Isabelle's Choice

by Anne Whitfield, AnneMarie Brear

Halifax, England 1876. On the death of her mother and sister, Isabelle Gibson is left to fend for herself and her brother in a privately-run workhouse. After the matron's son attacks her, Isabelle decides to escape him and a life of drudgery by agreeing to marry a moorland farmer she has never met. But this man, Farrell, is a drunkard and a bully in constant feud with his landlord, Ethan Harrington. When Farrell bungles a robbery and deserts her, Isabelle and Ethan are thrown together as she struggles to save the farm. Both are married and must hide their growing love. But despite the secrecy, Isabelle draws strength from Ethan as faces from the past return to haunt her and a tragedy is set to strike that will change all of their lives forever.​

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Historical Romance

290 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 28, 2007

About the author

Anne Whitfield/Anne Brear is an Australian author. Born to Yorkshire parents, her passions, apart from writing, are reading, researching, genealogy, roaming historical sites, buying books and gardening. She is an author of historical women's fiction, contemporary romance and several short stories and writes under two names Anne Whitfield and Anne Brear.
For more about Anne and her books visit her website -http://annebrear.blogspot.com
I've had to make a new author page for my pen name Anne Brear, as my other author page wouldn't allow two names, sigh. So here's the new page. https://www.facebook.com/annebrearauthor
Published novels:
To Gain What's Lost, historical.
The House of Women, historical.
Kitty McKenzie, historical.
Kitty McKenzie’s Land, (sequel)
Long Distance Love, modern romance.
Broken Hero, WWII romance.
Hooked On You, romantic comedy.
New Beginnings: short story anthology.
What He Taught Her, short story.
My books can be purchased from Amazon.com or Amazon UK

Reviews

[Bec · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have mixed feeling after finishing this book i really enjoyed most of the book, though i never really understood why the 2 Protagonists were so in love because really they didn't spend a great deal of time together. I really liked the idea for the story the execution was really lacking i think.
I was going to give this book 3 stars but the ending was just wrong so im giving it 2. Why only 2 you ask? MAJOR SPOILER: The Hero dies. Yes thats right folks he is killed and in the epilogue the Heroes best friend professes his love for the Heroine.... Yep really weird the ending just ruined it for me and i was quite peeved that i spent a few hours of my time to have no HEA!
The ending made me think that there may be a sequel but i cant find any mention of one, anyone know about this?
This book has left me feeling confused, sad and kind of empty. Not a keeper!

[Bogstoetten Elfie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Den her bog var noget mere barsk og dyster, end jeg troede. Jeg synes ikke rigtig, at den idylliske forside og det tunge indhold passer sammen. Hvis den ikke havde været tilsat en portion romantik og mange rørende øjeblikke, var jeg aldrig kommet igennem den. Hos Mofibo står den under genren ”Romantik”, og der synes jeg ikke rigtig, at den hører hjemme, da det kun fylder en lille del af bogen. Der er mere fokus på de fattiges hårde liv og kvinders manglende muligheder.

Når man læser en historisk roman fra slutningen af 1800-tallet, synes jeg altid, at de handler om overklassen, derfor er det forfriskende at høre om livet hos de fattigste. Normalt ville jeg finde de mange beskrivelser af pligterne på gården kedelige, men heri fungerede det.

Isabelle er en kvik og viljestærk kvinde, der kæmper for at forbedre sit eget og brorens liv, men ulykkerne bliver ved med at ramle ned over hende. Jeg håbede hele tiden på en bedring i Isabelles liv, men den lod vente på sig.

Slutningen både overraskede og skuffede mig meget. Bogen er til dem, der holder af historiske romaner med fokus på fattigdom og budskabet om, at penge ikke er alt. Den er ikke til dem, der leder efter en historisk romance.

[Tara Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an epic book, not just in its length, but also in its sheer scope of the tragedies and horrors heroine Isabelle has to endure. Her spirit was enduring, indomitable and undeniable, everything a heroine should be. I dearly wanted her to catch a break, though, as she had one thing after another happen to her that was terrible with only a few bright times sprinkled in.
Ethan was a dashing hero and his love and loyalty to Isabelle was very romantic. I also enjoyed all the rest of the supporting cast like Hugie and Bertie. Farell, her husband, was a complete and I wished him dead as soon as he started beating on Isabelle. Why she didn’t kill him, I don’t understand.
The story arc of a rich man saving a woman whose husband abandoned her by making her his mistress has been much used in romance novels. But there was enough extras in Isabelle’s relationship with her returning father, her adventures learning how to be a farmwife and cook, her solid partnership with her brothers, and finding her own destiny that I really enjoyed this novel.
Now to the bad points:
Only a complete idiot would stay in a house to be beaten regularly—especially if she was in a delicate condition—or subject her family to those same beatings when she had a legitimate offer/way to get away. That Isabelle stayed not just once but multiple times greatly diminished my respect for her. That Ethan knew of these beatings and just told Farell not ever to do it again (then left and didn’t return for weeks) also felt contrived. That neither of her brothers sneaked out to go to Ethan when Farrell left for his nightly drinking felt contrived. For a woman who had all kinds of plans and whipped a derelict farm back into working profitable order in record time, Isabelle seems to lose all her senses once she gets preggers. Instead of plotting to run away or to kill Farrell, she is busy secretly making baby clothes?
The book also tends to be a bit overwritten in the love scenes, not in graphic depictions, but in the flowery talk of undying love. Ethan seems to love Isabelle straight off, and she him, even though they don’t spend much time together. If he loves her so much, why is he leaving her with such a brute of a husband?

Here are some examples:

He had no idea who Mrs. Peacock was or anything about her establishment, but the depth of her unhappiness made him want to hold her to him and promise her the world, anything she desired just to take away the pain from her eyes.

He stared into her eyes, captivated by the shadow of her soul he saw there.

How she had suffered! ‘I’m so sorry you have endured this.’
‘I had no choice but to.’ She kissed him and he held her tight. ‘I would bear anything for you.’
He stood and drew her up and against him. He kissed her with a deep longing that he could no longer control. Her lips parted eagerly, wanting him, accepting him. She was so soft, so passionate. His tongue explored her mouth, familiarising his mind to her delights once more.
Raising his head, he smiled down at her. ‘I love you and we will never be apart again.’

And of course, what happens next? Isabelle convinces Ethan to leave without her, but not before he spills the beans about a rather big secret which leads to the tragedy mentioned in the summary.

I did not personally like the ending to this book, though it was believable, and there was still a HFN which tied things up in a nice fashion

Overall opinion: I’m glad to have read this tale of love and triumph over suffering. I just wish there had been a little less domestic abuse.

[Mrs Margaret Maher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Book

I thoroughly enjoyed this book a was follow up book to this one. I have spent the last 3hours today reading this book not wanting it too end it was amazing.

[Jasmyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

If I had knows this was going to be a tragedy ahead of time, I would have judged this book very differently. There is not a HEA in this book, I say that as a warning, not trying to give anything away. The writing itself was very beautiful. The character were very alive. Isabelle was a little too determined to stay in a horrible situation instead of finding a way at times, but otherwise she was a true woman of her times - trying to make the best of what life had given her.

Ethan was a gallant gentleman, wanting to protect a woman from having a harder life than necessary. He just happened to fall in love with her at the same time and it only made things harder for awhile. Where there is a sad part of the ending, there is also hope and hint at a new life ahead.

[Annett Jummrich · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely loved ‘The Slum Angel’ by AnneMarie Brear, so was looking forward to reading another one of the author’s books. However, ‘Isabell’s Choice’ doesn’t come close to the previous mentioned book. I was rather left disappointed as I expected more. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a good book and moving story, it’s just that I had such high hopes that I was underwhelmed by this book.

One of the biggest issues I had with the story was that it’s not really clear why Isabelle’s husband (‘Farrell’) changes his attitude towards her so much. First he pretty much ignores her, then leaves for a year and when he comes back he wants to ‘keep’ her as his wife come what may. Why suddenly so possessive? Is it just because Isabelle loves his enemy (the landlord Farrell hates with gusto)? First he says he never wanted a wife and then he won’t let her go. Have I missed something?

I also wasn’t a big fan of the epilogue. I think the epilogue really wasn’t necessary. It basically put the idea into the reader’s mind that Isabelle will follow Hamish to Australia at some point and they become a couple. Could have done without the epilogue.

Okay read, but if you are curious about this author, then please do read ‘The Slum Angel’ and not this book.

[Julia Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm giving Isabelle's Choice three stars since I did like it, but I have reservations. It started very well and I warmed to Isabelle even though she was sharp-tongued. She wanted to take care of her brother which prompted her to make the choices she did. I can't fault her for that.

There were quite a few typos in the narrative that would make the story run smoother if just a little more editing was done.

I'm always dubious when the hero and heroine are sexually attracted the minute they set eyes on each other. To me that smacks of being 'in lust' rather than falling 'in love'. I guess I like a slow burning romance, when the hero and heroine's feeling grow naturally. I wince when they want to tear off their clothes as soon as they can.

But the ending startled me. I certainly didn't see that coming and it's not often that kind of ending is approached in a romance.

I can recommend this story for readers who enjoy historical romances.

[Derek Sanderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book-you'll really hate the villain!!

I was hesitant to read this book initially, given the reference to an adulterous relationship. I tend to shy away from stories that romanticize wrongdoing. However, this book does no such thing. Rather, one sees the complexity of marital relationships during a time when the poor, especially women, had few choices, and the wealthy were expected to place money, duty, and family over personal feelings and needs. As well, one reads of the abuse endured by Isabelle, not only by her foul, despicable wretch of a husband, but also by the townsfolk among whom survival and gossip often took precedent over compassion and truth. Altogether, It's a wonderful ride of twists and turns with an ending you won't expect! I loved the story overall and would enjoy a Part II for greater completion.

[josephine Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

very interesting story

Although I have enjoyed all of AnneMarie Brear’s stories this has been my least favourite, I was waiting for the death of someone but not expecting it to be him.

[c m bolton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Choice

Fabulous story. I hope Isabelle has a wonderful future. She deserves everything good that happens to hee. I love all AnneMarie books. A must read

[Elizabeth Cleland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely read!

Enjoyed this book so much could not put down. Thoroughly enjoyed and could have read on further did not want book to finish.

[Magi · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read bit slow in some areas but on the whole a very good story

[Mrs L A Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

BRILLIANT

I did enjoy this. So wish it would have carried on. There is definitely another book here with the move to Australia.

[Ann Juliet Ridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant read

Loved all the history and characters. Fantastic read.
Highly recommend. A book i could read again and again.

Brilliant writing.

[Amy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read the "Slum Angel" and really liked the story and Authors writing style.
I did not finish "Isabelles Choice".
I did not like that the main characters were both married to other people, and the main male character was lusting after her. I don't like when books romanticize an affair. The male character comes across as just lusting after her and not thinking about her well-being. It came across as taking care of her with strings attached.
The author is a good writer, I just didn't like the storyline.
There was a lot of swearing, too, which I am never a fan of. Just personal preference.
Trigger ⚠️ warning. There is an almost rape and domestic violence.

[Wall-to-wall books - wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved loved loved this book!!!!! What a power strong story this is. I fell in love with this book, I think on the 2nd or 3rd page and I didn't want to stop reading till I got to the end. But I forced myself to go slow and read and enjoy every word. This story almost had a fairytale quality about it, it was fun, sad, exciting, and had you rooting for the woman! Not only is this a great Historical romance - it has such a powerful message to women, about not giving up, staying strong and standing up for themselves!
OH JOY!!! I have a new favorite character! A new favorite heroine! I loved Isabelle "Belle" right from the beginning. I knew she would be a strong character. Now here is a woman that your would want you daughters to model themselves after. She stayed strong even in the darkest of times, in the face of danger. She stood up to others and fought for her and her brother's lives. She endured pain for their future.

"He inclined his head in acknowledgment of her words. 'I just don't want you to be hurt'
"You don't want me to be hurt? She mocked him with a humorless laugh. 'You mean hurt like when you walked out on us? Hurt when Grandfather dies? Hurt when we were forced to enter a private workhouse? When mother stopped eating and died of a broken heart? Hurt when Sally no longer cared enough to fight a common cold and allowed it to weaken her lungs? Is that what you mean?"
"Belle..."
"Don't call me that!' she yelled. "You have no right!" Pain and disappointment ate at her."

Belle reminded me of another favorite character I had - Jenny of "Jenny's Mountain" by Elaine Long - one of my all-time favorite books!
There were so many great qualities about this book - great descriptions, interesting storyline, on the edge of your seat writing, but I think for me what really sold me was the great character development! I really love stories with strong female characters and this certainly had that!

This was the first book by Anne Brear that I have read, infact I have to admit I had never even heard of her. Well I am not stopping here... I will be looking forward to reading more by her. What a wonderful new Author for me.

[Rosemary Cantrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a random book I picked off the free books on Kindle list. It turned out to be pretty good. A young girl is left with her younger brother alone in the workhouse, after the death of her mother and sister. Her father had abandoned the family years before. She is independent and does not get on well with the director of the workhouse, plus the director's son is pursuing her and she is afraid of what he will do, so she decides she must find a way to get away and provide for her brother and herself.

She agrees to marry a much older man who is a farmer, since she is not afraid of hard work and thinks this will be a way for them to be cared for. The man turns out to be violent and things go downhill from there.

This is a romance, believe it or not, and she eventually meets the lord of the manor, falls in love, but struggles with all sorts of difficulties. The story pulled me in a little more than I had expected, although much of it was predictable. There were enough unexpected moments to make the book a little better than the standard romance of this genre.

Fortunately, it is a clean read, as far as the sex scenes go, and does try to deal with human emotions and struggles with decision making. So, somewhat shallow, but a decent escape anyway.

[Ellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very well written novel of love, pain and suffering.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the account of Isabelle’s life, her love for the dashing Ethan and above all her relationship with her younger brother Hughie as he slowly becomes a man. I also liked reading the change in relationship with Elizabeth, Ethan's mother.
Anne Brear is gifted with a very fluid style and the novel flows. Despite the trial and tribulations that poor Isabelle is forced to face, the novel does not lack positive moments. I am personally not a fan of deeply romantic elements but for anyone enamored with these types of figures, the novel does not disappoint and the reader is not, thankfully, overwhelmed with highly emotional moments.
I had enjoyed “To Take her Pride” very much and I quite enjoyed this one as well. The fact that the novel is set in the second half of the century England brings an extra touch to the plot that I found intriguing.
All in all I would recommend this book that is fun, well put together and a fast read.

[Tina Petriella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anne Brear has such a writing technique that just captures her readers and takes them on a wonderful journey of life. In “The Gentle Wind’s Caress” we are able to see life through Isabelle Gibson’s eyes. It pulls you in as soon as you read that first paragraph and continues to put you on the edge of your seat up to the very last word. It is an amazing book that I just couldn’t put down the whole time.
Isabelle Gibson is a proud, young woman that has the will power and strength that every woman wishes to possess. You will laugh with her, cry with her, feel for her, and hope for the best for her. As a reader you will continue to cheer Isabelle on and will want her to succeed in her life. If you want to read a great book that will take you on a journey of life this is one for you!
Thank you Anne Brear for another great read and I am looking forward to reading more of those great books of yours.

[Lisa C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I finished this book, I was ready to give it one star for the awful ending. However, that wouldn't be fair. Just because I thought the book shouldn't have ended the way it did, didn't mean the writing wasn't good.

The author did a great job of capturing the emotions of the characters. Isabelle was a marvelous example of strength, integrity and caring. I liked the fact she and Ethan acted on their emotions although I normally don't condone adultery, in her case she was a wife in name only.

The book kept my interest; it drew me in. It had action, romance and several topics not normally covered in historical romances. The ending was completely unexpected and I didn't like it at all.

[Shellie (Layers of Thought)]

Free on Kindle from Friday August 10th through Saturday August 11th:

For UK:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Gentle-Wi...

For US:

http://www.amazon.com/Gentle-Winds-Ca...

[Betty Ann Baer · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story is about a lady that is living as a servant. Her mom and sister die, so she decides to leave. She takes the first man that offers to marry her. Life goes downhill from there. The book kept me reading, but it was a love story with a sex scene and not my type of book. Oh well, what do you expect from a free kindle book?

[Jo Notary]

I started reading this in 2012, but stopped at 18%. It was depressing.
354pgs, Halifax 1876, Her mom and sister die, leaving her with a brother to raise, to escape the hands of a rapist, agrees to marry a drunkard she has never met, he deserts her, but a married man tries to help her out, they are both married, but have strong feelings for each other

[Carolina Cordeiro · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was an OK read. Didn't particularly like the fact that Isabelle was so "weak" when she refused her lover's suggestions. Don't get me wrong, I understand why, but I didn't like the fact there were so many "No". In the end, I believe she did get the right guy! :).

[Shelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was free on my kindle. Pretty cover. I found the story interesting. It certainly isn't a bed of roses, but all reads shouldn't be. I didn't agree with all of the heroine's choices and that made for a good read.

[Maggi Andersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love stories set in Yorkshire in the Victorian era. Brear depicts the hardship of life in those times brilliantly. Love all her books.

[Dixie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I loved the book until I got to the ending. Was super disappointed in the outcome. Wish now I had never read it. Felt like I wasted my time.

[Vesta Moon · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was alright.. An immature young woman making hasty decisions that turn out all wrong.. Not till the end of the book does she stop and decide to take the time to consider before taking the leap..