Thursday, April 23, 2015

Suddenly Mrs. Darcy Blog Tour & Giveaway!

Hey Everyone! I'm delighted to be part of the Suddenly Mrs. Darcy Blog Tour! This stop brings Jenetta James author of  Suddenly Mrs. Darcy here to So little time... with a guest post! 



Many thanks to Jakki at Leatherbound Reviews for organizing this Blog Tour! 

Also, Meryton Press is giving a paperback of Suddenly Mrs. Darcy to one lucky winner! You'll find the information for the giveaway at the bottom of this post.




Book Blurb

Elizabeth Bennet never imagined her own parents would force her to marry a virtual stranger. But when Mrs. Bennet accuses Fitzwilliam Darcy of compromising her daughter, that is exactly the outcome. Trapped in a seemingly loveless marriage and far from home, she grows suspicious of her new husband’s heart and further, suspects he is hiding a great secret. Is there even a chance at love given the happenstance of their hasty marriage?

Add to Goodreads.









I'm so excited about this book! When Elizabeth is forced to marry Mr. Darcy is one of my favorite scenarios! And it looks like it's a favorite of Ms. James, too, as you'll soon see:


Marriage Lessons for Lizzy

When you think about it, it’s a funny thing that Jane Austen wrote so effectively about marriage, having never been married herself. I guess that you don’t need to be a soldier to write about a war and the keen observation and humour that she brought to every aspect of her work – she also focussed on the whole business of matrimony. Pride and Prejudice itself contains a number of brilliantly drawn portraits of marriage – some of them more inspirational than others. The union of Mr and Mrs Bennet is clearly unsatisfactory to all concerned, while that of Mr and Mrs Gardiner appears to be a paradigm case of love and mutual respect.

I have a soft spot for Pride and Prejudice variations in which Lizzy and Darcy are forced by circumstance to marry sooner than they do in cannon. Changing the chronology in that way asks the reader to consider how the characters may build a marriage that is tolerable to both of them on shaky foundations when there are still unresolved conflicts bubbling away under the surface. They are effectively locked into a rigid relationship without first being able to know one another. An “early” marriage also gives a flavour of the times. This was an era in which marriages could be brokered very quickly between families. It was also an era when the threat of scandal might necessitate a marriage in dazzlingly short order, whatever the truth of the matter may be.

That is what happens to Lizzy in Suddenly Mrs Darcy and I have tried to focus on how she would have coped; how the playfulness and intelligence of her personality would have reasserted itself. With that in mind, I have deliberately given her a couple of new examples of marriage within the narrative. The Lizzy of Suddenly Mrs Darcy has within her contemplation and happy marriage of some length and a marriage which has been overshadowed by unhappiness and scandal to the detriment of all. Let us hope that she will heed their lessons in her matrimonial travels with Mr Darcy!


Author Bio:

Jenetta James is a lawyer, writer, mother and taker-on of too much. She grew up in Cambridge and read history at Oxford University where she was a scholar and president of the Oxford University History Society. After graduating, she took to the law and now practises full time as a barrister. Over the years she has lived in France, Hungary and Trinidad as well as her native England. Jenetta currently lives in London with her husband and children where she enjoys reading, laughing and playing with Lego. Suddenly Mrs Darcy is her first novel.


Connect with Jenetta James

Twitter • Facebook • Website



Blog Tour Schedule


4/20:Excerpt & Giveaway at The Calico Critic 
4/21: Review at Songs and Stories 
4/22:  Guest Post & Giveaway at My Jane Austen Book Club 
4/23: Guest Post & Giveaway at So Little Time… 
4/24: Review at Diary of an Eccentric
4/25: Excerpt & Giveaway at My Love for Jane Austen 
4/26: Review at Babblings of a Bookworm
4/27: Guest Post & Giveaway at Austenesque Reviews 
4/28: Guest Post at Songs and Stories 
4/29: Excerpt & Giveaway at Best Sellers and Best Stellars 
4/30: Review at My Kids Led Me Back to Pride and Prejudice
5/1: Review at Margie's Must Reads
5/2: Guest Post & Giveaway at More Agreeably Engaged 
5/3: Excerpt & Giveaway at Laughing with Lizzie 


* * * GIVEAWAY * * *

Giveaway time! Meryton Press is giving away ONE paperback of Suddenly Mrs. Darcy to ONE lucky winner! This giveaway is open Internationally! To enter fill out the Rafflecopter below and leave a comment!

Thank you, Jenetta James and Meryton Press! 

  • One person will win a paperback of Suddenly Mrs. Darcy.
  • Open Internationally.
  • Last day to enter: April 30, 2015


Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Please, leave a comment! We'd love to hear from you! Remember, to enter the giveaway you MUST fill out the Rafflecopter (shown above). If you need help entering, email me by clicking on the email icon at the top of the sidebar. Thanks!
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60 comments:

  1. olooreApril 23, 2015 at 2:56 AM

    I am very exited to read Suddenly Mrs.Darcy by Janetta James, because arranged marriage variations are my favourite among P&P what ifs:) And in this connection I have a question for Janetta: what P&P arranged marriage variations by other authors you have read and liked?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JenettaJApril 23, 2015 at 4:50 AM

      Hi - well my favourites are The Last Man in the World by Abigail Reynolds & An Arranged Marriage by Jan Hahn - I guess that only the latter is really an arranged marriage and the former is more of a forced marriage... but in terms of how that changes the dynamic - they kind of amount to the same thing. Which ones do you like? I hope that you enjoy Suddenly Mrs Darcy when it is available! Best wishes, Jenetta

      Delete
    2. olooreApril 23, 2015 at 5:52 AM

      Oh, I loved both of these books and these are one I revisit sometimes! I think The Last Man in the World would probably be my favourite of them, because Abigail Reynolds always writes her Darcy and Lizzy very passionately:)
      I also loved The Unequal Affections by Lara S.Ormiston. Though it is not quite arranged marriage scenario, more like engagement of convenience, but it served the same purpose in my opinion - showing how Lizzy and Darcy work out their misunderstandings and face their challenges while being engaged before Elizabeth actually falls in love.
      It is always interesting to see how the same type of variations (arranged/forced marriage type) is realized differently by different authors: some will make it angsty and passionately (and smutty), some will make it tender and more subtle, some will make it low-angst and prudent. I wonder what Suddenly Mrs.Darcy will be like:)

      Delete
  2. VesperApril 23, 2015 at 3:04 AM

    I am really looking forward to reading this - a new author to add to my collection - I also like arranged marriage scenarios

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    Replies
    1. JenettaJApril 23, 2015 at 4:51 AM

      Good, I hope it doesn't disappoint & that you enjoy the other excerpts that are to come, Jenetta

      Delete
  3. Lúthien84April 23, 2015 at 3:07 AM

    The blurb draws me to read Suddenly Mrs. Darcy in the hopes that Elizabeth will eventually fall in love with her husband. Jenetta's guest post is great too as it provides a narrative to what actually took place hundreds of years ago.

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    Replies
    1. JenettaJApril 23, 2015 at 4:52 AM

      I hope that you enjoy it & thank you for commenting, Jenetta

      Delete
  4. UnknownApril 23, 2015 at 4:26 AM

    I always like arranged marriage variations. I like a haughty Darcy in the beginning!

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    Replies
    1. JenettaJApril 23, 2015 at 4:52 AM

      Yes, he wouldn't be Darcy if he wasn't in some way unreasonable at the start would he? happy reading & thank you for commenting, Jenetta

      Delete
  5. UnknownApril 23, 2015 at 7:49 AM

    I enjoy reading about arranged marriage between Darcy and Elizabeth so I cannot wait to Read this novel. I would like to learn How the story developt, Darcy must do something to fall in love Elizabeth with him!!

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    Replies
    1. JenettaJApril 25, 2015 at 12:22 PM

      Hi - well there are a few more excerpts to come on the blog tour which I hope can keep you guessing! Happy reading, Jenetta

      Delete
  6. Christina BoydApril 23, 2015 at 8:26 AM

    I love forced or arranged P&P variations--the tension and road to reaching that happily ever after is what I love! I can't wait for readers to read this!! Well done, Jenetta James!

    ReplyDelete
  7. GinnaApril 23, 2015 at 9:39 AM

    I think that with this marriage arriving early in E & D's story, she hasn't had time to develop her extreme dislike of him. And we know that Darcy was attracted to her at this point. He doesn't have so much time to elaborate on his objections, and since he's already married to her, perhaps he will fall in love quickly.

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    Replies
    1. JenettaJApril 25, 2015 at 12:24 PM

      The earliness of the marriage is quite an important point here - you are exactly right that she hasn't quite developed the full heat of her dislike at the point she is required to marry him which changes the dynamic of the whole situation... I hope that you enjoy! Jenetta

      Delete
  8. MariaApril 23, 2015 at 9:50 AM

    So excited to read this book!! Thanks for the chance to win a copy! :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. J "Joy" Dawn KingApril 23, 2015 at 11:00 AM

    The thing I love about forced marriage scenarios is that I don't have to sneak a peek at the back to see if they end up together. So, it relaxes my mind, reduces the stress, and allows me to just sit back and enjoy. Your story sounds delightful. AND - for me this is a big deal, I checked with Lieder at the second stop on your tour and she gave it a 4 on her steamy rating. That usually makes it readable for me.

    Best wishes on your launch and congratulations on your debut book.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Candy @ So little time...April 23, 2015 at 8:37 PM

      Hi Joy! I'm glad you can read this one! It does sound delightful, doesn't it! :)

      Delete
    2. JenettaJApril 25, 2015 at 12:28 PM

      I had never thought about it like that - but you are right that it does take the stress out - that is a lovely way of thinking about it. I am glad that you can read it & hope that you do & enjoy... Jenetta:-)

      Delete
  10. AnonymousApril 23, 2015 at 1:25 PM

    Sounds great! I want it!!!

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    Replies
    1. JenettaJApril 25, 2015 at 12:28 PM

      Great - good luck in the giveaway & happy reading, Jenetta

      Delete
  11. SummerJadeApril 23, 2015 at 1:28 PM

    I really like the plot! I know that there isn't the fight to end up together but I like the discovery of the other after the wedding!

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    Replies
    1. JenettaJApril 25, 2015 at 12:46 PM

      I guess they are forced to have their disputes inside the marriage rather than out of it but being married completely changes the dynamic... thanks for your interest & I hope that you enjoy the book, Jenetta

      Delete
  12. Sophia RoseApril 23, 2015 at 1:31 PM

    Sometimes I like the arranged marriage scenario and sometimes I don't. I confess that its mostly a mood thing, but also for me there is a fine balance between not enough resistance as they adjust or too much when its just stubbornness going on. I'm excited to read this one.

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    Replies
    1. Candy @ So little time...April 23, 2015 at 8:41 PM

      Hi Sophia Rose! Yes, I would have to agree with you, there definitely has to be a good balance. I'm looking forward to reading this one too!

      Delete
    2. JenettaJApril 25, 2015 at 12:47 PM

      I hope that you enjoy this one - I guess the stubbornness has to be convincing I hope that in this case it is *crosses fingers*! jenetta

      Delete
  13. Kelli H.April 23, 2015 at 3:55 PM

    This book sounds wonderful and I love the cover. I enjoy arranged marriage plots...excited to read this one! Thanks for the giveaway!!

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    Replies
    1. Candy @ So little time...April 23, 2015 at 8:41 PM

      Hi Kelli! I love the cover too! :)

      Delete
    2. JenettaJApril 25, 2015 at 12:49 PM

      Thank you, I adore the cover but all credit goes to Zorylee Diaz-Lupitou. Good luck in the giveaway, Jenetta

      Delete
  14. Lynn BischoffApril 23, 2015 at 4:51 PM

    Really looking forward to reading this. It sounds great

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    Replies
    1. JenettaJApril 25, 2015 at 12:53 PM

      Good luck in the giveaway & I hope that you enjoy the book, Jenetta

      Delete
  15. DungApril 23, 2015 at 4:55 PM

    Can't wait to read this novel! When I read the prologue it was so heart wrenching for Elizabeth. I wonder what is going through Darcy's mind...

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    Replies
    1. Candy @ So little time...April 23, 2015 at 8:44 PM

      Hi Dung! I haven't read the prologue yet! I think I need to do that! Heart wrenching! Sounds good! =)

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    2. JenettaJApril 25, 2015 at 12:55 PM

      I hope that you enjoy it... Darcy's mind remains something of a mystery for a lot of the book and the reader has to guess at it a bit. It has been suggested to me that I could have done some chapters from Darcy's perspective - I wonder now whether I should have done that! Anyway, hope that you enjoy, Jenetta

      Delete
  16. maryannApril 23, 2015 at 5:36 PM

    Sounds very interesting and ready to read it! When there is an arranged marriage we know the end of the novel but the author has to find ways to write in the beginning and middle to keep the reader guessing as to when they will fall in love with each other. Mostly it would be Lizzy falling in love with Darcy and he is already besotted with her! Thank goodness for Darcy and Lizzy otherwise I wouldn't have such great novels to read! Thank you

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    1. JenettaJApril 25, 2015 at 12:56 PM

      I feel like that too - if it wasn't for D&L think how many similar stories would *not* have been inspired... I hope that you enjoy SMD, Jenetta

      Delete
  17. Connie Porter SaundersApril 23, 2015 at 7:04 PM

    Yes, I am eager to read this book and I appreciate this giveaway.
    Thank you.
    Connie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JenettaJApril 25, 2015 at 12:57 PM

      Good luck in the giveaway & happy reading, Jenetta

      Delete
  18. SimoneApril 23, 2015 at 7:06 PM

    I'm a huge fan of the forced/arranged marriage scenario, but I haven't found very many aside from The Last Man in the World and An Arranged Marriage. That's why I'm so excited for Suddenly Mrs. Darcy. With the Meryton Press seal of approval, I know it's worth reading!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JenettaJApril 25, 2015 at 12:58 PM

      I hope that it doesn't disappoint Simone - those 2 are great books & are a lot to live up to! Happy reading, Jenetta

      Delete
  19. BrendaNZApril 24, 2015 at 1:03 AM

    Just reading the title (before I knew anything else about the book) made me excited to read this! I love forced marriage storylines! Will definitely be reading this book.

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    Replies
    1. JenettaJApril 25, 2015 at 12:58 PM

      Thank you - I am quite proud of the title! I really hope that you enjoy the book, Jenetta

      Delete
  20. PEGGYApril 24, 2015 at 3:24 AM

    This premise is a favorite of mine. I cannot wait to read this version! Win it or buy it, I will get this book.

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    Replies
    1. JenettaJApril 25, 2015 at 12:59 PM

      Great - good luck in the giveaway! I hope that you enjoy it when it reaches you, Jenetta

      Delete
  21. WarmisunquAustenApril 24, 2015 at 2:24 PM

    "Lizzy and Darcy are forced to marry" is a plot always hit my curiosity. I looking forward to reading and seeing the point of the Author.

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    Replies
    1. JenettaJApril 25, 2015 at 1:00 PM

      Great - thanks for your interest & happy reading, Jenetta

      Delete
  22. EleannaApril 24, 2015 at 2:48 PM

    Seems like an intresting variation. I would love to read it.

    ReplyDelete
  23. PdxIrishGirlApril 24, 2015 at 4:15 PM

    This will be fun to read! I recently read Jan
    Hahn's Arranged Marriage. Thank you for
    the giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JenettaJApril 25, 2015 at 1:00 PM

      Good luck in the giveaway & happy reading, Jenetta

      Delete
  24. JenettaJApril 25, 2015 at 12:25 PM

    Good luck & thanks for your interest! Jenetta

    ReplyDelete
  25. Deborah AnnApril 26, 2015 at 6:42 AM

    This variation sounds so very intriguing. The more I read about it the more I desire to read it. Thank you so much for the generous give away.

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    Replies
    1. JenettaJApril 27, 2015 at 5:41 AM

      Good luck in the giveaway and thank you very much for your interest & for commenting. I hope that when you read the book you enjoy it. Best, Jenetta

      Delete
  26. JenneApril 27, 2015 at 7:02 AM

    The book sounds lovely and I´m sure I would enjoy reading it :P
    Jenna

    ReplyDelete
  27. JenettaJApril 29, 2015 at 6:51 AM

    Hello everyone, very happy to say that Suddenly Mrs Darcy is now available on kindle & here is the link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WTT4M2M/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_awdm_bJnqvb04X25N8 the paperback is coming soon. happy reading, Jenetta

    ReplyDelete
  28. AnonymousApril 29, 2015 at 8:07 PM

    I have wanted to read this as soon as I saw the title and the cover!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JenettaJMay 1, 2015 at 2:39 AM

      I hope that you enjoy it... I love the cover too - all credit goes to the wonderful & talented Zorylee Diaz-Lupitou. Enjoy, Jenetta

      Delete
  29. schildsApril 30, 2015 at 2:43 PM

    Another must read to be added to my list.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JenettaJMay 1, 2015 at 2:39 AM

      I hope very much that you enjoy it, happy reading! Jenetta

      Delete

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