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Other Pens, Mansfield Park #3
Mary: To Protect Her Heart
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 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, Mansfield Park Series of books. 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.
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 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, Mansfield Park Series of books. 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.
209 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 10, 2018
32 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Leenie Brown
95 books112 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 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 12, 2023
“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 worked for The Company returning 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 in 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 about 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 convenient 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 via Booksprout and the views expressed are my own.
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 worked for The Company returning 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 in 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 about 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 convenient 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 via Booksprout and the views expressed are my own.
March 7, 2019
My Rating: 3.5*
I am thoroughly enjoying this new series by Leenie Brown based on those characters from Jane Austen's 'Mansfield Park' who need redemption, namely, Henry Crawford and his good friend Charles (a new and original character). I highly recommend you start with Book 1 ''Henry: To Prove Himself Worthy' and then Book 2 'Charles: To Discover His Purpose'. Now we have Mary Crawford's story.
"For some, no matter how good their lots in life were, there was a struggle, deep and disquieting, that had to be faced when it came to finding their purpose and place." (quote from the book)
Mary Crawford is at crossroads in her life. She is continuing to attend soirees, balls and making calls but after being severely cut by her brother, Henry, she is floundering. Thomas Bertram, heir to Mansfield Park approaches her during a ball and offers her a challenge. Should she accept? Can she do it?
During their time that evening, she is introduced to his good friend, Gabriel Durward. They are each intrigued with other and agree to become friends. I definitely liked Mr. Durward and how he shows Mary what a true friend is. He has his own set of issues with his business that are soon causing him more problems than he was expecting.
Overall, I enjoyed Mary's story, but the pace is fast and the results were as well. I also felt there was a very quick transition to the villainy taking place and needed to suspend belief for it to work for me. That being said, I do recommend this entertaining story and series!
June 13, 2019
The twist in this is so ridiculous that it is almost cringe-worthy.
2.5 stars
2.5 stars
March 29, 2019
This is a wonderful combination of a character study of Mary Crawford and a bit of a thriller as it gets to the climactic point in the story. Like the other books in this series, it's a sequel to Mansfield Park that imagines the future for some of its less admirable characters.
Mary Crawford has learned from experience that men are not trustworthy. She's lived with her uncle, Admiral Crawford, too long to believe otherwise. When she's confronted by Tom Bertram and asked pointblank why she wreaked havoc in his family, she's unable to come up with an answer acceptable to herself. Unfortunately, her mind is too lively to be happy as a placid society miss, which is why the intrigues of her snobbish friends appeal to her. Toying with others is just an amusing game. It's the beginning of her path to recognition that, in many ways, she's on the same path as her hated uncle.
Tom, who has undergone a reformation of his own after his near-death experience, challenges her to make changes in her attitude and her life, including finding a "proper fellow." When she approaches him later to speak more about it, he introduces her to Gabe Durward. Gabe is one of Tom's best friends, an honest businessman guiding him regarding investment strategies. There's an exotic look about him, and none of Mary's feminine tricks appear to affect him, which she finds intriguing. Gabe quickly recognizes that Mary puts up a tough shell to shield a sensitive soul.
The story progresses, as do the sparks growing between Mary and Gabe. However, her old friends are not happy with her defection from their ranks and they plot to create trouble for the two. Also, the books Gabe keeps for the company in which he's a partner are showing a discrepancy he's unable to account for. Naturally, there's a HEA, but the road to get there isn't smooth.
Ms. Brown's writing is engaging, and the plot finds a nice balance between character study and adventure. It's satisfying to consider that Mary Crawford may be redeemable after all.
Content is clean.
Mary Crawford has learned from experience that men are not trustworthy. She's lived with her uncle, Admiral Crawford, too long to believe otherwise. When she's confronted by Tom Bertram and asked pointblank why she wreaked havoc in his family, she's unable to come up with an answer acceptable to herself. Unfortunately, her mind is too lively to be happy as a placid society miss, which is why the intrigues of her snobbish friends appeal to her. Toying with others is just an amusing game. It's the beginning of her path to recognition that, in many ways, she's on the same path as her hated uncle.
Tom, who has undergone a reformation of his own after his near-death experience, challenges her to make changes in her attitude and her life, including finding a "proper fellow." When she approaches him later to speak more about it, he introduces her to Gabe Durward. Gabe is one of Tom's best friends, an honest businessman guiding him regarding investment strategies. There's an exotic look about him, and none of Mary's feminine tricks appear to affect him, which she finds intriguing. Gabe quickly recognizes that Mary puts up a tough shell to shield a sensitive soul.
The story progresses, as do the sparks growing between Mary and Gabe. However, her old friends are not happy with her defection from their ranks and they plot to create trouble for the two. Also, the books Gabe keeps for the company in which he's a partner are showing a discrepancy he's unable to account for. Naturally, there's a HEA, but the road to get there isn't smooth.
Ms. Brown's writing is engaging, and the plot finds a nice balance between character study and adventure. It's satisfying to consider that Mary Crawford may be redeemable after all.
Content is clean.
September 19, 2022
Non male come romance, ma non mi sembra affatto che i personaggi abbiano nulla che vedere con Mansfield Park, di cui l'autrice millanta siano i sequel. Tutti sembrano avere voglia di riformarsi e di trovare l'anima gemella, che sia una persona perbene per potersi riscattare agli occhi della società.
Mary non solo la trova, ma pare che avrà ugualmente una vita piena di avventure, visto che il suo Gabriel è un capitano mercantile, che si è arricchito con le navi corsare, anche se le sue ex-amiche poco affidabili lo hanno già bollato come povero e rozzo perché è un commerciante e hanno cercato di attribuirgli il furto di una preziosa spilla (come si faceva con le cameriere scomode che si volevano cacciare di casa con ignominia, praticamente). Per fortuna, Gabriel è tutt'altro che rozzo e stupido e sventa il pericolo, ma tanti altri ce ne sono in agguato. Mary Crawford del personaggio di Jane Austen ha solo il nome e i precedenti, non sono riuscita affatto a riconoscere né lei né gli altri personaggi di origine austeniana.
Mary non solo la trova, ma pare che avrà ugualmente una vita piena di avventure, visto che il suo Gabriel è un capitano mercantile, che si è arricchito con le navi corsare, anche se le sue ex-amiche poco affidabili lo hanno già bollato come povero e rozzo perché è un commerciante e hanno cercato di attribuirgli il furto di una preziosa spilla (come si faceva con le cameriere scomode che si volevano cacciare di casa con ignominia, praticamente). Per fortuna, Gabriel è tutt'altro che rozzo e stupido e sventa il pericolo, ma tanti altri ce ne sono in agguato. Mary Crawford del personaggio di Jane Austen ha solo il nome e i precedenti, non sono riuscita affatto a riconoscere né lei né gli altri personaggi di origine austeniana.
February 1, 2021
One of the most iconic secondary characters in Jane Austen's novels is a vibrant, sparkling lady rogue who ended up a tad more pragmatic than her love interest could take in the original Mansfield Park so it is fun to see this sequel of Mary Crawford's redemption and a worthy romance for such a lady.
Mary: To Protect Her Heart is the third of the Other Pens series featuring the ongoing story for characters from Jane Austen's Mansfield Park world. They are connected so that they work best in order, but I suppose in a pinch the reader could read them separately.
In the first book of the series, Mary Crawford is willing to toy with her brother's life and does him harm in reputation and with his courtship. Unlike in the past, he is severe and the consequences of losing him from her life are more of a trial than losing the man she sought to love. Henry's rejection of her makes her take a good hard look in the mirror and she detests what she sees. With help from an unusual source, she determines to set her feet on a new path away from the shallow life that has been occupying her in the hopes of being a better person and winning back her brother's respect. In just such a frame of mind, she encounters the blunt and honest businessman, Gabriel Durwant, who likes what he sees and supports her in the face of her fashionable friends' desertions.
Gabriel has been tenacious in business and risen to be the owner of several ships and a warehouse of goods. Business has been his life until he encounters the sparkling yet repentant Miss Crawford. She is not put off by his brusque manner or his connection to trade. He hopes that her generous nature can accept his Anglo-Indian background including his lovely and strong Indian mother who means all the world to him. Meanwhile, he must figure out the mystery of the accounting issue with his business and keep from being outwitted by Mary's former friend Lady St. Claire who didn't appreciate him matching her verbal barbs in an attempt to put him down.
I loved this story from the sweet romance between seeming opposites to the strong suspense element that rose in the latter half. Mary is undergoing a change of habit that is a result of upbringing and not wishing to take the harder road in life. While this Mary never felt like the original Mary Crawford to me, I had no trouble adjusting and enjoying what I got. The relationship between Mary and her sister and her brother and Gabe's to his mother and best friend Tom were engaging along with the sweet romance and the troubles that were hinted at earlier, but came out into the open at the end. I can't wait to progress on to get Tom's story.
This series of sweet historical romances can be appreciated by those who love Austen and those who have never read Mansfield Park. I can recommend them.
Mary: To Protect Her Heart is the third of the Other Pens series featuring the ongoing story for characters from Jane Austen's Mansfield Park world. They are connected so that they work best in order, but I suppose in a pinch the reader could read them separately.
In the first book of the series, Mary Crawford is willing to toy with her brother's life and does him harm in reputation and with his courtship. Unlike in the past, he is severe and the consequences of losing him from her life are more of a trial than losing the man she sought to love. Henry's rejection of her makes her take a good hard look in the mirror and she detests what she sees. With help from an unusual source, she determines to set her feet on a new path away from the shallow life that has been occupying her in the hopes of being a better person and winning back her brother's respect. In just such a frame of mind, she encounters the blunt and honest businessman, Gabriel Durwant, who likes what he sees and supports her in the face of her fashionable friends' desertions.
Gabriel has been tenacious in business and risen to be the owner of several ships and a warehouse of goods. Business has been his life until he encounters the sparkling yet repentant Miss Crawford. She is not put off by his brusque manner or his connection to trade. He hopes that her generous nature can accept his Anglo-Indian background including his lovely and strong Indian mother who means all the world to him. Meanwhile, he must figure out the mystery of the accounting issue with his business and keep from being outwitted by Mary's former friend Lady St. Claire who didn't appreciate him matching her verbal barbs in an attempt to put him down.
I loved this story from the sweet romance between seeming opposites to the strong suspense element that rose in the latter half. Mary is undergoing a change of habit that is a result of upbringing and not wishing to take the harder road in life. While this Mary never felt like the original Mary Crawford to me, I had no trouble adjusting and enjoying what I got. The relationship between Mary and her sister and her brother and Gabe's to his mother and best friend Tom were engaging along with the sweet romance and the troubles that were hinted at earlier, but came out into the open at the end. I can't wait to progress on to get Tom's story.
This series of sweet historical romances can be appreciated by those who love Austen and those who have never read Mansfield Park. I can recommend them.
May 27, 2023
Redeeming a Hoyden
I have been reading this author's books for years, and they're always a delight whether I pick them up on Amazon or at a book review site. While she was never a poor writer, she's only improved over the years. This book points up her skill. What I love the most about it, I think, is how the author is able to get across so much through dialogue. This is something our beloved Jane Austen did herself. If you open a random page of, say, Pride and Prejudice, you will most likely view a scene with dialogue. Yes, she occasionally did write longer narrative passages, especially to bridge gaps of time, but her books are solidly based on dialogue. Another thing I like about this book, and indeed, this series, is how the author sets out to redeem a minor character from a Jane Austen novel—Mansfield Park—who could be perceived as a villain or otherwise not a good person. While Jane Austen didn't necessarily like to write about that—as is quoted at the start of this book—I find well-written stories of redemption a particularly satisfying read. This book is one of those kinds of stories. In the very first scene, our heroine has a very believable epiphany when a relative stranger points out her past destructive behavior without recrimination or cruelty. Suddenly, she feels on very shaky ground, questioning what she did and what that says about her as a person. After some thought, she decides she wants to become a better person. That man is not the hero, but he certainly is a catalyst for change. The man who becomes the hero also has a wonderful sense of kindness and acceptance. As he sees her converse with his friend, the catalyst, he is able to discern shades of her character, perhaps understanding her better than she does herself in that moment. Brilliantly done. If you like well-written Jane Austen fanfiction, check out this book. I hope you find it as engaging and delightful to read as I did.
I received a free digital copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
I have been reading this author's books for years, and they're always a delight whether I pick them up on Amazon or at a book review site. While she was never a poor writer, she's only improved over the years. This book points up her skill. What I love the most about it, I think, is how the author is able to get across so much through dialogue. This is something our beloved Jane Austen did herself. If you open a random page of, say, Pride and Prejudice, you will most likely view a scene with dialogue. Yes, she occasionally did write longer narrative passages, especially to bridge gaps of time, but her books are solidly based on dialogue. Another thing I like about this book, and indeed, this series, is how the author sets out to redeem a minor character from a Jane Austen novel—Mansfield Park—who could be perceived as a villain or otherwise not a good person. While Jane Austen didn't necessarily like to write about that—as is quoted at the start of this book—I find well-written stories of redemption a particularly satisfying read. This book is one of those kinds of stories. In the very first scene, our heroine has a very believable epiphany when a relative stranger points out her past destructive behavior without recrimination or cruelty. Suddenly, she feels on very shaky ground, questioning what she did and what that says about her as a person. After some thought, she decides she wants to become a better person. That man is not the hero, but he certainly is a catalyst for change. The man who becomes the hero also has a wonderful sense of kindness and acceptance. As he sees her converse with his friend, the catalyst, he is able to discern shades of her character, perhaps understanding her better than she does herself in that moment. Brilliantly done. If you like well-written Jane Austen fanfiction, check out this book. I hope you find it as engaging and delightful to read as I did.
I received a free digital copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
May 10, 2023
A generally well written and enjoyable continuation
3.5* overall from me for this one; 4* for the first 60% but no more than 3* for the last 40%.
This book was progressing well with the building of a relationship between the very prickly and emotionally damaged Mary Crawford and a rather unexpected but endearing young man. The new character, Gabe, was not the sort of man who would have appealed to the old Mary but the new Mary who was seeking to move past her less-than-stellar past is intrigued by this very different young man who has been introduced to her by Tom Bertram. Gabe is a well-rounded and well-written character for which the author should be commended.
The tension and uncertainty which Mary experiences as she makes changes in her life is well portrayed and the support which her sister, Mrs Grant, give her is sweetly described.
There is an interesting interaction with some of the cattier members of the ton who are decidedly put out by Mary's decision to change her life. A very interesting troublesome plot seems to be developing between these well-to-do ladies and the down-to-earth Gabe but it then seems to be dropped in favour of an unnecessarily dramatic scene shift which just didn't ring true to me. I would have preferred the angst to come from a continuation of the first plot rather than this new drama.
I am however enjoying this series and will definitely continue on to read the last books in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3.5* overall from me for this one; 4* for the first 60% but no more than 3* for the last 40%.
This book was progressing well with the building of a relationship between the very prickly and emotionally damaged Mary Crawford and a rather unexpected but endearing young man. The new character, Gabe, was not the sort of man who would have appealed to the old Mary but the new Mary who was seeking to move past her less-than-stellar past is intrigued by this very different young man who has been introduced to her by Tom Bertram. Gabe is a well-rounded and well-written character for which the author should be commended.
The tension and uncertainty which Mary experiences as she makes changes in her life is well portrayed and the support which her sister, Mrs Grant, give her is sweetly described.
There is an interesting interaction with some of the cattier members of the ton who are decidedly put out by Mary's decision to change her life. A very interesting troublesome plot seems to be developing between these well-to-do ladies and the down-to-earth Gabe but it then seems to be dropped in favour of an unnecessarily dramatic scene shift which just didn't ring true to me. I would have preferred the angst to come from a continuation of the first plot rather than this new drama.
I am however enjoying this series and will definitely continue on to read the last books in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 15, 2023
I wasn't looking forward to this book in the series because I really dislike Mary and almost didn't want to see her redeemed. But I was more than curious to see how she could be saved. Her decision to redeem herself was made so quickly I still wondered if she could maintain it, or might she fall back into her old ways? But it did kind of start in the previous book so that helped make the possibility more believable.
Mary has always been charming and beautiful so the fact that Gabriel would look toward her isn't so surprising except he knows what she has been. He doesn't ever seem to doubt that she can become as beautiful on the inside. I really liked Gabriel. He could stand up to the snobbish ton in the face of a putdown without being overly rude. He was just honest. And loyal. I also liked the way he treated his mother. That says much about a man.
It was lovely to see Mary observing positive relationships and noting that one can have a good marriage. Also fun, was seeing Gabriel's mother become a mother figure for Mary from their first meeting.
Mary's exchanging of unhealthy relationships for true friends and family gave hope that she really can have a lasting transformation to be a good person.
Sex: no
Language: no
Violence: yes
*I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
Mary has always been charming and beautiful so the fact that Gabriel would look toward her isn't so surprising except he knows what she has been. He doesn't ever seem to doubt that she can become as beautiful on the inside. I really liked Gabriel. He could stand up to the snobbish ton in the face of a putdown without being overly rude. He was just honest. And loyal. I also liked the way he treated his mother. That says much about a man.
It was lovely to see Mary observing positive relationships and noting that one can have a good marriage. Also fun, was seeing Gabriel's mother become a mother figure for Mary from their first meeting.
Mary's exchanging of unhealthy relationships for true friends and family gave hope that she really can have a lasting transformation to be a good person.
Sex: no
Language: no
Violence: yes
*I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
April 26, 2023
Mary Crawford is determined to change for the better after realizing that she has become the one thing she swore she would never be.
Growing up in the same house as Admiral Croft, an extremely loathsome, cruel specimen that treated people horribly without thought to the consequences to them and those they loved, she swore she would never act in anyway like him. Unfortunately, Mary is made to realize that she has behaved in ways similar to the wretched Admiral. She meets Gabe Durward who helps her to see that her friends are petty and toxic and that she needs to drop them if she is serious about changing.
So, do her friends stand by her and help her to become a better person or do they drop her association altogether? Does she find in Gabe the one thing that she's been missing in her life-a man who she can love, will stand by her and be trustworthy?
This was such an excellent story, my favorite so far in this series. The characters are well written and, in Gabe's case, very witty. There is an exchange between Gabe and Lady St. James upon their first meeting that made me laugh out loud. Priceless!
Obviously, I would recommend this book to all JAFF lovers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Growing up in the same house as Admiral Croft, an extremely loathsome, cruel specimen that treated people horribly without thought to the consequences to them and those they loved, she swore she would never act in anyway like him. Unfortunately, Mary is made to realize that she has behaved in ways similar to the wretched Admiral. She meets Gabe Durward who helps her to see that her friends are petty and toxic and that she needs to drop them if she is serious about changing.
So, do her friends stand by her and help her to become a better person or do they drop her association altogether? Does she find in Gabe the one thing that she's been missing in her life-a man who she can love, will stand by her and be trustworthy?
This was such an excellent story, my favorite so far in this series. The characters are well written and, in Gabe's case, very witty. There is an exchange between Gabe and Lady St. James upon their first meeting that made me laugh out loud. Priceless!
Obviously, I would recommend this book to all JAFF lovers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 30, 2020
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.
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.
April 21, 2020
(I found Austen's Mansfield Park forgettable despite having watched 2 film versions of it, and I do not think I ever read the book.) There was a back story here (of which I am unfamiliar as there were 2 previous books before this one plus that of Jane Austen's) that involved Mary and her twin brother Henry wherein both were involved in meddling with the affairs of another family with tragic consequences. This is Mary's conscious and voluntary road to redemption. She has shed the the hypocritical and prone~to~destroying~others'~reputations friends like Lady St. James and the stupid and sheep~like Miss Morton and made friends with Mr. Duward, a half~Indian (his father was English and his mother was Indian) shipowner and importer via the auspices of Tom Bertram, the eldest son of the family she and her brother harmed. A solid read.
May 1, 2023
Well written third book in this series. Full of romance, love, drama, intrigue and well defined characters. Always happy when the characters from book 1 and 2 are included in the daily happenings. Mary has grown or perhaps changed to fit book 3. Gabriel seems to be a good soul who sees Mary for the good person she could be. He also doesn't let the TON rule him as so many other do. They meet at a ball and their romance takes off. Enjoy this book or read the first two in this series to find out what really is going on with all the characters lives. Very fast paced reading, makes you want the next one in this series. Would recommend this book to others.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 13, 2023
I have never considered Mary Crawford to be a particularly romantic heroine but Leenie Brown's redemption series makes her so. She's been reconsidering all the ways she hurt other people, and the ways her uncle the admiral hurt her, and she's looking for a new start. When Tom Bertram introduces Gabe Durward to her she's intrigued. He makes her brave enough to give up her false society friends. But some of those ladies wish to strike back at an uppity tradesman, and Gabe also has enemies of his own, so this tale turns into a daring rescue. I enjoyed this story a lot, what with the redemptive feelings and the adventure.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 14, 2023
Another volume in Leenie Brown's 'Other Pens' series. Having already told the story of Henry Crawford from Mansfield Park, attention turns to his sister Mary. In the original novel, she is a fascinating but not terribly likeable character with plenty of wit and intelligence but with what seems to be a cold heart.
I was interested to see what Ms Brown would make of such an unpromising start and I have to say she does a most impressive job of presenting a far more admirable Mary. Her attitudes to life and men are explained in a most convincing manner and how and why she achieves her HEA is just as convincing.
Overall an interesting take on an fascinating character by a skilled author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was interested to see what Ms Brown would make of such an unpromising start and I have to say she does a most impressive job of presenting a far more admirable Mary. Her attitudes to life and men are explained in a most convincing manner and how and why she achieves her HEA is just as convincing.
Overall an interesting take on an fascinating character by a skilled author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 1, 2023
When i picked up this book, I thought it was a story about another Mary. Then later, learned it was about Mary Crawford. (I am not familiar with her and Mansfield Park) Though I wasn't familiar, I was able to easy learn what she did and what happened from this story.
Was entertained by the development of her story, the new acquaintance and the romance. This was a short read for me but I felt the completeness of her story.
If you enjoy a clean story with forgiveness, reformation, hope with romance, this would be a good one to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Was entertained by the development of her story, the new acquaintance and the romance. This was a short read for me but I felt the completeness of her story.
If you enjoy a clean story with forgiveness, reformation, hope with romance, this would be a good one to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 13, 2019
In this Mansfield Park sequel, Mary Crawford, with everything that she has said and done, can her character ever be redeemed. But does she want to change, is there someone that she can trust enough with her heart
An enjoyable well-written story
An enjoyable well-written story
April 3, 2020
3.5 stars
The story is quite simple and less complex than the previous one. Maybe that's why it isn't as engaging to read.
And a little too many adverbs.
The story is quite simple and less complex than the previous one. Maybe that's why it isn't as engaging to read.
And a little too many adverbs.
May 10, 2023
I just loved the character of Gabriel Durward, he was an astute business man, who told it as it was. He was the son of and an English man and an Indian woman. Mary Crawford is trying to improve her behaviour towards others. She hasn’t been very kind in the past. They do have an attraction but there are others who wish them harm. This was an entertaining read. It is a sweet romance but it does have some dangerous events. I received a copy via Booksprout and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 28, 2019
As a fan of Mansfield Park, I definitely recommend this series. It helps to start at the beginning with book one about Henry Crawford and book two about a new character, Henry’s friend Charles. This third book focuses on Mary Crawford and I admit I wasn’t sure how the author was going to redeem Mary, but she does. These books are all novella length so the events all happen pretty quickly. They’re perfect to read in a day or two. Looking forward to the next one about Tom Bertram.
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