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Tales of Little Macclow #1
Lord of Her Heart
An unexpected return. A new risk for old friends.
As Little Macclow prepares to celebrate May Day, Tom Hepston’s arrival stirs expectations and speculation. Tom left the village fourteen years ago. Now he is back, but he hasn’t come willingly and he has no plans to stay. While he’s proud of the naval career he has left behind, he believes the physical and mental wounds that ended it have made him a madman no woman could—or should—love. Can he leave again before everyone sees the broken man he has become?
Sally Royden’s young heart broke when Tom left the first time. After years of hoping for his return, she now leads a full life caring for her sister and serving as the village seamstress. Tom’s experiences have changed him. Can Sally dare hope for renewed friendship? Or more? Or will her heart be broken twice—by the same man?
Little Macclow—tucked away and maybe touched by magic…. Village tales of love’s triumphs.
Please note: Part of the proceeds from this book will be donated to the Wounded Warriors Project and other non-profit organizations that support those fighting the challenges of PTSD.
As Little Macclow prepares to celebrate May Day, Tom Hepston’s arrival stirs expectations and speculation. Tom left the village fourteen years ago. Now he is back, but he hasn’t come willingly and he has no plans to stay. While he’s proud of the naval career he has left behind, he believes the physical and mental wounds that ended it have made him a madman no woman could—or should—love. Can he leave again before everyone sees the broken man he has become?
Sally Royden’s young heart broke when Tom left the first time. After years of hoping for his return, she now leads a full life caring for her sister and serving as the village seamstress. Tom’s experiences have changed him. Can Sally dare hope for renewed friendship? Or more? Or will her heart be broken twice—by the same man?
Little Macclow—tucked away and maybe touched by magic…. Village tales of love’s triumphs.
Please note: Part of the proceeds from this book will be donated to the Wounded Warriors Project and other non-profit organizations that support those fighting the challenges of PTSD.
- GenresHistorical Romance
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 31, 2020
22 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
Gail Eastwood
19 books37 followersAs a child, Gail Eastwood wrote stories and dreamed of becoming an author. After almost twenty years of writing as a journalist, theatre critic and PR consultant, she finally wrote and sold her first novel, achieving that childhood dream. Published by Signet, that first book earned several honors including The Golden Leaf Award for Best Regency, 1994, and Gail hasn't looked back since. Her books have been nominated for multiple awards, and for two years running Gail was a nominee for Romantic Times Magazine’s Career Achievement in the Regency category.
Hailed as "brilliantly versatile" and "a master at painting pictures of Regency life", Gail enjoyed a growing reputation as a writer who pushed her genre to new levels with her emphasis on emotional depth and unusual plots. After over a decade away from writing, she is back!! She lives in RI with her actor/attorney husband and two adult sons. She holds a B.A. in Comparative Literature and Sociology from Case Western Reserve University. Writing and researching are her greatest loves (after her family), but she stubbornly refuses to give up her interests in theatre, dance, costuming, the middle ages, and going to the beach, even though she has little time for them!
Hailed as "brilliantly versatile" and "a master at painting pictures of Regency life", Gail enjoyed a growing reputation as a writer who pushed her genre to new levels with her emphasis on emotional depth and unusual plots. After over a decade away from writing, she is back!! She lives in RI with her actor/attorney husband and two adult sons. She holds a B.A. in Comparative Literature and Sociology from Case Western Reserve University. Writing and researching are her greatest loves (after her family), but she stubbornly refuses to give up her interests in theatre, dance, costuming, the middle ages, and going to the beach, even though she has little time for them!
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November 14, 2025
Sally Royden is surprised when her childhood friend Tom Hepston returns to the village of Little Maclow after fourteen years in the Royal Navy. She tells herself she must not allow herself to dream of a future together, especially not after he announces he has only returned to tend to his widowed mother and will be leaving again when she's well enough to travel to get better medical care. Fourteen years ago they were innocent children and Tom left the village - and Sally behind to escape his abusive father. He never forgot Sally but he believes they can not be together because he was injured fighting Napoleon's navy. Tom's physical problems are easy for Sally to see and she can help him but Tom is hiding a terrible secret from Sally and everyone in the village- he's mad! Tom sees flashbacks to the battles at sea and has a terrible time waking up from his memories. A mesmerist helped him learn breathing techniques but being around people, especially a village of well-meaning people who knew him as a child, is just too much for him to deal with. Tom reluctantly accepts the role of village carpenter for the May Day celebrations in two weeks but after that he will be leaving - without Sally. Sally understands Tom seems to be suffering in his mind and wants to help. If only he would stop pushing her away and let her help him. However, he intends to leave and Sally can't leave her younger sister and the village where she has her home and her business. Can she find a way to help Tom and convince him to stay in Little Maclow?
I'm happy to be back in Little Maclow, especially in the spring. I really enjoy learning about the holiday traditions in Derbyshire of the 19th-century. (Yes Gail we do have pictures of May Day and the well dressing event!) I knew Sally and Tom from the other books in the series but I still had to read this story to find out how they got together and what happened. This story is a romance with no villains - only internal demons which is a nice break from the mysteries I've been reading and watching on TV. Even with the PTSD plot this story is still a nice escape from the reality of the crazy times we are living in now. I also like the focus on regular villagers and not so much on the ton. I did figure out a little mystery going on behind the scenes. That was obvious from the get-go and I didn't like the deception.
Tom is an interesting character. He grew up with an abusive, alcoholic father and found joy and solace working with the local carpenter. Tom seems to have been an introvert to begin with and it was only with Sally he could be himself. The two have such a cute, charming relationship. They used to play at being lords and ladies and that shared history helps Tom remember who he used to be and helps Sally help Tom. Of course we recognize Tom's "madness" as PTSD, something not uncommon but not identified at the time or treatable. You almost NEVER hear about PTSD from the Napoleonic Wars but surely the men must have had it. The "cure" was to drink oneself into oblivion, not talk about it and isolate from the rest of the world. Tom tries all this and more. I liked his breathing techniques. That works for anxiety/panic attacks which can be a symptom of PTSD but I did not care for his drinking. When he's been drinking, he has a short temper and he doesn't treat Sally or his mama very well. I think Tom feels the horror more badly than some because he's sensitive and also has childhood trauma. He may well have had PTSD to begin with. Tom is a little stubborn- he's a man- and won't always listen when people tell him to do things. His instinct is to push people away and hide.
Deep down, Tom is a real sweetheart. Tom cares for his mother very much and just wants to take her away where she can get better medical care and not live in the alms house. Being a man, he went out into the world and doesn't understand how she wants to stay in the village where her whole life is. She has friends in the village and Lady Anne, the Squire's wife comes to visit often. Tom's mother is happy and comfortable where she is. She just wants her son to come home. Tom is super adorable with the dog, Dolly, who has made her home in the carpenter's shop and he's very sweet with the children, sharing some stories of life at sea but nothing graphic. Tom is not closed off. He's receptive to attempts to help him and Cassie's father, Dr. Tamworth, as the vicar, is experienced at listening to people and trying to help them. He's aware of another man in the village with similar symptoms and encourages Tom to talk.
Sally is also an interesting character. She used to dream of being a lady but she's content with her lot in life. She has a respectable job as a seamstress and though she doesn't make a whole lot of money, she makes enough to support herself and her younger sister. Ellen is the dearest person in the world to her. Sally figures out Tom's secret pretty quickly and she's intelligent enough to know how to help him without letting him know she's helping him! This causes some village gossip, linking their names in marriage. Sally protests but she does dream of a life with Tom but knows it can not be. I think she protests too much and spends too much time denying herself pleasure. She's convinced she's a spinster and "too old" to be thinking of marriage. Yet she once dreamed of Tom and a life together and can't quite let the childhood dreams go. I admire her for all she's overcome and how she helps Tom but she can be stubborn too. Sometimes I wanted to yell at him to give her a choice and to yell at HER not to sell herself short and talk to him! This isn't London and she's not a debutante.
Sally is close friends with Cassie Tamworth, who we know from Lord of Misrule. Cassie is more sheltered than Sally and more naive at times but she's astute enough to notice her best friend's discomfort with allowing Cassie to flirt with Tom as a ruse to get the curate to notice her. Cassie won't hurt her best friend but she does try to play matchmaker and give her friend a little nudge here and there. I'm sure Lady Anne is on it too. She's mischievous and usually I like her and her scheming but this time she went a little too far. She didn't have all the facts and only one side of the story so I guess I can't blame her. She's so happy with Squire Harmon that she wants everyone to be coupled. Squire Harmon has a big role as a supporting character in this novel. He seems more aware of Tom's issues than Lady Anne and understands Tom needs space to heal. The Squire helps Tom and makes that happen in more subtle ways that his lovely wife. Tom is aware of the Squire's help but doesn't mind because the Squire needs Tom's help too. Sally's sister is young and a little mischievous. She's hard working and independent like her sister but is also young enough to still believe in magic and true love conquering all.
This story has a hint of magic at the end. It's a little jarring because the rest of the story is so grounded but it's left open to interpretation.
I look forward to visiting Little Maclow again some time.
I'm happy to be back in Little Maclow, especially in the spring. I really enjoy learning about the holiday traditions in Derbyshire of the 19th-century. (Yes Gail we do have pictures of May Day and the well dressing event!) I knew Sally and Tom from the other books in the series but I still had to read this story to find out how they got together and what happened. This story is a romance with no villains - only internal demons which is a nice break from the mysteries I've been reading and watching on TV. Even with the PTSD plot this story is still a nice escape from the reality of the crazy times we are living in now. I also like the focus on regular villagers and not so much on the ton. I did figure out a little mystery going on behind the scenes. That was obvious from the get-go and I didn't like the deception.
Tom is an interesting character. He grew up with an abusive, alcoholic father and found joy and solace working with the local carpenter. Tom seems to have been an introvert to begin with and it was only with Sally he could be himself. The two have such a cute, charming relationship. They used to play at being lords and ladies and that shared history helps Tom remember who he used to be and helps Sally help Tom. Of course we recognize Tom's "madness" as PTSD, something not uncommon but not identified at the time or treatable. You almost NEVER hear about PTSD from the Napoleonic Wars but surely the men must have had it. The "cure" was to drink oneself into oblivion, not talk about it and isolate from the rest of the world. Tom tries all this and more. I liked his breathing techniques. That works for anxiety/panic attacks which can be a symptom of PTSD but I did not care for his drinking. When he's been drinking, he has a short temper and he doesn't treat Sally or his mama very well. I think Tom feels the horror more badly than some because he's sensitive and also has childhood trauma. He may well have had PTSD to begin with. Tom is a little stubborn- he's a man- and won't always listen when people tell him to do things. His instinct is to push people away and hide.
Deep down, Tom is a real sweetheart. Tom cares for his mother very much and just wants to take her away where she can get better medical care and not live in the alms house. Being a man, he went out into the world and doesn't understand how she wants to stay in the village where her whole life is. She has friends in the village and Lady Anne, the Squire's wife comes to visit often. Tom's mother is happy and comfortable where she is. She just wants her son to come home. Tom is super adorable with the dog, Dolly, who has made her home in the carpenter's shop and he's very sweet with the children, sharing some stories of life at sea but nothing graphic. Tom is not closed off. He's receptive to attempts to help him and Cassie's father, Dr. Tamworth, as the vicar, is experienced at listening to people and trying to help them. He's aware of another man in the village with similar symptoms and encourages Tom to talk.
Sally is also an interesting character. She used to dream of being a lady but she's content with her lot in life. She has a respectable job as a seamstress and though she doesn't make a whole lot of money, she makes enough to support herself and her younger sister. Ellen is the dearest person in the world to her. Sally figures out Tom's secret pretty quickly and she's intelligent enough to know how to help him without letting him know she's helping him! This causes some village gossip, linking their names in marriage. Sally protests but she does dream of a life with Tom but knows it can not be. I think she protests too much and spends too much time denying herself pleasure. She's convinced she's a spinster and "too old" to be thinking of marriage. Yet she once dreamed of Tom and a life together and can't quite let the childhood dreams go. I admire her for all she's overcome and how she helps Tom but she can be stubborn too. Sometimes I wanted to yell at him to give her a choice and to yell at HER not to sell herself short and talk to him! This isn't London and she's not a debutante.
Sally is close friends with Cassie Tamworth, who we know from Lord of Misrule. Cassie is more sheltered than Sally and more naive at times but she's astute enough to notice her best friend's discomfort with allowing Cassie to flirt with Tom as a ruse to get the curate to notice her. Cassie won't hurt her best friend but she does try to play matchmaker and give her friend a little nudge here and there. I'm sure Lady Anne is on it too. She's mischievous and usually I like her and her scheming but this time she went a little too far. She didn't have all the facts and only one side of the story so I guess I can't blame her. She's so happy with Squire Harmon that she wants everyone to be coupled. Squire Harmon has a big role as a supporting character in this novel. He seems more aware of Tom's issues than Lady Anne and understands Tom needs space to heal. The Squire helps Tom and makes that happen in more subtle ways that his lovely wife. Tom is aware of the Squire's help but doesn't mind because the Squire needs Tom's help too. Sally's sister is young and a little mischievous. She's hard working and independent like her sister but is also young enough to still believe in magic and true love conquering all.
This story has a hint of magic at the end. It's a little jarring because the rest of the story is so grounded but it's left open to interpretation.
I look forward to visiting Little Maclow again some time.
September 16, 2020
Lord of Her Heart by Gail Eastwood (Independently published, July 2020) is a sweet, traditional Regency romance that delivers a touching, sensitive story about a troubled war veteran and the woman who struggles to help him find his way home. This is book #1 in Ms. Eastwood’s new series, “Tales from Little Macclow.”
Tom Hepston reluctantly returns to Little Macclow as a shadow of his former self. Though proud of his naval career, he suffers from a mental health condition brought on by the horrors of war and struggles daily to control what he calls his “madness.” Tom is a kind, gentle, thoughtful man but he keeps everyone at arm’s length to save what he had left of his pride and to protect others from his severe anxiety. My heart ached for Tom as he struggled with his mental health issues, and I rooted for him to find his way back.
Sally Royden has spent years wishing for Tom’s return to Little Macclow and when he suddenly appears in her parlor, she instinctively knows something is wrong. But this man who was once her best friend merely brushes aside all her care and concerns leaving Sally with more questions than answers. I really liked Sally; she’s the friend we all wish and hope for: understanding, thoughtful and has this innate ability to know when to lend a hand and when to just lend an ear.
Lord of Her Heart takes place in a quiet and restful English village that is far removed from the shallow sparkle of London’s Regency ballrooms and haughty aristocrats. The interactions of the characters and the low-key pace of the writing all support the important aspect of the story which is the struggles of a war veteran who suffers from PTSD and how the people around him respectfully and lovingly help him heal. This is a romance novel and we experience the renewal of Tom and Sarah’s relationship, but their romance is part of the support structure to Tom’s journey to recovery. It all works so well together.
This Regency romance is a wonderful, well-written story of how a village acts as a nurturing spirit and how the power of love really can help heal the soul and the heart. I love Ms. Eastwood’s ability to set the stage, how she deftly uses details and description to draw me into both setting and time period, and how she draws realistic characters who comfortably and realistically inhabit their space. I’ve been a fan of Gail Eastwood’s regency romances since A Perilous Journey came out in 1994, and I highly recommend her current book Lord of Her Heart.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of Lord of Her Heart in eBook format directly from the author in exchange for an honest review. The opinions and observations I share here are mine and mine alone and were in no way influenced by the format or method in which I received the book.
Tom Hepston reluctantly returns to Little Macclow as a shadow of his former self. Though proud of his naval career, he suffers from a mental health condition brought on by the horrors of war and struggles daily to control what he calls his “madness.” Tom is a kind, gentle, thoughtful man but he keeps everyone at arm’s length to save what he had left of his pride and to protect others from his severe anxiety. My heart ached for Tom as he struggled with his mental health issues, and I rooted for him to find his way back.
Sally Royden has spent years wishing for Tom’s return to Little Macclow and when he suddenly appears in her parlor, she instinctively knows something is wrong. But this man who was once her best friend merely brushes aside all her care and concerns leaving Sally with more questions than answers. I really liked Sally; she’s the friend we all wish and hope for: understanding, thoughtful and has this innate ability to know when to lend a hand and when to just lend an ear.
Lord of Her Heart takes place in a quiet and restful English village that is far removed from the shallow sparkle of London’s Regency ballrooms and haughty aristocrats. The interactions of the characters and the low-key pace of the writing all support the important aspect of the story which is the struggles of a war veteran who suffers from PTSD and how the people around him respectfully and lovingly help him heal. This is a romance novel and we experience the renewal of Tom and Sarah’s relationship, but their romance is part of the support structure to Tom’s journey to recovery. It all works so well together.
This Regency romance is a wonderful, well-written story of how a village acts as a nurturing spirit and how the power of love really can help heal the soul and the heart. I love Ms. Eastwood’s ability to set the stage, how she deftly uses details and description to draw me into both setting and time period, and how she draws realistic characters who comfortably and realistically inhabit their space. I’ve been a fan of Gail Eastwood’s regency romances since A Perilous Journey came out in 1994, and I highly recommend her current book Lord of Her Heart.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of Lord of Her Heart in eBook format directly from the author in exchange for an honest review. The opinions and observations I share here are mine and mine alone and were in no way influenced by the format or method in which I received the book.
September 3, 2020
The Lord of Her Heart is a wonderful book to read. The writer gives her readers a true inspirational book to read. She shares a story of a young mans return home from the war. He’s injured both physically and mentally. Tom returns home to his mother and his lost love Sally.
Tom thinks that his return would be easy, but the memories of the war haunts him. Deciding to close himself from the community, Tom emerges himself into helping build a play stage for the community picnic. The little angels or children of the community likes Tom and forces Tom from closing himself off. Even Dolly the dog. Sally sees Tom’s struggles and tries to find a way for Toms return to be easy for him. The writer flows with ease. The writer stays on topic and she has the ability to give her readers a story to read. I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free gifted copy.
Tom thinks that his return would be easy, but the memories of the war haunts him. Deciding to close himself from the community, Tom emerges himself into helping build a play stage for the community picnic. The little angels or children of the community likes Tom and forces Tom from closing himself off. Even Dolly the dog. Sally sees Tom’s struggles and tries to find a way for Toms return to be easy for him. The writer flows with ease. The writer stays on topic and she has the ability to give her readers a story to read. I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free gifted copy.
August 5, 2020
Welcome to Little Macclow, a charming English Town with an enduring sense of community and a just a touch of magic. After years at war, Tom reluctantly returns to his birthplace to care for his ailing mother. Haunted by both his past and the perils of war, he never intends to stay. Soon, however, he finds himself as caught up in the town’s May Day preparations as he is caught up in his feelings for Sally, the childhood friend he left behind.
Lord of Her Heart is a lovingly rendered, impeccably researched story of healing and homecoming.
Lord of Her Heart is a lovingly rendered, impeccably researched story of healing and homecoming.
September 3, 2020
Generally I avoid the bundle of “ romance novels” but having known the author for many years, I promised to give a read “a try”! Kudos to Gail Eastwood for her intelligent weave of mental illness, love and compassion in an historical setting.
March 15, 2025
This is the first book in the Tales of Little Macclow series. It is a beautifully written story of a charming English town with an enduring sense of community. This is heartwarming and had lovely research of healing and homecoming after years away at war and returning home to his family and friends. I enjoyed this delightful romance. I recommend reading.
August 21, 2020
A lovely regency romance with a lot of emotional depth....
August 10, 2020
Love and Compassion
Gail Eastwood's Lord of my heart is her second set in the tiny, out-of-the-way village of Little Macclow. This time we are presented with a deeply moving tale of love and compassion. The heroine, Sally, has had many years to get over her childhood sweetheart Tom. He left the village to make his way in the world and rose from a complete pauper to a ship's carpenter in the royal navy. Imagine her shock when he suddenly shows up in her shop (she has become the village seamstress) looking handsome but acting rather different than she ever would have imagined.
Tom has been wounded in a naval battle and has very unwillingly left the navy. He informs Sally that he won't be staying. He has come home to collect his widowed mother, who is ill. He is eager to leave. The last thing he wants to do is be drawn into the life of the village, for he is terrified that his friends will realize that he has become mad.
Today we would say he has PTSD. But Tom sees his sudden, terrifying flashbacks as evidence of madness. He is ashamed and doesn't want anyone, particularly Sally, to realize that far from being the war hero every one imagines him to be, he is a quivering, quaking coward wracked by episodes of mental breakdown.
The beneficent squire and lady of the village are eager not to let him leave, though. The village needs a carpenter and they love a bit of matchmaking, so they contrive to involve Tom in remaking the village puppet theater in time for May Day celebrations. They set up matters so that Sally must work with him to redo the curtains for the theater.
Sally can't help falling in love with Tom all over again, and can't help realizing that he has problems. She struggles to help him. In a time when his condition is little understood, she and the villagers, manage to gradually weave a healing atmosphere of love and compassion around him.
This is a heartwarming romance set in Regency England, but far from the upper class society that is the usual setting in this genre. There is distress in reading about Tom and Sally's struggles, but there is a true joy in reading about their growing love and how they overcome significant obstacles to reach their happily ever after. Gail Eastwood is as adept at plucking at our emotional strings as she is with making us laugh. This book represents an expansion and consolidation of her growing body of work.
Gail Eastwood's Lord of my heart is her second set in the tiny, out-of-the-way village of Little Macclow. This time we are presented with a deeply moving tale of love and compassion. The heroine, Sally, has had many years to get over her childhood sweetheart Tom. He left the village to make his way in the world and rose from a complete pauper to a ship's carpenter in the royal navy. Imagine her shock when he suddenly shows up in her shop (she has become the village seamstress) looking handsome but acting rather different than she ever would have imagined.
Tom has been wounded in a naval battle and has very unwillingly left the navy. He informs Sally that he won't be staying. He has come home to collect his widowed mother, who is ill. He is eager to leave. The last thing he wants to do is be drawn into the life of the village, for he is terrified that his friends will realize that he has become mad.
Today we would say he has PTSD. But Tom sees his sudden, terrifying flashbacks as evidence of madness. He is ashamed and doesn't want anyone, particularly Sally, to realize that far from being the war hero every one imagines him to be, he is a quivering, quaking coward wracked by episodes of mental breakdown.
The beneficent squire and lady of the village are eager not to let him leave, though. The village needs a carpenter and they love a bit of matchmaking, so they contrive to involve Tom in remaking the village puppet theater in time for May Day celebrations. They set up matters so that Sally must work with him to redo the curtains for the theater.
Sally can't help falling in love with Tom all over again, and can't help realizing that he has problems. She struggles to help him. In a time when his condition is little understood, she and the villagers, manage to gradually weave a healing atmosphere of love and compassion around him.
This is a heartwarming romance set in Regency England, but far from the upper class society that is the usual setting in this genre. There is distress in reading about Tom and Sally's struggles, but there is a true joy in reading about their growing love and how they overcome significant obstacles to reach their happily ever after. Gail Eastwood is as adept at plucking at our emotional strings as she is with making us laugh. This book represents an expansion and consolidation of her growing body of work.
October 15, 2024
Tom Hepston left Little Macclow 14 years ago to join the Royal Navy. He comes back home scarred, not just physically, but mentally. He has no intention of staying in town.
Sally Royden was Tom’s best friend before he left. To Sallly, he was more than a friend, he was her first love. She was heartbroken when he left and has been praying for his return. When they meet again, and she sees the changed man he has become, she wonders if they can regain their friendship. Can she convince Tom that he’s not only deserving of friendship, but that he’s worthy of loving and being loved? Will Tom take a chance on love and stay? Or will he leave and break Sally’s heart again? The townsfolk say there’s a little magic in Little Macclow. There might even be a miracle or two.
Gail Eastwood has written a beautiful story of the power love and friendship. She treats the issue of PTSD with great respect and delicacy and gives a realness to Tom’s struggles that makes him a character of great depth and realism. Sally is strong, kind and a good friend who is willing to fight for the man she loves, even if she has to fight the man himself.
One of the things I loved about this book is that it centers on regular working-class people of the Regency period. There’s not a duke or countess to be seen, just real people with real problems. I enjoyed it so much!
I received an advance review copy of this book and am enthusiastically leaving this 5-star review.
Sally Royden was Tom’s best friend before he left. To Sallly, he was more than a friend, he was her first love. She was heartbroken when he left and has been praying for his return. When they meet again, and she sees the changed man he has become, she wonders if they can regain their friendship. Can she convince Tom that he’s not only deserving of friendship, but that he’s worthy of loving and being loved? Will Tom take a chance on love and stay? Or will he leave and break Sally’s heart again? The townsfolk say there’s a little magic in Little Macclow. There might even be a miracle or two.
Gail Eastwood has written a beautiful story of the power love and friendship. She treats the issue of PTSD with great respect and delicacy and gives a realness to Tom’s struggles that makes him a character of great depth and realism. Sally is strong, kind and a good friend who is willing to fight for the man she loves, even if she has to fight the man himself.
One of the things I loved about this book is that it centers on regular working-class people of the Regency period. There’s not a duke or countess to be seen, just real people with real problems. I enjoyed it so much!
I received an advance review copy of this book and am enthusiastically leaving this 5-star review.
January 12, 2023
Sally & Tom were practically inseparable as children growing up in Little Macclow.
When he was 15, Tom left the village and eventually joined the Royal Navy as a ship’s carpenter.
14 years later he returns to look after his mother, who is now a widow, and ailing.
Sally, still living in the village, had spent those intervening years with a broken heart, and was surprised by a very unexpected visit from Tom, who had grown into a man, but who had been damaged by the war, which is still being waged by Napoleon.
They both have fond memories of their childhood days, but are cautious about becoming anything more than friends.
This is a wonderful story, well written with compassion, and descriptions that bring the village, and its inhabitants to life.
There is an underlying sadness too, which I found very moving, as Tom suffers flashbacks to his time at sea, and refers to it as “Madness”, but readers will recognise it as PTSD.
He is welcomed back into village life by the Vicar and his daughter, the Squire and his Lady, as well as Sally, who all try to help him settle, but he is determined to move on before May Day.
Sally is faced with having her heart broken a second time, but her sister strongly believes in the magic of May Day, and encourages Sally to do the same.
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
When he was 15, Tom left the village and eventually joined the Royal Navy as a ship’s carpenter.
14 years later he returns to look after his mother, who is now a widow, and ailing.
Sally, still living in the village, had spent those intervening years with a broken heart, and was surprised by a very unexpected visit from Tom, who had grown into a man, but who had been damaged by the war, which is still being waged by Napoleon.
They both have fond memories of their childhood days, but are cautious about becoming anything more than friends.
This is a wonderful story, well written with compassion, and descriptions that bring the village, and its inhabitants to life.
There is an underlying sadness too, which I found very moving, as Tom suffers flashbacks to his time at sea, and refers to it as “Madness”, but readers will recognise it as PTSD.
He is welcomed back into village life by the Vicar and his daughter, the Squire and his Lady, as well as Sally, who all try to help him settle, but he is determined to move on before May Day.
Sally is faced with having her heart broken a second time, but her sister strongly believes in the magic of May Day, and encourages Sally to do the same.
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
July 5, 2025
I enjoyed this book. The relationship between Tom and Sally showed growth and a true concern and love for one another. I appreciate that his struggles were front and center in that it demonstrated what it was liked for those with PTSD during this time in history when not much was known. I was right along for the ride as the two of them got to know one another again and how that can be hindered and helped in a small town. The meddling of his mother and Lady Anne, really quite a few of the ladies was cracking me up. While I would have given this more stars because the faith content was good and the story was wonderful, I struggled towards the end. The last maybe quarter of the book felt extremely rushed to me, liked we had to end it quickly and felt rushed considering the pacing of the beginning of the book. There was also a point at which the physical attraction seemed to jump to the front of Tom's mind and it felt like it came out of left field. It's while he's in the workshop and suddenly all of his thoughts turn very physical and it didn't feel as though it fit in with his character and I don't feel like it added to the story at all. Overall it was a good read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 8, 2025
A sweet, slow build, Regency romance.
Sally and Tom were next friends growing up. They spent hours playing lords and ladies until the day Tom suddenly left.
Now, Tom has returned after 15 years in the Navy. Yet, he isn't the same Tom. Suffering from "waking nightmares", anxious in crowds, unable to hear well, and walking with a cain, Tom is only back long enough to move his mother and leave.
As Sally and Tom are roped into helping rebuild the May Day decorations, can they stay friends and maybe become more? Or will Sally's heart and Tom's stubbornness keep them aperrt?
This was a sweet book. Sally and Tom aren't your normal Regency romance characters. Tom is a ships carpenter and Sally is the town seamstress. They are both scared of taking in love for different reasons and both have to find out what risks are worth.
The author deals with Tom's PTSD well without making it too graphic and does an excellent job of describing the nuances of village life. If you like romance with flawed characters and a touch of magic, this should be on your list.
I received a free copy and am leaving this review voluntarily
Sally and Tom were next friends growing up. They spent hours playing lords and ladies until the day Tom suddenly left.
Now, Tom has returned after 15 years in the Navy. Yet, he isn't the same Tom. Suffering from "waking nightmares", anxious in crowds, unable to hear well, and walking with a cain, Tom is only back long enough to move his mother and leave.
As Sally and Tom are roped into helping rebuild the May Day decorations, can they stay friends and maybe become more? Or will Sally's heart and Tom's stubbornness keep them aperrt?
This was a sweet book. Sally and Tom aren't your normal Regency romance characters. Tom is a ships carpenter and Sally is the town seamstress. They are both scared of taking in love for different reasons and both have to find out what risks are worth.
The author deals with Tom's PTSD well without making it too graphic and does an excellent job of describing the nuances of village life. If you like romance with flawed characters and a touch of magic, this should be on your list.
I received a free copy and am leaving this review voluntarily
August 30, 2020
What can I say, I’m new to reading romance, of any kind. Gail has won a reader. PTSD seemed an unlikely subject for a story to grip my imagination, but it has. On the face of it Tom and Sally are so perfect for each other, you can’t help a knot twisting in your gut for them to accept their future must lie together. What I know of life, the way life’s experiences can unpick and disorientate, even the best of men, makes Tom’s, seemingly, mad decision making thoroughly believable. I loved the skills the two, would be, lovers shared, the way they complemented each others. The way the dog and the children play their unwitting roles in the story development, and echoed the lovers past as children themselves worked wonderfully. Having grown up in a city, just south of the Peak District (where I feel Little Macclow be set), I can tell you that part of England does indeed feel magical. I have obliterated many tube train journeys by escaping into this book, I hope others get the chance, too. I didn’t realise the charity connection when I bought it, what a wonderful surprise.
January 9, 2023
About the Book:
Tom Hepston left the village of Little Macclow fourteen years ago. Now he is back, but he hasn’t come willingly and he has no plans to stay. He’s proud of the naval career he served, but he believes the physical and mental wounds he suffered have made him a madman no woman could—or should—love. As the village prepares to celebrate May Day, he is in danger of becoming re-entangled in a life he already chose to leave behind him.
Sally Royden’s young heart broke when Tom left the first time. She now leads a full life, caring for her sister and serving as the village seamstress. Tom’s experiences have changed him. Will her heart be broken twice—by the same man?
Our Review: This achingly lovely romance between two lonely, deserving people is enhanced by the author’s in-depth descriptions of May Day and all it encompasses. Cheers to an author for her energy and willingness to research the era and it’s times. Brava!
On a scale of 1-5, Lord of Her Heart deserves a 5.
Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews
Tom Hepston left the village of Little Macclow fourteen years ago. Now he is back, but he hasn’t come willingly and he has no plans to stay. He’s proud of the naval career he served, but he believes the physical and mental wounds he suffered have made him a madman no woman could—or should—love. As the village prepares to celebrate May Day, he is in danger of becoming re-entangled in a life he already chose to leave behind him.
Sally Royden’s young heart broke when Tom left the first time. She now leads a full life, caring for her sister and serving as the village seamstress. Tom’s experiences have changed him. Will her heart be broken twice—by the same man?
Our Review: This achingly lovely romance between two lonely, deserving people is enhanced by the author’s in-depth descriptions of May Day and all it encompasses. Cheers to an author for her energy and willingness to research the era and it’s times. Brava!
On a scale of 1-5, Lord of Her Heart deserves a 5.
Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews
January 10, 2023
What a delightful book! Yet it deals with the issue of PTSD before it was really recognised by the medical profession. I liked the way the author indicates that part of the profits from this book will go to the "Wounded Warriors" charity which deals with contemporary PTSD.
The story is told with a lightness of touch and is really enjoyable with likeable characters...and animals! It may be said that the village depicted here is too "ideal", everyone knowing each other's business but looking out for one another , supervised and helped by a rather paternalist but benevolent grand family.
However, I loved the simple pleasures of adults and children working and playing together.
One think perhaps out of character is that the heroine's younger sister worked at the local inn. Not perhaps a very salubrious job for a gentle bred 17 year old.
I had not read any books by Gail Eastwood before, but will certainly continue to read this trilogy.
Thank you for providing a few hours of escapism, with a serious topic as a watermark!
The story is told with a lightness of touch and is really enjoyable with likeable characters...and animals! It may be said that the village depicted here is too "ideal", everyone knowing each other's business but looking out for one another , supervised and helped by a rather paternalist but benevolent grand family.
However, I loved the simple pleasures of adults and children working and playing together.
One think perhaps out of character is that the heroine's younger sister worked at the local inn. Not perhaps a very salubrious job for a gentle bred 17 year old.
I had not read any books by Gail Eastwood before, but will certainly continue to read this trilogy.
Thank you for providing a few hours of escapism, with a serious topic as a watermark!
April 27, 2023
This is the first book of the series, Tales of Little Macclow, and also my first experience reading something by this author. The story was an emotional, sweet, and lovely regency story and I really enjoyed it. Tom is a war veteran returning home, haunted by the horrors and struggles he experienced during his naval career. Sally has been waiting for her good friend Tom to return, and when he does, she instantly knows that something is wrong. He is not the same person as he was when he left. Despite Tom's denial and brush offs, Sally doesn't give up on him and is there for Tom as the friend he needs. As Sally helps him through his struggles, their friendship blossoms into something stronger and more beautiful.
This was a heart wrenching and beautiful story about friendship, nurturing one's spirit and soul, and healing. I was drawn into the story from the very start and remained captivated till the end. A truly charming story that I am glad to have had the opportunity to read.
My thanks to BookSirens for providing a complimentary copy. This is my honest and voluntary opinion.
This was a heart wrenching and beautiful story about friendship, nurturing one's spirit and soul, and healing. I was drawn into the story from the very start and remained captivated till the end. A truly charming story that I am glad to have had the opportunity to read.
My thanks to BookSirens for providing a complimentary copy. This is my honest and voluntary opinion.
April 28, 2023
A sweet romance between two childhood friends and a real life complication keeping them apart.
The author beautifully described PTSD in a time where people didn’t know anything about it and couldn’t understand it or help. I did enjoy reading about his spells and could feel the pressure and the fear Tom experienced. 5 stars for that
The rest of the story only receives 3,5 stars. The same complicated situations in the romance department happens throughout the book and I caught myself skipping pages and just reading dialogue to see if anything interesting is happening.
I felt enormous pain and empathy for the people living in that historical time period, not being able to touch each other, hold hands, even talk to each other without a chaperone. Society rules made life truly difficult.
A good read overall, but I just needed a bit more spunk.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The author beautifully described PTSD in a time where people didn’t know anything about it and couldn’t understand it or help. I did enjoy reading about his spells and could feel the pressure and the fear Tom experienced. 5 stars for that
The rest of the story only receives 3,5 stars. The same complicated situations in the romance department happens throughout the book and I caught myself skipping pages and just reading dialogue to see if anything interesting is happening.
I felt enormous pain and empathy for the people living in that historical time period, not being able to touch each other, hold hands, even talk to each other without a chaperone. Society rules made life truly difficult.
A good read overall, but I just needed a bit more spunk.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 17, 2024
Ex-Royal Navy carpenter, Tom, returns to Little Macclow fifteen years after leaving when his mother needs his assistance. Without really knowing his reasons, he seeks out his childhood friend, Sally, the village seamstress. As Tom’s stay is unexpectedly prolonged, Sally discovers hidden facets adding to Tom’s physical wartime injuries. In Regency times, counselling and therapy are unheard of, but the village stray dog, Dolly, seems to feel a special affinity for Tom.
The author gives a fascinating glimpse into social mores during the Regency era, including traditions and legends that govern village life. The characters are realistic and the dialogue and accounts are authentic; however, the story was occasionally a little too slow-moving.
I received a free copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
The author gives a fascinating glimpse into social mores during the Regency era, including traditions and legends that govern village life. The characters are realistic and the dialogue and accounts are authentic; however, the story was occasionally a little too slow-moving.
I received a free copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 8, 2025
When Tom left their village to join the navy, he left behind his best friend Sally. Fourteen years later, Tom is finally back. But he is now a changed man due to his war experience.
His injuries makes it difficult for him to adapt to life in the village again. It also leads him to distance himself from Sally, despite the attraction. I loved Lady Anne for her meddling, without which Tom would never have met Sally again.
While Tom and Sally reconnect again, both of them are also forced to work closely for the May Day celebrations. This took up quite a huge portion of the book, and I felt this made the pacing suffer.
All in all, it was a good friends to lovers romance set during the regency days. I just wished that the pacing had been faster with less back and forth and so much doubts between the couple.
His injuries makes it difficult for him to adapt to life in the village again. It also leads him to distance himself from Sally, despite the attraction. I loved Lady Anne for her meddling, without which Tom would never have met Sally again.
While Tom and Sally reconnect again, both of them are also forced to work closely for the May Day celebrations. This took up quite a huge portion of the book, and I felt this made the pacing suffer.
All in all, it was a good friends to lovers romance set during the regency days. I just wished that the pacing had been faster with less back and forth and so much doubts between the couple.
February 4, 2025
Charming story of love and second chances. The books deals heavily with what we would now call PTSD. Torn apart as youth, Tom and Sally reconnect after fourteen years. Tom, having been injured serving in the Royal Navy, has learned his mother is ill and has come back to the village where he grew up to retrieve her. Both Tom and Sally have moved on, but their feelings are quickly reignited. Tom, however, is determined to leave again because he feels he is mad because he is suffering from PTSD and not good enough for Sally. I did get frustrated with Tom for not realizing how they could help each other, but their journey to healing is a delightful read! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 8, 2020
This story is, in a way, a second chance book—two characters who were best friends as teens and have always loved each other from afar, now have a chance to reunite. But each has weathered sorrow and hard work in between, and they need to get to know each other again as adults. Eastwood takes us on a journey of healing and redemption and positive belief in a future. Throw in a wee bit of village magic and a town full of well-meaning, but interfering people, and these two have no choice but to end up together. After all, it is a romance. But it will take hard work on each of their parts to realize they can make a go of a marriage. Loved this book and also book 2, Lord of Misrule.
September 14, 2021
I really enjoyed this story - and especially the pitfalls of figuring out love in a complicated world. I don't typically read regency romances so this was definitely a new style for me, but I thank the author for providing me with a copy. The characterization of the love interest was well-presented, although I think I would have liked to see the plot paced a bit faster in certain areas. However, the representation of PTSD symptoms was also extremely well-done and powerful. This author is talented, giving the reader all the warm and fuzzies while keeping the prose respectful to fit the genre it's written in.
March 11, 2023
healing
Life can really treat you in the most horrible ways and who wants to risk getting hurt if it can be avoided. Tom has lost his faith that something good might ever happen to him and that somebody could love him for who he is just the way he is. Sally feels she has been rejected by Tom before and although her feelings for him never vanished, she struggles to find the hope and courage to give them both a second chance at a HEA. I hurt reading about their pain and struggle and I cheered for them when they finally found the true love they both deserve.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Life can really treat you in the most horrible ways and who wants to risk getting hurt if it can be avoided. Tom has lost his faith that something good might ever happen to him and that somebody could love him for who he is just the way he is. Sally feels she has been rejected by Tom before and although her feelings for him never vanished, she struggles to find the hope and courage to give them both a second chance at a HEA. I hurt reading about their pain and struggle and I cheered for them when they finally found the true love they both deserve.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 12, 2023
Four and a half stars for a sweet stand alone book in the Little Macclow series.
I loved how “real” the book is when it treats the struggles of someone returning from war wounded in more ways than one.
Both the hero and heroine struggle with their hearts being broken in the past and yet still finding that love very much alive. I enjoyed the romance that is sweet and clean.
Both the plot line and characters are well developed and so realistic that the village and “people” seem so real as if the reader is walking in their world.
I look forward to reading more of this series.
Possible trigger: PTSD struggles
I received an ARC copy of the book and all opinions are my own.
I loved how “real” the book is when it treats the struggles of someone returning from war wounded in more ways than one.
Both the hero and heroine struggle with their hearts being broken in the past and yet still finding that love very much alive. I enjoyed the romance that is sweet and clean.
Both the plot line and characters are well developed and so realistic that the village and “people” seem so real as if the reader is walking in their world.
I look forward to reading more of this series.
Possible trigger: PTSD struggles
I received an ARC copy of the book and all opinions are my own.
January 25, 2023
I liked this book. It was nice to read a regency romance that wasn’t about high society or the ton as it’s called. Sally and Tom story is unique in that he struggles with PTSD. I thought the author did a nice job of showing the hardships of PTSD for all involved not just the hero. I have it 3 stars because as a romance I felt the story had a good build, but then kind of turned bland. Overall, I thought it was a very good story, but a “meh” romance. I received a free copy of this book for my honesty review.
January 28, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. Yes, it was painful to watch Tom's struggles, but knowing the story would have a happy ending helped. I had read the third book first. The characters were likeable. The plot was very similar to the third book but the characters and their issues were different. The author shows us the value of community in this small town, but also doesn't portray it as perfect. I look forward now to reading the second book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 17, 2023
This is the first book by Gail I've read and enjoyed going through the regency life with these great characters. Wondering if Tom would move past his madness and find the love he tried to deny.
Very entertaining and felt transported to another Era in a small town where nothing escapes the townspeople.
Grab your copy today!!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Very entertaining and felt transported to another Era in a small town where nothing escapes the townspeople.
Grab your copy today!!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
January 18, 2023
Lord of Her Heart is Book 1 in Tales of Little Macclow by Gail Eastwood. I enjoy Regency time period books. I really like that although this is the Regency period, the story is about common people rather than Lords and Ladies. Sally takes care of her sister, Ellen, and is the village seamstress. May Day activities are a big deal in this small village, but, with the return of the only man she loved, Tom, will love win this time! I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
June 22, 2023
This was one hard book to put down, so exciting. The story is full of depth and information. I couldn't help feeling for Sally who was so understanding and loving to Tom, who felt he was not man enough to be with Sally after being hurt in the war
tom was suffering from post traumatic stress disorder But with Sally's love and some sprinkling of magic he was able to see that home is where Sally is and the town folk.
I got the book on booksirens and I am volunteerily leaving a review.
tom was suffering from post traumatic stress disorder But with Sally's love and some sprinkling of magic he was able to see that home is where Sally is and the town folk.
I got the book on booksirens and I am volunteerily leaving a review.
October 17, 2024
Charming Regency Romance with a Touch of Magic
This attractive tale features long-lost love and the equivalent of post traumatic stress disorder in the Regency era. In addition to the hero and heroine, in this first book of the series we meet the redoubtable Lady Anne, the wise vicar, and the vicar's lively daughter Cassie. I admire the author's ability to capture scenes and make the characters seem real. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This attractive tale features long-lost love and the equivalent of post traumatic stress disorder in the Regency era. In addition to the hero and heroine, in this first book of the series we meet the redoubtable Lady Anne, the wise vicar, and the vicar's lively daughter Cassie. I admire the author's ability to capture scenes and make the characters seem real. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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