When the Marquess Falls Mass Market Paperback – April 18, 2017

When the Marquess Falls (previously titled Making Merry with the Marquess) is a novella part of the Hellions of Havisham series. In that series the reclusive Marquess of Marsden is a single parent raising not only his own son but 3 orphaned boys who were his friends’ children. Marsden is referred to as the “Mad Marquess” after holing himself up at his estate after his beloved wife Linnie’s death during childbirth, he even still “speaks to” and “sees” her around the property. Theirs is a love that is eternal and knows no bounds. Reading the series beforehand and knowing Linnie’s fate, I knew this novella would be bittersweet and pull all sorts of emotional punches but I do love those type of reads that break your heart a bit & make you cry, so I was ready.George becomes the Marquess of Marsden at the age of 12 after losing his father. It’s on the day of his father’s funeral that he runs outside to get away and meets 8-year-old Linnie, the baker’s daughter, sitting up in a tree. We also get to see Marsden with his 2 best friends, the Duke of Ashebury and Earl of Greyling (the fathers of the sons Marsden ends up raising in the series trilogy) and it was so bittersweet to see the previous generation of these men together. The 3 friends are known as the Undecided Lords and all end up finding their future wives at a Christmas ball held at Marsden’s estate. The story fast forwards to when Linnie & Marsden are married, then to when she gives birth to their son and passes away after childbirth, to when the 3 boys show up (the scene from book 1 of the series), and to moments throughout the series that Marsden sees/speaks with Linnie.I adored all the little moments sprinkled throughout the book that tie into the previous book...Linnie stating why she would smile for a portrait if she ever had a painting done of her, Linnie saying she can see Marsden with 4 boys (the boys he ends up raising that become the hellions), an old woman telling Linnie she’d have an eternity of happiness but wouldn’t be long for this world. Even going in knowing Marsden & Linnie’s time together was short-lived, this was such a special and bittersweet romance read. Their eternal romance was everything and I pretty much bawled the entire last half of this novella. 🥺😭🥰

This review contains a serious spoiler if you haven't read the other books in the series.FINAL DECISION: Know the secret of this book, grieve with every word, and read it anyway.THE STORY: George, the Marquess of Marsden has been friends with the baker's daughter, Linnie Connor, since they were children. Although he knows he loves her, George knows that there cannot be any future between them because of the difference in their stations. With their friendship on a deadline (Linnie plans to move to London to open her own shop and George knows he must marry) the two cannot stop the deep and forbidden passion that flares between them.OPINION: I have had this book for months and just couldn't bring myself to read it. This book has a horrible middle that readers of the series will know about -- the heroine dies young in childbirth. Yet, it is a beautiful romance even if it doesn't fit the standard confines of the genre.The story between George and Linnie is more beautiful knowing that it is both such a short story and a long romance. While this won't be a book that I will pick up again and again to read, I greatly admire Heath for writing this book. Most writers would have left readers with -- the romance is not a HEA and thus there is nothing more to write. Heath instead rises to the challenge and gives readers a book that has a happy ever even if it is not in this life.WORTH MENTIONING: I cried and cried and cried.CONNECTED BOOKS: WHEN THE MARQUESS FALLS is book 3.5 in the Hellions of Havisham series. In some ways it is both a prequel and a sequel for the series. I think this book is better read after the series.STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

I couldn't put this one away. Oh how I ached for Linnie! To love one man so much throughout a lifetime! I had to keep reminding myself that of course, all would work out... This is a romance after all! Then I cried. The ending was bittersweet and perfect. Now I'll wipe my eyes and come back for this one again! Wonderful story, Virginia. Thank you!

A heartwarming novella that offers readers a glimpse into the undying love and devotion George, the Marquess of Marsden, had for a local baker's daughter named Linnie. The love they had for each other was eternal and everlasting.George meets Linnie when he is twelve, and she, eight, and he immediately falls for her and knows without a doubt that she is the one he will eventually marry. Unfortunately, reality and its expectations interfere with his plans once he reaches adulthood and he begins to realize his responsibilities. As a result of his more elevated status and her lowly one, George cannot seem to find a way to actually marry her without breaking centuries of tradition as a titled member of society, despite wanting her with a fierceness that threatens to consume his entire body and soul. Will love conquer all?Have tissues handy because this is an intense read that will make you cry your heart out upon its conclusion. I absolutely adored this short love story, and I recommend it highly to adult readers and romantics alike! This novella is a rare gem of heartbreaking honesty and a love so deep and melodious that its soft strains resonate with you long after you have turned the last page. A Definite Must-Read for All Adults!

I was looking forward to reading about Marsdon don't but this was not at all what I was hoping. I love Lorraine Heath. But this one just depressed me. I am sure others might love It because it was well written as always--but the story was simply not for me. I really missed her humor and amusing dialog. II hope her next release will be more for me. Deborah Clark

This was perfect if you had read the book meant to be read before this one. Marsdon is a magnificent man, both at a young and old age…

Emotional, bittersweet, HEA x2.