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Broken Hearts' Redemption #1
The Secluded Scarred Duke
He pledged to live the rest of his life in solitude until he encounters a woman who makes him feel whole again…
Sarah Hartfield is the youngest daughter of a farmer. She is extremely beautiful and has a pure heart. Sarah has heard rumors of the severely scarred Duke of Farenshire, but no one has seen the reclusive duke since he arrived in the countryside nine months ago. That is until a chance encounter when he unexpectedly comes to her rescue in the woods. She soon comes to discover that he’s nothing like the man the rumors made him out to be.
Edmund Foster—The Duke of Farenshire—was left scarred fighting in the war. The last thing Edmund wants is the responsibility of being a duke. But upon the untimely death of his father and brother in a tragic carriage accident, he was left with no other choice but to accept his fate. Tired of trying to find acceptance amongst High Society, Edmund returns to the countryside in search of a life of solitude. But his world is turned upside down when he encounters Ms. Sarah Hartfield.
Edmund and Sarah form a close bond but an outside force will stop at nothing to tear them apart. Will they get their happily ever after in the end?
Sarah Hartfield is the youngest daughter of a farmer. She is extremely beautiful and has a pure heart. Sarah has heard rumors of the severely scarred Duke of Farenshire, but no one has seen the reclusive duke since he arrived in the countryside nine months ago. That is until a chance encounter when he unexpectedly comes to her rescue in the woods. She soon comes to discover that he’s nothing like the man the rumors made him out to be.
Edmund Foster—The Duke of Farenshire—was left scarred fighting in the war. The last thing Edmund wants is the responsibility of being a duke. But upon the untimely death of his father and brother in a tragic carriage accident, he was left with no other choice but to accept his fate. Tired of trying to find acceptance amongst High Society, Edmund returns to the countryside in search of a life of solitude. But his world is turned upside down when he encounters Ms. Sarah Hartfield.
Edmund and Sarah form a close bond but an outside force will stop at nothing to tear them apart. Will they get their happily ever after in the end?
108 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 6, 2022
148 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 15, 2023
I am sorry but I was not able to get into this book. The heroine turned me off. I found her to be selfish, lazy, irresponsible, careless a damn nuisance and also a crybaby. These character traits were shown before chapter 3. I enjoy strong, independent, intelligent heroines in my romance novels.
February 3, 2023
A quick and easy read for those who are into Cindarella (meets Beauty and the Beast) retellings.
May 29, 2023
I am interested when I see scarred hero in romance and those tend to have a beauty and the beast-esque storyline.
Edmund is the duke of Farenshire after his older brother and father pass away in a carriage accident. Just back from war with trauma and a scar on his face, he retreats to his estate and does not leave. His scar causes those in society to either ignore him, talk about him and give him odd looks, thus he avoids social activities.
Sarah is a country maid and she meets Edmund after he rescues her when she twists her ankle near the hall. What threw me off is how he describes her: beautiful and innocent and even the way he talks to her made me feel like there is an age gap between them. The way she talks and interacts with her family gave that vibe too. I get that he might want something the opposite of his trauma and appearance but I have read about this so many times that I can't help but wonder if it is fetisizing the idea of innocence rather than being attracted to the person for who they are.
Very quickly, they both become infatuated with one another. He hires her mother to cook for his mother who is estranged and visiting, after being obsessed with the fruit pies she bakes as a thank you for assisting her daughter.
I liked that he wasn't that much of a hermit and in fact did most of the pursuing but I didn't buy it was love. They met a few times, didn't talk much and the way their feelings are written felt like puppy love. There was no kissing or steamy scenes. The writing had typos and didn't flow as well as I would have liked. A plus was that it didn't drag.
Tropes: Different social class
Edmund is the duke of Farenshire after his older brother and father pass away in a carriage accident. Just back from war with trauma and a scar on his face, he retreats to his estate and does not leave. His scar causes those in society to either ignore him, talk about him and give him odd looks, thus he avoids social activities.
Sarah is a country maid and she meets Edmund after he rescues her when she twists her ankle near the hall. What threw me off is how he describes her: beautiful and innocent and even the way he talks to her made me feel like there is an age gap between them. The way she talks and interacts with her family gave that vibe too. I get that he might want something the opposite of his trauma and appearance but I have read about this so many times that I can't help but wonder if it is fetisizing the idea of innocence rather than being attracted to the person for who they are.
Very quickly, they both become infatuated with one another. He hires her mother to cook for his mother who is estranged and visiting, after being obsessed with the fruit pies she bakes as a thank you for assisting her daughter.
I liked that he wasn't that much of a hermit and in fact did most of the pursuing but I didn't buy it was love. They met a few times, didn't talk much and the way their feelings are written felt like puppy love. There was no kissing or steamy scenes. The writing had typos and didn't flow as well as I would have liked. A plus was that it didn't drag.
Tropes: Different social class
September 14, 2024
I discovered this book when I was looking for something to read and found it on Amazon so downloaded it. I found the book to be sweet.
Edmund inherited the Dukedom after his father and brother were killed in a carriage accident. Home from war and sporting a scar from the battle he is determined to live a life of solitude until he happens upon a maid in distress.
Sarah is a local girl a young maid from the town overseen by Edmund. When Sarah finds herself in the woods hurt Edmund rescues her.
They are drawn to each other and through their friendship something more begins to grow. This gave me a little bit of a Beauty and the Beast feel. Edmund is the grumpy beat and Sarah is Belle and brings out the best in him. I found the book to be sweet and fun and enjoyed it.
It was kind of like finding a gem among the rumble. A book I would read again.
Edmund inherited the Dukedom after his father and brother were killed in a carriage accident. Home from war and sporting a scar from the battle he is determined to live a life of solitude until he happens upon a maid in distress.
Sarah is a local girl a young maid from the town overseen by Edmund. When Sarah finds herself in the woods hurt Edmund rescues her.
They are drawn to each other and through their friendship something more begins to grow. This gave me a little bit of a Beauty and the Beast feel. Edmund is the grumpy beat and Sarah is Belle and brings out the best in him. I found the book to be sweet and fun and enjoyed it.
It was kind of like finding a gem among the rumble. A book I would read again.
September 25, 2024
This Historical romance novella was about Edmund, a second son who became duke after the death of his father and brother. He is a highly distinguished soldier who was disfigured during the war and due to his appearance and the Ton's constant whispering about his facial scar, he retreats to his country estate and has been living there for two years. He by chance meets, Sarah, a farmer's daughter and is instantly attracted to her.
I found this story to be unrealistic and unbelievable. There wasn't much dialogue between the main characters and their love felt more like ardour than true love. The fact that the duke would even consider Sarah to be duchess material was unbelievable as their differences would have been huge during those times.
The storyline moved along swiftly but the characters were not well developed enough, it felt like we were only reading the surface of their story.
I found this story to be unrealistic and unbelievable. There wasn't much dialogue between the main characters and their love felt more like ardour than true love. The fact that the duke would even consider Sarah to be duchess material was unbelievable as their differences would have been huge during those times.
The storyline moved along swiftly but the characters were not well developed enough, it felt like we were only reading the surface of their story.
September 30, 2022
So disappointing. I was looking for a light read in my favorite genre of historical fiction. I can suspend a good deal of belief with unlikely plots, etc. but I abhor the ignorance of using anachronisms and conversational exchanges that just would not have been possible in the circumstances.
Light-heartedly, I began highlighting on my Kindle when I read something that was not appropriate to the time/location/characters, etc. Not kidding, I made 84 highlights throughout the story! (One or two were nicely worded wisdom, I must admit!)
All those errors and inappropriate interactions of the characters were sadly too distracting to allow me to 'get lost' in the story. Fortunately, it was a fast read!
Light-heartedly, I began highlighting on my Kindle when I read something that was not appropriate to the time/location/characters, etc. Not kidding, I made 84 highlights throughout the story! (One or two were nicely worded wisdom, I must admit!)
All those errors and inappropriate interactions of the characters were sadly too distracting to allow me to 'get lost' in the story. Fortunately, it was a fast read!
August 28, 2023
Didn’t finish it …
When I read the synopsis of this book, I thought it would be entertaining. Well, I was wrong. The entire premise of this book is that a Duke could be enthralled by a farmer’s daughter. Apart from the fact that she would be uneducated, probably illiterate, she would also not speak the king’s English. So unless this farmer was wealthy enough to send his daughter to a finishing school, which does not seem to be the case here, this entire story is ludicrous. I realize these books are fiction and artistic license is permitted, nevertheless it is an insult to the reader to produce such a far-fetched, unbelievable and implausible story. I have deleted this book from my Kindle and will not be buying any books written by this author.
When I read the synopsis of this book, I thought it would be entertaining. Well, I was wrong. The entire premise of this book is that a Duke could be enthralled by a farmer’s daughter. Apart from the fact that she would be uneducated, probably illiterate, she would also not speak the king’s English. So unless this farmer was wealthy enough to send his daughter to a finishing school, which does not seem to be the case here, this entire story is ludicrous. I realize these books are fiction and artistic license is permitted, nevertheless it is an insult to the reader to produce such a far-fetched, unbelievable and implausible story. I have deleted this book from my Kindle and will not be buying any books written by this author.
November 20, 2022
Edmund, scarred from an accident, isolates himself at his mansion due to his disfigurement. He does not relish the title of duke which was inherited following his father and brother's accidental passing. Walking his dog, he comes across an injured country lass and becomes quite smitten by her. However his mother has other plans for him. Sweet and clean with a singular plot, this Regency romance, can be enjoyed by all ages. However, I would prefer the story to have closure within the book instead of being directed elsewhere for the conclusion.
August 9, 2022
Will the Duke find his love with a common girl?
Sarah and the duke had an interesting meeting and it seems as Bella was taken by Sarah too. I liked Sarah and her family they were great characters. Edmund was so wonderful too and seeing how things changed for him was a pleasure to read. The challenge of Edmund’s mother visit was entertaining to read as it did go as expected from the start to the finish. I enjoyed the story.
Sarah and the duke had an interesting meeting and it seems as Bella was taken by Sarah too. I liked Sarah and her family they were great characters. Edmund was so wonderful too and seeing how things changed for him was a pleasure to read. The challenge of Edmund’s mother visit was entertaining to read as it did go as expected from the start to the finish. I enjoyed the story.
June 30, 2022
ebook
He’s become a recluse due to scars received during the war. He is the Duke but needs help to care for his responsibilities. He mets a young peasant girl and his world changes, she and her family treat him as if he’s normal. His life changes, his mother tries to stop his growing love but then realizes he is loved.
He’s become a recluse due to scars received during the war. He is the Duke but needs help to care for his responsibilities. He mets a young peasant girl and his world changes, she and her family treat him as if he’s normal. His life changes, his mother tries to stop his growing love but then realizes he is loved.
July 18, 2022
Good
I like this sweet little tale. It does seem to lack depth. The characters are rather two dimensional. The Duke did not think twice about abandoning his seclusion and Sarah barely gave notice to his 'severe' scarring. With a bit of work it could be better but it was a nice ending.
I like this sweet little tale. It does seem to lack depth. The characters are rather two dimensional. The Duke did not think twice about abandoning his seclusion and Sarah barely gave notice to his 'severe' scarring. With a bit of work it could be better but it was a nice ending.
November 22, 2022
Scarred
I guess scarred people don't affect someone like me as they clearly did...even as early as 20 years ago. I suppose it was horrible to be in public with battle scars, but...as Sarah indicates, they are badges of honor that must be worn with pride.
The book as a whole needs a series round of edits.
I guess scarred people don't affect someone like me as they clearly did...even as early as 20 years ago. I suppose it was horrible to be in public with battle scars, but...as Sarah indicates, they are badges of honor that must be worn with pride.
The book as a whole needs a series round of edits.
March 14, 2024
I really wanted to love this book. I did like the idea of it. The plot was entertaining enough to keep me reading to the end. What I had a problem with were the typos and the characters not really coming across well as Regency era characters. It made the story more like a fantasy tale and less like Regency romance. It wasn’t bad, but it could’ve been better.
August 2, 2024
The writing style wasn't bad, but the story line was really fake. It was the typical thing... Poor girl gets rescued by a handsome and wealthy Duke. They both fall madly in love with each other basically at first glance. Each is surprised at how well the other knows about him/her and how they connect. I started skimming and eventually gave up completely at 65%.
July 30, 2022
A simple tale in the typical Barbara Cartland style. The two main characters lack the depth of description which would have rounded this tale very nicely. Apart from this, it was a satisfying read with a good ending.
November 19, 2022
This was a fun, rather short, Regency period book. The characters were very well described. The problems with his mother were almost unbearable. In another book similar to this one. His mother would have been poisoned and killed off. This book was much kinder.
December 20, 2022
Can a Scarred Duke Gind Love
After the deaths of his father and older brother Edmund became the heir. But being scared in the war, nonoble lady wanted him. But Sarah a local village girl, which he helped, accepted him as he was.
After the deaths of his father and older brother Edmund became the heir. But being scared in the war, nonoble lady wanted him. But Sarah a local village girl, which he helped, accepted him as he was.
February 15, 2023
Soft is how I would describe this read.
This book was delicate. It was a much needed break from my usual list of bikers and evil fae kings. If you need a short Jane Austin like book this is a good pick.
This book was delicate. It was a much needed break from my usual list of bikers and evil fae kings. If you need a short Jane Austin like book this is a good pick.
June 19, 2023
Edmund has turned his back on society owing to their cruel treatment of him due to the scars he earned as a "war" hero.
Sarah and the other villagers only see him for the person he is.
So love a story where a person is not judged on their outer being, but their inner being.
Sarah and the other villagers only see him for the person he is.
So love a story where a person is not judged on their outer being, but their inner being.
July 31, 2023
Another impressive read by Martha Barwood. It's a light and enjoyable love story set in The Regency era. The characters are relatable and engaging. The humor is perfect. If you too like novels from this era, Martha Barwood is one of the best Author's to indulge in.
September 17, 2023
Sweet, clean romance
This was a very good story. Edmund and Sarah came f4om two different classes but managed to meet and fall for each other. There is a HEA ending, but I wish it had an epilogue.
This was a very good story. Edmund and Sarah came f4om two different classes but managed to meet and fall for each other. There is a HEA ending, but I wish it had an epilogue.
November 17, 2023
It was sweet but seemed to drag. Sarah said she would find out the truth by talking to the duke, but she stayed at home crying instead. She waited until the duke came to her. And then the Dowager Duchess saw the error of her ways at the end? Both of those events bugged me.
January 7, 2024
The Secluded Scarred Duke by Martha Barwood
A sweet and delightful story. I had one regret was that the book ended so soon. It left you with what happens now after misunderstanding was cleared up.
A sweet and delightful story. I had one regret was that the book ended so soon. It left you with what happens now after misunderstanding was cleared up.
June 15, 2022
Great romantic tale!
June 20, 2022
Not sure how i feel about this book...
February 15, 2023
Sweet story that teaches all a lesson. Be who you are and not who others expect you to be. It is not on the outside that counts but what’s inside that matter.
February 24, 2023
This is the first book I’ve read from this author. It had characters that were well described and interesting, with a storyline that was clean and interesting. A quick enjoyable read.
April 5, 2023
Love the story sweet simple the characters were great
May 23, 2023
A quick light read. Proper romance. I liked the imagery of their dancing. Plot maybe a bit simple but still a fun read.
November 7, 2023
It was such a wonderful book! A Duke lost his family in a fire and was Horribly scarred when a beam fell on him. He became a recluse because he believed himself to be a monster due to the scars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews