Why is it that I feel like I’m just sort of settling into a new month – I’ll be thinking, “Okay, ready. Let’s get this month started” – and then, I look at the calendar and see that it’s nearly half over? It seems to happen every month. It’s likely because the beginning of a new month is rather busy around here for this author, and then, this month also came with a holiday on the first of the month and a return to work after vacation for my hubby.
On the first of September, I shared an update about all that is going on in my personal and writing life over on The Sigh-worthy Romance Tearoom. So, instead of just restating what I wrote there, I’ll just share THIS LINK so you can pop over there and get caught up.
Nothing much has changed since I wrote that. I’m still working on all the things I mentioned there without adding anything new just yet or completing anything so that it falls off the list. As I scan through that article, I think the only updates to it that I have are as follows:
We have reached VACATION month! August is when my hubby is finally allowed to take vacation time from his job. That means I’ll have an extra person around for a few weeks and that I’ll be taking off a few days to go do some fun stuff. Hopefully, I’ll still be able to keep up with most things, but a few might fall by the wayside for a while. Fingers crossed that I’ll find time to write another portion of our Harriet and the Colonel story before next month’s broadsheet.
Another thing that has me taking time away from writing is that (necessary) part-time job that I mentioned last month. I’ve put in a few days with it so far, and so far, I’ve been enjoying it. I’ve even found that it has given me some time to contemplate story and writing business things a bit as I drive around delivering prepared food and groceries a couple of days a week.
I will say that my nervous system has not been overly pleased with the extra activity I’ve thrown at it, but I think slowly it is learning that I’m really not trying to kill myself so it can just calm down and stop trying to warn me of danger when there isn’t anything to fear. (Disregulated nervous systems can be such drama queens! LOL)
I still don’t have any new Leenie writing projects to tell you about. I’m still plugging away at that Annilee Nelson novel. I just can’t handle more than that one writing project right now (other than the story for this newsletter, that is – which you can find a new section of at the end of this newsletter).
That’s it for my personal update. Now, let’s dive into all the book news.
It was Zoe Burton’s month to post in the Tearoom. In case you missed her post about the curses and blessing of summer, you can find it at this link.
AUDIOBOOK UPDATE
July’s audiobook release on YouTube was None So Accomplished as Mary.
August’s YouTube audiobook will be From Tolerable to Lovely, and it will be live and free to listen to by all on August 16 (next Saturday). I currently have the YouTube video scheduled to share with my patrons (free and paid) tomorrow. And I will have the download link for paid patrons who want to download a copy to keep in their Bookfunnel library.
This will make ten full audiobooks on my YouTube channel.
The summer schedule has begun around here. That means earlier starting and quitting times for my husband, earlier bed times for both of us, and afternoon work schedule interruptions for me. I’d like to say we’re all adjusted to the new schedule, but I can’t. Shifting schedules is never a super fast thing.
And I might be shifting it even more since, at the time when I am writing this, I’ve just been accepted for a flexible, I-set-the-schedule, part time job. This change has to happen to meet living expenses, and maybe, it’ll give a bit of breathing room when it comes to writing – less pressure to hurry and write that next book.
I don’t know if you read Rose Fairbanks’ most recent Tearoom post called “Let Freedom Ring”, (you can find that article by clicking here) but what she wrote resonated with me. Not directly or for the same reasons, but as a call to reclaim what I loved about writing to start with — as a reminder of how I used to write with more joy than I do now.
I need to just take a step back, look at what I’ve accomplished and what I still want to do. I have some series that need to be finished. I’ve wanted to work on them for years. I’ve even added them to the schedule for writing more than once. But those series aren’t great earners, so they got set aside. Maybe, if this part time job works out, I’ll feel more freedom to pick those projects back up. Writing is so much easier to do – the creative ideas flow much better – from a relaxed mind. Maybe this change will help with that.
I’m not going to lie though. I’m nervous about adding a part time job into the mix. I struggle to keep up now. How will I do what I’m doing and add something new? I don’t know. But I do know that if this is what I’m supposed to do, then, God’ll help me figure it out.
Health wise, I seem to be making some really good progress towards full recovery. (The new job is flexible enough to work around my health so that’s a plus.)
Well, that’s it for my personal update, and I don’t have any new writing projects to tell you about.
I’m still working on my Annilee Nelson novel. It has reached a point where things are getting really complicated for the couple, and we’re heading to the moment where things seem darkest and then get resolved. It’s both the most difficult and fun part to write. So, it can take time.
While I haven’t started any new Leenie book project, there is a new section of Harriet and the Colonel’s on-going story at the end of this newsletter for your enjoyment. (But be warned: It ends on a cliffhanger. 🙂
——-
AUDIOBOOK UPDATE
June’s audiobook release on YouTube was How to Marry an Accomplished Lady. July’s YouTube audiobook will be None So Accomplished as Mary, and it will be live and free to listen to by all on July 16 (Wednesday). This will make nine full audiobooks on my YouTube channel.
Speaking of YouTube… I am closing in on 500 subscribers! That’s when I can apply for some monetization perks like memberships, supers, and shopping (if I had a store). But it is only half way to the 1000 subscribers needed for full monetization. BUT I am halfway there! WooHoo! Thank you to all who have subscribed to my channel!
(The current number of subscribers on Friday afternoon is 465)
The audio edition of None So Accomplished as Mary is already available on Patreon for my $2 or more subscribers, and it is set to release everywhere else on August 1.
How to Marry an Accomplished Lady was released for distribution in a variety of places on July 1. The places to which Findaway distributes digital narrated audiobooks (and where you should be able to find my books) are:
Baker & Taylor (library) / Bibliotheca (library) / Overdrive (library) / Audiobooks.com / Everand / Kobo/Kobo Plus, Walmart (I have not found my audiobooks on Walmart) / NOOK Audiobooks / Spotify / TuneIn
As I mentioned last month, I am uploading my books to ElevenReader with a goal of uploading at least one book per week. I have been able to keep up that schedule so now I have 16 titles listed in their library. (Maybe 17 by the time you read this – if my schedule goes as planned for the week.) Remember these are not produced books, but rather just a good quality AI voice of your choosing reading a book to you.
LEAVING KU / GOING WIDE
A Dash of Darcy and Companions left KU in June and is slowly being returned to all the other stores, as well as Patreon and ElevenReader. So, watch for those to show up at your favourite eBook retailer / subscription service.
The Choices series is leaving KU on Wednesday, July 16. That’s the last day you can download it to read either now or later with your KU subscription. After that, it’ll be queued up to be returned to all the other stores. I expect that will go faster for this series than for the Dash series since they just recently went through a revision process so their front and back matter and file format will be up-to-date. The Dash series needs all that tweaked.
In August, my final series in KU will be returning to all the wide distribution stores and subscription places (including Patreon). The final day for downloading Marrying Elizabeth to read with your KU subscription will be August 9.
So grab the Choices series and the Marrying Elizabeth series while you can. You can find these stories in three box sets which would be fewer downloads. You can find links to those box sets at leeniebrown.com/box-sets.
Please watch for an email about a special ONE DAY multi-author JAFF promotion on MONDAY! There are over 40 authors participating in this promotion. And all the books will be free. This promotion includes books of various time periods, tropes, and heat levels.
This is my book that will be in this promotion. You can grab it now at your favourite retailer, and then, have one less click to make on Monday. 🙂 As stated on the graphic, this book is free now until July 16, and it is free at all the main eBook retailers.
Smashwords is having a July Summer/Winter sale, and all my books (both pen names) are included in it at 50% off the regular price. This promotion uses a coupon code that will be applied automatically, and it ends at the end of the month.
JULY’S PATREON FREE READ and MEMBERSHIP PERKS
FREE READ: If you follow me for free on Patreon, there is a series starter that can be read for free each month. This month’s series starter read is Two Days Before Christmas, which is part of my Darcy Family Holidays.
MEMBERSHIP PERKS: Each month, I offer an eBook or two to download and keep to my $2 or more Patrons, and every time there is a new audiobook finished, I also make a link to download that available to them.
This month’s eBook offerings are Mr. Bingley Plans a Ball, Two Days Before Christmas, and Sketches and Secrets of Summer. And this month’s audiobook edition is None So Accomplished as Mary.
SOMETHING NEW TO READ.
Our story continues this month with Richard cluing up his report to Edmund about the events you can read about in Oxford Cottage. And then, it turns towards what is next… (and it only just turns so expect a cliffhanger this time).
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 2, part 1
For the next thirty minutes, Richard shared all that had happened in Hertfordshire – from his return from town to Netherfield with the first part of the money Wickham had demanded. To the following letters demanding more funds be delivered. To the hours spent watching various locations. To the final confrontation at Oxford Cottage – the one Elizabeth had demanded to be part of.
For all of that, he had sat next to Harriet, holding her hand and drawing support merely from her presence.
However, once he came to the portion of his report regarding the sorting out of details at Netherfield, he simply could not remain seated any longer.
Pacing a circle around the room, he relayed what he knew about the maid who had been ruined. He told Edmund and Harriet what Georgiana and Elizabeth had shared about the situations in which they had been placed. And then he had spoken about how Elizabeth had summoned her courage to help Georgiana through the ordeal.
“Since I am thankfully still on speaking terms with Darcy,” Richard said as he concluded his tale, “and I wish to keep it that way, I will need to be in Hertfordshire in July for a wedding. I will not miss it.”
He leaned heavily on the back of the chair in which he had earlier been sitting. The weight of all that had transpired still hung on his shoulders. It was a weight he both felt he should bear, but knew it was only there by his own doing. Darcy, Elizabeth, Georgiana, Mr. Bennet, Mrs. Bennet – everyone had forgiven him. It was just he, himself, who was the hold out in that regard.
“By the by, thank you for your letter.” Whether it had eased Darcy’s mind or not was nearly immaterial, for it had been an exoneration of sorts in the court of Richard’s own mind — of sorts, because a removal of all guilt had still not been accomplished.
“It was the least I could do.” Edmund shifted uneasily in his chair. “This is not a position I relish to be honest.” He cast a wary look at his sister. “No matter what some may think.”
Richard bit back a smile. He knew exactly to whom his friend was referring. Perhaps such an admission would go a good distance in calming the recent disagreements between sister and brother.
“But he will still fulfill all its duties as if he does,” that very sister muttered quite unhappily.
Richard chuckled. “Would you truly have it any other way?”
She shrugged but admitted she would not.
“It is the best way to be to make sure the job is done as it should be,” Richard added so Edmund would not have to and peace could remain in the room.
“There was no damage done to either of your relations?” Edmund asked.
“None to their persons beyond a few blisters and scratches from being moved from one place to another. However, time will tell what other effects linger.” Richard retook his seat and Harriet’s hand.
Edmund nodded. “And the maid is in good hands.”
There was a weightiness to the simple comment.
“I am just grateful she did not end up like Penny,” Harriet said softly. “But still… Her feelings of shame and fears about disease…” She shook her head. “The poor dear.”
Richard squeezed her hand. “She has a good home and the best mistress for which any maid could wish to serve.”
This earned him a small smile. His Harriet was a lady of great passion to see that right ruled the day, but that desire bubbled forth not from a need to be seen as great and noble as some might. Rather it proceeded naturally from a heart that overflowed with care for others. That was from where Elizabeth’s courage to see to Georgiana’s safety also flowed, he supposed. And from whence his burden of guilt sprang.
“On a happier note…” Harriet’s eyes dance with amusement and her lips wore a smirk as she cast a glance first at her brother and then Richard. “I do think I will like your soon-to-be cousin, Elizabeth. She does not sound at all dull and boring.”
“You will get on well,” Richard assured her with a laugh, while Edmund groaned. “She has always possessed quite the indomitable spirit. I am glad she was there for Georgiana.”
“If I am not already married and in my own home, we will have to have a dinner and invite the Darcys to it when they are returned to town, Edmund.”
“We will do that,” her brother agreed, though he looked rather uneasy at the thought. As well he should.
Richard would feel sorry for his unease, save for the fact that he was still somewhat put out with the fellow for his part in hiding Mrs. Younge’s connection to Wickham.
He blew out a breath. “Now, what is it that prevents me from marrying your sister straightaway?”
Harriet rose to pour the tea, which had been brought in somewhere in the midst of Richard’s report on the events in Hertfordshire. “Yes,” she said, “I would like to know that as well, for I am of the belief that I could be of greater service to the colonel and whatever you have for him to do as his wife.”
“Harriet,” the word rumbled from her brother. “I will not have you put yourself any further into this mess than you have already put yourself.”
She stopped moving with the teapot poised but not yet tipped to pour into a cup. “This mess? Do you mean the whole kidnapping maids to shuffle them from brothel to brothel?”
“Harriet!” This time Edmund’s tone was sharp. “Must you speak so plainly?”
“I am talking to you – my brother – and the man I am going to marry. I do not see the need to pretend as if I am too stupid to know about such things.” She gave Edmund a glare before she returned to pouring tea. “Now answer my question.”
Her brother pushed up from his chair and crossed to the door to his study.
“Leaving the room will not dissuade me from discovering the truth,” she called after him.
“Perhaps a trip to Gretna Green would not be such a bad thing,” Edmund spat back.
“No,” Richard inserted, “we will marry properly.”
“Of course, we will,” Harriet whispered to him. “But I am still irritated with him for waiting so long to allow you to offer for me. I most sincerely must make sure he does not forget that I am capable of dealing with hard things.”
Richard captured her hand after she had given him his cup of tea and placed a kiss in her palm. “I think you have done a good enough job of that, and I am now able to speak for you, too. Perhaps it is time to desist in riling him – at least, some?”
“Perhaps,” she said before leaning forward and pressing her lips to his just as her brother re-entered the library and grumbled her name yet again.
“That part of annoying him, you may keep doing,” Richard whispered, causing her to laugh.
“I am still awaiting your answer, my dear brother.” She went to the tea tray to retrieve his cup of tea.
He handed a paper to Richard. “The shop owner who sold Andrew’s watch to Harriet apparently stumbled into the Thames last night.” He paused and looked to his sister, who had gasped. “His body was found in nearly the same place where Penny was found.”
Thank you for being my readers! Your support in purchasing my books and sharing about them helps make this writing life possible.
This month, I’m going to keep this personal update as short as possible because my audiobook news is going to be rather longish.
I’ve been busy just trying to keep up with work and adjusting the schedule to fit in my physiotherapy exercises and to see if I can fit in a part-time job (because royalties are low and the cost of everything keeps going up – I’m sure you know how that goes).
I actually had to take a two week break from the exercises since I ended up catching a cough and cold that lingered. I’m doing fine now and need to rebook the appointments I had to cancel because of being ill.
There have been several rainy weekends here so we haven’t gotten out to do much other than to get groceries because of that (and because of my being sick).
My youngest son just had a birthday, and my hubby and I just celebrated 33 years since we said I do.
So basically, just regular and wonderfully normal life stuff has been happening since the last Saturday Broadsheet.
In a couple of weeks, my husband’s work schedule will shift to summer clean up hours since school will finally be out. That shift comes the day after Canada Day (July 1).
And that’s about it from here. Make sure you don’t miss the book deals below and the next section of The Colonel’s Lady at the end of this newsletter.
Leenie
WRITING and AUDIOBOOK UPDATE
In writing news, I am still in the midst of writing my next Annilee Nelson novel, Don’t Tell My Best Friend I Love Her. I’m about halfway through it.
I have started working on some edits of Harriet and the Colonel (which I have retitled To Win Her Colonel’s Hand) so that I can get that novelette ready to publish. I have not started any new Leenie works other than the one for this newsletter.
In audiobook news, there’s a lot more to mention. I have just finished editing all the files for None So Accomplished as Mary, and I’ll have that books scheduled to release to my Patrons on July 15 and my YouTube subscribers on July 16 before you read this. I have not decided on the release date for it everywhere else just yet.
How to Marry an Accomplished Lady will be available to my patrons tomorrow (both my free and paid patrons) and to my YouTube subscribers on Monday, June 16. And it will be available everywhere else July 1, 2025. (Some of these places may have it on pre-order/pre-save before that time.)
So where exactly is this “everywhere else” I’ve mentioned? Well, everywhere that Findaway Voices publishes digitally narrated audiobooks, and those places are …
Baker & Taylor
Bibliotheca
Overdrive
Audiobooks.com
Everand (Scribd)
Kobo, Walmart (I have not found them on Walmart yet, but they are on Kobo and part of Kobo Plus)
NOOK Audiobooks
Spotify
TuneIn
Currently, I have seven audiobooks that are on YouTube and Patreon, and are published through Findaway. On July 1, How to Marry an Accomplished Lady will make that eight, and I hope to have a new audiobook to add each month, barring any setback in my audiobook work schedule.
This month, I have also started adding my catalogue of nonKU books to an digital reading app called ElevenReader. I have elected to do this for accessibility reasons and as a way to earn more income.
I will still work on getting digitally narrated audiobooks produced and distributed, but this takes time. Each produced book takes about 2 hours per chapter to produce to get it to the quality of recording that I am happy to put out for you to listen to. There are only so many hours I can work on these per day, since I have other things like writing and marketing and administrative tasks that must also be done.
It’s going to take a long time to get my catalogue of 70 or so Leenie titles produced as audiobooks.
This is where ElevenReader comes in. I can upload a book per week to their library without it taking too much time and effort to do. This means that if you need or want one of my books read to you, you should be able to find it in their library a lot faster than waiting for the produced book to be made available.
Here’s how ElevenReader works:
I upload my book file to ElevenReader and check that it looks okay.
Then, I fill in all the details about the book that they ask for and hit publish.
A reader finds my book on ElevenReader and adds it to their library. They select a voice and begin listening either right away or later.
When they have listened long enough for it to be a qualified listener (eleven minutes), I get paid $1.10 for that listen, and this is how listening via this app supports me as the author.
It should be noted that this is not a produced audiobook so there could be some changes in speed of reading, pronunciation issues at times, and other small glitches while listening. I’ve listened to a book or two using this app and these instances were few, but there were some. For the most part, it does an excellent job of reading and I know that Elevenlabs is constantly working on improvements.
I have a page on my website dedicated to listing the books that are on ElevenReader. You can find that here. (Currently as I write this, I have ten books listed there.)
If there is a book that you would like me to bump up towards the top of my schedule for listing on ElevenReader, please let me know, and I’ll see if it is possible to move it up or not.
And I think that’s the end of my audiobook info.
IN THE TEAROOM (on Substack)
In case you missed it, it was MY turn to post in the SWR Tearoom this month. I talked about anxiety and how that is playing a role in my new Annilee Nelson novel. (And there’s an excerpt) You can find my article here.
LEAVING KU
The Dash of Darcy and Companions Collection of stories will be leaving Kindle Unlimited on June 22, 2025.
The Choices Series will be leaving Kindle Unlimited on July 16, 2025.
Please make sure you’ve downloaded the stories you want to read with your KU subscription before then. For your convenience, all the stories can be added to your KU reading library in three box sets (two Dash of Darcy box sets and one Choices box set).
As far as I know, they will remain in your KU reading library until you return them – even after they are no longer in the KU program.
For the month of June, Overdrive (a library catalogue) is having a sale. All of my nonKU Leenie ebooks (except for the Willow Hall series) are included in this sale and are marked 50% off. So June is a great month to request for my books to be added to your library’s eBook selection.
The Beginning of Prudence is just $0.99 (USD, CAD, EUR, GBP, AUD, and NZD, with all other currencies also reduced) at all retailers this month.
Discovering Mr. Darcy is FREE on Amazon until Tuesday, June 17.
JUNE’S PATREON FREE READ
If you follow me for free on Patreon, there is a series starter that can be read for free each month. This month’s series starter read is From Tolerable to Lovely, which is part of my Teatime Tales Collection.
JUNE’S PATREON MEMBERSHIP PERKS
Each month, I offer an eBook or two to download and keep to my $2 or more Patrons, and every time there is a new audiobook finished, I also make a link to download that available to them. (The audiobook of How to Marry an Accomplished Lady will be available tomorrow, June 15.)
This month’s eBook offerings are The Tenant’s Guest and From Tolerable to Lovely.
SOMETHING NEW TO READ.
Our story continues this month with Richard arriving in town.
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 1, part 2
Many hours later, Richard dismounted his horse in front of Lillesley House in Leicester Square. He had both a report and petition to be made before he could retire for the night – and he was weary. Just not weary enough to wait to see Harriet until tomorrow. Therefore, he had sent word that he would give his report today.
He handed his horse to a groom and drew three deep breaths as he rolled his shoulders and shook out his legs. He looked at the time on his watch. It was only ten minutes past the time when he said he hoped to arrive. Lillesley should be waiting.
With that thought in mind, he turned toward the door, but before he could do more than begin to ascend the steps, that very door opened. A grin split his face as he saw who it was who had come to welcome him.
“Has your brother fired the butler and given you, his position? Perhaps as a punishment for not doing something he thought you should?”
Harriet Phillips laughed and shook her head. “You will be please and perhaps shocked to know that I have not provoked him since before your last visit.”
Which had been less than a week ago, but, knowing Harriet as he did, that was a noteworthy feat.
“May I take your hat?” She held out her hand in expectation of his compliance. She never expected anything less than acquiescence to her petitions – or demands, as the case might be.
And that was why it was notable that she had not provoked her brother in the short time since he had last seen her, for her brother’s temperament was just as unyielding. Though to be honest, Harriet was often the victor in any standoff with her brothers. Edmund had a soft spot in his heart for his youngest sister that was nearly as deep as Andrews had been. Not that one would know it if one were to witness one of their battle of wills.
Richard doffed his hat but hesitated in handing it to her. The rule at Lillesley House was that he was to keep all of his things with him when visiting Edmund on official business, and this was a visit of that sort – at least, in part.
“I will put it on the table in the little library,” she added, as if she knew what had caused him to pause.
And this was one reason why she tended to get her way. She was excellent at anticipating objections and providing a solution.
“In that case, you may have it,” he said, handing her his hat. “It is good to see you, Harry, but as you most assuredly know, I am here to see your brother.”
“For more than just business, I hope.” She gave him a teasing smile that shone in her eyes.
“As do I,” he agreed, as she closed the door behind him.
“A moment please, Colonel,” she said before he could begin the short trudge down the hall to the little library.
When he turned towards her, she rose on her toes and pressed her lips to his. Her brother would be far less than pleased to see such a demonstration in the entry to his house, but Richard was not. His right arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her close as he returned her kiss.
“Harriet!”
Richard broke their kiss at Edmund’s bellow.
“I will thank you not to accost our guest in the hall.”
Harriet’s cheeks were rosy, but her eyes were filled with defiance. Goodness! She was a delicious sight to behold. At least, when that defiance was directed at her brother on his account.
“I am not accosting our guest. I am simply welcoming him and reminding you that this is the man I intend to marry.” She stepped around Richard and began walking towards the little library.
“Yes, well, that will come … in time,” Edmund replied.
Richard’s left eyebrow rose of its own accord as he followed Harriet. In time? What exactly did that mean?
“Before Christmas,” Harriet replied.
“Perhaps and then, again, perhaps not.”
Harriet placed Richard’s hat on the table inside the little library and turned towards her brother. “Before Christmas.”
“Spring might be better,” he replied in a soft and somewhat cajoling tone.
A scheme was in play – likely not one of Lillesley’s making, but a scheme none the less. Richard shook his head. This was the part of his current profession that he found both exhilarating and bothersome.
It was exhilarating because the objective was often shifting and moving forward. It was bothersome because the shifts and moves were not always predictable and rarely in his power to make of his own free will.
“Am I still able to offer for her? Or will I be led along a merry path that includes some other task that must be completed first?” Richard demanded.
“No, no. You are free to make your offer – though it does seem a bit redundant to do so since she has made it abundantly clear that she will not marry anyone else.” He gave his sister a piercing glare before turning back to Richard. “However, I do not know how long the next part of sorting out this…” He waved his hand in a small circle. “Situation will take.”
He sighed. It was as he had suspected. The next step must be made quickly. Mr. Wickham and Mrs. Younge were only the beginning of uncovering what was a foot.
“Surely, it will not take nearly half a year.” Richard could hear the annoyance in Harriet’s tone as she mounted her protest. “Indeed, it would not, if you would let me help you.”
“No!” Richard and Edmund said in unison.
She huffed and crossed her arms. “I found that watch much faster than you would have.”
“I will grant you that,” Edmund said, “but I am not entirely certain that that was in our best interest.”
Richard cocked his head. “What do you mean?”
“I will explain after I have had your report. Harriet, would you be so kind as to see that we have some refreshment?” Edmund asked.
She smiled. “It was ordered before the colonel had even dismounted his horse. Jimmy will arrive shortly with all that is needed.” She motioned to the chairs in the library. “Do you wish to meet here, or shall we go to your study?” She took a seat next to the chair Richard always sat in when he waited her for her brother in this room.
Edmund scowled. “Apparently, here is acceptable.” He sat down, and Richard followed. “Shall we begin with your report on how things stand in Hertfordshire?”
“That is one of the reasons why I am here.” The other reason was the feisty and precious lady who took his hand as soon as he was seated.
Today, I’ve a Story Connections post that is a bit different than most, because I’ve got some book news to share before I get to the picture and a story excerpt part of the post.
You see, I have a new book available for pre-order, but there is a short window of time, during which you can get the book early and for free. All you have to do is be subscribed to one of my reader communities, whether on Patreon, Substack, or my blog.
If you are already a subscriber to one of those places, you should have received an email, or a notification via an app, on either Friday or Saturday with a link to where you could download a copy of None So Accomplished as Mary. It’s the sequel to How to Marry an Accomplished Lady, and it is part of my Sweet Extras collection.
Sweet Extras are always offered as free downloads to my reader community for a period of time before the release of the book. This time, you have until March 31 to download your copy.
So, if you missed that email, or if you’d like to subscribe to one of my reader communities, you can find that post here: on my blog under the Subscribers Only Post menu option, on Substack in the Substack chat, or on Patreon in the eBook Downloads Collection. You have just over half a week left before the download link expires.
If you’ve already read the book and are the book rating and reviewing sort, early reviews/ratings can be placed on the book’s Bookbub page here or on Goodreads here.
Just one more thing before we get to the picture and excerpt part.
None So Accomplished as Mary is best enjoyed when read AFTER you’ve read How to Marry an Accomplished Lady, which is in my Sweet Possibilities collection. And that story is best enjoyed AFTER you’ve read An Accomplished Lady (of the best sort), which is a Teatime Tale.
In case you need to pick up either of those previous books, I’ve added a 50% off coupon on them at Smashwords until April 5, 2025. The coupon will be applied automatically at checkout. You can find How to Marry… here, and An Accomplished Lady… here.
Are you still with me? 🙂 I know. That’s a lot of info, but now, let’s look at that painting.
I selected this image because, as you will see, None So Accomplished as Mary begins at a ball, and the ladies in the painting are preparing for a ball and having a fabulously fun time. That attitude matches with this book perfectly, since it continues the light-hearted, feel-good romance mood established in the two preceding books in this trio.
In this story, Colonel Fitzwilliam is dead set against knowingly falling prey to a matchmakers scheme. However, that doesn’t mean he can’t unknowingly be captured by a bit of cunning and a tantalizing riddle to solve.
The chapter below takes place just as such an entertaining journey to happily ever after for Mary and the colonel is about to begin.
