 15, 2022
xoxo

Really enjoyed this all the hard work the authors put into this new book 💕. Can’t recommend it enough hearts 💕
Profile Image for Carole Rae.
1,644 reviews42 followers
February 20, 2022
Couldn't resist this one! Def up my alley and I love friend-to-lover romances.

We follow Mariah and Harrison. Mariah is the Parson's daughter and Harrison is the Earl of Bramley. They were childhood friends, but people grow up and life gets complicated especially since they are from different social classes. Harrison has spent the last four years trying to reconcile his heart after being jilted by another woman and Mariah just wants Harrison to be happy, but she wants happiness too. Things happen and they realize their friendship might be more. However, will outside forces keep them separated forever, or will they be able to finally have the love they so desperately want.

Awwww I simply adored both Mariah and Harrison. They were just so adorable and sweet. I really wanted them to realize they need each other. It took a minute, because of their social difference AND Harrison had his heart broken already so he is for sure scared.

This was just so sweet and charming! There are some outside and social issues that keep them apart, but there wasn't a crazy amount of drama which was nice. Sometimes a sweet romance is needed.

Oh! The side characters were fun too. I loved Mariah's parents and her siblings. They were adorable too!

This really did have a Jane Austen feel which I highly appreciate and love!

Now, my only issue was that there were some repetitive sentences and language here and there. Easy to look past though.

Overall, I really adored this novel. It was so delightful! I loved all of our characters and you can't help but "awwwww" at the end. Mariah and Harrison really deserved all the love. They had some struggles at finally getting past their social classes and their friendship....but it was worth it in the end. If you like Jane Austen, this def had that Jane Austen feel, so I recommend it for sure. I'll give this 4 stars. Some repetitive parts, but it was easy to look past and just enjoy the story. I can't wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Gwendalyn Anderson .
1,071 reviews51 followers
February 16, 2022
This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers.


Love at Last by Michelle Helen Fritz and E.A. Shanniak

Mariah Morten, a lovely sweet natured Parson’s daughter, has grown up with her brothers alongside the vast stone walls of Bramley Manor. Her childhood was full of adventures that included her childhood friend, Harrison Pembroke, the seventh Earl of Bramley. Now that Mariah is at marriageable age their class differences has divided them. Harrison still holds a very special place in young Mariah heart, and now those feelings are starting to change.

Harrison Pembroke’s life changed when tragedy struck, and he was thrust into a role that brought his young carefree life to a halt. Faced with adult responsibilities of his inheritance and all that it has entailed. Having thought he secured the heart of a young lady who would make the perfect Countess, only to have that dream shattered. He has become somewhat reluctant to take a chance once again on love.
In a series of events Mariah and Harrison will find themselves thrown together on level playing ground at parties and balls, and this will light the long repressed spark that has been longing to ignite between them. Will outside forces stifle their romance before it even has a chance to blossom?

My goodness this was a perfect lovely book. A charming, proper Regency Romance, with a beguiling characters and a heartfelt storyline. Completely entertaining, and extremely hard to put down, I found myself swept away the authors narration. The characters are well developed and three dimensional the setting and details were lovely, along with the captivating plot line.
This standalone book is the first installment in what looks to be a cherished three-story series. I highly recommend this to my friends and family!

Have a wonderful day ♡ ♡
Profile Image for Sally.
910 reviews41 followers
February 17, 2022
I often find self-published books to be hit or miss affairs, and yet the self-publishing world is growing ever more complicated. Some traditionally published authors are now finding it difficult for their works to be published, while new authors are finding it difficult to break through. Had this been a decade ago, I probably wouldn’t have gone near a self-published novel, but the times they are a-changing.

Love at Last takes many of its cues from previous Regency romances. We have the spinster who believes her only duty is to look after her parents as they grow older, and a brooding hero who merely wants to do right by his tenants. There’s a trip to the seaside made possible by family, an awkwardness as the heroine tries to mingle in society, and a mother who reminded me of Alison Steadman’s Mrs. Bennet in the well-known BBC production of Pride and Prejudice.

The novel is easy to read, although I felt some of the language was repetitive. For example, Harrison wonders more than once if there’s too much of a social difference between himself and Mariah, and Mariah too often has a “wan smile” on her face. All is seemingly resolved part way through, so I also wondered what could possibly happen in the remainder of the book. Notice I said “seemingly.”

I did smile at the first mention of the Old Ship Hotel in Brighton. This was a hotel my family would stay at when we were on holiday in the seaside resort.

Love at Last is described as “A Bramley Hall Romance,” and the first in a trilogy presumably about Bramley Hall. No information is available regarding the other two books.


Disclaimer: Although I received a copy of this book from the authors, the opinions above are my own.
Profile Image for Connie Saunders.
1,870 reviews161 followers
February 21, 2022
All of us Regency fiction fans have just been given a gift! Authors Michelle Helen Fritz and E.A. Shanniak have written a story that hints at the promise of happily-ever-after for Mariah Morton and Harrison Pembroke. Mariah dreams of a life with her childhood friend but she knows that a Parson's daughter is not of the same class as an Earl. How can she ever hope to win a nobleman's heart, especially one that is still tender and bruised from a previous failed relationship? It soon becomes apparent that unassuming Mariah and hesitant Harrison are perfect for each other but there are so many hurdles to overcome. Is it possible that this unlikely pair can ever create a life together?

Love at Last is truly a delightful story. Romance lovers will enjoy the sweet, but powerful chemistry between Mariah and Harrison, and the elegant parties and events at the beautiful Bramley Hall are exactly what we associate with the Regency era. There's also the ever-present reminder that keeping to one's social class was of the greatest importance. Exactly what we've come to expect in Regency fiction!

Likeable characters, thrilling romance, and a beautiful setting make this a great way to spend an afternoon. I recommend Love at Last to all who enjoy Regency romance, and I look forward to more Bramley Hall Regency Romance novels.

I received a copy of this book from the authors via Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
6 reviews
February 1, 2025
Solid 2.5 stars, good concept, but drawn out way too much and kind of boring. Characters were likable!
2,437 reviews6 followers
February 5, 2025
This stories about two former childhood friends who ultimately find their hea after a former betrothed tries to interfere. It was kind of tedious and wordy at times but was a clean and sweet read
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews