The Maid’s Forbidden Heart: A Historical Regency Romance Book (Spinsters and Lords 3)
His guarded heart, a fortress of grief… Her quiet strength, a whisper of hope…
Fleeing a haunted past, Penelope Matthews finds refuge as a nursemaid at Brentdale. She expects only quiet anonymity, until she meets the brooding Earl.
Grief has turned Peter Brookfield into a man of shadows, his heart locked behind walls no one dares approach. But Penelope’s calm strength and unspoken sorrows mirror his own, drawing them into a bond neither intended.
As whispered confessions give way to forbidden longing, dark forces stir within the estate. When love becomes their only light, will it be strong enough to survive the secrets threatening to tear them apart?
The Maid’s Forbidden Heart is an enchanting historical romance novel, around 75,000 words and offering a captivating read.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after.
If you love Regency and Victorian-era romance, this novel is for you.
Get your copy today, FREE with Kindle Unlimited!
Customer Reviews
L*****7
Love and Murder
Miss Penelope Matthews was the daughter of the fourth son of a Baron, which made her poor nobility. Her position as nursemaid for the child in the household of an Earl was a good one, and her sister Emily was a lady’s maid. They both sent their wages to care for their elderly father, a retired vicar. Earl Henry Bentley is a kind man with a great deal on his mind. One being how his sister and brother were killed by highway leaving their infant child in his care. There is murder and intrigue… a truly stupid murderer, and distant and growing romance. Well written characters and plot, such as it was, worthy of a five star comfort read.June 1, 2025
L*****G
Awesome
This is perfect if you like romantic suspense and slow burn! Good amount of romance and opposition. Very good story!May 29, 2025
j*****s
mysteries and love
“He was an earl, and she was a maid; there could be nothing more between them.” But they both feel there could be more. Hidden in the shadows lurks a murder mystery to solve before they can move forward. A lovely, slowly falling in love story. Wonderful to read!May 25, 2025
j******Z
Another great read
Another classic Amanda Stones novel. Worth putting down the things you should be doing to read this!May 18, 2025
D******n
Never Know What To Expect
Penelope was lucky to be hired to take care of an infant due to her situation she didn’t know what she was going to do. Earl Peter had taken up guardianship of the infant upon the death of his dear friend and looking in on Penelope and the baby he was struck by her beauty and calming tenderness. They spoke often of the infant and drawing closer to each other, until his sister returned home with her best friend in tow. His sister had different opinions of what Peter should do or not do and was causing his stress. Then one day she took it upon herself to fire Penelope to get her out of the way of her plans. ARC ReviewMay 17, 2025
G**.
from dark to light
There is so much darkness in Penelope and Peter’s past, it’s time they join forces, fight their enemies together and finally find love and happiness, I enjoyed the combination of suspense, finding healing and growing love.May 14, 2025
R*********e
The brooding earl and the kind nursemaid
I really liked the friendship between Penelope and Anna and Peter’s friendship with George. It was only fitting that the friends too would fall in love! My favorite scene of this book was the nighttime tour of the greenhouse! I could picture it all so well! Penelope’s tender care and love for the child in her care was endearing. The ending was well fleshed out and with the extended epilogue, everything was even more neatly wrapped up. How things changed for Peter’s sister was the most surprising. There was a happy ending for everyone . . . except the villain; as it should be. Wonderful book!May 14, 2025
L*********d
enjoyable and relaxing read
A 3 week house party forced onto a reclusive Earl by his 5 yr. older pushy sister! What a nightmare especially since he is still mourning the death of his beloved cousin and his wife. On top of of that the Earl is still trying to adjust to the guardianship of their 11 month old son!May 14, 2025
K*************r
Intrigue, Danger, Romance
I enjoyed the romantic dialogue between Peter and Penelope when they finally realized that they loved each other, and were going to be married no matter the consequences. The mystery of the death of Peter’s cousin and his wife was a main thread throughout this romance resulting in an interesting suspenseful backdrop, with a very exciting climax.May 14, 2025
c**********3
Romance
Well written. Love the characters.May 13, 2025
A*C
Houseparty
Good, easy read. It was likely 4.5. So rounded up. Some of the mystery of cousins’ deaths were predictable. Overall, the story had a decent plot and was a pleasant read. Somethings, though we’re a little unbelievable (love so fast and the engagement). However, I enjoyed the book, and it was relaxing.May 13, 2025
Jo
Sweet
Take some intrigue, add some new characters to a well used plot and you have a new book. I enjoyed reading this tale. The characters added to the standard plot by having depth and creativity. Sweet story with a number of good details. Very much enjoyed this book.May 13, 2025
J*d
Good read!
I enjoyed this book very much. The characters were very engaging. The plot was nothing new, no surprises hence the four star rating. The typical nobleman falling in love with a commoner. If you like a sweet love story with a bit of intrigue, this is the book for you.May 8, 2025
J**********e
Forbidden love
Forbidden love is the perfect theme of this sweet story. Societal expectations and family pressure seems to outlaw the developing attraction between the Earl and the nursemaid of his precious nephew. But Ms Stones magically weaves the pieces together for a surprising conclusion that left this reader with a smile.May 7, 2025
