To Enchant a Lady's Heart

The British Are Coming #1

by Robin Lee Hatcher

He has nothing to offer. She has everything to lose.

Despite the dishonorable circumstances of his own birth, Adam Faulkner has never begrudged his half-brother Sebastian's legitimate position as the Viscount Willowthorpe. Having a title and everything that goes with it never mattered to Adam—until “everything” became the hand of Miss Eliza Southwick. Adam knows, as the stable manager at Hooke Manor, he shouldn’t hope to wed a well-born miss. After all, enchanting such a lady’s heart would take a true gentleman…something he is not.

Eliza Southwick loves horses more than society and doesn't care a whit about status or titles. But her father has set his sights on the Viscount Willowthorpe for his future son-in-law and has brought his daughter to Hooke Manor in hopes of arranging a marriage contract. When a spark first kindled during a chance meeting between Eliza and Adam grows stronger, she doesn’t dare tell her father how she feels. He will disown her entirely if she fails to do his will, and the cost of following her heart has never seemed higher.

Can two people from such different walks of life find a way to be together?

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Historical, Fiction, Historical Romance, Novella

156 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2023

About the author

Robin Lee Hatcher is the author of over 95 novels and novellas with more than five million copies of her books in print. She is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. Her numerous awards include the RITA® Award, Christy Award, Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, National Reader’s Choice Award, and the Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award, and she is also the recipient of prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards from both American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America®. When not writing, she enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, Bible art journaling, reading books that make her cry, watching romantic movies, and decorative planning. A mother and grandmother, Robin makes her home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with a demanding Papillon dog.

Be sure to follow Robin on BookBub so you'll receive new book and special deal alerts:
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Reviews

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this glimpse into this new series set in Victorian England that brings us to Hooke Manor and the scene of a large house party. It is expected that Eliza Southwick and Sebastian, Viscount Willowthorpe, will form a match. At least that is the wishes of the fathers. But neither Sebastian nor Eliza wishes to be wed to each other. She wants to marry for love, and he wants adventure before marriage. This is a sweet and delightful story to watch unfold as the two figure out how to deal with the situation and their real hopes and dreams. The characters are likable, and the setting is great. I am excited for this series and love this time period. I read the excerpt for the next book and look forward to reading it. I received a copy from the author for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts only.

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was nervous about reading this one because I steer away from Victorian romances! I was wondering if I’d made a mistake when I read about Eliza Southwick coming to the ball to capture the attention of a titled lord.

I shouldn’t have worried.

Once chapter one started and Eliza arrived at Hooke Manor and met Adam Faulkner, the illegitimate son of the Earl of Hooke … I was hooked. 😏🥰 Adam is the type of hero I like; a prince among men.

This was a heart-deep romance wrapped in courage and shared by heart-anchored storytelling that reminds us that (1) “living takes faith”, (2) “we don’t always get to choose what we want or when we want it or even who we want”, and (3) it’s important to marry for love and not position.

I’m always pulled towards a story about courage and a heroine who steps forward even when the path feels uncertain. I think you’ll enjoy this sweet novella, too.

[Robin Hatcher]

I listened to the audiobook of To Enchant a Lady's Heart as soon as the audio was available. It's been months since I finished writing, editing, and proofing, and hearing the story with the delightful narration of Ann Marie Gideon made me love the story even more. I hope readers agree.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

London 1894

Sweet novella to start off a new series. Look forward to the next one.

[♡• Ellie •♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute start to what sounds like a great series! Exactly what you would expect for a Christian historical romance, and a novella. I feel like this would have made an excellent full-length novel, but it was still good, short as it was! I do appreciate the absence of *smut* :) A great, horse themed, quick read!

[Sarita · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a novella, the story was well rounded and then characters well developed.

I enjoyed my time in this Victorian era where characters had to face challenges of social expectations versus deciding their own future happiness.

*I listened to this on Everand.*

[Linda R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eliza Southwick’s father expects her to marry a titled gentleman. The Earl of Hooke believes it is time for his son, Sebastian Whitcombe, to settle down. Sebastian wants to spend time in America before taking a wife. Eliza wishes to wed for love and find someone who shares her passion for horses.

Before Eliza arrives at Hooke Manor, Sebastian leaves, and his half-brother, Adam Faulkner, is called upon to meet their guest. Although Adam has lived at the house since he was four, he has no inheritance to offer a lady. Instead, Adam is the stable manager of the estate.

No one knows of the chance encounter between Adam and Eliza several months before in the stables at a house party.

A novella set in Victorian England, To Enchant A Lady’s Heart, begins Robin Lee Hatcher’s new series The British Are Coming. I enjoyed Adam and Eliza’s romance. The epilogue is perfect, setting up the stories for the remaining books.

I received a free copy of this book. I volunteered to read it and write a review. I purchased a paperback edition as well.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet novella about a young man who is an illegitimate son, who falls in love with a young lady whose father wants her to marry for title alone. I loved both Adam and Eliza. They're both such down to earth, kind and humble characters, I just couldn't help but root for their relationship. I also loved Amandas role in the story. Clean and faith based, this is a short but sweet Christian romance.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

To Enchant a Lady’s Heart by Robin Lee Hatcher is a novella that is a lovely introduction to the author’s The British are Coming series, the first book of which releases in the fall of 2023. The story takes place in England during the Victorian Era. Eliza Southwick’s father is insisting that a husband be found for Eliza, and he doesn’t care about her feelings in the matter. It is only important that a good deal be made. Lord Whitcombe is insistent that his son Sebastian settle down and get married and take care of their estate.

A grand party is planned at Hooke Manor, the Whitcombe estate, and Eliza and her father are invited early. However, Lord Whitcombe and Sebastian are not there when they arrive, and Eliza is greeted by Adam, the illegitimate son of Lord Whitcombe.

The reader could see that Adam and Eliza had feelings for each other, but how would they end up together when their father’s wanted to draw up a marriage contract between Eliza and Sebastian, the Viscount of Hooke Manor? There was no way Lord Southwick would allow his daughter to marry an illegitimate son of Lord Whitcombe, and Adam knew his place and didn’t want to ruin Eliza’s life.

I enjoyed getting to know Eliza, Sebastian, Adam, and Amada (Lord Whitcombe’s daughter). The story drew me in as I wanted to know if and how Eliza and Adam would end up together. I enjoyed the chaste, friendly interactions between Eliza and Adam as they got to know one another. I thought it was awesome that they both had a love for horses. And I loved that they both allowed God to guide their paths.

I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read Sebastian’s story, To Marry an English Lord.

I received this book for free from the author as a part of the early reader team and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own, honest thoughts.

[April Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet and gentle romance between Eliza and Adam is an excellent beginning to this new series. Adam and Eliza allowed God to guide their paths and He led them to each other in spite of the obstacles because of their places in society. I’m glad we are all equal in God’s eyes. He loves us all the same.

I’m eagerly waiting for the next story, Sebastian’s. It is sure to be exciting with an English viscount in the American West on ranch.

I received an advanced reader copy from the author for my voluntary opinion which I have given. This is a sweet, clean love story that can melt your heart.

[Linda Palmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy to read novella that starts a series tying people from two countries together. Great believable characters and an enjoyable story. Those who love stories set in Victorian England will enjoy this book. I received a copy of this book and all opinions are mine.

[Melmo2610 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute and a quick and easy read. I enjoyed the characters and the storyline.

[Shannon The Co-Captain · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

I like the characters and story well enough. I do look forward to Sebastian and Amanda’s stories and hoping the writing gets a little better. There was too much repetitive inner conflict. I only needed to read that Adam couldn’t marry Eliza because of his station in life so many times. Hopefully there will be less of that in the follow up books. Otherwise I liked the story and characters.

[Emily McClure · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feel good fiction ♡

Historical.
British.
Clean Romance.
Manors. Balls. Stables. Horses.
Enough conflict for intrigue, yet still lighthearted.

I love to read but with toddlers and stay at home mom responsibilities, time is limited. I get invested in the novels I read, so I wanted something that would grab my attention, but I also wanted it to be a quick read that didn't drag on and on.

This was perfect!

[Karen B McMichael]

The British Are Coming

I loved this book. Lots of characters with good Christian values. And of course true love! I look forward to the next book in the series! I highly recommend this book.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful novel about finding true love, even if it means sacrifice. I highly recommend this book. I look forward to reading more books from this author. I won this book from Goodreads and the author, Robin Lee Hatcher. Thank you.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5
Pretty good for a short story. Though meant for Sebastian, Eliza falls in love with his half brother, the stable master. In the end, she stands up for herself, but the best part is the opening it leaves for Sebastian's story.

[Marilyn C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story of love and God’s ordained (and at times unconventional) plans for each of us. I thoroughly enjoyed following Eliza and Adam’s paths and was encouraged by their desire to seek the Lord and take a step in faith “to see the waters part” and find their way to each other. I was pulled in quickly and couldn’t put it down! I can’t wait for book 2 in the series! Thanks, Robin, for another amazing book!!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet, fun Victorian read! I loved all the characters and look forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

“He has nothing to offer. She has everything to lose.” As it turns out, they both have exactly what the other desires.

Set in Victorian England, To Enchant a Lady’s Heart by Robin Lee Hatcher, serves as the prequel to Ms. Hatcher’s newest series, The British Are Coming. It is well-written and the characters are well developed. One of the things I enjoy about Ms. Hatcher’s books is that there are more genuinely good people in her stories than just the main protagonists. It is an enchanting and inspirational novella. I would truly recommend it to anyone who enjoys sweet romance. Bonus if you like romances set in Victorian England.

Adam Faulkner is the oldest son of the Earl of Hooke, Lord Whitcombe, but was born out of wedlock. Sebastian, the younger son, is in line to inherit. Adam has always known he would be on the outside of the family and society. One of the special moments of grace that sparkle throughout the book occurs when Adam’s mother dies. Sebastian’s mother takes Adam into the Manor. Adam is educated and treated by her just like a legitimate son. Even so, as an adult, he is the stable manager of Hooke Manor. While Sebastian and his sister Amanda love Adam as a brother, the Earl definitely sees Adam as an employee.

Sebastian’s sister Amanda is probably one of my favorite characters of all time. She is a person of genuine goodness. She is fresh and young; enthusiastic and witty and completely adorable.
Eliza’s father wants her to marry a title. Specifically, Sebastian, Viscount Willowthorpe, the future Earl of Hooke. Eliza likes Sebastian well enough, but wants to only marry for love. Sebastian doesn’t want to marry at all, at least not right now.

The romance that develops between Eliza and Adam is particularly lovely. It is a wholesome love and a powerful love. Yet it causes the two much anguish over how to be together, but not lose everything. As the story unfolds, they both grow in confidence. In themselves and in God’s plan for their lives. They are willing to give up whatever is necessary to fulfill that plan.
The epilogue flawlessly wrapped up Eliza and Adam’s story. And the preview of the first book in the series left me impatiently waiting, until Fall 2023, for the first book in the series… To Marry an English Lord.

I received an advance reader’s copy of To Enchant a Lady’s Heart from the author with the expectation that I would write an honest review. This is that honest review.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

So fun fact, I have this both as an audiobook from Hoopla and the eBook on my Kindle.  That came in handy, as when I started listening, I was taken surprised by how short the listen was.  I went to the eBook and realized quickly that it was accurate based on the number of pages.  It feels more like a long novella than a full-length novel.  There’s a lot of punch for only 137 pages, but when it comes to novellas, I tend to struggle with the impact to the story itself.  Looking at my Storygraph for this year, most (76% of my books so far) are 300-499 pages.  Apparently, I really crave words.

I am really looking forward to this series as the 5th book is the April read for the Christian Fiction Reading Challenge.  And, fun fact, there’s a 6th coming out later this year!  I think Adam and Eliza’s love story is the perfect setup for his half-siblings' trip to America.  They talk about it, long for it, and plan for it.  All while Adam is falling in love with a woman he can’t have, and Eliza is risking everything she knows for Adam.  Ultimately, though, for me, it feels too clean and simple.  None of what they are choosing to do is clear of life impact or simple.  In my head, I’m literally thinking easy, breezy, kinda beautiful Cover Girl.  Don’t know if that resonates outside my head, but that’s where I am, right now.

Listen, I think sometimes I’m back in Kindergarten and it’s Show and Tell time.  And I’m reading a lot of books that tell me a lot of things but show me very little.  It’s like coming to the carpet to tell me about your favorite thing without actually bringing it for me to see.  This feels like that.  There are great, I mean great, bones for a well-developed story that misses the mark because it moves so fast.  I hear a lot about how they fall in love, how she stands up to her father for love, but I don’t ever feel the emotions that go with that.  There’s just not enough words available in a novella to give me that.  It’s a great read (I promise it is) and an amazing setup for the series, but I just wanted more.

Originally published at https://fizzypopcollection.com/to-enc...

[Anne Wolters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eliza Southwick missed her “season” and several others after that. Her father was optimistic that Eliza would marry a titled lord, although she liked several of the “right” young men that her father had chosen for her, she certainly did not want to marry any of them. While standing by herself in a festive ballroom in London, with couples dancing and laughing, Eliza quietly asked God to send her the right man, one she would love.

More than a year has gone by, and Eliza and her father are traveling to Hooke Manor for a week of festivities. Lord Whitcombe, Earl of Hooke, has an unmarried son, who her father has chosen for Eliza. However, Sabastian Whitcombe has no plans to settle down to marriage just yet. This was a big relief to Eliza as she felt they did not have any common interests. She has, however, taken a special interest in Sabastian’s half-brother, Adam. Adam is the illegitimate son of the Earl of Hooke, and although he had always been treated well, he was stable manager and Sebastian was the heir to the Hooke estate.

Adam and Eliza share common interests, including their mutual love of horses. Whoever marries Eliza will receive a generous dowry, and the prized stallion that would go with her. When Eliza’s father recognizes the growing friendship between Eliza and Adam, he threatens to totally disown her and insists they leave immediately for home. Eliza has life-changing decisions to make and relies on God to hold her hand and guide her. Does she follow her heart or obey the wishes of her father?

This is a delightful, charming story that warmed my heart. The characters are notable and fit into the timeline of this engaging story perfectly and is an introduction to the eagerly anticipated new series.

[Kirby · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Enchant a Lady's Heart is a wonderful, sweet romance that introduces readers to a new historical fiction series by one of the genre's best. Robin Lee Hatcher brings her reader's along for a heartwarming journey as our two main characters have to overcome society's prejudices and expectations to find their way to happily ever after.

Eliza and Adam are both characters I found myself wanting to root for, and I loved how they both had such big hearts for the all the people around them. I always think it's a sign of an author being extremely talented when they can tell a believable, well rounded romance within a novella word count, and that's definitely the case here. The romance is swoon worthy and intriguing at the same time, and I had a hard time wanting to put this one down.

The plot was engaging from start to finish, the characters were likeable and well developed, the romance was heartwarming, and this story provided a lovely setting and set up for the rest of the series.

I can't wait to carry on with Sebastian's story when it releases, and I can already tell that this new series is going to be a favorite for me.

I definitely recommend this one to anyone who enjoys clean historical romances, as I can guarantee you won't be disappointed.

Final Rating: 5/5.

Thanks so much to Robin Lee Hatcher for allowing me to advance read and review this one!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the author as part of her review team. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.

[Sherida Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming historical novella of claiming true love! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

In the age of arranged marriages in England, Adam Faulkner, the illegitimate son of the Earl of Hooke, finds himself without the appropriate status to find a bride. His father is kind to him and does employ him as the stable manager of his estate where Adam finds a passion for raising horses. Adam’s love of horses is shared by a woman who holds his heart. But this woman is to be his brother’s intended once the final agreement is made.

Eliza Southwick is considered past the proper age for marriage. Her father, wealthy Lord George Southwick, expects her to wed the Earl of Hooke’s heir, Sebastian. But she longs to find the right man to marry for love, not obligation.

I was invested in these compelling characters. With the complication of their social status, their attraction to each other had some difficulties to overcome amid some twists and turns. The details of life and society in England during the 1890’s are interesting. Author Robin Lee Hatcher writes a feel-good story with sweet romance in a historical English setting. This novella, with its touches of faith, will enchant you. I imagine you’ll want to read the whole series as much as I do.

Favorite quote:
Her life might not be exactly as she wished it, but it would be exactly as God ordained.

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though this was a novella, the characters are very well developed, and the story felt much longer so that I felt it wasn't too short to give the characters long enough for their story to be told. Some novellas just get started and then they end and you feel cheated but this one didn't feel that way! I loved Eliza and Adam's story. They were made for each other even though it wouldn't seem that way in their time period. Adam's birth was under dishonorable circumstances which meant he couldn't marry a "lady" of the upper class. That didn't matter to him until he met Eliza. Eliza wanted to marry for love and when she met Adam, she felt she was willing to risk everything for him. However, when her father and Adam's father have different plans, what will happen? Adam's half-brother, Sebastian, will be promised to Eliza by their fathers so how will it all work out? A lovely beginning to an upcoming series as new characters are introduced. Sebastian wants to go to America and have adventures before he marries. You'll just have to read this book to see how it all works out!

[Dana McNeely · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this novel! How fun to read about a lady being courted, not by a Duke or one of those other confusing titles, but by someone (gasp!) beneath her. Her father is determined she will marry well, and though she likes her father's pick well enough, she realizes she and the Viscount have little in common. But as a horse-lover, she finds she enjoys the company of the Viscount's stable manager.

In order not to reveal spoilers, I will not mention the twist that keeps them apart, but it certainly makes for conflict. I enjoyed these characters - all of them likable and witty - just what you look for in this genre. This was a feel-good book that I did not want to end. Happily, there will be more in this series. I will enjoy learning the stories of supporting characters and reading updates about my favorites from "To Enchant a Lady's Heart."

Highly recommended for those who enjoy stories set in England with carriages, royalty, and satin dresses. :)

[brenda gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished a really good book called To Enchant a Lady's Heart by Robin Lee Hatcher. The novella is the beginning of a new series called The British Are Coming. It's the story of a young debutante who isn't really interested in marriage to just anyone, she wants to marry for love. Her father however; sees her only as a way to marry a man with a title. She falls in love with an inappropriate match according to her father. I will leave the rest up to your imagination. This book will release on May 22,2023 but you can pre-order it now!! Also let me say that it's set in one of my favorite time periods-- The Victorian Age!! I am eager for the next installment!!! I was given this ARC from the author and was under no obligation to give a positive review.

[Elaine Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella is a sweet clean romance. I enjoyed it and the author makes you fall in love with the characters and the setting of the story. Eliza’s father expects her to marry a titled gentleman but she wants to marry only for love. Sebastian’s father believes his son needs a wife even if he’d rather travel America. The story shows how Adam and Eliza chose love instead of their places in society. I can’t wait for the next story and see what happens with Sebastian.

I received an advanced reader copy from the author for my opinion which I have given.

[Cathy Goudy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The novella To Enchant a Lady’s Heart has already drawn me in with its introduction of the members of the Willowthorpe family as well as the Southwicks. We are given a glimpse of their desires, characters and relationships with each other. I already am forming opinions and can’t wait to learn more about the family of Hooke Manor in the upcoming series, The British Are Coming. This is a wonderful historical romance novella. Don’t miss it!

I received a free copy of this ebook and all opinions are my own.

[Joyce Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Novella to start off a series. Eliza has been through several London seasons and has not gotten any marriage proposals. She is fine with that. She wants to marry for love. Her father is pushing for her to marry a title. He arranges to travel to Hooke Manor to arrange a marriage with Sebastian. Eliza is taken with Adam, Sebastian's illegitimate brother. Even though he was raised with the family, he has no title or station.
This book introduces all the people in the series. I really enjoyed this book.