The Saturday Broadsheet

The April 2026 Saturday Broadsheet

April 11, 2026

Guess what?

I started a new Harriet and the Colonel story. (Chapter 1, part 1 is at the bottom of this newsletter.) That’s an accomplishment that I’m sure you’ll all be interested in.

The start of that story is not my only accomplishment since the last Saturday Broadsheet.

I have also “graduated” from physiotherapy. Okay, so the physio said I was released, but graduated sounds better. 🙂 That means that I will still keep doing my exercises and increasing my activity, but I don’t have to return for an appointment unless I have questions. I now have the skills necessary to keep progressing.

Also…

I think (fingers crossed) that snow is basically a thing of the past here in Nova Scotia. (Although we did have a dusting just this past Tuesday night.) Yay! For springy feeling spring weather!

And…

I am continuing to work on balancing my writing time with my Uber Eats delivery time. I’ve actually been able to add a bit of time to those delivery dates without too many symptoms flaring – and the symptoms after a bit of pushing to add more time and activity seem to be decreasing rather than increasing. However, it does take purposeful balancing of rest and recovery time after a longer session. But, truly, it’s a hopeful sign and a welcome addition for my finances.

Progress! A good bit of progress going in the up and to the left direction as is desired (which feels like spring, too).

And speaking of progress, below are updates on my books and audiobooks, as well as info about some promotions and book fun that I’ve got on the go.

AUDIOBOOK NEWS

Yesterday, I posted the complete audiobook video for Frosted Windowpanes on YouTube, and I have shared a download link for it with my $2 and above patrons on Patreon.

Next week, I will get that audiobook listed on Spotify and InAudio. It will be discounted by 50% until the end of the month.

I have not gotten any new books added to ElevenReader in the past month, and I am still working on marking books already on that platform with an a la carte price. The most recent set of books to be priced is my Teatime Tales collection. Each of those titles are now available for $2.99 to those who would prefer to pay per book rather than subscribe.

BOOK NEWS

Writing News:

I don’t have much to share here. Lydia’s story is slowly progressing, and I’m getting to know the characters better. But it is taking longer to get written than I had planned. I’m hoping with the way my body is adjusting better and better to the longer Uber hours, that writing will start to become a bit easier again.

Book Promotions:

I have a new book promotion to tell you about that was not in the post/email I shared with you all last week. Just this week, I was informed that Listen to Your Heart was selected to be part of Kobo’s Spring/Autumn Reading Campaign in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand (and Canada, since I had to input a sales price for Canada when submitting info).

Since this is not a coupon sale, I have marked the book down to $0.99 in Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand at all my retailers.

This promotion runs from April 10-26.

As a reminder these ^^ are the book promotions, which I’ve already shared with you, and can be found on my book promotions page.

Go to the Current Book Promotions Page

Besides being available to purchase at the usual places (and at the current promotional prices), there are some budget friendly ways to enjoy the Touches of Austen Series.

It is available to read as part of your Everand, Kobo Plus, or Patreon subscription (Patreon subscriptions are pay what you want, starting at $2 USD).

It can also be read in the form of two box sets via Hoopla. (They have four of the single titles on Hoopla but not all of them. I seriously don’t know how Hoopla decides which books they publish. All my books have been submitted to them for a looooong time now.)

And this series is also available in several eBook library catalogues, including OverDrive.

So, lots of options for accessing my books.

Bookish Fun:

This is a new thing that I’m trying.

This month, my planned book promotions highlight my Touches of Austen series. The stories in that series are original sweet Regency romances which have been touched with inspiration by Jane Austen’s work.

It’s honestly not my highest selling series – so it has plenty of room for new readers. 🙂 But, it’s one that I love. In fact, I just reread Her Secret Beau this week. It had me laughing and tearing up as I read.

I mean, that scene where Walter suggests that his friend could be a murderer and Grace’s reaction to that – I dare you not to chuckle at least once during it. I know I wrote it, but I still enjoy it. And it had been a while since I had visited Bath with Grace and Walter.

This is one of the things I like about highlighting a series of books each month – it brings me back to stories I might not have thought about in a while.

I still want to add more books to that series, but… that has to wait a while. I have other series to complete first.

With all that said, here are two bits of fun that I created from a list of words from my Touches of Austen books. The first one you probably already know about. It’s a heart-shaped wordsearch that you can print out or complete online (a free account is needed to save your progress).

The second one is a crossword puzzle that I made using many of the same words from the wordsearch. (So the answers can be found in that word list)

I thought making a crossword would help put those words into context as it applies to my Touches of Austen series, and it might even spark some interest in the stories if you haven’t read them.

SOMETHING NEW TO READ

As I mentioned at the start of this newsletter, I have actually started a new Harriet and the Colonel story. I have absolutely no idea where this story is going or how it will get there. Like none. Zero. But it’s started.

(Okay, so I do know that eventually, there will be a wedding, but that’s it.)

I hope you enjoy this beginning, but please know that the answer to “what happens next” in reply to the somewhat cliffhanger-y ending is unknown to me, too, at this moment. But I’m sure it will be good… right?

Please remember that there are sections where previous chapters from all the Harriet and the Colonel stories can be read on whichever platform you subscribe to.

On my blog, look for Harriet and the Colonel in the menu options.
On Substack, look for the Harriet and the Colonel section on the home page.
On Patreon, look for On the Way to a Wedding in the collections tab.

(PS I couldn’t remember if I gave Samantha’s husband a name in previous stories and have not had time to go back to check. Therefore, I’ve used [name] to hold the place where I need to put his name.)

Chapter 1 (part 1)

“Life is very dull in the country,” Harriet complained to her sister, three-weeks after she had been allowed to help find a missing maid.

Samantha laughed. “But the air in the country is so much better than in town during the summer.” She rested a hand on her ever-growing abdomen. “And I am allowed to put my feet up without a pair of stockings in sight.” She wiggled her toes where her feet rested on a tufted footstool.

“I am quite certain that you could do that in town as well,” Harriet grumbled. “However, I will allow that the air in the country is better.” She rose and walked to the open window that faced south – the exact direction in which they would need to travel to return to town in two-week’s time or so.

“I am very glad that you were able to come to Papa’s estate for a time. Your being here does make things a trifle less dull.” She shot a mischievous smile over her shoulder at her sister. “But you truly can do so little now that you have decided to be a mother.”

Samantha clucked her tongue. “Just you wait, Miss Everything Should Be an Adventure, your time of feeling quite miserable and motherly are not so far off.”

“Is it truly dreadful?”

“It is just so hot – or I am, at least,” her sister replied.

There was a breeze blowing through the window, but it was a warm summer day. Not overly hot, but undoubtedly warm.

“I declare this child is going to be just like his or her father.” Samantha continued. “(Name) is always warm – even in the depths of winter. I am certain that is what is making me overly warm. I am carrying a human furnace.”

Harriet chuckled at that. “Do you wish to go for a walk in the grass? Or perhaps we could procure a large basin of water and sit in the shade with our feet in it?” She held up a finger to keep her sister from answering as she leaned forward to better see the rider who was approaching.

“What is it?” Samantha whispered as she placed her feet on the ground and pushed up from her chair.

“A rider.”

“Is it the Colonel, returned from his visit to Hertfordshire?”

Harriet shook her head. “He will be returning from there to town.” And that was likely why she was finding it difficult to entertain herself for this past week. She missed Richard – more than she missed any sort of adventure.

“Perhaps it is a letter,” her sister offered.

“It could be that.” It was a hopeful thought that one of them might have something of interest to read and perhaps a bit of news to share with the other. “I think…” she leaned a bit further forward. “I think that is Samuels.”

“Who is Samuels?” Samantha asked.

“He frequents the little library at Lillesley house.” She tipped her head. “But why is he alone? I thought he was supposed to be watching that Wickham fellow.”

“The horrible kidnapper?” Samantha whispered. These were things her sister was not supposed to know but did. It was for her own safety that Harriet had shared a few details of what had happened in London before they had left. Edmund might carry around secrets that posed dangerous to his sisters, but Harriet would not. This was Samantha after all. The woman was capable of keeping a few names and details to herself.

“Yes.” Harriet moved toward the door to the sitting room. “We will require some refreshment for ourselves and our guest,” she said to the butler. “And please see that my brother is made aware that his presence is required in the drawing room. His office is far too stuffy at this time of day.”

“Why am I needed in the drawing room?” the very brother, of whom she spoke, said from the grand staircase.

“Did you not hear that we are to have a guest? And I am afraid there is no little library here.”

He frowned at her. “A guest?”

She nodded. “Do come down here so that we can speak more privately.” She could see him sigh. It was not a dramatic lifting and lowering of his shoulders, but they had risen and fallen.

“You do know that I am still the master of this house and my professional domain, do you not?” he grumbled when he had reached her.

“Of course, I do, but I am not about to make Samuels sit in your stuffy study when he has had to ride in the sun for who knows how long to get here.”

“Samuels is here?” Edmund hurried across the room to the window.

Harriet allowed him to verify her words without saying anything. It was an impressive feat, if she did say so herself.

“We cannot speak freely here,” Edmund said to her as he darted a look towards Samantha.

“I can keep a secret,” Samantha said. “But if you prefer, I can take myself to my room. Truly, I would not mind at all as I am not required to remain dressed there.” She wiggled the neckline of her gown as if trying to cool herself with it. “Yes,” she said very decidedly. “That is just what I need. I will go to my room and have a rest with a cool cloth and a tray of my very own refreshments.”

She gave her brother’s cheek a kiss and left the room.

“Mr. Wickham is not with him,” Harriet said as they stood watching Samuels dismount his horse.

“I noticed that. I am not blind, nor have I forgotten that he was assigned to Samuels.” He turned toward the door to the drawing room and waited for it to open. “I am sure he will explain himself.”

“Good day, Lord Lillesley, Miss Phillips,” Samuels said with a bow upon entering the room.

“Please, make yourself comfortable. We will have some refreshments soon.” Harriet took herself back to the chair she had abandoned out of boredom not so very long ago. “Edmund.” She motioned to the chair Samantha had been sitting in.

“I am rather dusty,” Samuels said.

“Well, that is a problem, but not one without a solution.” Harriet rose, retrieved a blanket from a sideboard, and handed it to the man. “This will be easier to clean than the chair.”

“Why do you have blankets in that cupboard?” Edmund asked.

“Because there is no little library,” Harriet replied. “And your study is stuffy at times.” She turned back to Samuels who was arranging the blanket on the chair before taking a seat. “Your companion did not join you?”

“You mean Wickham?” he asked in surprise.

“Yes.”

Samuels chuckled. “I was not about to bring him here. You and your brother might not mind it, but the colonel would be livid. Do not worry, I did not leave him unattended. However…” He was seated, and leaning forward lowered his voice. “He is the reason I am here.”

—–

Thank you so much for being my readers! Have a lovely weekend!

<3 Leenie

The March 2026 Saturday Broadsheet

March 14, 2026

Do you remember playing on a merry-go-round playground toy like this?

I do. Except the bottom of the toy I played on was metal like the bars in this image.

I remember trying to hang on as the thing spun faster and faster.

I remember trying to walk a straight line after getting off and not succeeding.

I even remember spinning children on it during recess when I was a brand new teacher – and not releasing my grip on the bar before stopping my run and injuring my shoulder. (Actually, I injured both shoulders since I hurt one side and then used the other arm to spin it again and did the same thing. I have special talents when it comes to doing dumb things LOL)

Well… currently, I feel like life is spinning like one of these toys and I am desperately trying to hang on while my fingers are slipping. There’s just a lot going on. Writing and audiobook projects that need attention, business admin stuff that must be done, including tax prep stuff, March break changes to schedules, royalties that keep sliding into the abyss and requiring more time spent attempting to earn more doing Uber Eats deliveries… and so on, and so on.

The question is how do I exit the ride without injury? I’m not sure I have the complete answer to that just yet, but one thing that I have reluctantly decided to do is allow myself some time to contemplate the new portion of Harriet and the Colonel’s story rather than just diving straight in. So, there isn’t a new installment of that story this month. In fact, I don’t have any new story at the end of this email. Sorry.

I’m nearly convinced that just giving myself room to breathe on this will help reset things at a more manageable pace. Or it will, at least (hopefully), give me some space to step back and gather my thoughts before jumping back in with a plan.

Pauses and plans often bring me peace, and I think that’s what I need this month. I need to reset my peace. It’s probably something I need to do more often. It’s not something that comes naturally to me, at least not yet. 🙂

I am still only two chapters into Lydia’s story, and I’ve fallen behind on my audiobook production schedule. Those two things need fixing first since they are my priority goals (one chapter of each per week) for this year.

That’s where I am this month. It doesn’t mean, however, that I don’t have some book news for you below, which will include an excerpt from Lydia’s story so you can meet our hero – Mr. Waller. So, let’s dive in beginning with…

THIS MONTH IN THE SWR TEAROOM

This month, it was my turn to share in the SWR Tearoom, and I chose to talk about a book I read and enjoyed recently. It was a sweet, kisses-only romance with touches of true crime/suspense and nods to Northanger Abbey.

You can read the article HERE.

AUDIOBOOK NEWS

Two Days Before Christmas is now available at several retailers, and it has been submitted to several library catalogues. I have not been notified of publication in those catalogues just yet.

As you can see, I have listed the audiobook for purchase at a discount until the end of March. Those prices are about 50% off what the regular price will be in April.

As of yesterday, I have a new by-the-chapter story posting on YouTube. That story is Frosted Windowpanes, one of my Nature’s Fury and Delights novelettes that is set in my Willow Hall world and has been touched with some inspiration from Persuasion.

I have also added two new titles to ElevenReader (Matching Mr. Darcy and Moonlight, Mistletoe, and Mary), though they may or may not have passed the approval phase by the time you read this. I waited a while to do that because they combined the ElevenReader for Authors site with the Elevenlabs platform, and I wanted to give a few weeks to allow for bugs to get worked out before trying to publish any books there.

In case you’re wondering, ElevenReader is an audiobook platform/app where I upload my eBooks, and subscribers can listen to them using a digital voice of their choosing. My books are not offered on there as produced audiobooks. It’s simply a way for me to make my books available more quickly in an audio format for those who prefer or need it.

When I uploaded these two new titles, I did discover that I can offer my books both as part of their subscription and at a set price for those who don’t want to subscribe but would rather just purchase the book for their library (aka a la carte).

I will be going back through the books already uploaded to set up the a la carte purchasing option. This will mean that whatever books I am working on will be unavailable for a couple of days while I republish them with the new purchase price.

BOOK NEWS

As always I have a few book promotions happening. This month, my book promotions are all focused on my Darcy And… collection of stand alone Pride and Prejudice variations.

This month With the Colonel’s Help is reduced in price to $0.99 USD, CAD, AUD, NZD, GBP, EUR, with all other currencies also reduced. Or download it as part of your paid Patreon membership.

Through Every Storm, which is a sequel to Pride and Prejudice and focuses on (a swoony, reformed) Wickham and Lydia (who is still in need of reform), is the free read on Patreon this month for free followers, or if you upgrade to paid, it is also available as a download as part of your membership.

Go to Current Book Promotions page

I do have one special freebie that is not related to my Darcy And… collection, but you’ll have to scroll to the bottom of the page to hear about that.

SOMETHING NEW TO READ

Last month, I shared with you the character paragraph that Chat GPT gave me. This paragraph organized my scattered thoughts about the hero into a cohesive piece of writing that I can read before I begin writing to reset in my mind who I want him to be. (Again, while this paragraph was generated by Chat, it contains only items that came from my mind. Chat was just used as an organizational assistant for this.)

Here’s what Chat wrote based on the information I fed it.

Ben-in-motion

Benjamin Waller moved through the world with care born of experience rather than fear. He measured before he stepped, listened for what was not being said, and preferred plans that could withstand disappointment. Once, he had trusted enthusiasm over evidence and paid for it with a wound that still ached when he allowed himself to remember it. Since then, he had learned that restraint was a form of wisdom and that hope, while pleasant, was best handled sparingly. He did not object to joy; he simply required proof before investing in it. And yet, despite himself, he found that Lydia Bennet’s unconsidered confidence unsettled his careful balance—not because it was foolish, but because it reminded him of the man he had been before caution felt necessary.

One thing to remember about him is that he’s not a new character.

Benjamin Waller is a side character in three of my already published books: A Scandal in Springtime (Darcy Family Holidays, book 3), Tom: To Secure His Legacy (Other Pens, book 4), and Mary: To Protect Her Heart (Other Pens, book 3).

However, in Lydia’s story (yes, it still needs a title) we’ll get to know him much better.

And here, just like last month, is an excerpt from my work in progress, showing how that paragraph description of Mr. Waller begins to play out on the page from his point of view in chapter two.

Mr. Darcy had a fine cottage.

Benjamin Waller could not help but notice that, while it was not large, it did not lack for elegance. He smiled at the thought that a cottage with an aspect of the sea at its front could be called elegant. He supposed that to a wealthy landowner such as Darcy was, this cottage was adequate. Not elegant. But for him, a man of no landed status and from a common background, this cottage was the finest seaside abode in which he had ever taken up residence.

He sat on the edge of his bed and looked out the small window. It did not boast a sea view. It rather looked out on the walled garden at the rear of the dwelling. If the window were bigger, he could quite easily step outside and enjoy the bit of grass and one tree without anyone else in the house knowing he had escaped.

He blew out a breath. That was not true. He was certain that Miss Lydia Bennet would come looking for him if he were not to be where she expected him to be.

He chuckled softly and shook his head. That young woman was action personified. Action without thought in human form to be exact. From the moment he had met her at his store in London, it had been apparent that as quickly as a thought would pop into her head, she would launch herself into whatever had appeared without any consideration for whether the thought was a good one or not.

He got the feeling, both from what he had observed and heard from her uncle, that Miss Bennet had never had many strictures put upon her life.

“Spoiled,” he muttered. That seemed to be the best way to describe such a young woman. At least she was pleasant enough and did not seem to think of him as someone with whom to flirt. And she was decidedly proficient at flirting. He had seen her bat her lashes and smile coyly at more than one unattached young gentleman on their voyage down the Thames.

It was that moniker – gentleman – the one which he did not own, that kept him free from her flirtatious ways. It was the reason she did not give him more than a cursory look. She was not the sort of young lady to entertain the idea of marrying beneath her class.

She was a gentleman’s daughter with an uncle, who was an upstanding member of the wealthy merchants in London – and whom, by the by, she seemed to adore. But her aspirations were set higher than some shop owner and importer of good like himself.

Not that he was complaining. He did not want to have her flirting with him. It was bad enough that she thought she needed to find him a wife! He did not need a wife – no matter the station of the lady.

He had been in love once and ready to marry. However, Augusta had been chasing money. His future had looked promising. It still was. But ready cash and a tie to the land and moving up from a mere solicitor’s daughter to the lady of an estate had won Augusta’s heart – or more precisely, loyalty – over the mere promise of future wealth in the hands of a tradesman.

He really was not sure if she loved her husband or not. Their courtship had been quick. The marriage had not been overly publicized. On the one time he had seen her in town after her wedding, she had seemed happy enough. He sincerely hoped she was. He could say that now. Six months ago, he could not have. But the pain of betrayal had dulled.

Pretty words and charming features would not trick him twice. He would not love again. Not without substantial proof that the lady whom he decided would match him best was as honest and honourable as any of his business partners were.

Again, he chuckled to himself. Gabe Durward would find it more than slightly humorous that he was the standard by whom Ben measured every relationship – whether business or romantic.

“Oh! What a lovely tree!” The excited lilt of Miss Bennet’s voice floated down from the room above him. She must be standing at her window. There was a scampering of feet overhead and some soft thumps that sounded like someone descending the stairs.

Ben waited and watched from his window. He would wager every pound in his accounts that Miss Bennet would be in the garden in a moment. He was not one to gamble on anything without a healthy dose of certainty that his wager would be returned with interest. And this was a gamble that simply would not be lost.

He chuckled and adjusted his comment from before. Miss Bennet was not action personified. No, she was exuberance in the living breathing form of a lady who loved all the pretty and feminine things in life.

And there she was, marching her way directly to the tree and then, stopping to look up at its branches once she reached it.

“It needs a swing,” she declared before turning toward the house as if looking for someone to direct about installing a swing on one of the branches above her head.

She bit her lip and her face scrunched as she turned back to the tree. She put a hand on her head as she tipped her head backward to look higher into the tree’s canopy and then, gasped, before patting her head.

Apparently, she had not remembered to put her bonnet on her head before she left her room and had just discovered it. Her inability to think before acting was going to get her in trouble one day.

Maybe he could be a voice of reason for her when they were together. He was certain her uncle would appreciate the help.

“You may wish to ask the owner of the house before you add a swing to his tree,” Ben called through the window.

“Oh!” she cried in delight as she spun towards his window. “Do you really think he would mind? Could we not just add it and then remove it before we leave?”

“And would you like someone rubbing grooves into a branch on your tree without consulting you first?” Ben answered.

Again, her face scrunched but not happily or in a confused fashion. This time, the action was accompanied by a small pout.

He shuddered. Augusta had been adept at pouting to get her way. He braced himself for the onslaught of whimpers and whines that accompanied such a look. But they did not come.

“I suppose not,” Miss Bennet admitted. “But it is the perfect place for one.”

“I will not argue with you about that,” Ben assured her.

She smiled and even from the distance away from her that he was, he could see her whole expression smiled, not just her lips.

“It could be fun if you did,” she answered. “I have missed having Mary around to torment with arguing.”

Because Ben is first introduced to us in Mary: To Protect Her Heart, I have created a special private coupon to make it free until March 18 on Smashwords. This coupon code is not public, so you will need to copy it to the checkout page.

Your code to get Mary: To Protect Her Heart free is DQFT2

Please note: While it is a private (non-public) coupon, feel free to share it with friends if you would like.

HOW TO USE YOUR COUPON CODE:

Go to the book page here.

Click “Buy Book” (yellow button).

Add coupon code to the white box on the Shopping Cart page.

Click “Update Cart”

Price should now show as $0.00 so you can complete your purchase.

And that’s it for this month! Thank you for being my readers, and have a great weekend.

<3 Leenie

The February 2026 Saturday Broadsheet

February 14, 2026

Happy Valentine’s Day!

I have started writing my next Leenie Brown book! Just barely started, but it is started. This book will be Lydia’s story for my Darcy Family Holidays series.

I spent a day, about two weeks ago, just chatting with ChatGPT about the premise and possible plot for the book. I know – AI *gasp*! But truly, it was so helpful to have a non-human entity to plague with my questions and thoughts, and to disagree with and re-direct. I get a bit argumentative when I’m trying to figure things out before I start a story, and I feel bad for my friends that have to put up with that. 🙂 I also feel bad if I take their time and then go a completely different way. (Which happens around 90% of the time, if not more.)

As I said I found chatting with Chat helpful and will take from it what I want and leave the rest. (It’s just a tool after all.)

One thing that it helped me clarify was how I see the main characters. I had vague ideas that got distilled out into workable ideas and even have a paragraph for each character that I can re-read to myself before I begin writing each week – until the main characters are cemented in my mind. These paragraphs are comprised of all the details I fed into Chat – basic details in list form, a few sentences about things, and even a couple of sample chapters I had written. So, it’s still all me doing the creative bits. Chat just helped me get them organized.

Let me show you what Chat wrote based on my ideas for Lydia’s character:

Lydia-in-motion

Lydia Bennet never quite stood still long enough to be instructed. By the time a direction reached its sensible conclusion, she had already gathered the interesting part of it and was halfway toward discovery, perfectly certain that whatever remained would sort itself out. She spoke as she moved, thought as she spoke, and assumed—quite reasonably, in her own estimation—that the world was inclined toward enjoyment if one only met it with sufficient confidence. Consequences were not ignored so much as postponed, for Lydia trusted that charm, good intentions, and a willingness to laugh would smooth over most difficulties. It often did. When it did not, she was sincerely surprised—but never ashamed to try again.

This is exactly how *I* saw Lydia. Chat just put it in a helpful reminder format.

And now… let me share a little snippet from chapter one with you that shows you how this character paragraph translates into Lydia on the page. (This is currently how the story begins. It’s the first 800 or so words.)

Lydia Bennet clapped a hand on her bonnet and lifted her face to the sun as she drew in a deep breath of salty air. How different things smelled at the seaside! It was as if a kettle of fish were boiling far off in the distance and the fragrance of it was wafting by on the wind. It was different and yet lovely.

The distinctly different smelling wind once again tried to tug her hat from her head.

“Hat pins,” she said aloud. “Strong hat pins. Perhaps with seashells attached to them.” That is what this sort of place required. Strong ties on bonnets and hat pins that could withstand the nearly constant breeze that seemed to not approve of a lady’s head remaining covered.

She turned to make sure her uncle had heard her suggestion, but he was not there. In his place, she found his business associate, Mr. Waller. He would do. He bought and sold things just like her uncle did.

“If you open a store here, you should sell hat pins.”

“I am not planning to open a store here,” he said with a sigh.

“I still do not see why not.” They had discussed the possibility several times on their journey down the Thames on the boat from which they had just disembarked. “You said that you were thinking of transporting goods and people and were unsure of any other possibilities. I maintain most firmly that it only makes sense to have a place to sell the goods you transport.” She looked around her. Margate looked like a fine place to start a store. There were people of all stripes moving here and there. Surely the ladies of the area needed someone to bring them all the best goods just like ladies in London did.

Again, he sighed. He did that a lot when she was talking to him. Perhaps he thought it was off-putting. It was too bad for him that she was not easily daunted. Hat pins of the highest quality and prettiest composition were important commodities. She would not be turned away from her duty to her fellow women.

“I imagine they have a place to buy hat pins somewhere along the high street.” He was looking over her head toward the water as if he did not want to be standing here talking to her.

“But will they be of an acceptable quality?” It was dreadfully important that they were.

“I am sure they will be.” His tone was longsuffering and a touch distracted sounding.

She arched an eyebrow and huffed softly. “Will they be of a quality that would sit among the goods at Durward, Waller, and Eldridge?” That was what his store in London was called. And what a beautiful store it was with its shelves and cases of fine wares. “I believe that is the true question, and one that we can only discover by finding a store and comparing them to what I know to be high quality.” The row of buildings facing the water looked like a promising place to find out what she needed to know to prove her point.

“Miss Bennet,” Mr. Waller said, as he hurried alongside her, “you might wish to approve your excursion with your aunt and uncle before undertaking it.”

Lydia stopped her march. “I do suppose you are correct.”

“I know I am,” he muttered. This was followed by some other indistinguishable grumble that sounded a lot like disapproval of pretty girls who loved baubles.

Lydia smiled. It was pleasant to know he thought she was pretty. It meant he was not completely without sense, even if he did insist on refusing to listen to her excellent ideas.

What he needed was a wife to soften his edges. Of course, he did not agree with that thought either. But surely a man as handsome as the one beside her – who was presently waving to her uncle – could not be single forever. That was nearly as laughable as a beautiful lady like her sister Jane – or herself – being a spinster. These things just did not happen in a proper world. At least, she hoped they did not. Jane was married, so there was no worry there. However, her own prospects for such success had not yet materialized.

“Lydia, you must stay with us,” her uncle scolded as he reached where she and Mr. Waller were. “Thank you, Ben, for your services in seeing that my niece was not unaccompanied.” This was paired with a rather pointed look at Lydia.

“Do you suppose they have beautiful and strong hat pins in one of those stores over there?” Lydia asked. As if she was going to admit to having, once again, taken a misstep. Lectures were not pleasant, and she should know. How many had she endured in her life? It really was not her fault that her thoughts flew faster than they could be properly considered but not so fast that she could not act on them, now, was it?

I’m quite excited to see where Lydia and Ben lead me as I work my way through the story. As you may be able to tell, this is a grumpy/sunshine pairing, and the tone will be light and fun but not without some depth.

So, now that you’ve heard the most exciting part of my news (A new book is started at last!), let’s jump into the rest of my book news. Warning: I have a lot of it this month!

In Book News…

Because February is the shortest month of the year, I wanted to highlight my novelette collections – Nature’s Fury and Delights in particular, with a nod to my Teatime Tales collection.

Nature’s Fury and Delights are quick reads where some element of nature played a part in the inspiration for the story and in some cases, features as a side character in the story.

Thunder is one story where the title element instigates the meet-cute for Darcy and Elizabeth. It is my only Nature’s Fury and Delights story that is a Pride and Prejudice variation.

This month Thunder is reduced in price to $0.99 USD, CAD, AUD, NZD, GBP, EUR, with all other currencies also reduced. Or download it as part of your paid Patreon membership. Thunder is also the free read on Patreon this month for free followers.

Apple Blossoms and Whispering Hearts, a sweet Regency romance novelette, is a second download for paid Patreon members this month.

To highlight my Teatime Tales collection of novelettes and to work on increasing the size of our reader community, I’m giving one of them away for free from now until February 28 to anyone who joins one of my reader communities. If you’re already a subscriber to one of them (Patreon, Substack, or my blog), you should have received an email with a link to download your copy of The Beginning of Prudence yesterday.

My Teatime Tales are all Pride and Prejudice variation stories about how Darcy and Elizabeth get together told from various character points of view. The Beginning of Prudence is told completely from Darcy’s point of view.

Find out more about the three reader community options and pick which one fits you best at leeniebrown.com/subscribe. After subscribing, you will get an email with a link for where to download The Beginning of Prudence, except on my blog, where you’ll just gain access to the Subcribers Only area and can find a link to download the book there.

While I am on the topic of subscribing to reader communities… I’d like to remind you that the JAFF giveaway hosted by Amanda Kai, ends today, February 14, 2026.

Of course, in either of these cases (signing up for my eBook freebie or Amanda’s giveaway) you can unsubscribe at any time.

One last thing —

Go to My Book Promotions page for links to all these things

In Audiobook News…

I believe today is the day that ElevenReader changes how my books in their library can be accessed. They should now be part of their subscription listening program.

You can still find me on ElevenReader here https://bit.ly/LeenieBooks-11R but my books will now only be accessible to those with subscriptions. After today, I’ll look into whether I can offer them as a one-time purchase price (which will match my eBook prices) in addition to offering them to subscribers. I just couldn’t find a way to do that before today.

And, as of yesterday, we are up to chapter 11 of Two Days Before Christmas on YouTube. There is only one chapter of this story left to share next Friday. Then, I’ll post the full audiobook the following week on YouTube.

HOWEVER, if you’re a $2 or more patron, the full audiobook is now available for download in the Audiobooks to Keep collection. I will be publishing it elsewhere early in March.

SOMETHING NEW TO READ.

Are you still here? This has been a long one!

There’s just one more thing to share with you – the conclusion of this Harriet and the Colonel story. (I do think there may be one more story to share for this couple since they are not yet married. Maybe I’ll have that started by next month.)

Please remember that there are sections where previous chapters from this story can be read on whichever platform you subscribe to.

On my blog, look for Harriet and the Colonel in the menu options.
On Substack, look for the Harriet and the Colonel section on the home page.
On Patreon, look for The Colonel’s Lady in the collections tab.

Chapter 5 (part 2)

Several hours later, as the sun was just beginning to rise above the horizon, Richard settled once more into a chair in the small library at Lillesley House. The culprits had been rounded up and would soon be dealt with. The great house had been just as imposing as Richard had imagined it would be, and he now knew exactly who was at the helm of their organization.

“Thank you.” Lillesley broke the silence in the room. Richard settled further back into his chair. Lillesley was not speaking to him. This was for his sister.

“Me?” Harriet asked.

Lillesley nodded. “For finding that note and for being willing to put yourself in harm’s way for all of us.” He leaned his head back on his chair. It was a clear sign that he was bone weary. A yawn overtook him as if it had heard Richard’s thoughts.

And then, the blasted thing made its way around the room, causing both Harriet and him to yawn as well.

“I have misjudged you,” her brother continued. “I mean I always knew you were bright and fearless, but you are my sister.” He held up a hand. “No, I did not misjudge you because you are a girl.” He rolled his head so that he could give her a glare and a smirk because he had refuted her protest before she could make it.

Richard chuckled silently at Harriet’s huff in reply to his expression and words.

“You are my sister. My youngest sister. And I did not know how to hold you as that once Andrew’s role as oldest brother and heir fell to me. I knew how to play with you when we were young. I knew how to tease and torment you. I knew how to watch out for you to a degree, but I had never been so solely responsible for you as I was once Andrew died.”

Another yawn worked through him and then, the rest of them. “I could not bear the thought of losing yet another person I loved. Especially since she was now my responsibility. The business in which I find myself is dangerous. Richard’s life is no less fought with risk. How could I willingly place you in a place where harm could come to you from no fault of your own?”

He chuckled. “That is rather ridiculous to think about after recent events. Harm would not know better how to contain you than I did. You have always danced with peril to some extent. Sneaking here and there. Listening to what you were not meant to hear. Spying on your brothers and their friends. You would drive a normal man to distraction with your antics. I am glad you made me see reason about where your future happiness lies.”

He sat up straight and leaned toward her. “However, in the future, if you need me to see reason, plant yourself in my study until I have listened. Do NOT find some intrigue to pursue to prove your point.”

Harriet nodded. “I will.” She breathed and looked as if she was going to add more, but his upheld hand forestalled her.

He shared a look with Richard. Apparently, they were going to broach what they had been told now. It was likely for the best. This way Harriet would have time to consider it before they next met.

“You are part of our inner circle now,” Lillesley said. “It has been decreed by my superior.”

Indeed, the man had been rightly impressed by her quick mind and willingness to insert herself into the situation to help save a maid.

“That does not mean,” Lillesley continued, “that you will be given all the details about everything, nor does it mean that you will be given missions. It means, you may help in whatever capacity that both Richard and I deem acceptable.”

“We will not put you on the shelf and refuse to let you help,” Richard inserted. “You are just too precious to risk – even as much as we did tonight.” He took her hand in his. He knew she hated that he and her brother wanted to cosset her in safety.

“It was necessary,” Harriet protested.

“You are not wrong,” Richard agreed, which earned him a smile. “And you were allowed to assist because you were needed – even though I hated to see you there.” Allowing her to take part in their mission had been as hard for him as he now knew it had been for Darcy to allow Elizabeth and Georgiana to confront Wickham at Oxford Cottage. It had been hard, but it had made sense and had been necessary.

“But that is how we move forward. We use your strengths from a safe location and only move you into more precarious places when it is absolutely necessary.” His hold on her hand tightened. Every life ever entrusted to his care or command had been important to him, but hers? Well, that was a weight of responsibility that felt nearly too great to carry. “This arrangement will, of course, need to be revisited when we have children.”

Her brother cleared his throat and rose from his chair. “I am going to bed. We can begin all the preparations for your wedding once we have all slept. I will trust you to not be too long in seeking your own repose, Fitzwilliam.” There was an edge to the words that made it sound more like a command than a suggestion.

Richard gave him a bow of his head in acceptance of the directive. “I will see that your sister is on her way to her room in five minutes and that I am on my way to my home in six.” He had also stood and pulled Harriet to her feet with him since he was still holding her hand.

“In that case, allow me to wish you a good day instead of good night as that part of the day is swiftly fading – much like I am.” And with that he took his leave of them.

“My dearest Harriet,” Richard said as he drew her into his arms and held her against him. “You are my heart for I do believe mine would cease to beat without you.” He claimed her lips with his and attempted to drink his fill of her while pouring all the love he held for her into his kiss.

Breaking their kiss, he began to hum a tune that was familiar to her. It was the piano piece he had been playing a year ago in the music room at her sister’s soiree.

She rested her head against his chest as they swayed to the song he hummed. This was peace and tranquility. This was home. Here. With his lady in his arms.

She lifted her head and looked up at him as the melody came to an end. He kissed her once more.

And then, after he had seen her reach the top of the stairs, he stepped out into a city of shopkeepers and servants, of grand houses and tenements, that was just coming to life as he made his way home to find his repose.

(The End… for now)

—–

Thank you so much for being my readers! Have a lovely weekend!

<3 Leenie

The January 2026 Broadsheet

January 10, 2026

Happy New Year!

I hope your holiday season was a good one and that you’re settling into 2026 without too much struggle. It’s always a bit of a shock to the system to go back to real life and schedules after the holidays are over. But the good news is, it’s easier to keep track of which day it is now that things are getting back into regular routine.

Our holidays were good. We spent them quietly at home with just a couple of gatherings that we attended.

And over the holidays my Annilee Nelson novel, Don’t Tell My Best Friend I Love Her, went live. It’s a friends-to-more, love triangle contemporary Christian romance novel with a hero named Frederick (after Captain Wentworth because his mother is an Austen fan).

Now, I just need to work on doing some promotion for it so that all those months of work won’t be for nothing. 🙂 Such is the life of an author. You work, work, work, and then hope the work pays off once the book is released.

But since that book is out in the world now, I will soon be able to start working on my next Leenie novel. (Hopefully, this next week.) For financial reasons, I have had to increase the number of hours I am doing Uber Eats deliveries, so finding time to do all the writing things is a bit more difficult at present. They’ll get done. They just may not get done as quickly as I would like for them to get done.

I’ve only set a couple of writing-business related goals for myself as I start this year.

Produce one audiobook chapter of a book to share on YouTube each week. I’d really like to hit full monetization of my channel this year.
Write one chapter of a book each week. One week each month will have to be spent on newsletter stories. At this pace, I think I can produce one Leenie book and one Annilee book this year.

Those are the two things I want to be consistent at first. I do hope to insert a few sporadic YouTube things as time goes on, but these two have to be top priorities. Then, if they go well, maybe, I can think about adding more goals if I wish to do so.

Healthwise, I’ve set goals to…

continue to do my strength exercises three times a week with increases in weight and repetitions at regular intervals
and talk to my physio about working towards going for a mile walk once a week.

I don’t know if that’s too much for my system with all the work I’m doing writing and delivery driving right now or not, but that’s why I’m going to ask my physiotherapist about it.

How about you? Do you have any goals set for yourself as you begin the year?

In Book News:

As the new year begins, I am focusing on my Other Pens series when it comes to book promotions. I had wanted to get an email/post for them done before the Broadsheet, but it was Wednesday before I had everything set. So, I decided to wait until today to share them with you.

If you’re unfamiliar with my Other Pens series, it’s a Mansfield Park sequel series that steps into Henry Crawford’s world and contains stories for him and some of his friends and relations. It also crosses over into my Darcy Family Holidays series in a couple of places – including the new story in that series, which is my next writing project.

This month Tom Bertram’s story is reduced in price to $0.99 USD, CAD, AUD, NZD, GBP, EUR, with all other currencies also reduced. Or download it as part of your paid Patreon membership.

Henry Crawford’s story is the free read on Patreon this month for free followers, or if you upgrade to paid, it is also available as a download as part of your membership.

Go to the Book Promo Page for links

In Audiobook News

The most recent addition to the ElevenReader library is Frosted Windowpanes, which is a novelette set in my Willow Hall world at Christmas time with a touch of Persuasion vibes.

Find me on ElevenReader here https://bit.ly/LeenieBooks-11R

And, as of yesterday, we are up to chapter 6 of Two Days Before Christmas on YouTube. This is the halfway point for that story.

Go to the By the Chapter playlist https://bit.ly/AudioChapters-Leenie

SOMETHING NEW TO READ.

Next month WILL bring the conclusion to this story, so today’s entry begins wrapping things up for this part of Harriet and the colonel’s story. I think there will be some sort of story about them which will follow this, since they have not yet gotten married and we do need that to happen. However, I am not certain what form that will take just yet.

Please remember that there are sections where previous chapters from this story can be read on whichever platform you subscribe to.

On my blog, look for Harriet and the Colonel in the menu options.

On Substack, look for the Harriet and the Colonel section on the home page.

On Patreon, look for The Colonel’s Lady in the collections tab.

Chapter 5 (part 1)

Richard tucked Harriet close to his side as he sat in the hack outside the townhouse that stood at the address on the note found in the watch. “This is not a good idea,” he muttered.

“It is the only way,” Harriet assured him.

He shook his head and blew out a breath. “We could have put your clothes on someone else.”

“That would have been too big a risk,” she countered.

Before he could find a way to refute her argument – which was true, and he knew it – the door to the house opened, and both Louis and another man exited and made their way toward the hack.

“Stay deep in the shadows until I am out and the door is closed,” Harriet said to Richard before giving him a quick kiss and sliding toward the door.

“If anything happens to you….” He would never be able to live with himself or forgive Lillesley for allowing her to take part in this scheme.

“Nothing will happen.” There was a slight tremor in her voice. “I will be fine.” The tremor was gone. It was as if she had swallowed whatever fear had arisen and vanquished it in a heartbeat. “We will save Louis’s sister, and I will be Mrs. Richard Fitzwilliam. I will be.”

The determination in her voice made him smile despite his nervousness. How he loved his lionhearted lady!

“Where is your sister?” she asked Louis as soon as the door to the hack was opened.

“She is inside the house,” the man behind Louis said. “She will be allowed to leave as soon as you are inside.”

“No.” Harriet shook her head even as she began sliding out of the carriage. “She must come out before I go in.”

The man’s replying laugh was as icy as a winter’s day. “I do not think a lady with her hands and feet tied is in a position to negotiate with me.” He threw her over his shoulder and grunted. “You are not a slight thing, are you?”

“Are you the man who killed my brother for his watch?” she asked.

Richard quietly exited the carriage through the door on the opposite side as Louis closed the door through which Harriet had gone.

“No. I keep track of the ladies like you.”

Richard heard a thwack.

“I will thank you not to hit my person,” Harriet cried.

“I will hit what I want to hit,” the man said. “Especially when you are asking questions about things that are none of your business. I will remind you only this once that you belong to me now.”

“Oh, I will not be with you long. My brother and his friend will find you. They are both very good shots you know.”

Again, Richard heard that cold laugh.

“But will they find you?” he asked.

Richard sneered at the back of the man holding Harriet. They did not even have a need to find her. He was here, and Edmund was close by.

“Before we go in, call my sister to the door.”

Louis had stepped between the door and the man they were here to capture.

“One goes in while the other comes out,” he added.

The man cursed. “If it will get rid of you sooner and get her in the house faster, then, open the door.”

Louis obliged.

“Carrick bring the girl,” he called.

“You could put me down while we wait,” Harriet suggested. Her head was up, and she was looking around until she saw Richard standing near the head of the horse attached to the carriage. She gave him a nod. “It cannot be good for your shoulder to be holding me like this. I hear that aches and pains mend less quickly as a man ages.”

Richard could see that Harriet’s hands were free. A few shakes of her feet and the loosely tied rope at her feet would also fall away. She touched her hat as the man grumbled his reply.

“I am not old, and you are not running away. You are mine.”

Her hat fell to the ground.

“How would I run with a rope around my feet?”

“I will not take the chance. You are needed.”

“For what am I needed?”

“For what do you think?” the man replied.

“I am sure I do not know.” That was a blatant lie. Harriet knew far more about what this man was involved in than any proper young lady should.

“For pleasure, of course,” the man answered.

Harriet’s gasp in reply to this was louder than normal. It was a sure sign she was acting the part of a naive lady.

Carrick was at the door with a young maid. My, she was a little thing. Likely younger than her brother Louis, who now had her wrapped in his arms.

“Get out of the way so I can go in,” the man grumbled.

Richard sprang into action as Louis, with his arms still wrapped around his sister, hurried away from the door.

“I think I would like to join you,” Richard said as he bounded up the steps and pushed his way into the house ahead of Harriet. “Put her down.”

“Get out of my way. Carrick!”

Behind him, Richard heard the unmistakable sound of a pistol being made ready to shoot. “I have only to duck or step to the side and you’ll kill your own man. Indeed, at this range, the bullet might go through me and into him.” He grabbed the guy holding Harriet and pulled him close. “Put her down.”

He pushed Richard away. “She’s mine.”

“No, she is not,” Harriet said right before the man holding her cried out and dropped her.

“My back!” He shouted as he spun around.

Harriet scooted away and freed her legs.

“What did you do to me?” he lunged toward Harriet.

Richard pushed him backward, causing him to fall down the steps.

“I have him,” Jimmy said as he jumped down from his horse. “Go get the others. Lillesely and the rest should be in there already.”

Harriet handed the rope from her feet to Jimmy. “Go,” she said to Richard. “I will stay right here.”

“Promise me?”

“I promise.” She handed him a slightly bloody hat pin. “I case you need it.” He smiled. She would always try to keep him safe, would she not?

“I will make sure nothing happens to her,” Louis added from the door to the hack where his sister was now safely stowed.

And with that assurance, Richard entered the house.

—–

Thank you so much for being my readers! Have a lovely weekend!

<3 Leenie

The December 2025 Saturday Broadsheet

December 13, 2025

Can you believe this is the final Broadsheet of the year? Sometimes January 2025 seems like forever ago, and on other days, it feels like just a couple of months ago. But whether the year seems to have gone fast or slow, the final day is approaching and a new year is waiting to be discovered.

I love that fresh page of a planner feeling that comes with January. There are so many possibilities lying ahead. But, before we get to that new year, we must finish this one well.

In Writing News