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Other Pens, Mansfield Park #1
Henry: To Prove Himself Worthy
He's failed before, but with her help, this time, he might just succeed.Henry Crawford has failed to secure the heart of a good woman before ─ and quite spectacularly so! There are few in town who have not heard of his scandalous affair. While his debacle might have proven great fodder for the gossips, it has left him with a shattered heart and a deep desire to change his ways. However, change is never easy. Old habits can die hard, and some friends may wish to see you stay as you always were. Thankfully for Henry, there are others, such as Trefor Linton, who will wish to help and will offer his sister as a dance partner to help Henry ease his way into society. While most girls her age dream of a rich and handsome husband, Constance Linton is looking for more. She wishes for an intelligent gentleman of good character who is not opposed to a bookish lady. But sifting through the dross in a ballroom in search of such a man is no easy task. A gentleman with Henry's reputation is not the sort of man for whom Constance seeks, yet she is not opposed to lending him her aid in achieving his desires.What begins as a single dance will grow into a collaboration that will equip Henry with all he needs to win a woman of worth, while entangling hearts and leaving not only his own heart and reputation but also that of his friend and tutor at risk of being irreparably damaged. To Prove Himself Worthy is part of Leenie Brown's Other Pens Collection of books that pick up the storytelling pen where Jane Austen put it down. If you like well-written stories of sweet redemption, then you will love this story of facing the challenges that reformation can bring and discovering the pleasure that only deep, abiding love can provide.So, put the kettle on, grab your copy of To Prove Himself Worthy, and let this sweet romance inspire a hope that even the most reprobate heart can, with care and determination, be transformed into that of a worthy gentleman.
184 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 22, 2017
About the author
Leenie Brown
95 books114 followersLeenie Brown has always been a girl with an active imagination, which, while growing up, was both an asset, providing many hours of fun as she played out stories, and a liability, when her older sister and aunt would tell her frightening tales. At one time, they had her convinced Dracula lived in the trunk at the end of the bed she slept in when visiting her grandparents!
Although it has been years since she cowered in her bed in her grandparents’ basement, she still has an imagination which occasionally runs away with her, and she feeds it now as she did then ─ by reading!
Her heroes, when growing up, were authors, and the worlds they painted with words were (and still are) her favourite playgrounds! Now, as an adult, she spends much of her time in the Regency world, playing with the characters from her favourite Jane Austen novels and those of her own creation.
When she is not traipsing down a trail in an attempt to keep up with her imagination, Leenie resides in the beautiful province of Nova Scotia with her two sons and her very own Mr. Brown (a wonderful mix of all the best of Darcy, Bingley, and Edmund with a healthy dose of the teasing Mr. Tilney and just a dash of the scolding Mr. Knightley).
Although it has been years since she cowered in her bed in her grandparents’ basement, she still has an imagination which occasionally runs away with her, and she feeds it now as she did then ─ by reading!
Her heroes, when growing up, were authors, and the worlds they painted with words were (and still are) her favourite playgrounds! Now, as an adult, she spends much of her time in the Regency world, playing with the characters from her favourite Jane Austen novels and those of her own creation.
When she is not traipsing down a trail in an attempt to keep up with her imagination, Leenie resides in the beautiful province of Nova Scotia with her two sons and her very own Mr. Brown (a wonderful mix of all the best of Darcy, Bingley, and Edmund with a healthy dose of the teasing Mr. Tilney and just a dash of the scolding Mr. Knightley).
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 26, 2018
“Rakes make good husbands. Especially when they fall in love.” –Jess Michaels, Something Reckless
It is suggested that the reader should have a working knowledge of Jane Austen’s classic Mansfield Park before reading this story. However, it is possible to read this as a standalone without having read the canon story. Leenie Brown gives enough information to lead the reader to a basic understanding of the character [or lack thereof] of Henry and Mary Crawford to get through this story.
I will admit… I didn’t want to read a story about Henry Crawford. I am Team Fanny one hundred percent and I didn’t appreciate Henry Crawford or Mary, that sister of his, one bit. However, our author posted an excerpt from this story on her website and, I am ashamed to admit, I was hooked. Although, I did wait before reading it. When Leenie Brown announced the launch of her next story in the ‘Other Pens Series,’ I knew I needed to read this story first. Brown had teased her followers and finally revealed who would be featured in the next book. Since he was introduced in this first story I knew I needed to pay particular attention to him so I could enjoy his story later. As it turns out… I was intrigued by him and really wanted to read about his adventure as Brown gave him his HEA. But, let’s deal with Henry first. ***Rating: clean*** [4.5-stars rounded to 5-stars]
“Emotional intelligence is your ability to recognize and understand emotions in yourself and others, and your ability to use this awareness to manage your behavior and relationships.” –Travis Bradberry
Henry’s reputation was set at naught. In the canon story… Henry and his sister Mary visited Dr. and Mrs. Grant, their sister and her husband, at the parsonage at Mansfield Park. They were then introduced to the neighbors at the manor… town meets country and the clash was devastating to both parties. Henry and Mary brought scandal to themselves as well as to the Bertram family. Henry paid on more than one level and his very name would cause matchmaking mamas and chaperones of the ton to pull their marriageable daughters and charges to the side when he attended an event.
“As many an architect will tell you, human behavior changes according to the environment.” –Peter Gabriel
If Henry Crawford was going to change, he needed to remove himself from the circle of friends and acquaintances that he had been running with. Unfortunately, that included his sister Mary. She was not willing to lose Henry’s company that easily. Thus, began the war between the siblings.
Mary Crawford: “Behavior is the mirror in which everyone shows their image.” –Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Mary was all about image… how she looked, acted, what she wore, where to be seen and with whom. As stated in canon… having someone like Henry around…. blah, blah, blah. It was all about appearances. It didn’t matter to her that Henry had responsibilities or something that he needed to attend to. She was attending a party at Mrs. Rushworth’s and she needed Henry to escort her. Besides, what could it hurt? Right? In this story… Mary had not changed one bit. In fact, we saw Henry’s POV of her behavior and actions. It was revealing as he saw his sister for the first time… as she truly was.
“Human behavior flows from three main sources: desire, emotion, and knowledge.” –Plato
Henry knew he needed to change and turned to his true friends for help. Who could direct him best on the proper way to behave that was acceptable in good society? How was he to change if he didn’t know what he was doing wrong? Enter his best friend and his best friend’s sister. Oh, this was fun watching Henry crash and burn as she put him through his paces toward redemption.
Gossip and the ton: “Truth is irrelevant. What is relevant is whether or not they believe it.” –Sarah MacLean, A Rogue by Any Other Name
What damage an article in the paper can wield… true or no. I felt for Henry when he realized a scandal sheet had reported a scandalous rendezvous in the garden of the party he had attended the night before. What made it so bad was it had listed his initials with those of a married woman known for her philandering behavior. Damage control.
Did I change my feelings about Henry Crawford? Well… I needed some reassurances that he had truly changed. There were acknowledgments that I needed him to make. I had several questions that I needed our author to satisfy. Did he really understand what he had done wrong at Mansfield? In his regretting Fanny… did he finally understand that he never had a chance with her? I wanted to hate him for all eternity, but I think Leenie Brown more than answered my questions and gave me the assurances that I needed. I saw a changed man. I saw him acknowledge his faults and deconstruct his visit at Mansfield and own up to his culpability and his part in the Bertram/Rushworth maelstrom. He was now on the path to a new life and able to really fall in love. Yes, I changed my feelings about Henry Crawford.
I won this from a giveaway on the author’s website [6-4-18].
It is suggested that the reader should have a working knowledge of Jane Austen’s classic Mansfield Park before reading this story. However, it is possible to read this as a standalone without having read the canon story. Leenie Brown gives enough information to lead the reader to a basic understanding of the character [or lack thereof] of Henry and Mary Crawford to get through this story.
I will admit… I didn’t want to read a story about Henry Crawford. I am Team Fanny one hundred percent and I didn’t appreciate Henry Crawford or Mary, that sister of his, one bit. However, our author posted an excerpt from this story on her website and, I am ashamed to admit, I was hooked. Although, I did wait before reading it. When Leenie Brown announced the launch of her next story in the ‘Other Pens Series,’ I knew I needed to read this story first. Brown had teased her followers and finally revealed who would be featured in the next book. Since he was introduced in this first story I knew I needed to pay particular attention to him so I could enjoy his story later. As it turns out… I was intrigued by him and really wanted to read about his adventure as Brown gave him his HEA. But, let’s deal with Henry first. ***Rating: clean*** [4.5-stars rounded to 5-stars]
“Emotional intelligence is your ability to recognize and understand emotions in yourself and others, and your ability to use this awareness to manage your behavior and relationships.” –Travis Bradberry
Henry’s reputation was set at naught. In the canon story… Henry and his sister Mary visited Dr. and Mrs. Grant, their sister and her husband, at the parsonage at Mansfield Park. They were then introduced to the neighbors at the manor… town meets country and the clash was devastating to both parties. Henry and Mary brought scandal to themselves as well as to the Bertram family. Henry paid on more than one level and his very name would cause matchmaking mamas and chaperones of the ton to pull their marriageable daughters and charges to the side when he attended an event.
“As many an architect will tell you, human behavior changes according to the environment.” –Peter Gabriel
If Henry Crawford was going to change, he needed to remove himself from the circle of friends and acquaintances that he had been running with. Unfortunately, that included his sister Mary. She was not willing to lose Henry’s company that easily. Thus, began the war between the siblings.
Mary Crawford: “Behavior is the mirror in which everyone shows their image.” –Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Mary was all about image… how she looked, acted, what she wore, where to be seen and with whom. As stated in canon… having someone like Henry around…. blah, blah, blah. It was all about appearances. It didn’t matter to her that Henry had responsibilities or something that he needed to attend to. She was attending a party at Mrs. Rushworth’s and she needed Henry to escort her. Besides, what could it hurt? Right? In this story… Mary had not changed one bit. In fact, we saw Henry’s POV of her behavior and actions. It was revealing as he saw his sister for the first time… as she truly was.
“Human behavior flows from three main sources: desire, emotion, and knowledge.” –Plato
Henry knew he needed to change and turned to his true friends for help. Who could direct him best on the proper way to behave that was acceptable in good society? How was he to change if he didn’t know what he was doing wrong? Enter his best friend and his best friend’s sister. Oh, this was fun watching Henry crash and burn as she put him through his paces toward redemption.
Gossip and the ton: “Truth is irrelevant. What is relevant is whether or not they believe it.” –Sarah MacLean, A Rogue by Any Other Name
What damage an article in the paper can wield… true or no. I felt for Henry when he realized a scandal sheet had reported a scandalous rendezvous in the garden of the party he had attended the night before. What made it so bad was it had listed his initials with those of a married woman known for her philandering behavior. Damage control.
Did I change my feelings about Henry Crawford? Well… I needed some reassurances that he had truly changed. There were acknowledgments that I needed him to make. I had several questions that I needed our author to satisfy. Did he really understand what he had done wrong at Mansfield? In his regretting Fanny… did he finally understand that he never had a chance with her? I wanted to hate him for all eternity, but I think Leenie Brown more than answered my questions and gave me the assurances that I needed. I saw a changed man. I saw him acknowledge his faults and deconstruct his visit at Mansfield and own up to his culpability and his part in the Bertram/Rushworth maelstrom. He was now on the path to a new life and able to really fall in love. Yes, I changed my feelings about Henry Crawford.
I won this from a giveaway on the author’s website [6-4-18].
August 26, 2018
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars
Ah, Henry Crawford! We all hate him in Mansfield Park, don't we? What a dishonorable scoundrel!
This book posits that Henry really did have feelings for Fanny Price and regrets his character flaws that made her reject his marriage proposal. She made him wish he were a better man. His scandalous affair with Mrs. Maria Rushworth (nee Bertram) was a knee-jerk reaction, a return to the kind of activities he'd always found diverting in the past. This time, though, it wasn't satisfying at all. It's left him feeling hollow and empty, and Henry decides to see if he has it in him to become the kind of man that the kind of woman like Fanny could love.
We're introduced to Henry's two closest friends, Charles Edwards and Trefor Linton. Edwards is cut from the same cloth as Henry and enjoys shocking all of polite society. Linton, however, is an honorable gentleman who has always urged the others toward the straight and narrow. Linton has a sister, Constance, and it's understood among the three that she is strictly off-limits. (It helps that Linton is a BIG man who would beat Henry or Edwards to a pulp for any inappropriate behavior with his younger sister.)
When Linton, Constance, and Mrs. Gwaldys Kendricks (aunt to the Linton siblings) become convinced that Henry is sincerely trying to change, they offer assistance. Constance's dear friend, Miss Evelyn Barrett, also has a significant role here, as does her mother, Mrs. Barrett. Linton allows his sister to instruct Henry in the way a true gentleman should behave with a young woman--in socially acceptable settings, of course--and the Lintons and Barretts are influential enough that the rest of the ton is willing to give Henry a chance to prove he is capable of being a true gentleman.
Henry's sister Mary and Lady Flora Stornaway become the antagonists. How will Henry manage to recover his respectability when he innocently becomes embroiled in another scandal?
This is a very different story from Mansfield Park. It all takes place in London rather than a country estate, and Henry and Mary Crawford are the only characters from the original who appear. It's still a worthy sequel. As a reader, I found the actions of both Crawford siblings credible due to the motivations Ms. Brown gives them. It's an interesting plot, too. While the romance that develops is somewhat predictable, the rest of the story is not. Love the pivotal events where Edwards runs interference and gets punished for it, which sets up the sequel nicely.
Ms. Brown's writing is its usual good quality, and I found no editing errors of note. It's a sweet, clean romance.
Ah, Henry Crawford! We all hate him in Mansfield Park, don't we? What a dishonorable scoundrel!
This book posits that Henry really did have feelings for Fanny Price and regrets his character flaws that made her reject his marriage proposal. She made him wish he were a better man. His scandalous affair with Mrs. Maria Rushworth (nee Bertram) was a knee-jerk reaction, a return to the kind of activities he'd always found diverting in the past. This time, though, it wasn't satisfying at all. It's left him feeling hollow and empty, and Henry decides to see if he has it in him to become the kind of man that the kind of woman like Fanny could love.
We're introduced to Henry's two closest friends, Charles Edwards and Trefor Linton. Edwards is cut from the same cloth as Henry and enjoys shocking all of polite society. Linton, however, is an honorable gentleman who has always urged the others toward the straight and narrow. Linton has a sister, Constance, and it's understood among the three that she is strictly off-limits. (It helps that Linton is a BIG man who would beat Henry or Edwards to a pulp for any inappropriate behavior with his younger sister.)
When Linton, Constance, and Mrs. Gwaldys Kendricks (aunt to the Linton siblings) become convinced that Henry is sincerely trying to change, they offer assistance. Constance's dear friend, Miss Evelyn Barrett, also has a significant role here, as does her mother, Mrs. Barrett. Linton allows his sister to instruct Henry in the way a true gentleman should behave with a young woman--in socially acceptable settings, of course--and the Lintons and Barretts are influential enough that the rest of the ton is willing to give Henry a chance to prove he is capable of being a true gentleman.
Henry's sister Mary and Lady Flora Stornaway become the antagonists. How will Henry manage to recover his respectability when he innocently becomes embroiled in another scandal?
This is a very different story from Mansfield Park. It all takes place in London rather than a country estate, and Henry and Mary Crawford are the only characters from the original who appear. It's still a worthy sequel. As a reader, I found the actions of both Crawford siblings credible due to the motivations Ms. Brown gives them. It's an interesting plot, too. While the romance that develops is somewhat predictable, the rest of the story is not. Love the pivotal events where Edwards runs interference and gets punished for it, which sets up the sequel nicely.
Ms. Brown's writing is its usual good quality, and I found no editing errors of note. It's a sweet, clean romance.
October 26, 2019
The author's blurb is very complete as to informing the reader about the premise of this story. Henry Crawford, having lost Fanny Price to her cousin and then engaging in that disastrous affair with Mariah Rushworth, now decides, after spending some time paying attention to his estate, that it is time to find a wife and produce an heir.
However, society knows him only as a rake. And that reputation will not allow him to be introduced to, much less court, the type of respectable lady he now wants as a wife. Fortunately his good friend, Trefor Linton, will allow his sister to help re-introduce Henry into acceptable company: first only by dancing with him. Then the list expands and they find themselves following an agenda to reform him and to have others see him as reformed.
Ironically Constance Linton turns out to be exactly what he wants...but Trefor has threatened physical harm on Henry if he even thinks about approaching his sister; a warning which has been in place since she came out.
Henry finds himself surprisingly sabotaged by someone he thought would have had his back. So will this piece of gossip now be the nail in his coffin as far as redeeming himself and winning the hand of the woman perfect for him?
This story ends at 90% when we then read the beginning of another story.
However, society knows him only as a rake. And that reputation will not allow him to be introduced to, much less court, the type of respectable lady he now wants as a wife. Fortunately his good friend, Trefor Linton, will allow his sister to help re-introduce Henry into acceptable company: first only by dancing with him. Then the list expands and they find themselves following an agenda to reform him and to have others see him as reformed.
Ironically Constance Linton turns out to be exactly what he wants...but Trefor has threatened physical harm on Henry if he even thinks about approaching his sister; a warning which has been in place since she came out.
Henry finds himself surprisingly sabotaged by someone he thought would have had his back. So will this piece of gossip now be the nail in his coffin as far as redeeming himself and winning the hand of the woman perfect for him?
This story ends at 90% when we then read the beginning of another story.
July 20, 2018
I’ve always liked Henry Crawford even though he is a rake. And I admit to being disappointed that he wasn’t reformed by Austen in Mansfield Park. So here at last is his chance for reformation, Henry wants to become respectable and find a wife. But will society’s matrons (and brothers) let him anywhere near a proper lady? It was interesting to read about his heartache over Fanny. The author wisely shows that he did know Fanny’s worth and regrets her. It seems a good catalyst for his desire to change. I liked all of the new characters introduced to us, Linton and Edwards especially. Another fun, fast read. This author is quickly becoming a favorite.
December 19, 2020
The road to redemption is not easy, but it can lead to a second chance at love for a victorious traveler. Jane Austen's Mansfield Park ends in ignominy for a handful of characters and among them is Henry Crawford. I was pleased to pick up this sequel and see a softer, redemptive character in him.
Henry Crawford is still the on dit of high society and he is well aware when he comes to London for the season after being productive on his estate and making changes in his behavior that he must live it down. His good friend and country neighbor, Linton, is prepared to lend his own respectability by asking his sister to stand up with Henry to dance at a ball under the eyes of all. This is the beginning to a kind arrangement of Constance Linton being his guide to better behavior among good society and as his stalwart friend. Constance is his friend's sister and she is off limits though his heart does yearn once he knows her better.
Connie Linton always enjoy the vivacious Henry Crawford's company when he visited their home and went about with her brother, but she sees the honor and integrity that have emerged after his terrible behavior in the past. It is a lowering thought to help him become the gentleman that any good parent or chaperone would allow near their daughter and know that he planned to marry one when her heart has decided that he is perfect for a studious, misspoken woman like herself.
Of course, not everyone is rooting on Henry Crawford or approving of his change of habits. His own sister misses him livening her set of friends and she prefers the rake to this stodgy brother. She will not let him reform into an insipid bore.
What a lovely surprise! I was expecting a romance and it was even obvious from the start who would be the love interests. But, beyond the enchanting romance was also a fun and lively circle of friends and family. I had a good time with the banter and the way everyone came together to help Henry even his rakish friend Charles Edwards who is a fun mischief- maker. I can't wait to encounter them all in further series books.
Henry and Connie were an obvious perfect pair, but they had their reasons for not seeing it at first and hesitating when they did. He respects (and fears) her brother's wishes and thinks too well of her and not well of himself to try while she thinks he doesn't see an outspoken, bluestocking of mild beauty as a possibility. Lovely seeing it all come about.
All in all, a great start to a new series that I will enjoy pursuing.
Henry Crawford is still the on dit of high society and he is well aware when he comes to London for the season after being productive on his estate and making changes in his behavior that he must live it down. His good friend and country neighbor, Linton, is prepared to lend his own respectability by asking his sister to stand up with Henry to dance at a ball under the eyes of all. This is the beginning to a kind arrangement of Constance Linton being his guide to better behavior among good society and as his stalwart friend. Constance is his friend's sister and she is off limits though his heart does yearn once he knows her better.
Connie Linton always enjoy the vivacious Henry Crawford's company when he visited their home and went about with her brother, but she sees the honor and integrity that have emerged after his terrible behavior in the past. It is a lowering thought to help him become the gentleman that any good parent or chaperone would allow near their daughter and know that he planned to marry one when her heart has decided that he is perfect for a studious, misspoken woman like herself.
Of course, not everyone is rooting on Henry Crawford or approving of his change of habits. His own sister misses him livening her set of friends and she prefers the rake to this stodgy brother. She will not let him reform into an insipid bore.
What a lovely surprise! I was expecting a romance and it was even obvious from the start who would be the love interests. But, beyond the enchanting romance was also a fun and lively circle of friends and family. I had a good time with the banter and the way everyone came together to help Henry even his rakish friend Charles Edwards who is a fun mischief- maker. I can't wait to encounter them all in further series books.
Henry and Connie were an obvious perfect pair, but they had their reasons for not seeing it at first and hesitating when they did. He respects (and fears) her brother's wishes and thinks too well of her and not well of himself to try while she thinks he doesn't see an outspoken, bluestocking of mild beauty as a possibility. Lovely seeing it all come about.
All in all, a great start to a new series that I will enjoy pursuing.
August 29, 2017
Can Henry Crawford, rogue, be redeemed? Oh, this was a splendid novella on Henry Crawford after his scandalous affair with Maria Rushworth.
"He had had his fill of games, dalliances, and chits who thought too well of themselves. He was looking for a woman of substance who would stand by his side as his wife."
However, would any of the mothers and chaperones of the 'ton' allow him to even get close to their daughters/charges? Would Henry ultimately give up trying?
Fortunately, for Henry, he has two close friends who are willing to help him to a point. Linton may be pleased with the Henry for trying but Edwards still cannot understand why he would want to! Linton, has a lovely sister, Constance, and his Aunt Kendrick who agree to help as well. What happens next will surprise you and leave you wishing for more!
My only quibble, but not one to reduce the number of stars, was no mention of a maid in attendance with Constance and Henry until near the end. I am assuming it is implied.
I highly recommend this delightful Mansfield Park novella. Looking forward to future stories...Linton himself, Mary Crawford, Edwards?
I received an ARC of this book for a fair and honest review.
"He had had his fill of games, dalliances, and chits who thought too well of themselves. He was looking for a woman of substance who would stand by his side as his wife."
However, would any of the mothers and chaperones of the 'ton' allow him to even get close to their daughters/charges? Would Henry ultimately give up trying?
Fortunately, for Henry, he has two close friends who are willing to help him to a point. Linton may be pleased with the Henry for trying but Edwards still cannot understand why he would want to! Linton, has a lovely sister, Constance, and his Aunt Kendrick who agree to help as well. What happens next will surprise you and leave you wishing for more!
My only quibble, but not one to reduce the number of stars, was no mention of a maid in attendance with Constance and Henry until near the end. I am assuming it is implied.
I highly recommend this delightful Mansfield Park novella. Looking forward to future stories...Linton himself, Mary Crawford, Edwards?
I received an ARC of this book for a fair and honest review.
August 17, 2022
Diciamo che è un sequel di Mansfiel Park per via del suo protagonista, ma in realtà si tratta di un buon romance, con protagonista Henry Crawford, ma potrebbe essere un qualunque libertino che si vuole riformare dopo aver perso una donna meritevole come Fanny Price, e chiede al suo amico rispettabile Trefor Linton e a sua sorella Constance di aiutarlo. Naturalmente finirà per innamorarsi proprio di Constance, e quando sua sorella Mary tenterà di fargli uno scherzetto simile a quello che gli fece perdere Fanny, il rischio di perdere anche lei sarà altissimo. Ma Constance è una ragazza perbene, non un'ingenua, e sarà proprio lei a sventare lo scherzetto.
Non sono stata convintissima di questo nuovo Henry, e il fatto che la colpa venga attribuita tutta a Mary mi lascia più che perplessa. In questo breve romanzo, lei è davvero da prendere a schiaffi - non che in Mansfield Park non lo sia, ma è "camuffata" -, quindi non so come farà a riscattarsi nel terzo romanzo della serie, quello che le è dedicato.
Intanto, il secondo romanzo vede per protagonisti Charles Edwards (un amico di Henry ancora più libertino di lui) ed Evelyn Barrett (un'amica di Constance), per cui con Mansfield Park c'entra molto poco...
Non sono stata convintissima di questo nuovo Henry, e il fatto che la colpa venga attribuita tutta a Mary mi lascia più che perplessa. In questo breve romanzo, lei è davvero da prendere a schiaffi - non che in Mansfield Park non lo sia, ma è "camuffata" -, quindi non so come farà a riscattarsi nel terzo romanzo della serie, quello che le è dedicato.
Intanto, il secondo romanzo vede per protagonisti Charles Edwards (un amico di Henry ancora più libertino di lui) ed Evelyn Barrett (un'amica di Constance), per cui con Mansfield Park c'entra molto poco...
September 11, 2017
Henry Crawford late of Mansfield Park wishes to reform and marry. But can a rake every reform.
An enjoyable story, well-written with the introduction of new characters.
Received book as a gift from the author.
An enjoyable story, well-written with the introduction of new characters.
Received book as a gift from the author.
September 14, 2018
This book was the first Mansfield Park sequel I have read and I really enjoyed how Leenie Brown explored Henry Crawford as a character and went about reforming him. This was such a fun story and I enjoyed all the characters in this story. I look forward to reading the next book in this series about Henry's friend Charles Edwards as well as seeing who else Leenie Brown winds up writing about in this series.
September 29, 2019
Interesting characters and a good read. Enjoyed it.
September 26, 2019
Can a rake become a respectable gentleman with a proper lady's help?
Mr. Henry Crawford had never been ashamed of being a rake, until he was. With a ruined reputation he will never find an acceptable bride, for no woman worth marrying would dare to speak to him. Then Miss Constance Linton, the very proper sister of his very proper friend, suggested a solution to his problem.
Constance and Henry's delightful story is all about the characters. Indeed, there is a twist within this character-driven tale, but it is the witty dialogue and sensitive emotions that make this book so enjoyable. In addition to Leenie Brown's writing skills, which shine within her relevant descriptions and period dialogue, Ms. Brown also did a fine job of moving each scene forward while still developing secondary characters.
All in all this is a thoroughly enjoyable book that is also very sweet and clean.
This book is suitable for any age reader.
Mr. Henry Crawford had never been ashamed of being a rake, until he was. With a ruined reputation he will never find an acceptable bride, for no woman worth marrying would dare to speak to him. Then Miss Constance Linton, the very proper sister of his very proper friend, suggested a solution to his problem.
Constance and Henry's delightful story is all about the characters. Indeed, there is a twist within this character-driven tale, but it is the witty dialogue and sensitive emotions that make this book so enjoyable. In addition to Leenie Brown's writing skills, which shine within her relevant descriptions and period dialogue, Ms. Brown also did a fine job of moving each scene forward while still developing secondary characters.
All in all this is a thoroughly enjoyable book that is also very sweet and clean.
This book is suitable for any age reader.
April 13, 2023
A variation based on the character of Henry Crawford from the novel 'Mansfield Park'. Many such variations are created for the purpose of marrying Henry to Fanny Price, an outcome which many readers feel is what should have happened. Leenie Brown does not follow this path; Fanny is certainly mentioned but she is lost to Henry as she is in the original, and for the same reasons. But his first experience of love has left him feeling that it is time he left his old ways behind and settled down. This proves to be a little more difficult than he may have hoped, partly because his reputation now precedes him and partly because he does not really know how to go about his reformation. His friend Trefor Linton agrees to help him and this involves Trefor's sister Constance guiding him in what young ladies look for in a husband.
Henry does eventually find his happy ending and does indeed prove himself worthy and I very much enjoyed his journey.
Henry does eventually find his happy ending and does indeed prove himself worthy and I very much enjoyed his journey.
May 4, 2022
Not very often do I see Austen Fan Fiction that isn't P&P so I was intrigued by the fact that this one is a continuation of Mansfield Park. And even more intrigued by the idea of reforming Henry Crawford! Is it even possible? After reading this book I'd have to say, "Yes. Yes it is". He was quite likable, though his sister was just as unlikable as ever. She and her friend are horrible. I hope that Henry and Connie have a wonderful happily ever after together.
I find I'm interested in reading the rest of this series.
Sex: references to marital infidelity and rakish behavior
Language: no
Violence: a little
I find I'm interested in reading the rest of this series.
Sex: references to marital infidelity and rakish behavior
Language: no
Violence: a little
October 20, 2017
I love a Henry Crawford redemption story. They are just so few and far between so when I find one, I have to read it. This one did not disappoint. It was short and sweet, and very well written. Enjoyed it.
November 25, 2019
First entry to what promises to be a very well written series, with Leenie Brown's great talent at redeeming the characters from Austen who fail, who deliberately scheme to ruin, or compromise or demean the kind, innocent, or heroic characters.
April 1, 2023
a charming quick read
An enjoyable what if for the self-confessed rogue of Mansfield Park.
Circumstances have shown Henry Crawford that he needs to change his ways and to that end he enlists the help of his friend and the friend’s sister.
An enjoyable what if for the self-confessed rogue of Mansfield Park.
Circumstances have shown Henry Crawford that he needs to change his ways and to that end he enlists the help of his friend and the friend’s sister.
November 23, 2019
Fun Romance
I enjoyed the characters in this story, well developed, as well as the plot. The final scene was priceless, as in, the chickens came home to roost.
I enjoyed the characters in this story, well developed, as well as the plot. The final scene was priceless, as in, the chickens came home to roost.
May 31, 2021
A cute, short, and sweet story. After losing Fanny due to his foolish ways, Henry Crawford decides it’s time to become honorable and find himself a wife.
July 11, 2021
My only regret is that this is a novella.
July 18, 2023
A pleasant, fluffy light romance. A knowledge of Jane Austen's Mansfield Park provides background for the main character, but isn't necessary.
November 11, 2024
I enjoyed this book and recommend it. Henry is a rake but with the help of his friends sister, Constance, becomes reformed and respectable. They also fall in love in spite of a scandal.
June 14, 2019
I enjoyed this book very much! I Loved the style, I especially loved how I felt it stayed true to Austen's characters.
I must admit that Mansfield Park has never been a favourite of mine (and that isn't even just because first cousins marrying is repulsive in my eyes), for exactly the reason that the baddies are irredeemable cads and loose folk, thrown in the garbage when all is said and done because that's where they belong. The introduction to this book references a statment by Austen about "other pens" finishing the unfinished stories, which is what this book does beautifully.
Amongst the Mansfield set, I always thought Henry was the most interesting one. I always thought his end was rather abrupt and very unsatisfactory. This book gives the closure every Henry fan needs.
Cute, short, sweet, adorable. highly recommend~
let me just rant a little. FANNY, YOU PICKED A REALLY SHALLOW GUY. HE WAS GONNA MARRY A CRAZY WENCH BECAUSE HE'S SO SHALLOW, AND IN THE END HE SETTLED FOR YOU BECAUSE HE'S SO SHALLOW. I'm glad you got what you wanted, but daaaaaaaaaang, poor choice. sups judgey of you.
rant ober.
I must admit that Mansfield Park has never been a favourite of mine (and that isn't even just because first cousins marrying is repulsive in my eyes), for exactly the reason that the baddies are irredeemable cads and loose folk, thrown in the garbage when all is said and done because that's where they belong. The introduction to this book references a statment by Austen about "other pens" finishing the unfinished stories, which is what this book does beautifully.
Amongst the Mansfield set, I always thought Henry was the most interesting one. I always thought his end was rather abrupt and very unsatisfactory. This book gives the closure every Henry fan needs.
Cute, short, sweet, adorable. highly recommend~
let me just rant a little. FANNY, YOU PICKED A REALLY SHALLOW GUY. HE WAS GONNA MARRY A CRAZY WENCH BECAUSE HE'S SO SHALLOW, AND IN THE END HE SETTLED FOR YOU BECAUSE HE'S SO SHALLOW. I'm glad you got what you wanted, but daaaaaaaaaang, poor choice. sups judgey of you.
rant ober.
March 15, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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.
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