Lady of Breken Manor

by Heather B. Moore

No true lady would steal a loyal man from his fiancée, but what if that lady is a ghost? Lady Charlotte is bored. So bored that when the owner of her manor in Scotland dies, she actually looks forward to haunting, uh, meeting the new owner. Too bad he’s engaged. Because if he weren’t, and if Charlotte could get him to fall in love with her, then the curse would finally be broken. What curse, you ask? The curse that keeps Charlotte confined to an ancient manor decade after decade, playing parlor tricks on unsuspecting visitors. If only being a ghost weren’t so tedious, Charlotte might actually enjoy her life-slash-death. But the new owner is making her rethink her entire existence. ALISO CREEK Picture Perfect Third Time’s the Charm The Daisy Chain Lost then Found One Chance THE FALLING Falling for Sydney Falling for Maria Falling for June THE TANGERINE STREET ROMANCE The Fortune Café The Boardwalk Antiques Shop The Mariposa Hotel THE NEWPORT LADIES BOOK CLUB Athena Ruby’s Secret Tying the Knot CONTEMPORARY Tide Pools A Taste of Sun HISTORICAL Love is Come An Ocean Away A Fortunate Exile A Season in London Mail Order Bride Heart of the Ocean Power of the Matchmaker Twelve Months The Duke's Brother A Grand Tour A Night in Grosvenor Square TIMELESS ROMANCE Winter Collection Spring Vacation Collection Summer Wedding Collection California Dreamin’ Collection Valentine’s Day Collection And more…! ABOUT THE Heather B. Moore is a USA today bestselling author who writes sweet romance. Under H.B. Moore she writes historicals & thrillers. Under Jane Redd, she writes Young Adult. There are more than 9,000 5-star reviews for Heather's books on Goodreads!

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Fantasy, Contemporary, Novella, Mystery, Audiobook

153 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 15, 2018

About the author

Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestselling author of more than ninety publications. Heather writes primarily historical and #herstory fiction about the humanity and heroism of the everyday person. Publishing in a breadth of genres, Heather dives into the hearts and souls of her characters, meshing her love of research with her love of storytelling.

Her ancient era historicals and thrillers are written under pen name H.B. Moore. She writes historical women's fiction, romance and inspirational non-fiction under Heather B. Moore, and . . . speculative fiction under Jane Redd. This can all be confusing, so her kids just call her Mom. Heather attended Cairo American College in Egypt and the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel. Despite failing her high school AP English exam, Heather persevered and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University in something other than English.

Please join Heather's email list at: HBMoore.com/contact/
Website: HBMoore.com
Twitter: @heatherbmoore
Instagram: @authorhbmoore
Facebook: Fans of Heather B. Moore
And yes, the Blog still lives: MyWritersLair.blogspot.com

Literary honors: 2020 Goodreads Choice Award Semi-Finalist, Foreword 2020 INDIES Finalist, ALA Best New Books - September 2020, 6-time Best of State Recipient for Best in Literary Arts, 2019 Maggie Award Winner, 4-time Whitney Award Winner, and 2-time Golden Quill Award Winner.

Heather is represented by Dystel, Goderich, and Bourret.

Reviews

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Scottish Manor, an inheritance, an ancient curse, a noble lady hidden away, a carriage crash, a ghost stuck in between her mother's anger and eternity. Can anything save her, release her from this curse that unfairly froze her in time to watch others live their lives and wishing she could find love, or even pass on to the next life?

Sean finds himself arriving in Scotland to explore his new manor house, left to him by his great uncle, the crazy one who was a recluse and a little bit of a lunatic. Sean wants to fix it all up, brush the dust off his hands and sell the place so he can return to his life in Colorado and marry his fiancee Michele. Going to Scotland provides a great little getaway and allows him to get his hands dirty doing some fix it work. What he doesn't expect is her...Lady Charlotte...the ghost.

If you enjoy a lighthearted paranormal story, mixed together with humor, a yummy love story (albeit a little fast and short-hey it's a novella) then this one will definitely give you a little tingle up your spine with delight! I loved it! I was honestly hooked from the first few paragraphs. I've read a similar paranormal story several years ago that ended in a way I did not expect(in regards to the ghost) and I wanted to see how Heather B. Moore would pull this one off. Let me just tell you it didn't disappoint.

Great closure and wrap up for Lady Charlotte. I was a little sad to say goodbye to her. She is one spunky lady, umm, er ghost. Great sense of humor, slightly frightful when she chooses and definitely a kind ghost when she chooses. Lol. I would love to see this expanded into a full length novel because, well, like I said, I didn't want to say goodbye to Lady Charlotte.

Sean was a great hero. I had my doubts wondering if I would like him as much as I liked other heroes written by this author. Should I have doubted? Nope! Heather B. Moore has proven to me once again just why I love her as an author. I love her characters, their growth (even in short novellas), the storyline, the humor, the intensity, just all around everything! Sorry if I'm fangirling here but I just have to be honest, I'm a huge fan!

Oh, um, I was talking about Sean and had a little tangent there. Sorry. Sean was swoon worthy and he definitely made somebody swoon in this book. Again I'd love to see more time with these two characters because they were great but for the length it worked for me. Grab a warm drink, comfy blanket and snuggle in because you won't want to shut the pages (ok I didn't want to shut the pages).

This is part of the Secret Legends box set available Sept 12, 2017 and then as an individual book in December. So if you can't wait until December grab the box set and you'll get many more fun reads.

Content: Clean. There were a handful of mild swear words. A couple kissing in the bedroom and fades out to black.

I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Updated review:
It's been several years since I originally read this novella so when I had the opportunity to listen to the audiobook I jumped at the chance. I'd forgotten some of the story so it was like reading it for the first time. I enjoyed the narrator a lot! She brought the characters to life and had such a pleasant voice to listen to.

Original review:
I don't think I've read a book or novella by Heather B. Moore (or H. B. Moore) that I didn't like. I'm amazed at all the different genres and topics she covers. Reading the first few pages I liked Sean and didn't like his fiancée, Michele, so I wasn't surprised when she told Sean he was crazy and left Breken Manor. If I were a ghost, I would've driven her away in a heartbeat. I liked that Sean read the history of Breken Manor and found out how Lady Charlotte and her mother died, and when he discovered there were 2 requirements to break the curse, he was determined to find the letter of apology from her father.

I wish Sean and Lady Charlotte could've spent more time together before he found a way to break the curse. I also liked that Charlotte didn't just cross over to the other side--she got to choose. I still want to know why her mother cursed her since it wasn't Charlotte's fault her father never married her mother. I liked Lady Charlotte and expected her to be a bit more mischievous before deciding to be nice to Sean but since it's a novella there wasn't time to drag that out. I liked the character and how she was portrayed. This story held my interest from the beginning, I only wish it were longer.

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brenna Colleen Castor does a beautiful job of narrating this tale. I loved her voice and pacing, as well as her accents and portrayal of each character.

(10/17)When Sean inherits a manor in Scotland, he and his fiance, Michele go there to look it over before selling it. He doesn't plan on it being haunted though. Can you imagine? Charlotte was cursed and until that curse is broken, she's forced to dwell in this house.

Sean is great! Whether it's fixing the manor up or uncovering vital information for a friend, this man doesn't leave any stone unturned. I really came to adore him, especially when he comes to his senses, and could see why Charlotte is intrigued with him. As for Charlotte, she's a trickster, but my heart really went out to her. The circumstances surrounding the curse fell upon her through no fault of her own, yet she's the one suffering for it.

There are some heart wrenching moments in this story, with no foreseeable resolution, and I couldn't help but hope for some miracle to happen to break the curse. I wanted the characters to find happiness and be at peace, even with the slight melancholy feeling that shadows over the pages. I had similar feelings while watching the old 80s movie Somewhere in Time. Although this is only a novella, emotions are high and I was fully invested.

Content: mild romance with some innuendo; very mild language.

*I received a copy, which did not influence my opinion in any way.*

[Ashley Daviau · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m always a fan of stories where there’s a curse to break, they always make for fun and entertaining reads and this one was no different! I really enjoyed Lady Charlotte’s character, despite being cursed she was fun and feisty. And I loved how Sean helped her find the answer to the second part of the curse while being the first part himself. The way it all ended was just perfect too! Although I did find the story a bit short and kind of wished it was longer.

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

How fun was this book!!?? I love reading romance books with a little twist off "normal". I mean, a boy falling in love with a ghost? He never touched her, he never kissed her. He only spoke with her but the connection was forged and there was no going back. There were plenty of moments in this book that made me smile and then there was Sean. Oh, hello Sean. Guy in love with the ghost. You may think he's a titch off in the head but I'm telling you that he has some awesome swoony moments. I loved his devotion to Lady Charlotte.

I wish this book would have been longer. At novella length, everything happens so fast. I wanted to stay and wallow around. That's a sure sign of an engaging book! I expected nothing less from Heather Moore though. She is fantastic at writing in many different genres. This one is the perfect light-hearted, paranormal romance.

Content: clean, a couple instances of mild swearing

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not big into the paranormal genre but if my favorite author is writing it, I'm going to read it. And love it. Such was the case with Lady of Breken Manor. The characters were easy to get to know quickly (which is an important thing in a novella) and I loved seeing them get to know each other and fall in love. Because of the unusual situation of Charlotte being a ghost and Sean being the one who could finally send her to the next life, their love had obstacles to work through and was tested and tried. I loved how the author made everything work out in the end, and I finished the story with a smile on my face. The amazing setting of a manor in Scotland was another thing I loved about the story, it really set the tone and made it seem like magical things could happen.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything about this book is wonderful. The setting, Sean, the humor and of course the ghost. Charlotte was so fun. I enjoyed the Scottish background and the mysterious manor. I loved both of the main characters and Sean and Charlotte’s journey to break this mysterious curse. Charlotte’s tricks to annoying/scare the guests of the manor were clever and fit her so well. Honestly, I can’t blame her for wanting to have some fun. I enjoyed the turn of events immensely and the ending was simply perfect.

[Kathy Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book! I really enjoyed it. Charlotte and Sean were fun characters! :)

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a sucker for ghost stories, especially fall in love with a ghost stories. When Sean goes to Scotland to prepare his newly inherited estate for sale, he doesn't expect a ghost. He also doesn't expect to feel drawn to her.

I enjoyed the setting in Scotland, the superstition, the curse that could have Charlotte tied to the manor in the first place. I also loved Sean and Charlotte together. Since she's a ghost, they can't touch or kiss. This led to a story where the characters talk and get to know each other.

The romance was sweet. I loved the tricks that Charlotte played as a ghost, and the way that Sean accepted her, and didn't run away screaming!

Content: clean (some kissing, mild innuendo)

[Jessica (JT) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a fun little book! I love paranormal romances and time travel so this was perfect for me. It was a very quick read, and I think the romance would have really benefited from some more time to develop. I wish this was a full novel rather than a novella. I think the extra time for character development is necessary. Otherwise, this is really fun and sweet and I definitely recommend it.

This ebook was provided to me through a Goodreads giveaway. Thank you to Heather B. Moore, the publisher, and Goodreads for giving me the opportunity to read it. This is my honest review. No compensation was given.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I want to address the ghost love point. I have friends who won't read books with a ghost love interest. They say if you are dead, you are dead. But this one has an interesting twist to it and it's a good one that validates how things work out in the end! So, don't not read it because of that! You will like it!

Lady Charlotte has a bit of a reputation in the town. People steer clear of the manor that she haunts! The curse that keeps her bound to the manor is an interesting one. And after over 150 years, she may have found the person who can break it!

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a short love story. The whole feeling of this book was rushed. It also didn't feel realistic. It is rare but can happen where the author makes you believe that supernatural stuff can and does happen. This didn't feel real and there were some ghosty inconsistencies. In the first of the book she could touch objects at the end she can't. I hate stuff like that. It is clean and short and filled a couple hours.

[Daphne · Rating 1 out of 5]

I feel so bad for rating this badly because it's an indie book, but I really didn't like it. Aside from the general plot (very silly and fluffy, exactly how I like my romance books), I can't say I enjoyed anything about this. The characters were annoying, the relationship was insta-love (there was zero banter or flirting, even), and I thought there were some very sexist overtones in how the fiancée was treated. Even in bad romance books I can usually enjoy the cutesy romantic moments, but I couldn't get myself to enjoy a single scene in this entire book. Unfortunately can't say that I recommend this.

[Marisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know why I'm the least bit surprised how captivating this newest novel was for me! Just finished a book that wasn't my favorite and picked this one up and completely devoured it in a couple nights staying up way too late!!! I not only liked the story idea but I love falling in love with characters. The amazing setting of a manor in Scotland was another thing I loved about the story, it really set the tone and made it perfect for magical things to be believable. Definitely a must-read if you like romance, twists and consuming story lines!

[Corey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! I loved Lady Charlotte's personality and how she spoke out of turn so often. I liked the ending. The only thing I thought should have been different (aside from wishing it were a full length novel) was the amount of time it took them to fall in love. There could have just been a paragraph describing them talking and walking through the gardens together each day for a month or so before they felt like they loved each other. One day doesn't seem like enough.

[Taffy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opening line:
""“This is sooo romantic,” Michele said as she grabbed Sean’s arm."

A Scottish manor, a sassy ghost and a ethereal romance all rolled into this novella that's a quick read and hard to put down.
Sean and Michele are engaged and all is going well until the ghost of Breken Manor shows up.
Lady Charlotte is weighed to earth by a curse, thanks to her mother, and she can't move on until a couple of things happen. For one, the owner of the manor has to love her.

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! What a fun read. I totally did not like Michele so was happy to see how that turned out. But the lady ghost was a delight! I like the relationship between the Lady and owner. How cool would it be to inherit a manor! Add a ghost and I am so there! The story was fun and different.

Thanks to the author for giving me the book to read. It was well worth the time spent.

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received this via Goodreads Giveaways in exchange for an honest review. All my opinions are my own.*

I thought it was cute. A bit rushed but I’m happy for how it ended! Was a very easy read, but something I’ll find myself reading in the future again.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was cute if you are looking for a short insta-love novella to sit and enjoy one evening. You could pick it apart, but it's basically a novella so you kinda know it's going to be fast, and it wasn't a big time commitment. It was perfect to fill a pint-sized romance craving, to read just for fun and relaxation on a free night without having to commit to a big novel. Short and sweet and relatively satisfying. I'm giving it 2 stars because it fills that niche. You just have to be okay with the most egregious insta-love in the history of romances. And there's not a lot of playful banter or flirting. For some reason, I still kinda liked it... I'm actually surprised, honestly. But like I said, it just fills that niche for a little dose of romance. (He definitely should have moved on in the two years, or at least TRIED to while living there. But whatevs! And I thought it was super weird that he asked her to help him get rid of his clinging ex-fiance. Can't he man up and figure it out himself? *cue eye roll. But I'm over it.)

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect with this being labeled as "paranormal romance" but I was pleasantly surprised. After inheriting a haunted mansion from a crazy uncle, Sean sets out to see the manor before he sells it. His fiance doesn't share his enthusiasm about the spirit who shares the home. Lady Charlotte enjoys playing tricks on visitors to the manor. A new owner-especially one young and handsome turns her mind to breaking the curse that has kept her prisoner for so many decades.
I wanted more--more character growth, more romance, more time getting to see the characters in action.....but with a novella, there just isn't room for MORE! A fun read, likable characters & a great ending!

[Charissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This ghostly romance pits Sean, the new owner of Breken Manor who is engaged to Michele, against Charlotte, the ghost who inhabits his inherited estate. She has been banned there by an ancient curse set by her mother, and is extremely bored. But when Sean shows up with Michele, her life (or existence) takes on new meaning. Sean seems to be intuitively sensitive to her smell and emotions, and she might just find herself falling in love if she’s not careful.

This was a light, fun, shorter read set in a cool background with interesting, unique characters. It’s fast-paced and has some mysteries in it, and enough romance and heart-tugging to appeal to romance readers. I enjoyed it. ***I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my fair and honest review.

[Ballet in AK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady of Breken Manor by Heather B. Moore (4 stars)

A paranormal romance that is sweet and fun to read. Well-written, well-edited, believable characters, and good plot. An enjoyable novella about a curse, a beautiful ghost and a handsome heir-of-the-manor. Good romantic tension. It's hard to go wrong with Heather B. Moore, she's a talented writer.

[Teya Teya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather, wow! I LOVED this story! I think I have read another similar or it was this one I beta read. So good. Well written and I love that you stuck to unwritten rules. I LOVED the quotes from Princess Bride. I laughed. Good Job!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished "Lady of Breken Manor" by Heather B Moore. It was delightful. Sean travels to see his recently inherited manor in Scotland with his fiancé. Little did they know that it was hunted by Lady Charlotte who had been cursed to haunt the home until the owner fell in love with her. Many owners had come and gone by the time Sean inherited. Can a flesh and blood man fall in love with a ghost? It was a quick fun read with likable characters.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady of Breken Manor is another beautiful read by Heather B Moore. This author really knows how to write great short, clean, romantic historical's. This one is no exception. I loved it! Highly recommended.

5+ stars.

I received this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

[The Flipped Page (Susan K) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Romance, clean
This was a shorter novella. Charlotte's story of her spirit being unable to escape the place of her death due to a curse intertwines with the present with Sean, the new owner who comes to the manor with his fiance.
Fun imagining of a ghost story, loved Sean's ability to 'see' and hear her. His determination, and his courage to try to help Charlotte be free of the curse was a lovely story. Beautiful, sweet fall for both of them, and loved the resolution. I always hope for more with a novella and always tricky to get everything exactly right, but still very well done. A good read for me.
I received a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review. My opinions are my own, and in no way influenced by this gift.

[Patti · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the variety Heather B. Moore has in her writing! This was a fun one about a ghost that has been forced to haunt a manor house in Scotland. The new owner of Breken Manor, Sean, arrives from America with his fiancé, Michele, to check out what he has inherited from a great uncle. The ghost, Lady Charlotte, has been dead for nearly two centuries. She is destined to haunt the manor until a certain curse has been dispelled.

Sean can definitely feel and smell Lady Charlotte, but Michelle is creeped out by the whole idea of a ghost. The more Sean studies Lady Charlotte’s portrait, the more fascinated he is by the beautiful young lady. In the quiet of the night, Lady Charlotte speaks to Sean and a unique friendship begins.

There is so much I liked about this fun, mysterious story. It’s relatively short, just under 150 pages, so it’s a quick read. However, I must say also there are a few things that made me pause. I felt like a chapter was missing when Sean drives off for a couple days - we have no idea why. Then he returns a few paragraphs later apparently after having talked to local villagers, Davis Farland and his wife. We readers needed to be part of that conversation! Details were needed as to why Sean had to set the room up like he did, the importance of the day, etc.

My other big question: why the two-year gap?

I will also add here that I love the cover, but Lady Charlotte’s description was not as accurate as what was written: her hair color was a stretch – ok, it shows a cloudy day so it appeared darker; but her dress is a strapless, big ol’ wide satin gown, and we were told she had a form-fitting, more ethereal gown with short sleeves. (The color was close enough.) The seamstress part of me was bothered with the style inaccuracy. All those details made me take my original 4 stars down to 3.

I’ve read many of Heather B. Moore/H.B. Moore’s books and am very impressed with her writing. Overall, “Lady…” was a fun diversion and I am a fan!

[MJSH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely an interesting paranormal story. I don't read paranormal books so reading this book was taking a step out from my comfort zone. I surprised myself by thoroughly enjoying it, even though I didn't enjoy the paranormal aspects of the plot.

Heather B Moore's writing style is fun and easy to read. The setting of Scotland is lush and so beautiful. There is a love triangle here and I really dislike love triangles, especially ones involving engagements. However, this particular love triangle was easier to stomach because Michele, Sean's fiancée, was so terribly unlikable.

Lady Charlotte haunts Breken Manor due to her mother's dying curse. The curse can be broken but she hasn't been successful in over 150 years that she's been haunting the place. She's mischievous and quite selfish, but I guess that's what happens when you've been a ghost for a century and a half.
Sean is an American who has inherited the Manor from his great-uncle and comes out to Scotland to restore then sell the Manor. He's dependable, honest, perceptive, and loving.....everything a hero is. The two journey together as Charlotte learns to let down her guard, apologize, and love beyond herself.

Anyone who likes paranormal romance will like this book. It was well-written and easy to read.

I received ARC of the book from the author. I was not required to write a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

[Pattisue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Charlotte is cursed, confined to haunt the halls of Breken Manor. “She was known for running out potential buyers.” She amuses herself with the current tenants, while hoping for the one to beak the curse. “It was because of a man that she couldn’t pass to the other side.” When Sean McKinley inherited Breken Manor, he only planned to sell it and get on with his life. But fate had other plans for him. For 150 years, she has waited for him. He couldn’t touch her or help her but could he love her? “She felt nothing from his touch, but her heart felt everything.” While she haunts, she is tormented by the sins of her past, the betrayal of her parents. “He is intrigued with this woman, this ghost of a woman. She has completely upended his life. Sean was determined to help her break the curse, even if his own heart broke in the process.” I adored Charlotte’s antics as she torments those who cross her path. Moore humanized this tormented spirit trapped in this prison of her past. Her grief and suffering are tangible. The diary entries intrigued me as truths were revealed. I loved everything about this otherworldly romance of enchantment and fate.

*I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are uniquely my own.

[Adrienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Sean inherits a manor in Scotland, he plans to put it up for sale as soon as possible. Even when he and his fiancee are warned that the manor is haunted by a ghost who won't let them sell, Sean isn't really concerned. However, when he actually MEETS the ghost--Lady Charlotte--and finds out about the curse that keeps her tied to the manor, he finds his plans changing.

I don't really read much paranormal stuff--ghosts and the like aren't really my thing--but I really enjoyed this story. I thought Charlotte's back story was interesting, and I really liked the humorous moments, like when Sean would bait Charlotte to get her talk and she just couldn't help herself. If you're in the mood for a light-hearted contemporary paranormal romance that you can read in an hour or so, check this out.

I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.