Leenie B Books

In case you missed it yesterday... Leenie's got an update to share

The done, almost done, almost almost done, not started, and cancelled (so many projects!) Today, I’m updating you on several of the projects I’ve got on the go at the moment. I’ve also stuck a short personal health update in there (it’s a good thi...

Three copies of each of these books have been added to the Leenie B Books Shop on Etsy @ leeniebbooks.etsy.com. They are eligible to be include in the current bundle and save 30% off when you spend a set amount ($50 CAD/$37.79 USD) promotion.

Individual signed paperback are priced at $25 CAD/18.90 USD, and the two book bundle is priced at $35 CAD/$26.45 USD.

(They are available in other currency stores as well, I just couldn't list out all of those currencies here so picked my currency and USD to show prices)

If you haven't read it, may I suggest you work it into your schedule soon? This book (and book 1 of this series) is currently FREE.

“I thought you might not be here tonight.” Constance wrapped her arm around Evelyn’s as they stood together at the edge of the ballroom.

“I was nearly forbidden,” Evelyn replied. “Mother was not pleased that I was civil to Mr. Edwards last night.”

Constance chuckled. “Civil?”

Evelyn shrugged. “Mother called it being overly friendly. I considered my actions appropriately civil.”

“You did not argue with her, did you?”

“I am here, am I not?”

“Then you did not argue?”

Evelyn shook her head. “I did not dare. It was not easy, I can assure you, but I remained silent and only nodded my agreement.”
Her mother had gone on and on about speaking to Mr. Edwards for a full ten minutes when they were in the carriage. Evelyn’s tongue was still tender from having held it between her teeth for that long. However, it was a small discomfort, which could be overlooked, if it kept her from being confined to home rather than here with Constance.

“She feared that someone saw us speaking in our box,” Evelyn added.

“That is possible,” Constance replied.

“He was sitting next to your brother, and I was not the only one to speak to him. I do not know why my mother must assume that one word spoken to Mr. Edwards will ruin me forever.” She shook her head.

“Do you like him?”

“What? No! Why should you think that?” Had everyone lost all sense when it came to Mr. Edwards?

“I was merely curious.”

Constance looked away. It was a sign to Evelyn that her friend was not being completely honest.

“Why are you curious?” Evelyn asked.

“Why are you trying to encourage him to take on a charity?”

Evelyn had been wondering that very thing herself. “I do not know,” she answered honestly. “Mother said that he is a ship without a mast, just floating along without purpose.” She turned to face her friend. “How can anyone – anyone – be content to live like that?”
Constance laughed. “You are not attempting to reform him, are you? Not everyone feels the same need that you do to be involved in so many projects.”

“You do.”

“Not so much as you. I enjoy a project, but one at a time is enough for me. You, on the other hand, would be bored without at least three projects in progress and another two in waiting.”

It was true. Evelyn loved to be busy, and she relished the feeling of accomplishment she felt when she had bettered someone else’s life.

“Do not make him a project,” Constance whispered.

“You are a fine one to talk,” Evelyn muttered. Constance had taken on Mr. Crawford as a project, which was why she was now betrothed to the man. Evelyn, who had been considering saying more on the subject, snapped her mouth closed. Constance was probably right. Such a thing could be dangerous. “I do not intend to make him a project, I merely suggested he consider doing something with his life. I will do no more.”

Evelyn smiled at her friend, who did not look convinced. “Now, who shall I dance with first?”

“Not Henry,” Constance replied, “although you may claim him for the second set if you wish.”

“Only if he asks me before Mother has promised me for every set.” She nodded toward where her mother and Constance’s aunt were talking with some gentlemen. “I do hope Mr. Marsh arrives before I am signed away,” she added as they moved toward her mother.

“Do you really wish for him to make an offer?” Constance whispered.

“I believe I do,” Evelyn whispered back. “He is a fine gentleman, and he supports my charity work. And,” she dropped her voice lower, “accepting an offer would finally bring me my own home.”

She loved her mother dearly, but Evelyn had to admit that the last two years had been trying. When she wished to go right, her mother demanded they go left. Not actually left, but it was as if they disagreed far more often than they agreed.

Mr. Marsh seemed the best option to restore her former happy relationship with her mother, for not only did Evelyn approve of the gentleman, so did her mother. And her mother would make certain that her father also approved. How she wished that her father could be here to meet the gentlemen who called on her and asked her to dance, but he could not be. He would know precisely which gentleman would be the best choice, for she and her father were, as Evelyn’s mother always said, kindred spirits. However, he was not able to travel to London and was instead at their estate with her younger brother to aid him in recovering from a riding accident that had left him unable to use his right arm until his shoulder healed.

“Has every dance been claimed?” Evelyn asked as they reached her mother and Mrs. Kendrick.

“Oh, I did not accept on your behalf, but I think you will be a very popular partner tonight.” Mrs. Barrett looked excessively pleased with herself. She leaned toward her daughter. “I did intimate to Mr. Marsh that you were all anticipation to see him.”

“Mama,” Evelyn chided. “I shall be happy to see him, but do not make it sound as if it is more. Is he here?”

“He is, and why should it not be more,” her mother replied. “You are not throwing him over for some rapscallion, are you?”

Evelyn knew precisely about whom her mother was speaking. “No, Mother, I am not throwing him over at all.” Although she had to admit that the more her mother approved so forcefully, the more she longed to be able to throw over Mr. Marsh. However, spiting one’s mother was not an acceptable reason to pass over a perfectly good choice.

Her mother drew a deep breath through her nose and released it slowly. “See that you do not.”

“Miss Barrett,” the very rapscallion to whom her mother had been referring appeared before them at the side of his friend, Henry Crawford, “have you been claimed for the first set?”

“Not officially,” her mother answered, “but I did give a gentleman hope that he would have it. Had Evelyn been present, she would be engaged.”

“That is a travesty,” said Charles. “I shall not discourage such an arrangement.” He moved to take up a relaxed spot standing with them and looking out at the ballroom.

Her mother’s brows furrowed. “At what are you playing?” she demanded.

“Mama,” Evelyn pulled her bottom lip between her teeth. She knew better than to scold anyone in public – especially her own mother. However, her mother’s reply had startled her, and the word flew from her mouth before her brain could think better of it.

“I am not in favour of your dancing with Mr. Edwards,” her mother said plainly. “However, I do know that you cannot refuse and still accept others.”

“There will be no dark corners,” Mr. Edwards replied. “The ballroom is spectacularly lit. Not a shadow to be seen, and I have looked.”
Mrs. Barrett’s lips pursed and one brow rose.

“He is an honest scamp, at least,” said Mrs. Kendrick.

“Not always,” Mr. Edwards replied with a grin.

“My question stands. At what are you playing?”

“In a few week’s time, my good friend is to marry your daughter’s good friend, and I think it would be a right proper thing if Miss Barrett and I were at least able to speak to each other since it is quite likely that we shall be tossed into company on occasion after the happy event occurs. Therefore, I think it a most excellent plan to allow you to see that I can indeed treat your daughter with the respect you require, and she deserves. This,” he made a sweeping motion toward the dance floor, “seems a good place to begin, what with all the chandeliers and all.” He shrugged. “I shall await to see if she is claimed for the first dance and then petition her for another. However, if she is not claimed as you hope, I shall offer my services, so that she will not be left standing, and then, I may quit this soiree since my purpose in attending will be complete.”

“You came just to dance with me?” Evelyn was not certain if she should be impressed by such a deed or worry about his mental faculties.

“No, I came to dance with you and, by dancing with you and behaving appropriately, demonstrate to your mother that I am not entirely without a moral compass.”

Yes. She should likely worry about his mental faculties if he thought he could dissuade her mother from disliking him.

“And,” he continued, “I have been considering what both you and Mr. Linton said last evening, and since you seem to know a great deal about charities, I thought you might be able to point me in the direction of one to which I might be of service.” He held up a hand and turned to Mrs. Kendrick. “I am not taking it on for any recognition from the masses of young ladies who will find it charming.” He shook his head. “I wish to see if I can tolerate the activity before I do that.”

Most definitely it was his mental faculties at fault, for one in his right mind would not declare such before her mother and still think it was possible to convince her that he meant her daughter no harm.

“Mr. Edwards,” Mrs. Barrett began, but the music started at that precise moment, and she forgot to continue as she looked around in what Evelyn thought was a rather frantic fashion for Mr. Marsh to appear.

“What say you?” Mr. Edwards asked Mrs. Barrett. “May I request the first set from your daughter?”

For a moment, Evelyn thought her mother was going to become physically ill as she looked utterly aghast at the question.
“It matters not to me if he has the first or some other dance, Mama,” Evelyn whispered.

“But it is the first dance,” her mother replied.

“The first of many,” Evelyn countered.

“Very well, Mr. Edwards, you may inquire.”

Charles smiled broadly as he bowed. “Miss Barrett, may I have the pleasure of partnering you for this set?”

Evelyn shook her head and rolled her eyes but held out her hand to him.

“Your choice of jacket sets off your bruises quite nicely,” she said as they moved toward where Henry and Constance were forming a set with two other couples. “I thought you were too ashamed to be seen until they were healed.”

“I was until a friend dragged me from my hiding and insisted I join society.”

“I believe it was an acquaintance, not a friend,” she replied.

He shrugged. “Whatever you must tell yourself.”

“I do wish you would stop saying that.” She willed herself not to scowl at him.

Again, he lifted his broad shoulders and let them drop as a lazy and tantalizing smile spread across his face. “I might stop if you would stop disagreeing with me.”

It was a comment which superseded her will to appear pleasant.
“You scowl very prettily,” he said as he dropped her hand and took his place opposite her in the line.

Her eyes narrowed. “You are incorrigible,” she whispered.

He leaned forward. “So I have been told many times by Mr. Linton.”
Thankfully, the music began, and their conversation was lost for a time to the patterns of the dance...

If you haven't read this yet, now's a great time to do so!

Book 1 is currently free, and the price for book 3 is also reduced but that sales price is only until Sunday.

In this video, I'm talking about my Other Pens series and grand gestures. (It's just a little less than 18 minutes long)

We're talking books. My books. And which in my Other Pens series have the best grand gestures. The first two books in my Other Pens series are currently free, so I thought it'd be a great time to talk a little bit about that series and which books have...

Ooh, have you seen this?

🚨 Big news for Christian romance lovers! FaithBooks is giving away 10 awesome prize packs of books, gift cards, and swag! 🎁 All you need to do is sign up for their emails by October 19th, and you’re in the running! You’ll also get the scoop on discounted books, new releases, and more. 📖 Enter here: www.faithbooksromance.com/giveaway

In case you missed it -- I (as Leenie) published the October Saturday Broadsheet on Saturday. :) You can read it at any of the following places:

leenibrown.com/blog
leeniebrown.substack.com
patreon.com/leeniebrown

In case you missed it on the weekend, there's a new audio story video on the Leenie B Books YouTube channel

Audiobook: Even Without Cake (Sweet and Clean Regency Romance Vignette) The Tales from Pemberley and Other Sweet Story Vignettes ebook is only available to readers who have joined one of my reader communities on Patreon or Substa...

Both Annilee and Leenie have books that are part of this one day only event. You can see all the books that are available by going to this link: https://www.freecleanromance.com/free

Annilee's got a harvest of Hatfield Falls books at great prices for you! And those prices are EVERYWHERE. Make sure you snag the ones you need to complete your collection before the limited time offers expire.

Find links to all of them on the book page at Annilee's website here: bit.ly/AnnileeBooks

Which Miss Bennet? Well, that would be Miss Kitty Bennet, who is absolutely NOT impressed by Mr. Linton! And he isn't happy about being attracted to her either since being so has set his very nicely arranged and scandal-free existence on end.

If you like enemies to lovers, unintentional misunderstandings and insults, and/or forced but fake dating relationships with sweet happily ever endings, then, this is a book you should read.

Bonus: If you've read Leenie's book Henry: To Prove Himself Worthy (which is about Henry Crawford and is currently FREE everywhere), then, you've already met the hero in this story since he's Henry's proper friend with the proper sister whom Henry falls in love with in that story.
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Links to all my books can be found on the books page of Leenie's website at leeniebrown.com/books

A quote from this month's free read on Leenie's .

Hope at Dawn is an original sweet and clean Regency romance novelette that has a bit of a Persuasion flavour and is definitely a second-chance, reunited lovers story.

You do have to be a Patron (free or paid) to access the free read. It can be found in the Nature's Fury and Delights collection at patreon.com/leeniebrown.

You won't want to miss Leenie's post this week... or any week, actually. I mean, who doesn't want to find something interesting and not related to current events in their newsfeed for a change? Or is that only me? :) If it's not just me, you should make sure you're following Leenie's author page.

You can watch the video about these cakes at this link: https://youtu.be/05NJ2Ngm2Bg?si=orlkB06jUPcCcklO

In Jane Austen’s Emma, she mentions Rout Cakes. Turns out these little cakes were served at the wildest house parties that Georgian England had to offer.

It's Monday. Time for a journal entry from Annilee.

I've got a few promotions running this month, and this signed paperbacks sale is one of them. Until November 2, 2024, you can save 30% when you spend $50 CAD (or local equivalent), which is basically the price of two (non-clearance) books.

My stock on Etsy is small and quantities are limited, but I hope to have at least three more Leenie books added to the shelves before October is over. Each order comes with a bookmark, and I'm waiting on the bookmarks that match the three books I have sitting in my "office" before I list them.

(And if I get my book order in time, I might have two more books to add to the shop before November rolls around.)

Find the Leenie B Books Shop on Etsy @ leeniebbooks.etsy.com

Happy Monday to you! There's a new Morning Thoughts from Scripture journal entry to read over on Substack.

In case you missed it, Leenie added two new audio stories to the Leenie B Books YouTube channel on Saturday. You can find both in the playlist at the link in the original post below.

While you're over on YouTube, I'd love to have you subscribe to the channel. My first subscriber goal number to hit is 500, and I've got a long way to go to hit that. Then, the goal will bump up another 500 to 1000 which is when monetization of the channel becomes possible.

I only intended to share one audio story this week, but ended up sharing two! You can find them both in the Tales from Pemberley playlist on my YouTube channel. bit.ly/TalesfromPemberley

One is an original sweet Regency vignette, and the other is inspired by what could have happened in a scene from Emma.

I just sent this out to my (Leenie Brown's) blog and email subscribers and I've been sharing it on my author social media accounts (Patreon peeps got it yesterday) and I thought some of you might like to know about it as well.
---
An Intro to a New Project
Hi.
I wanted to let you know that I have started to make some digitally narrated audiobooks to share on YouTube for those who would like to listen to them.
I know audiobooks are not everyone's thing.
And then there's the whole AI voice thing...
I know... Those two letters can cause quite a reaction, but before you automatically condemn me or this audiobook for those letters, let me assure you that my use of the AI voice I am using to create the audiobooks PAYS the voice actor.
You see, I'm using Elevenlabs to create these audiobooks, and Christopher, the narrator I have selected, is a professional voice actor, who of his own free accord, submitted a professional reading sample to Elevenlabs. They, then, made a professional clone of his voice, after which, with his full permission, they added his voice to their narrator voice library, and every time anyone uses Christopher to narrate their project, the voice actor gets paid for the use.
Now, obviously, the pay is not at the same rate that he would earn for a production that he is commissioned to do, but he is paid. And that means that when I'm making these audiobooks, I'm supporting a fellow creative. That's important to me and is why I am doing my best to only select professional cloned voices as I make my audiobooks for both my pen names.
At present, I have selected to use Christopher for all my Leenie books because I find I rather enjoy listening to his voice read me stories, but who knows, that might change as I go on.
If I had time and more experience (and for fun and to offer a different version of audio), I might try using a mix of male and female voices to create a duet style audiobook, or I could pull out all the stops (and likely drive myself crazy) and use a different voice for each different character when they speak. :D Will that ever happen? I wouldn't say never, but it does seem unlikely at present.
I've long wanted to have audiobooks, but I could never afford to do them. They're not cheap, and I'd be paying with Canadian dollars which means they're even more expensive for me. So, I had thought I'd never get to do them.
And then, my father's wife (he remarried after my mother died) started losing sight in her one good eye (she's been blind in one eye all her life), and her ability to read was slowly taken from her. That's when I started to look at audiobooks as something more than just a nice thing to create if you can afford to do it.
So, I started to look for ways to do good quality productions at a fraction of the cost, and in that search, I came across Elevenlabs. After taking a short how-to course on using Elevenlabs to make audiobooks, I have arrived here at the beginning of a slow process of producing audio files.
I am starting my audiobook sharing on YouTube with the little vignettes that I've written for The Saturday Broadsheet. Since they are so short, it's been a good way for me to practice my production and video making skills. I hope you will give at least one a listen and hopefully, you'll find some enjoyment in these audiobooks. But, like I said; I know this won't be for everyone. It’s not intended to be.
As I get each audiobook ready, I plan to schedule and share these videos on Saturdays on YouTube. So, if this is something that interest you, I’d love to have you subscribe to my YouTube channel and click the notification button so you won’t miss when I upload a new story.
Below is the link to the first of these audio story video
https://youtu.be/MwkQWN1qzQw
I hope that this will make my books more accessible to more readers.

#Audiobook: Percival the Frog, An Oxford Cottage Inspired Vignette The Tales from Pemberley and Other Sweet Story Vignettes ebook is only available to readers who have joined one of my reader communities on Patreon or Substa...

These are the newest Leenie books to be added to the Etsy shop.