Category: Novella

The Black Beast of Belleterre by Mary Jo Putney

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Christmas, Fairytale Retelling, Novella, Victorian Era (1837-1901)2 Comments

The Black Beast of Belleterre

Barbara’s rating: 5 of 5 Stars
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: 1/1/1992
Period: Victorian
Number of Pages: 56

I cannot begin to tell you how many times I have reread this novella over the years. Something about it just calls to me and makes my heart sing. To me, it tells the story of Beauty and the Beast the way it should be told – and the author even mentions that in her author notes. I cannot believe I have never written a review for it – perhaps because it is short? Perhaps because I am so enraptured after each read that I just forget to write a review? Who knows – but I’m fixing that now.

James Markland, Lord Falconer, isn’t a handsome man – actually, not even somewhat attractive. He is, however, one of the gentlest, most caring, empathetic, and giving people this planet has ever produced. Anything or anyone who is seen as ‘less’ by the world finds a home on his estate. His servants, his tenants, absolutely everyone who knows him, loves him. Yet he always hides from everyone. He always wears a cowl around his face and stands in the darkest areas of a room. He does not, and never has, felt lovable because he is so unattractive.

Falconer sees the most enchanting young lady as he is approaching her very rundown home to collect a debt from her father. She is sunshine to his shadow. He is just happy to have caught a glimpse of something so graceful and lovely.

Ariel Hawthorne is the daughter of a wastrel of a father who cares nothing for her or the estate. She finds out just how far the finances have sunken when her father tells her she is being betrothed to a pox-ridden odious man. She refuses, but she knows she might not be able to avoid his plot. Until, a man she’s never seen before, makes her an offer she cannot refuse. She is so grateful, but she wishes she could actually see him because that cowl hides him away.

Ariel is never really afraid of Falconer even though she has never laid eyes on him. She does her best to spend time with him, and converse with him, but he always pushes her away. Goodness, you just have to love these two very special people! Their romance is lovely and the ending – at Christmas – will warm your heart and make you smile.

I can definitely recommend this novella. You will absolutely fall in love with Falconer and will quickly realize that Ariel is his perfect match. When you are in the mood for a quick, lovely read that will soothe your soul and warm your heart, this is definitely the book for you.

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Message from a Lady by Jane Charles

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Novella, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820), Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Message from a LadyMessage from a Lady by Jane Charles

Tracy’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Spirited Storms, #6

Release Date: 02/14/23 – Previously released in the “Sunflower Season” Anthology

Lady Johanna Knight has loved Peter Storm for some time, but despite her encouragement, he refuses to court her, knowing as the fourth son of an earl, her father and grandfather would never consider him worthy of her hand. When her grandfather threatens to ship her off the country and arrange a marriage for her if she doesn’t stop associating with Peter, she is determined to get him to elope with her. But to her dismay, Peter’s friend and the man her grandfather wants her to marry, the Duke of Eldridge begins to take notice of her. He assures her that he had no desire to marry, and is just trying to help Peter spend time with her.

Peter loves Johanna but he knows even if her family would approve, he doesn’t feel that he could give her the type of life she deserves. When his great-uncle intervenes and offers to help him, Peter refuses his help, feeling that if he can’t marry her on his own merit, he doesn’t deserve her. When he sees how well Eldridge and Johanna are getting along, he is jealous and decides it might be time for him to leave London. He is still pondering that idea when he learns that Johanna is missing. He is frantic to find her and realizes that he was a fool – but did he wait too long?

This was a very well-written, nicely-paced novella with characters that have enough backstory to make their romance believable. The book has a lot going on for such a short story, there will be longing, friends running interference, carrier pigeons, unreasonable relatives, abduction, The Duke of Danby, and one toe-curling kiss, all before these two find their way to HEA. The book is a sweet, low-steam read that features a bit of a beta hero, in a sort of forbidden love mixed with a friends-to-lovers trope that ends with HEA and even offers an epilogue. This is the sixth book in the series, but can easily be read as a standalone title. This novella was originally part of the Sunflower Season charity anthology which is no longer available, and it should be noted that this edition has been revamped and expanded from the previously published novella. Overall, I found this story a delightful quick read and would be happy to recommend it.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*