Sometimes the path to happily ever after can be strewn with danger and intrigue.Anne de Bourgh has never had a coming-out. She has never had a season. In fact, she has never had a suitor. But, according to her mother, she has always had a future husband. Although Anne desires to marry, she does not wish to marry her mother’s choice, and he does not wish to marry her.With no other options and the … other options and the prime of her youth slipping away, Anne’s view of her future is bleak. However, when she finds some papers hidden in her father’s study, that view, in the light of his wishes, changes. Her declaration to follow her heart and choose her own future causes discord and forces secrets to be revealed.
Listen to Your Heart is just one of Leenie Brown’s numerous Pride and Prejudice inspired stories. If you like sweet romances interwoven with peril and treachery that feature strong, independent heroines and dashing heroes, then you will love this story about finding and claiming love even when faced with rejection, dark secrets, and murderous villains.
So, put the kettle on, grab your copy of Listen to Your Heart, and slip into a world of bold and daring love today.
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‘He is not a lover who does not love forever.’ Euripedes
This was the most unusual story I’ve read in a while. The style and way it was presented was so different, not unpleasant, but delivered in a way that was so unique. At times it was a bit confusing and I would occasionally lose track of who was speaking. I often lost who, what, when, where and half the time couldn’t figure out why? We were given hints but not a clear explanation or reason why something happened.
We start out in Kent at Rosings Park and all the players are present. The guests at the parsonage are Miss Elizabeth Bennet and Miss Lucas. Darcy and our dear Colonel Fitzwilliam are visiting their Aunt, Lady Catherine. Anne had found papers written by her father Louis de Bourgh, outlining in great detail the terms of her marriage. She was not to have a season in town but should seek a marriage partner from somewhere else…not town. When presented to Lady Catherine she, in a fit of temper, tossed them in the fire. She was seriously displeased when Anne advised her that they were copies and they had more. She also advised her that she would not marry Darcy and that Darcy was interested in another.
A lot of the story happened off the page and we were told of it in dialogue. We have Darcy storming from the direction of the parsonage and Anne and Richard deduced that his meeting with Miss Elizabeth did not go well. It seemed everyone knew everyone’s business and openly discussed it. At first it was a bit disconcerting but after a bit, it became hilarious as the cousins dabbled in each other’s business. They often gave unwanted advice and directed opportunities for Darcy and Elizabeth to mend their disagreement. We heard about the meetings because Richard and Anne would discuss what happened or they would quiz Darcy until he told them what happened. Anne spent time with Elizabeth and heard her heart’s desire and she and Richard would plan their mending of fences.
There was a family secret that was hinted at for most of the book. We know it was bad, scandalous, dangerous, devastating to Anne and to Lady Catherine, it would destroy Rosings Park and it would ruin the reputations of nearly all the family. We heard of the atrocities of the elder Lord Matlock…a cruel, devious and conniving man. The horror he inflicted on a young Lady Catherine, and another, was not to be imagined. We do not learn of this until near the end when everything fell apart…all was revealed.
The rest of the book deals in danger, threats, accusations, arson, murder, attempted murder, extortion, blackmail, intrigue, treason, smuggling, trafficking, and government black ops. I was totally caught up in the action and was waiting for it to hit the fan. However, it happened off the page and we were, once again, told what happened…not shown. Being a novella restricted much of the action so we were shown the reaction instead. It was good, but a lot could have been fleshed out.
There are several places that brought tears to my eyes. Such tender moments were so touching. Just saying. There is a happy ever after for someone that we have NEVER suspected before and I was so happy to see it happen for them. OMG!!! What a creative twist. How cool!