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ABOUT THE BOOK
Sequel to THE JOURNEY
Haunted by a secret from the past, will Darcy be forced to relive his worst memory?
Almost thirty years after Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy encountered Nate Morgan in Jan Hahn’s The Journey, their paths cross once again in New Orleans, where Morgan lives in an elegant plantation he named Belle Lisette. Set in the Antebellum Era of the American South, this novel sends the Darcys and the Bingleys abroad to help their sons seek their fortunes in the land in which Henry Darcy fell in love during a previous visit. It is there that they discover Morgan, who, free from his indenture, has established himself as a prosperous land and business owner. Hoping never to see the rogue again, Darcy finds that his enemy not only still harbours tender feelings for Elizabeth, but he has two sons, both of whom are attracted to the Darcys’ only daughter, the free-spirited Beth. Whether or not you have read The Journey, you will find Jan Hahn’s sequel, Belle Lisette, a compelling read on its own, filled with simmering secrets, excitement, and romance.
REVIEW by Christina Boyd
Author Jan Hahn’s Belle Lisette is a masterpiece that expertly weaves together romance, suspense, and deep emotional resonance. As the highly anticipated sequel to The Journey, this novel takes readers back into the lives of the beloved Darcys and the dangerous and enigmatic highwayman Nate Morgan, setting the stage for a compelling new chapter full of intrigue and passion.
Set in the Antebellum South, Belle Lisette drew me into a lush and atmospheric world where secrets and past wounds simmer just beneath the surface. Fitzwilliam Darcy, now almost thirty years after his first clash with Morgan, finds himself once again face-to-face with the man who once haunted his past. As the Darcys and the Bingleys travel to New Orleans to help their sons seek their fortunes, they inadvertently become entangled with Morgan, who has built a life of prosperity and influence.
Hahn’s character development is one of the novel’s strongest suits. Elizabeth’s and Darcy’s internal struggles, weighed down by secrets from their past, are palpable and realistic. Their complex emotions toward Morgan—both resentment and a lingering sense of jeopardy—are executed with finesse. Elizabeth, as always, shines as a loving and supportive partner, balancing Darcy’s brooding nature with her own strength and wit.
“My love was a good man. His father had been a good man. I did not know whether this man Beth loved was good, but I knew for certain his father was not.” –Chapter 18.
The new generation, particularly the often-audacious Beth (who sometimes showed shades of Scarlett O’Hara), brings a fresh dynamic to the story as she becomes the object of affection for Morgan’s handsome sons, adding layers of tension and romance, even echoing the forbidden love in Romeo and Juliet to the plot.
“Mr Morgan drew exceedingly close to his son and shook his finger in his face. By that time, they stood so near me I saw his eyes as he stared at Jubal. They had darkened and could only be described as menacing. “She’s not for Tristan. Not ever. Do you hear? Darcy’s daughter is for you?” –Chapter 17.
Still, the primary story is always about Elizabeth and Darcy, knowing, hoping, and praying that their love can endure the secrets long thought buried.
The Antebellum South setting is evocative. Hahn’s vivid descriptions of a grand plantation, New Orleans and the surrounding countryside, the culture, and the tensions and injustices of the time transported me into a world full of social complexities, heavily characterized by the intuition of enslaved people, where the economy was reliant on sugar, cotton, and tobacco plantations. The romance between the younger characters is tender and thrilling, while the mysteries surrounding Morgan’s past unfold, leaving me to wonder who would suffer from the sins of the father.
Whether you are familiar with The Journey or coming to this story for the first time, Belle Lisette stands on its own as a captivating tale of love, redemption, and the ever-present shadows of the past. Jan Hahn has once again crafted a story that will tug at your heartstrings, leaving you eagerly turning the pages until the very end.
If you're a fan of historical romance, compelling characters, and intricately woven plots, this book is an absolute must-read. Five stars, without a doubt!
I am still in shock that the author has claimed this to be her final novel. For that reason alone, this should be read and lauded sooner than later.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
After leaving the world of business, Jan Hahn has been employed in various writing endeavors, but none gave her as much pleasure as the Jane Austen-inspired novels she has written for over twenty years. They were shared with others at online Austen sites, until Meryton Press began publishing them in 2011. This book, Belle Lisette, will be her final Austen novel.
Hahn’s long-time muse was her husband until she became a widow far too soon. She referred to him as her Mr. Darcy. Jane Austen said Darcy is a good man in essentials, and Hahn agrees. She loves to read and write about good men and true love. For inspiration in writing this last book, she relies on memories of the good man she married and the deep love they shared. Hahn has five children and seven grandchildren. She lives in Austin, Texas.
Dear Christina, I only wish I could write stories as well as you write reviews. Thank you for the years of encouragement and support you have given me. You and others in the Austen world are why I have written as long as I have. Now there are many, many talented authors writing JAFF. It’s amazing how our little world of Austen love has blossomed! I’m blessed to have been a part of it.
Same here, I've been a huge fan of Jan Hahn's writing for decades. Such an exquisite writing style! I loved 'The Journey' and everything she wrote. I can't wait to read 'Belle Lisette'! So sorry that it's to be her final Austen novel!
Thanks so much for your beautiful writing, Jan, and for many happy hours!
Terrific review for a great story, Christina. I will be honest, Jan’s announcement gutted me. She has been an exemplary example to me. Jan and Janet Taylor’s encouragement kept me writing when my career was beginning. They are ladies with sterling characters with a hint of mischief that I admire. Sniff! Sniff! I will be rereading this again and again as the years go by.