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Learning to Love
In this exploration of Little Women and Pride and Prejudice, can Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy help unite two young lovers?
Amy March has been in love with her neighbor Laurie for years, but he only had eyes for her older sister. Now living in Europe, Amy is choosing her path to happiness despite her heartache. But her equilibrium is challenged when a single and melancholy Laurie pays her a visit.
Soundly rejected by his childhood love and best friend, Laurie is now wandering around Europe, taking little interest in anything or anyone. Things change in France, where he reunites with his old friend Amy. Disappointed in his behavior, she convinces him to take charge of his life and engineer his own happiness.
Laurie returns to London to make a fresh start, but he cannot get Amy out of his mind. Confused and lovestruck, he appeals to his grandfather’s close friends, the Darcys, for advice. Will this wise, elderly couple be able to guide him through his heartache?
Amy March has been in love with her neighbor Laurie for years, but he only had eyes for her older sister. Now living in Europe, Amy is choosing her path to happiness despite her heartache. But her equilibrium is challenged when a single and melancholy Laurie pays her a visit.
Soundly rejected by his childhood love and best friend, Laurie is now wandering around Europe, taking little interest in anything or anyone. Things change in France, where he reunites with his old friend Amy. Disappointed in his behavior, she convinces him to take charge of his life and engineer his own happiness.
Laurie returns to London to make a fresh start, but he cannot get Amy out of his mind. Confused and lovestruck, he appeals to his grandfather’s close friends, the Darcys, for advice. Will this wise, elderly couple be able to guide him through his heartache?
141 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 6, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 11, 2024
A good example has twice the value of good advice. ~ Albert Schweitzer
Who would be a better example for a young couple than an older couple with a long, happy marriage?
Full disclosure: “Little Women” is far from my favorite book. I always found the character of Jo unattractive, possibly from June Allyson’s (or was it Katherine Hepburn’s) exclamation of “Jehosophat”.
My prejudice nearly kept me from reading this sweet little story combining “Little Women” with “Pride and Prejudice.”
The story begins with Amy March’s trip to Europe and her meeting with her childhood neighbor, Theodore Laurence, better known as Laurie.
Amy and Laurie meet Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy through Laurie’s friendship with their grandson. Love blooms and Laurie’s broken heart mends.
It is the province of knowledge to speak, and it is the province of wisdom to listen. ~ Oliver Wendell Holmes
Who would be a better example for a young couple than an older couple with a long, happy marriage?
Full disclosure: “Little Women” is far from my favorite book. I always found the character of Jo unattractive, possibly from June Allyson’s (or was it Katherine Hepburn’s) exclamation of “Jehosophat”.
My prejudice nearly kept me from reading this sweet little story combining “Little Women” with “Pride and Prejudice.”
The story begins with Amy March’s trip to Europe and her meeting with her childhood neighbor, Theodore Laurence, better known as Laurie.
Amy and Laurie meet Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy through Laurie’s friendship with their grandson. Love blooms and Laurie’s broken heart mends.
It is the province of knowledge to speak, and it is the province of wisdom to listen. ~ Oliver Wendell Holmes
October 26, 2024
As a longtime fan of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women and Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice, I was over the moon to spot this blending of both classics in a parallel side story to Little Women and sequel to Pride & Prejudice. Brigid Huey did justice to both stories.
Learning to Love puts Laurie and Amy in the forefront as the young lovers. Amy has held a torch for Laurie ever since she could remember while he was pursuing her older sister Jo. As she slipped into womanhood, she has stopped dreaming and has a plan to wed a nice gentleman who will treat her with regard and she esteems.
Laurie is lounging about Europe trying to get over Jo’s rejection and during a memorable Christmas ball in Nice discovers Amy is no longer a little girl and her calm determination to wed his friend has him consternated for some reason.
But, Laurie’s grandfather introduces him to an aged, but forever young married pair who make him envy what they have and suddenly understand his feelings about Amy March. The Darcys gladly share their surprising courtship and good advice just when Laurie needs it most. Is it too late for him with Amy?
This long novella was heartwarming and tender. I enjoyed revisiting Jane Austen’s most famous pair in their old age and seeing them still happy and in love and ready to help a new generation with their own romantic mistakes. But, more than that, I was tickled to get Laurie and Amy’s story first hand. In Little Women, their romance happens off page and one learns of it when it is a fait accompli, but this was a sweet and tender friends to lovers that takes place in lovely European tourist settings of the Victorian period while they worry together over Beth’s declining health back home and Laurie getting over his childhood love for Jo. Oh the feels this brought out as I swooned the way Laurie and Amy looked to bolster each other up and sought to help each other through their pain. Their romance was a matter of timing with Amy knowing first and waiting, but then giving up and Laurie having to see what was right in front of him and then figuring out he had to take a chance on love.
As a fan of both stories, I felt this new blend did them both justice. Someone familiar with both stories would get the most out of Learning to Love, but newcomers can appreciate the sweet historical romance, too.
I rec'd an eARC from Meryton Press to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at That's What I'm Talking About 10.10.24.
Learning to Love puts Laurie and Amy in the forefront as the young lovers. Amy has held a torch for Laurie ever since she could remember while he was pursuing her older sister Jo. As she slipped into womanhood, she has stopped dreaming and has a plan to wed a nice gentleman who will treat her with regard and she esteems.
Laurie is lounging about Europe trying to get over Jo’s rejection and during a memorable Christmas ball in Nice discovers Amy is no longer a little girl and her calm determination to wed his friend has him consternated for some reason.
But, Laurie’s grandfather introduces him to an aged, but forever young married pair who make him envy what they have and suddenly understand his feelings about Amy March. The Darcys gladly share their surprising courtship and good advice just when Laurie needs it most. Is it too late for him with Amy?
This long novella was heartwarming and tender. I enjoyed revisiting Jane Austen’s most famous pair in their old age and seeing them still happy and in love and ready to help a new generation with their own romantic mistakes. But, more than that, I was tickled to get Laurie and Amy’s story first hand. In Little Women, their romance happens off page and one learns of it when it is a fait accompli, but this was a sweet and tender friends to lovers that takes place in lovely European tourist settings of the Victorian period while they worry together over Beth’s declining health back home and Laurie getting over his childhood love for Jo. Oh the feels this brought out as I swooned the way Laurie and Amy looked to bolster each other up and sought to help each other through their pain. Their romance was a matter of timing with Amy knowing first and waiting, but then giving up and Laurie having to see what was right in front of him and then figuring out he had to take a chance on love.
As a fan of both stories, I felt this new blend did them both justice. Someone familiar with both stories would get the most out of Learning to Love, but newcomers can appreciate the sweet historical romance, too.
I rec'd an eARC from Meryton Press to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at That's What I'm Talking About 10.10.24.
August 7, 2024
“Watching Mr. & Mrs. Darcy gave him a strange sense of peace, as if he could really believe their promise that everything would work out well.” (quote from the book)
Little Women is a great favourite of mine from childhood. I loved all the adventures of the March girls and their close friendship with Laurie and his grandfather.
I was thrilled to hear that Ms. Huey wrote a story tying in Little Women and Pride and Prejudice. I found it plausible, lovingly portrayed and completely delightful!
This was a low angst sweet imagining of how Mr. & Mrs. Darcy, help Laurie see that dreams do come true.
I highly recommend this sweet rendering from Ms. Huey.
July 6, 2024
Fellow romance readers, I have a new one by a new author to me that I think you will like.
Brigid Huey's "Learning to Love" is a delightful addition to romance, offering a fresh perspective on classic themes. The novel introduces us to Amy March, a character inspired by Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women," who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and love in Europe. Huey skillfully intertwines Amy's story with elements from Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice," particularly through the guidance of Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy, who serve as mentors to a melancholic Laurie, a young man that Amy has loved for a long time. The narrative explores the nuances of unrequited love and personal growth as Amy confronts her past feelings for Laurie, who has evolved from the boy next door to a man shaped by his own experiences. Huey's portrayal of their evolving relationship is both heartwarming and realistic, capturing the complexity of human emotions and the transformative power of love.
Critics have praised Huey's accessible writing style and the way she balances homage to literary classics with a unique storyline. "Learning to Love" is seen as a comforting read that combines the predictability of romance with unexpected twists, resulting in a satisfying journey for the characters and readers alike. In essence, "Learning to Love" is a novel that celebrates the timeless nature of love and the enduring influence of classic literature. It's a must-read for fans of romance, promising a story that is both familiar and surprising, filled with moments that will resonate with readers long after the last page is turned. So what are you waiting for? Pick up your copy today!
• ASIN: B0D833MVLX
• Publisher: Meryton Press
• Publication Date: 7/6/2024
• File Size: 4451 KB
• Print Length: 141 pages
• Genre: Romance Adaptation eBooks - Adaptations & Pastiche Fiction – Gothic Romances
Brigid Huey's "Learning to Love" is a delightful addition to romance, offering a fresh perspective on classic themes. The novel introduces us to Amy March, a character inspired by Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women," who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and love in Europe. Huey skillfully intertwines Amy's story with elements from Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice," particularly through the guidance of Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy, who serve as mentors to a melancholic Laurie, a young man that Amy has loved for a long time. The narrative explores the nuances of unrequited love and personal growth as Amy confronts her past feelings for Laurie, who has evolved from the boy next door to a man shaped by his own experiences. Huey's portrayal of their evolving relationship is both heartwarming and realistic, capturing the complexity of human emotions and the transformative power of love.
Critics have praised Huey's accessible writing style and the way she balances homage to literary classics with a unique storyline. "Learning to Love" is seen as a comforting read that combines the predictability of romance with unexpected twists, resulting in a satisfying journey for the characters and readers alike. In essence, "Learning to Love" is a novel that celebrates the timeless nature of love and the enduring influence of classic literature. It's a must-read for fans of romance, promising a story that is both familiar and surprising, filled with moments that will resonate with readers long after the last page is turned. So what are you waiting for? Pick up your copy today!
• ASIN: B0D833MVLX
• Publisher: Meryton Press
• Publication Date: 7/6/2024
• File Size: 4451 KB
• Print Length: 141 pages
• Genre: Romance Adaptation eBooks - Adaptations & Pastiche Fiction – Gothic Romances
September 12, 2024
Most of this story is told from the viewpoints of Laurie aka Theodore Laurance and Amy March. We only get a few mentions of Mr. and Mrs. Darcy, who are grandparents to Fitz Darcy, a friend of Laurie's.
The settings are London and Nice, France. Amy is vacationing with her cousin and aunt in Europe when their touring is brought to a halt when her aunt falls ill. Laurie is in London, learning to take over his grandfather's business.
Laurie and Amy correspond with letters which take up a good part of the book. They are also receiving letters from home and we learn that Beth March's health is on a downward spiral. Amy, an artist, not only is gaining some art experience while in France but also has been commissioned to paint a portrait of Beth for Laurie's grandfather, who is also fond of Beth as they were neighbors.
Both Laurie and Amy have other "loves" in their lives. Laurie, as told in Little Women, had loved and proposed to Jo March, only to be denied by her. Amy also now has the attentions of a male suitor. However, she, also finally decides that, although friends, he is not her "one, true love".
The Darcys come in as they give some advice; plus there is the example they make in their own marriage.
This had no angst for me plus it took me a little while to orient myself to the history from Little Women...it has been a long time since I read it.
The settings are London and Nice, France. Amy is vacationing with her cousin and aunt in Europe when their touring is brought to a halt when her aunt falls ill. Laurie is in London, learning to take over his grandfather's business.
Laurie and Amy correspond with letters which take up a good part of the book. They are also receiving letters from home and we learn that Beth March's health is on a downward spiral. Amy, an artist, not only is gaining some art experience while in France but also has been commissioned to paint a portrait of Beth for Laurie's grandfather, who is also fond of Beth as they were neighbors.
Both Laurie and Amy have other "loves" in their lives. Laurie, as told in Little Women, had loved and proposed to Jo March, only to be denied by her. Amy also now has the attentions of a male suitor. However, she, also finally decides that, although friends, he is not her "one, true love".
The Darcys come in as they give some advice; plus there is the example they make in their own marriage.
This had no angst for me plus it took me a little while to orient myself to the history from Little Women...it has been a long time since I read it.
July 21, 2024
Dommage
I loved almost every word of this excellent book – almost every word except “Vevay”, the name used for the town at Lake Geneva. There is no town in Switzerland called Vevay, it is Vevey. As the name was mentioned quite a lot it couldn’t have been a slip. I wonder how this happened.
Dommage
I loved almost every word of this excellent book – almost every word except “Vevay”, the name used for the town at Lake Geneva. There is no town in Switzerland called Vevay, it is Vevey. As the name was mentioned quite a lot it couldn’t have been a slip. I wonder how this happened.
Dommage
July 24, 2024
So confession time: Little Women is fine, but it's never been a personal favorite of mine, especially since as a young girl, I couldn't stand Jo breaking Laurie's heart AND Laurie's quick change-of-heart to the bratty Amy. So with that in mind, I just finished this book, and I loved it! Brigid totally reconciled my frustrations. Beautifully written - she did Alcott and Austen proud! ❤️
August 26, 2024
Delightful variation from Little Women
This variation on Little Women focuses on Amy and Laurie navigating the challenges of young adulthood abroad. While the author has used the characters from Pride and Prejudice, I would say it is more like a gentle cameo appearance suitable to them being of a different generation.
This variation on Little Women focuses on Amy and Laurie navigating the challenges of young adulthood abroad. While the author has used the characters from Pride and Prejudice, I would say it is more like a gentle cameo appearance suitable to them being of a different generation.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews