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Touches of Austen #4
His Irreplaceable Belle: A Touches of Austen Novella
They say time heals all wounds, but can it truly restore two shattered hearts?
Not every father wishes for his daughter to marry a physician. Fredrick “Fritz” Norman discovered that years ago when the father and brother of the lady he loved attempted to destroy him. Since then, he has become a great success in medicine. However, in the affairs of the heart, he has failed miserably to find anyone who can replace his Belle.
Persuaded by the tears of her mother, a young Annabelle “Belle” Chapman once gave up the man she loved. For years, she has regretted that decision. Six years later and still unmarried, her father declares her a spinster and sends her to be a companion to her aunt.
As fate would have it, Belle’s aunt is one of Fritz’s patients, and no amount of persuasion is going to make her willing to give up the best physician in Bath. Belle and Fritz are just going to have to learn to see each other while knowing all the while that they can be nothing more than acquaintances. Or so they think.
However, as Belle and Fritz will discover, a love like theirs can neither be denied nor replaced by another –no matter what obstacles might stand in its way.
His Irreplaceable Belle is the fourth book in Leenie Brown’s Touches of Austen Collection. If you like second chance romances reminiscent of Jane Austen’s Persuasion, then you will love this sweet Regency romance about heartache and longing and a love strong enough to triumph over the agony of the past.
Not every father wishes for his daughter to marry a physician. Fredrick “Fritz” Norman discovered that years ago when the father and brother of the lady he loved attempted to destroy him. Since then, he has become a great success in medicine. However, in the affairs of the heart, he has failed miserably to find anyone who can replace his Belle.
Persuaded by the tears of her mother, a young Annabelle “Belle” Chapman once gave up the man she loved. For years, she has regretted that decision. Six years later and still unmarried, her father declares her a spinster and sends her to be a companion to her aunt.
As fate would have it, Belle’s aunt is one of Fritz’s patients, and no amount of persuasion is going to make her willing to give up the best physician in Bath. Belle and Fritz are just going to have to learn to see each other while knowing all the while that they can be nothing more than acquaintances. Or so they think.
However, as Belle and Fritz will discover, a love like theirs can neither be denied nor replaced by another –no matter what obstacles might stand in its way.
His Irreplaceable Belle is the fourth book in Leenie Brown’s Touches of Austen Collection. If you like second chance romances reminiscent of Jane Austen’s Persuasion, then you will love this sweet Regency romance about heartache and longing and a love strong enough to triumph over the agony of the past.
- GenresRegency
237 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 26, 2020
8 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
Leenie Brown
95 books112 followersLeenie Brown has always been a girl with an active imagination, which, while growing up, was both an asset, providing many hours of fun as she played out stories, and a liability, when her older sister and aunt would tell her frightening tales. At one time, they had her convinced Dracula lived in the trunk at the end of the bed she slept in when visiting her grandparents!
Although it has been years since she cowered in her bed in her grandparents’ basement, she still has an imagination which occasionally runs away with her, and she feeds it now as she did then ─ by reading!
Her heroes, when growing up, were authors, and the worlds they painted with words were (and still are) her favourite playgrounds! Now, as an adult, she spends much of her time in the Regency world, playing with the characters from her favourite Jane Austen novels and those of her own creation.
When she is not traipsing down a trail in an attempt to keep up with her imagination, Leenie resides in the beautiful province of Nova Scotia with her two sons and her very own Mr. Brown (a wonderful mix of all the best of Darcy, Bingley, and Edmund with a healthy dose of the teasing Mr. Tilney and just a dash of the scolding Mr. Knightley).
Although it has been years since she cowered in her bed in her grandparents’ basement, she still has an imagination which occasionally runs away with her, and she feeds it now as she did then ─ by reading!
Her heroes, when growing up, were authors, and the worlds they painted with words were (and still are) her favourite playgrounds! Now, as an adult, she spends much of her time in the Regency world, playing with the characters from her favourite Jane Austen novels and those of her own creation.
When she is not traipsing down a trail in an attempt to keep up with her imagination, Leenie resides in the beautiful province of Nova Scotia with her two sons and her very own Mr. Brown (a wonderful mix of all the best of Darcy, Bingley, and Edmund with a healthy dose of the teasing Mr. Tilney and just a dash of the scolding Mr. Knightley).
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 10, 2020
This story ended at 91% on my Kindle. The author explains at the beginning that this story echoes Persuasion.
Belle and Fritz have suffered six years apart. He was forced to move his medical profession to Bath when Belle's father did all he could to make that happen when learning that Belle and Fritz wanted to marry. Fritz didn't have a title or the wealth her father demanded in any man she marry. Part of why they didn't elope is that Fritz knows how close Belle is with her mother and that she would be cut off from any contact with her mother if they did so.
So Belle has now moved to Bath to live with her aunt. Her aunt is an independent widow and she has selected Fritz to fill the role as her doctor...to consult with her on a regular basis. So the couple is thrown into regular contact. Her aunt as well as some of her and his friends are determined to find mates for both of them.
One of the sad parts of this story is that although Belle believes her mother has been her one and only support all of her life, in fact her mother has listened to Belle's complaints about her father and comforted Belle with the words, "I'll talk to him." But what she does is inform her husband of how Belle is misbehaving or rebelling or of her plans to elope and so father can countermand anything he disapproves of. This is why Belle has moved to live with her aunt. Her mother is no longer part of her life.
Both still love and still regret the years alone. However both believe the other has forgotten them and is moving on.
This book can be read as a stand alone but there are mentions of person in the previous stories and some connections which help explain a part in this story.
I enjoyed this story. Persuasion is my second favorite of Jane Austen's stories.
I received an ARC of this story with no strings attached.
Belle and Fritz have suffered six years apart. He was forced to move his medical profession to Bath when Belle's father did all he could to make that happen when learning that Belle and Fritz wanted to marry. Fritz didn't have a title or the wealth her father demanded in any man she marry. Part of why they didn't elope is that Fritz knows how close Belle is with her mother and that she would be cut off from any contact with her mother if they did so.
So Belle has now moved to Bath to live with her aunt. Her aunt is an independent widow and she has selected Fritz to fill the role as her doctor...to consult with her on a regular basis. So the couple is thrown into regular contact. Her aunt as well as some of her and his friends are determined to find mates for both of them.
One of the sad parts of this story is that although Belle believes her mother has been her one and only support all of her life, in fact her mother has listened to Belle's complaints about her father and comforted Belle with the words, "I'll talk to him." But what she does is inform her husband of how Belle is misbehaving or rebelling or of her plans to elope and so father can countermand anything he disapproves of. This is why Belle has moved to live with her aunt. Her mother is no longer part of her life.
Both still love and still regret the years alone. However both believe the other has forgotten them and is moving on.
This book can be read as a stand alone but there are mentions of person in the previous stories and some connections which help explain a part in this story.
I enjoyed this story. Persuasion is my second favorite of Jane Austen's stories.
I received an ARC of this story with no strings attached.
July 22, 2020
"What would cure a broken heart?" (quote from the book)
It was wonderful being back among friends, for that is how I see the characters in this series. I found the charming Frederick 'Fritz' Norman to be such a noble individual and a true friend to the Blakesley's. They, in turn, were the same to him.
This novella has the 'touches of Austen' in its premise. Mr. Norman lost his love due to Belle's family; namely, her father, six years prior. When Annabelle 'Belle' Chapman arrives in Bath to stay with her aunt, Mrs. King, all the turmoil within his heart, is agitated again. As much as he is searching for a wife, none can compare to his 'Belle'.
"The heart knows what the heart knows regardless of the head" (quote from the book)
It was fun to see other hints of Austen characters among the novella. I look forward to seeing further stories that will develop from this series. I definitely recommend this sweet and inviting tale.
I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this novella with no expectation for a review.
July 9, 2020
“In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.” –Coco Chanel
Book 4 in Leenie Brown’s ‘Touches of Austen’ series. Mr. Norman’s story picks up where book 3 left off. A lady from his past has arrived in Bath and sets his world on end. Rating: clean and sweet.
“One shouldn’t gamble with what is irreplaceable and precious.” –Naomi Klein
Fredrick ‘Fritz’ Norman, a prominent doctor in Bath was conferencing with his patient Mrs. King [known as Aunt Augusta] on her regular visit. Her niece Belle [Annabelle Chapman] was in town and was in his office waiting room. It had been six years since he had last seen her. Fritz had been in love with Belle and wanted to marry her. He appreciated her intellect even though her father cruelly labeled her a bluestocking. Her brother didn’t approve of him courting his sister and suddenly rumors were circulating that Norman was inept as a doctor. The gossip cost him a position when he finished his training. Belle refused to elope with him because her father would prevent her mother from ever seeing her again. This reminded me of ‘Persuasion’ and Anne being persuaded away from Captain Wentworth.
We have characters from the previous book that holds a solid place in the life of Dr. Norman. They are so cute. I love how Brown seamlessly incorporates characters from the previous books into the new story and makes the reader want to be friends with them. I wanted to join their company as they proved to be a great support system for their friend. I couldn’t help but love them.
“A man does not recover from such devotion of the heart to such a woman! He ought not; he does not.” –Jane Austen, Persuasion
Dr. Norman was single and had a successful medical practice. So, naturally, we had a cadre of matchmaking mommas, fathers, and grandfathers, among his patients and acquaintances in Bath. All were more than happy to assist him in finding a wife. It was surprising how many people had an unmarried granddaughter, daughter, niece, or relation that they just knew Dr. Norman would love to dance with. Poor man, how like Mr. Darcy as he fought off the matchmakers in assemblies, balls, and soirées in the Pump Room and other gather places in Bath. If only he could get his head and his heart to cooperate with his quest for a wife… any wife… but not Belle... not her. It was a stubborn process.
“She had been forced into prudence in her youth, she learned romance as she grew older: the natural sequel of an unnatural beginning.” –Jane Austen, Persuasion
The rest of the story was the mild to medium angst necessary in bringing together our lovers. Of course, Brown is known for throwing a wrench in the middle of the works in her love stories. This story was no different. Belle’s brother Miles showed up and made his sentiments known when he discovered that Norman was also in Bath. Here was the beauty of Brown’s… what I like to call her ‘web of friendships’… characters from all the previous books were there in support of Belle and Norman and they let Miles know none of them ‘would abide any harm coming to him.’ Then Miles surprised everyone when he told them his plans for the future. No spoiler… how cool.
Then Belle’s father arrived looking for Miles. We suddenly had a mad scramble among our characters that was so amazing. The best part was when Aunt Augusta went toe-to-toe with her brother. I love Aunt Augusta. She had the backbone of a Lady Catherine only she was nicer. What fun. I highly recommend this delightful easy romantic story of abiding love recaptured from all that was lost.
Book 4 in Leenie Brown’s ‘Touches of Austen’ series. Mr. Norman’s story picks up where book 3 left off. A lady from his past has arrived in Bath and sets his world on end. Rating: clean and sweet.
“One shouldn’t gamble with what is irreplaceable and precious.” –Naomi Klein
Fredrick ‘Fritz’ Norman, a prominent doctor in Bath was conferencing with his patient Mrs. King [known as Aunt Augusta] on her regular visit. Her niece Belle [Annabelle Chapman] was in town and was in his office waiting room. It had been six years since he had last seen her. Fritz had been in love with Belle and wanted to marry her. He appreciated her intellect even though her father cruelly labeled her a bluestocking. Her brother didn’t approve of him courting his sister and suddenly rumors were circulating that Norman was inept as a doctor. The gossip cost him a position when he finished his training. Belle refused to elope with him because her father would prevent her mother from ever seeing her again. This reminded me of ‘Persuasion’ and Anne being persuaded away from Captain Wentworth.
We have characters from the previous book that holds a solid place in the life of Dr. Norman. They are so cute. I love how Brown seamlessly incorporates characters from the previous books into the new story and makes the reader want to be friends with them. I wanted to join their company as they proved to be a great support system for their friend. I couldn’t help but love them.
“A man does not recover from such devotion of the heart to such a woman! He ought not; he does not.” –Jane Austen, Persuasion
Dr. Norman was single and had a successful medical practice. So, naturally, we had a cadre of matchmaking mommas, fathers, and grandfathers, among his patients and acquaintances in Bath. All were more than happy to assist him in finding a wife. It was surprising how many people had an unmarried granddaughter, daughter, niece, or relation that they just knew Dr. Norman would love to dance with. Poor man, how like Mr. Darcy as he fought off the matchmakers in assemblies, balls, and soirées in the Pump Room and other gather places in Bath. If only he could get his head and his heart to cooperate with his quest for a wife… any wife… but not Belle... not her. It was a stubborn process.
“She had been forced into prudence in her youth, she learned romance as she grew older: the natural sequel of an unnatural beginning.” –Jane Austen, Persuasion
The rest of the story was the mild to medium angst necessary in bringing together our lovers. Of course, Brown is known for throwing a wrench in the middle of the works in her love stories. This story was no different. Belle’s brother Miles showed up and made his sentiments known when he discovered that Norman was also in Bath. Here was the beauty of Brown’s… what I like to call her ‘web of friendships’… characters from all the previous books were there in support of Belle and Norman and they let Miles know none of them ‘would abide any harm coming to him.’ Then Miles surprised everyone when he told them his plans for the future. No spoiler… how cool.
Then Belle’s father arrived looking for Miles. We suddenly had a mad scramble among our characters that was so amazing. The best part was when Aunt Augusta went toe-to-toe with her brother. I love Aunt Augusta. She had the backbone of a Lady Catherine only she was nicer. What fun. I highly recommend this delightful easy romantic story of abiding love recaptured from all that was lost.
April 18, 2025
So poorly written! Boring, tedious dialogue. I could not force myself to finish it. Any resemblance to the work of Jane Austen has to be almost accidental. I am bailing at 25%.
July 25, 2020
This is a lovely story reminiscent of Jane Austen’s Persuasion, a book about second chances. Frederick “Fritz” Norman is a physician in Bath who never got over his love for Belle, a girl who refused him for her family’s sake six years ago. The two meet again, as he is her aunt’s physician, but each is unwilling to admit that they still care. Their friends try to set them up with other people which just makes them more miserable. Thankfully there is a happy ending. I loved Fritz and Belle who were both kind and compassionate, and deserved their happiness. The side characters like Aunt Augusta were also well written. Belle’s father was completely horrible but her younger brother Miles was a nice surprise. This is book 4 in a series but can easily be read as a standalone book and at a novella length is a quick and satisfying read.
I received a complimentary ebook. A review was not required and all opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary ebook. A review was not required and all opinions are my own.
May 26, 2020
Bath, England. Mrs King keeps Dr Frederick 'Fritz' Norman on retainer. But he has become increasingly reluctant of his weekly visits. Only because of her, the niece, Annabelle Chapman. How he has longed for her these past six years. For six years ago his suit was rejected by her father as he had no standing and was poor.
Friend Mrs Grace Blakesley is determined to find a wife for him. It would also seem that some of his patients intend for him to meet young relations with marriage in mind. What can Annabelle do?
Can either of them have a happy ending.
A delightful and well-written romance novella.
Friend Mrs Grace Blakesley is determined to find a wife for him. It would also seem that some of his patients intend for him to meet young relations with marriage in mind. What can Annabelle do?
Can either of them have a happy ending.
A delightful and well-written romance novella.
February 21, 2024
I liked the characters in this story, both primary and secondary ones. I had loved the doctor in the previous book so getting to read his story was fun. The storyline is a little nod to Persuasion except worse since not only does the family reject Fritz for being a doctor, they also do their best to ruin him. And then the father does it again with his son. That father is pretty much a pompous louse. And he is divisive. A big ol' gaping hole in that family thanks to him.
I always love a story where the characters stand up and say no when something is wrong. It was a very satisfying ending.
No sex, language or violence
I always love a story where the characters stand up and say no when something is wrong. It was a very satisfying ending.
No sex, language or violence
October 26, 2020
Sweet Romance of Continuous Love
This is a sweet story of romance that continues in spite of being thwarted by others. I enjoyed the characters, both Fritz and Belle as well as the support characters. Good plot with a lovely ending.
This is a sweet story of romance that continues in spite of being thwarted by others. I enjoyed the characters, both Fritz and Belle as well as the support characters. Good plot with a lovely ending.
March 31, 2024
What a sweet story! With hints of Persuasion all around, it was a pleasure to see second chances at true love and authentic friends dominate the HEA ending.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews