The Black Beast of Belleterre

A Beauty and Beast Victorian Christmas Novella

By: Mary Jo Putney

Narrated by: Siobhan Waring

The Beauty and the Beast: a haunted and hidden lord, a desperate young beauty, and a marriage of convenience between two people who yearn for more....

James Markland, Lord Falconer, knows that he is ugly, very ugly, and he lives a life of seclusion, wearing a heavily cowled mantle to conceal his face from the world. When he learns that a neighboring girl, the exquisite, young Ariel Hawthorne, is about to be sold into marriage with a revolting lecher, he offers her the only protection he can: his name. Of course it will be a marriage in name only, because what woman could want him?

A talented artist, Ariel is cursed by her beauty and vulnerability. Though she never sees her husband's face, she is drawn to his kindness and generosity, but he is determined to push her away. Will he allow her to love him before it's too late? Perhaps the magic of Christmas can bring them together....

This seasonal stand-alone Regency novella is also published in the author's Christmas Revels collection.

About the Author

A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today best-selling author, Mary Jo Putney's novels are known for psychological depth and intensity and include historical and contemporary romance, fantasy, and young adult fantasy. Winner of numerous writing awards, including two RITAs, three Romantic Times Career Achievement awards, and the Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award from Romance Writers of America, she has had numerous books listed among Library Journal’s and Booklist's top romances of the year.

©1992 Mary Jo Putney (P)2020 Mary Jo Putney

almost too predictable, yet a compelling story

the most memorable moment wax in realizing that Ariel was totally authentic and genuine. it was her character, the inside of her, that made the story believable and good.

Enchanting

Beautifully written and sweetly delivered a classic made new.
I have always been a lover of beauty and the beast this book just made it that much better.

I loved this tender love story

Yes, the plot is old as tme, but the beauty of the writing of Mary No Putney and the atmospheric narration provided made this a story I couldn't stop listening to until I finished at 4 am in the morning even though I knew exactly how it would end. It was simply a glorious listen for me and a holiday blessing I will enjoy year after year. Thank you Mary No for allowing me to escape my petty problems for an enchanted 6 hours!

reasonably well done variation

Review of audiobook previously borrowed through my library’s Hoopla app. This novella was originally published 1/1/92 as part of an anthology titled ‘A Victorian Christmas’. This novella was reissued and published individually on 2/21/20.
As you can guess, this is a variation on Beauty and the Beast.
The Black Beast is James Markland, 7th Baron Falconer, who was born a very ugly child and was further damaged in the accident that killed his mother.
The Beauty is Ariel Hawthorne, daughter of a profligate who owes £10,000 to Falconer. When Hawthorne can’t pay again, Falconer demands Ariel in marriage to keep her father from marrying her off to Gordstone, a notorious pox ridden lecher who has driven 3 wives to their graves.
What follows is a classic back-and-forth with self sacrifice and misunderstanding, but with a romantic ending.
Waring does a decent job of narration.

Mary Joe has done it again.

I truly enjoyed this book. I am a fan of all beauty and the beast. But this was special keep writing girl you do great work