Sometimes, overcoming the past can be as challenging as surviving the present. Mary Crawford, vivacious, beautiful, and adored by many gentlemen, has a secret. Her confidence is a façade, and while she may welcome one and all, she trusts few. Gabriel Durward, an enterprising and wealthy tradesman, prizes integrity. Known for his shrewd business dealings, he is one gentleman that few would dare to … business dealings, he is one gentleman that few would dare to cross.
Mary has never met a gentleman quite like Gabe. He seems impervious to her usual ploys, never prevaricates or flaunts himself as so many others have, and even though he knows her faults, he still chooses her without any need to be persuaded to do so. It is enough for Mary to begin to open her heart.
However, not everyone appreciates Gabe’s character as much as Mary does, and some of those individuals will go to great lengths to see him destroyed. When nefarious plans are put into action, Mary’s fledgling trust will be tested, and fear will raise its ugly head, tempting her to retreat. Will Gabe be able to survive the onslaught and finally prove to Mary that she can trust him to protect her heart with his very life?
Mary: To Protect Her Heart is the third episode in Leenie Brown’s Other Pens series. If you like well-written stories of sweet transformation with swoon-worthy, gallant heroes and strong yet vulnerable heroines, then you will enjoy this story about overcoming the past and learning to trust.
So, put the kettle on, grab your copy of Mary: To Protect Her Heart, and let Gabe and Mary’s story guide you through rough seas into the welcoming safe haven of deep, enduring love.
more
“Guard your heart in your spirit.” –Lailah Gifty Akita
This is book 3 in the ‘Other Pens, Mansfield Park’ series. A reader needs a basic knowledge of Austen’s Mansfield Park to understand this story. I would also advise reading Book 1: Henry, To Prove Himself Worthy, where Henry starts the series with the theme of redemption and reformation. Book 2: featured Charles, To Discover His Purpose. Jane Austen’s ‘Mansfield Park’ is the foundation on which these stories stand. Each story felt like puzzle pieces to a picture not yet formed.
“…Everyone struggles to guard their heart from breaking, when they should desire to have a heart that breaks…” –John Geddes, A Familiar Rain
In this story, Mary Crawford continued to travel the social circuit of soirees, balls, and parties with her band of society b-witches. Keep your eye on Lady Sarah St. James, she was a piece of work. In book 2 we began seeing cracks appearing in the façade of our ice princess and by book 3, those cracks had formed into fissures. Many characters were carried forward from the other books. Some only made a short appearance while others were highly visible and helped move the story forward. Tom Bertram was just such a character and will be featured in his own story as this series continues.
Our story started a bit slow due to introductions and establishing the placement of characters. Once the story was underway… the pace picked up. I loved the character ‘Captain’ Gabriel ‘Gabe’ Durward. Blunt and to the point, he was the son of a Company man who had lived and worked in India. Gabe worked for the Company until he broke off and made his fortune in trade and privateering. He had a warehouse, was successful in import and shipping and was acquainted with Mr. Gardiner [P&P reference]. That was fun seeing his name in the story. I wish we could have had a visit from him.
“I have a son, who is my heart. A wonderful young man, daring and loving and strong and kind.” –Maya Angelou
We don’t usually see stories of families, that work for The Company, return to England from India. This was a different plot-line. Gabe’s mother was such a sweet lady. I just adored her. We could see her influence on the man in our story.
“For there to be betrayal, there would have to have been trust first.” –Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games
The enemy once revealed, didn’t seem to be a surprise to Gabe. As smart as he was, I think he already suspected this person. Perhaps he didn’t anticipate how deeply involved they were, but just knew that something wasn’t right. His instincts had never led him wrong before, so he trusted them now.
“Everyone suffers at least one bad betrayal in their lifetime. It’s what unites us. The trick is not to let it destroy your trust in others when that happens. Don’t let them take that from you.” –Sherrilyn Kenyon, Invincible
Mary Crawford was the product of growing up in the household of her uncle the Admiral. He factored heavily in this story. His behavior, his opinions toward women, his treatment of her aunt and his negative comments to Mary, had a lasting effect on her trust of men. Every situation she encountered with men was seen through the lens of her uncle’s behavior. Those trust issues would have to be overcome before Mary could find a lasting relationship.
This was a delightful clean story. There was a bit of angst as villains attempted to interfere in Gabe’s life and business. I was a bit worried how things would turn out. It was rather exciting. Mary’s sister, Mrs. Grant was the comedic relief during times of angst. I couldn’t help but laugh as she took center stage and stole the scene. Cute, cute, cute.
The stage has now been set for the next book in the series and I can hardly wait for it. We left this story at a good place and I feel sure we will see more of Gabe and Mary in the next book. I love this series.
I volunteered to read an ARC [advanced reader copy] from the author and the views expressed are my own.
He is worthy of her trust.
Having endured a turbulent upbringing, Miss Mary Crawford has good reason to protect her heart. Then Mr. Gabiel Durward steps into her life and single-handedly demolishes her well constructed walls.
Mary: To Protect Her Heart by Leenie Brown is a very sweet, clean and tender Regency romance with an unusual beginning and a different type of heroine, who must face her character flaws in order to change her future. On the other hand, the hero is all that is honest and honorable. Gabe is the type of man any woman would want.
Although at first the pace is a bit slow, it picks up as the story progresses and the pace is steady for the remainder of the story. I like Ms. Brown’s writing style which is well balanced between descriptions and dialogue. Both of the main characters are likable and well developed. Even the supporting characters are interesting and helpful to the plot. Although the ending is happy, it is just (for me) not very satisfying.