tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66507685241271866372024-03-18T00:30:33.655-07:00So little time..."The universe is made of stories, not atoms." ~ Muriel RukeyserCandy @ So little time...http://www.blogger.com/profile/05308027187577034357noreply@blogger.comBlogger915125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650768524127186637.post-12339448486161453782024-03-18T00:30:00.000-07:002024-03-18T00:30:00.135-07:00"Worthy of Her Trust" by Melissa Anne ~ Excerpt!<p> <span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Hello, my friends! Today Melissa Anne joins us with a delightful excerpt from her new book, <i style="font-weight: bold;">Worthy of Her Trust</i>. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMu1zEfpy5wKWR5_qpR4u0jozRKMPHLAs15pcqu2LLnRhRDLNwmoZHX73flsQ0OM_CPinOYhtBd2RIELrU2lSqopeeOfLLKd1spTezpclG9AKUH2U_zgwUoKY7lVwBn8ydcVzMyNbE5tpFplFTs2TBtXXHmDKVX5CkLmXKzA8E_UaJAz-Ny52IrwcUpoE/s2701/Lee%20Patterson%203%20ebook.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2701" data-original-width="1801" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMu1zEfpy5wKWR5_qpR4u0jozRKMPHLAs15pcqu2LLnRhRDLNwmoZHX73flsQ0OM_CPinOYhtBd2RIELrU2lSqopeeOfLLKd1spTezpclG9AKUH2U_zgwUoKY7lVwBn8ydcVzMyNbE5tpFplFTs2TBtXXHmDKVX5CkLmXKzA8E_UaJAz-Ny52IrwcUpoE/w426-h640/Lee%20Patterson%203%20ebook.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i>Worthy of Her Trust</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>A Pride and Prejudice Variation</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">by Melissa Anne</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">
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Story Synopsis: </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">"Worthy of Her Trust" reimagines Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice in an alternate universe where Elizabeth Bennet is born Elizabeth Rose Tomlinson, a wealthy heiress living with her grandparents at Briarwood Estate in Derbyshire. In her earliest years, she becomes friends with Fitzwilliam Darcy, who visits with his family in the summer. But things change when Lady Anne Darcy, Fitzwilliam's mother, dies, followed not long after by Elizabeth's grandparents. Elizabeth goes to live with her relatives, who hide her true identity and spend the funds meant for her care without thought. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Years later, Darcy and Elizabeth meet again, and the two discover the truth, including that Darcy is one of the trustees of Elizabeth's estate. They begin a courtship while dealing with the expectations of society and the family's secrets. They face manipulative people such as Mr. Bennet, who wants to marry Elizabeth for her money, and George Wickham, who schemes against them out of jealousy. Other characters from "Pride and Prejudice" have their own subplots, like Caroline Bingley's downfall due to scandalous behavior or Lydia Bennet's transformation into a more suitable partner through marriage. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The story centers around love overcoming adversity, as Darcy and Elizabeth unite despite the obstacles they face. Their marriage not only brings personal happiness but also positive changes to their social circle. It leads to growth, redemption for some characters, new relationships, and the birth of children, which continue legacies across estates. It all culminates in an enduring bond among loved ones who prioritize integrity above all else in Regency England society.
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</div> <div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div class="“p-1”"><i><b>Worthy of Her Trust</b></i></div><div class="“p-1”"> </div><div class="“p-1”">Chapter 2</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"> The morning after the assembly, Elizabeth rose early to walk to Oakham Mount, as was her habit on most fine mornings. The encounter with Mr. Darcy the night before had left Elizabeth flummoxed — she could swear she had met him before. They were unclear recollections, and she wanted to laugh at the dreams his voice had evoked. She knew they could not be real memories; they were far too fanciful — vague impressions of fighting dragons with him as a child or playing the “damsel in distress” to his Sir Galahad and lying beside him in the grass, watching the stars as he made up stories. The memory that caused her cheeks to redden was him carrying her in his arms while calling him “Dearest” and kissing his cheek as explosions of light burst around them. Shaking her head as she attempted to cool her cheeks, she laughed at herself, determining she would never dance at an assembly again if it caused her to have such wild imaginings.</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"> Still, there was something so familiar about him. It was more than his looks, although he was quite the most handsome man she had ever met, and just thinking about his person made her cheeks heat again. He was tall and well-formed, and while they had not danced, she felt confident there was no padding under his jacket. He had been kind when he spoke to her, and while he had not spoken to anyone else at the assembly, she had known it was because of his headache. He was a little proud, to be sure, but he had confessed to feeling awkward when he heard his wealth and status bandied about the room nearly as soon as he entered it.</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"> His voice, too, was familiar, though quite a bit deeper and more resonant now than in her dreams. He was much younger in her dreams — then, she would guess him to have been a boy of perhaps twelve or thirteen. It seemed odd to dream of him as a boy when she had only met the man the night before, but as she walked, she recalled she had dreamt of him before that night as well. Somehow, he was connected to the Will and Jon of her imaginings, although it made no sense. Other vague memories — a long journey by carriage, a large estate, mountain peaks, and the grandparents she was told she had never met — felt more real to Elizabeth than her family would admit.</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"> In the middle of these musings, Mr. Darcy arrived, riding a rather tall stallion, tall, at least, from Elizabeth’s perspective, since she had always been a little fearful around horses.</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"> “Good morning, Miss Bennet, oh, pardon me; good morning, Miss Elizabeth,” Darcy greeted the lady he had dreamed about as he dismounted his horse. It was strange, he thought, to encounter her so soon after such an odd dream. When he finally found sleep the night before, he dreamed of laying beside a much younger version of Elizabeth in the grass, telling her stories about the stars. In his dreams, he called her Ellie, and she called him Will. It had been years — before his mother died — that anyone had called him by that name.</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"> Darcy harboured faint recollections of a young girl, merely three or four years old, who had once affectionately addressed him as “dearest” during a summer visit to Briarwood, an estate approximately fifty miles from Pemberley. Even now, he occasionally visited the estate, having assumed the role of trustee upon his father’s demise. Another trustee, a friend of his father, maintained contact with the girl and her family. However, Darcy, having not heard the girl’s name in years, struggled to recall it. As his father’s will outlined, his responsibilities were confined to the estate’s property and investments. It was understood that Mr. Terrance Elliott oversaw the girl’s well-being.</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"> Darcy exchanged a few words that morning with Miss Elizabeth before separating; however, they continued to meet this way for several mornings, and their conversations grew longer each day. </div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"> One morning, Darcy noticed how Miss Elizabeth seemed to shy away from his horse. “Might I introduce you to Bucephalus, Miss Elizabeth?” he asked.</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"> Despite her fear, her eyes twinkled when she retorted: “Should I suppose your Christian name to be Alexander, sir, to have a horse with such a name? Or do you simply prefer to have your friends add “the Great” to your name when referencing you in company?” </div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"> Surprised by his low chuckle at her comment, she was further astounded when he bowed gallantly and stated in an affected voice, “Fitzwilliam Alexander Darcy, at your service, madam. Perhaps you might be Roxana?”</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"> For a moment, she was startled by his words, but then she suddenly laughed. “Having never been to Asia, sir, I could scarcely be considered the most beautiful woman on that continent. My cousin Jane is widely considered to be the most beautiful woman in Hertfordshire, and I know I can scarcely compare. You, Mr. Darcy, are a flatterer.”</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"> She noted him shaking his head and answered his previous question a little more timidly. “I would be delighted to be introduced to your horse, sir, but I admit that horses and I do not always seem to get along. My uncle attempted to teach me once to ride when I was perhaps seven or eight, but he was unwilling to help me overcome my fear of the animals. Having a smaller horse or a pony might have helped, or a little more concerted effort on his part, but I was too afraid, and he never attempted it again. I have a faint memory of riding a horse as a young child with someone named ‘Jon’, and in that instance, I fell from the horse and injured my leg. My aunt and uncle claim it must have been a dream since we do not know anyone named Jon or Jonathan, but still, the memory made it difficult for me to overcome those feelings, and, as I said, my uncle would not try anything further to encourage me.”</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"> “How old were you in this dream?” Darcy asked, intrigued as her ‘memory’ made him recall a similar event that had happened one summer at Pemberley. “Do you remember anything else?”</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"> “The horse seemed enormous, but as I was only four or five in my dream, I believe most horses would have appeared that way to me. Jon was not a boy, perhaps a young man nine or ten years older than I, and I recall a discussion of slaying a dragon with him and another boy. Jon dismounted first, but something distracted him for a moment, and before he could help me down, I fell off the other side. The other boy rescued me, carrying me to the house and taking me to my nursemaid. I think it was only a slight injury, but the memory of it stuck with me.”</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"> Darcy started, remembering a similar event at Pemberley the summer his sister was born. “Do you remember the name of the other boy?” he asked, his voice betraying his interest in the matter.</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"> Elizabeth trilled a laugh. “I believe I called him ‘dearest’. I feel fairly certain it is a dream; my relations have told me often enough that I have a fanciful imagination,” she finished when he appeared shocked at her revelations.</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"> Darcy’s conviction that these were not merely dreams intensified, and his suspicion that Elizabeth Bennet was something more than she seemed deepened. The previous day, he had penned a letter to Mr. Elliott, seeking insights into the Tomlinson family, specifically the girl who was the heir to the estate. Since his father’s passing, the two men had corresponded sporadically regarding the trust, though most were about business matters. He possessed limited knowledge about the heir, and encountering Elizabeth stirred his recollections of the young Ellie Tomlinson.</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"> At other times during these meetings, Mr. Darcy spoke passionately about his estate, relishing the opportunity to share his knowledge with Elizabeth. His descriptions of the area around his home piqued her interest. She was always curious about travel and genuinely interested in Darcy’s estate, so she could not resist the urge to inquire about the sights he mentioned. “Mr. Darcy,” she began one morning, her eyes fixed on the distant horizons, “would you describe those Peaks you have seen? I am intrigued by your descriptions as something about them niggles at my memory.”</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"> Mr. Darcy’s eyes softened as he recounted the majestic scenery. “The Peaks are remarkable, Miss Elizabeth,” he replied. “The rugged beauty of the landscape, the rolling hills, and the commanding peaks that seem to touch the sky are a sight that takes one’s breath away. My home, Pemberley, is in the middle of this area, and I delight that I can visit there frequently.”</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"> Elizabeth nodded, her mind racing to connect these descriptions with her vague memories. “You know, Mr. Darcy,” she confessed with a playful smile, “I have had some rather peculiar impressions of seeing similar sights in my past. However, I have always dismissed them as the imaginings of an avid reader. You see, I have frequently devoured many books with vivid descriptions of places I long to visit someday.”</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"> He regarded her with a thoughtful expression. “Could it be that you have a deeper connexion to such landscapes than you realise, Miss Elizabeth? Perhaps your heart has journeyed through these terrains long before we met.”</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"> She laughed her charming laugh as he had intended her to do. “Yes, perhaps I have visited them in a past life.”</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"> A few days later, the two families were again in company at Lucas Lodge. Since he had begun meeting with Miss Elizabeth in the mornings, he had observed the family dynamic more closely. At the assembly, something appeared not quite right with them, and, given his conversations with the enchanting lady, he had often wondered about her family.</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"> Darcy noted that Elizabeth looked very different from her relations. Granted, they were cousins, and she was not related by blood to her aunt, but something about Elizabeth struck him as familiar. However, he could not recall any Bennets amongst his acquaintances. An off-handed comment by Charlotte Lucas also revealed the date of Elizabeth’s birth — August 14, 1791 — only a few days before his own birthday. Hearing that date stirred another memory, and Darcy was determined to ask her about it the first chance he had.</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"> After they exchanged greetings the next morning, Elizabeth fed Bucephalus an apple she had brought just for him. She had become familiar with his horse throughout the last fortnight and had begun bringing him a treat, along with something for herself and Darcy to eat as they spoke. It was evidence of the trust she was forming in them both. “Miss Lucas mentioned that your birth date is only a few days before mine. It brought to mind a memory that I wanted to share with you. On my eleventh birthday, my family and I celebrated at the estate of a friend of my father’s, Mr. Alexander Tomlinson. The estate is called Briarwood.</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"> “That particular date stands out in my memories because it coincided with the birthday of the estate owner’s granddaughter, who was also turning four. Mr. Tomlinson purchased fireworks for our last night to celebrate his granddaughter’s birthday and, coincidentally, mine. Despite the differences in our ages, Ellie and I had become friendly over the summer, and she was initially frightened by the fireworks. She wanted comfort, so she came to me and insisted I hold her during the rest of the display. When it was over, she patted my cheek, called me her dearest, and then kissed my cheek. My cousin, now an army colonel and a couple of years older than me, teased me mercilessly the next day.</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"> “The following summer, I saw Ellie again on our birthdays, but this time, we were at my family’s estate because my mother had just given birth to my sister. She was still rather weak. I learned later that before that year was out, Ellie was sent to live with a relative as both of her grandparents died. My father was appointed her guardian, though my mother was too ill for her to live with us at the time. I still am the trustee of her estate, although I have not seen her since.”</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”">Elizabeth sighed. “It is a lovely memory. It is odd — I have always had a vague memory of a knight protecting me from bright lights in the sky one night when I was small. Like your Ellie, he allowed me to kiss his cheek when they were done, but as I have been told I have never seen fireworks, I determined it was merely a dream,” she whispered.</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"> “How do you know it was a dream, not a memory?” Darcy asked.</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"> “Other than trips to London, I have lived all my life at Longbourn, or so I have been told,” Elizabeth stated. “My aunt and uncle have told me on more than one occasion that I am too fanciful as I often have dreams of things they say could not have happened. I was told I had a rather active imagination when I was young and was constantly making up stories about dragon-slaying knights. When I tried to tell others about these memories, they teased me or accused me of lying, as there are no boys in our family of the proper age to have been my playmates. When I was small, these imaginary playmates seemed much older than I, but they would have been boys, perhaps ten to thirteen. None of my cousins have similar memories, so I am quite convinced I made them up. Perhaps they are memories of things I read or came from stories someone made up and told me.”</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"> Darcy started at her recollections. “Miss Bennet, are you certain you have always lived at Longbourn?”</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"> Elizabeth laughed. “My aunt and uncle say it is so. The present Mr. Bennet inherited when I was five, and I was at the estate before they arrived, so they claim I must have memories from that time. When I was young, I insisted I had another family than those at Longbourn and spoke of a grand house surrounded by peaks, though when I made those claims, I was told I was being very hateful to imagine a life without my family. There is a John in our neighbourhood, but it is not the same boy from my dreams. ”</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"> “How do you know they are not the same?” Darcy asked.</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"> “He is only a couple of years older than me — the boys in my dreams were quite a bit older, perhaps ten or more years. John also does not have the same memories or dreams as I and does not have an older brother,” Elizabeth replied. “Do not trouble yourself, Mr. Darcy. I am convinced it is a matter that will never be solved. Why would my relations not be honest with me? I believe I would feel equally annoyed with a child if she insisted she had a different family somewhere. It would be rather hurtful — once I realised that, I quit saying those things. I may have these memories from when my other uncle lived before Aunt Fanny and Uncle Thomas came to Longbourn, but it seems better not to speak of them.”</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"> As Darcy considered this, he realised everything about Miss Elizabeth captured his attention. Each morning he met with her, he liked her more and began contemplating how to call on her or request a courtship. However, something about her family made him hold back and wait before he asked. He felt something was not right at Longbourn and wanted to discover more, especially as Elizabeth’s “imaginings” coincided with his own memories. To that end, he had begun to ask Elizabeth more questions about her family when they met, and those questions were returned until the two knew quite a bit about each other and were in a fair way towards falling in love.</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><b>About the Author</b></div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"><div class="“p-1”">Melissa Anne never intended to write a book. However, after reading dozens (hundreds) of variations of Pride and Prejudice, she decided to give it a shot. She started posting on a Fan Fiction site and soon grew an audience that appreciated her work.</div><div class="“p-1”"> </div><div class="“p-1”">In the last year, she has managed to finish and self-publish six full-length novels and one novella, all based on the characters and setting of Pride and Prejudice. Three of her books have become audiobooks, and she plans to publish more in the future. </div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”">While most of her books adhere to the original Regency era time period of Pride and Prejudice, Finding Love at Loch Ness is a sweet variation where American grad student Elizabeth Bennet encounters and falls in love with a Scottish William Darcy. </div><div class="“p-1”"> </div><div class="“p-1”">Her most recent release is Worthy of Her Trust, which features Elizabeth, who is not a Bennet but the Bennet’s niece and an heiress in her own right. Darcy and Elizabeth meet at the assembly, but they have vague memories of meeting as children, and this serves as the basis for a new friendship and, soon, a romance. </div><div class="“p-1”"> </div><div class="“p-1”">Hailing from East Tennessee, Melissa Anne has settled in Georgia with her husband and three children. Although she longs to return to the Smoky Mountains, her dream remains on hold for now.</div><div class="“p-1”"> </div><div class="“p-1”">Melissa Anne is a pseudonym.</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><b>Connect with Melissa Anne</b></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/melissa.anne.author/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> • <a href="https://www.instagram.com/melissa.anne.author/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> • <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/profile/melissa-anne" target="_blank">BookBub</a> • <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17979842.Melissa_Anne" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><b>Purchase Links</b></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3IGjeGJ" target="_blank">Amazon</a> (paid link) • Add to <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/208837311-worthy-of-her-trust" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”">FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. I will receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase a book through the link provided. Thanks!</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”">Congratulations, Melissa, on the release of <i>Worthy of Her Name</i>, and thanks so much for stopping by here today with an excerpt! </div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”">So friends, what are your thoughts? I'd love to hear from you!</div></div></span></div>
Candy @ So little time...http://www.blogger.com/profile/05308027187577034357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650768524127186637.post-76409627040904925382024-03-15T00:30:00.000-07:002024-03-15T00:30:00.135-07:00"The Husbands of Elizabeth Bennet, Volume One & Two" By Christine Combe ~ Excerpt!<p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Hello, my friends! Christine Combe has just released Volume Two of <i>The Husbands of Elizabeth Bennet </i>book series, and she's here today with an excerpt from the book! Please give her a warm welcome!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8a7zdXwRbj6IAiy3bei4vayd-R-kx11ut7PlBMYj7w0WWffnHAz7Jg_IScAbqJVoJoRBFtQnqOx0RrzRCmZxNOUDv4bLVq5jZ-tisqIfnt0wu8DU-vJgYcEZMzuT2-D5tKPX57kpwlrGsMrij7ahUOz8B2dv5FgRZkCOcbu_oh1Tl3MBECD3ZGgT1fjk/s648/Guest%20Post%202020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="648" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8a7zdXwRbj6IAiy3bei4vayd-R-kx11ut7PlBMYj7w0WWffnHAz7Jg_IScAbqJVoJoRBFtQnqOx0RrzRCmZxNOUDv4bLVq5jZ-tisqIfnt0wu8DU-vJgYcEZMzuT2-D5tKPX57kpwlrGsMrij7ahUOz8B2dv5FgRZkCOcbu_oh1Tl3MBECD3ZGgT1fjk/w400-h178/Guest%20Post%202020.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /> </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Greetings, fellow Austenians! I’m so excited to be visiting So Little Time again today! Candy has graciously allowed me to take over the blog for a day to talk to you about my duet of novels,<i> The Husbands of Elizabeth Bennet</i>. Volume One was released in September of 2023 and Volume Two released just two weeks ago!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpr0QihefaAKYLSeNZAuLa0syITzMEkZfwipRwSIcAQyb46dw4yGXvjeuEUgqV3KT4Az3waXckrUBoNRA3kgnTiujelN2kQBPyi2piH_m6Yt3aPswt7plCpPbwBYBe2nTbE7g3l6j7yNvwWMq-lWzCBG_ufOAG79TJp9eDPLKwpgVlcym6nsOm0moOyag/s2560/The%20Husbands%20of%20Elizabeth%20Bennet,%20Volume%20One.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1706" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpr0QihefaAKYLSeNZAuLa0syITzMEkZfwipRwSIcAQyb46dw4yGXvjeuEUgqV3KT4Az3waXckrUBoNRA3kgnTiujelN2kQBPyi2piH_m6Yt3aPswt7plCpPbwBYBe2nTbE7g3l6j7yNvwWMq-lWzCBG_ufOAG79TJp9eDPLKwpgVlcym6nsOm0moOyag/w266-h400/The%20Husbands%20of%20Elizabeth%20Bennet,%20Volume%20One.jpeg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><br /></p>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i>The Husbands of Elizabeth Bennet, Volume One</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">by Christine Combe</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">
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Elizabeth Bennet has seen many things on her rambles through the countryside, but never an overturned carriage. It is immediately clear that the cause was no accident, and when she helps save the life of the driver — who is soon revealed to be a marquess in disguise — she has no idea that her life from that point will never be the same again. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Henry Faulkner, the Marquess of Stashwick, is a man that knows what he wants — and he wants Elizabeth. In light of multiple attempts on his life, who cares what the ton will think of his choice? While he recovers from the latest attack at Longbourn, and with none of the scruples shown by a certain inhabitant of nearby Netherfield, Henry wastes no time in charming his way into Elizabeth’s heart. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">In accepting Lord Stashwick’s proposal, Elizabeth is suddenly thrust into the heart of London’s social elite. With Henry’s sister as her mentor, she takes the first steps toward building a reputation worthy of admiration and respect ... but not everyone she meets is pleased with the idea of the daughter of a country squire rising so high. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Can two people from different social classes build a life together when danger still lurks around the corner? And what is a certain gentleman from Derbyshire to do when he’s forced to admit that he may have squandered forever his only chance at happiness — especially given Elizabeth’s shining success in the very circle of society to which he had hesitated to elevate her… </span></div>
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<div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwiYWPUaUWWMexCAAKKNfO6d0-ZA6QlKrR-VuL3J7qS9LVKCqqfSyrYdRveseo-fuiEg_JX0iupGo1fGxKE3Ap8uN1RKHMBTMl74e3o6Pd8bweWFmIG9Mo0QIU1knTuCsMkvv9fT8PR0TyENmqc3XInLCXRxErNTNLVq-zkIyaDoDMBJ1LareysMH0xl4/s500/The%20Husbands%20of%20Elizabeth%20Bennet,%20Volume%20Two.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="334" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwiYWPUaUWWMexCAAKKNfO6d0-ZA6QlKrR-VuL3J7qS9LVKCqqfSyrYdRveseo-fuiEg_JX0iupGo1fGxKE3Ap8uN1RKHMBTMl74e3o6Pd8bweWFmIG9Mo0QIU1knTuCsMkvv9fT8PR0TyENmqc3XInLCXRxErNTNLVq-zkIyaDoDMBJ1LareysMH0xl4/w268-h400/The%20Husbands%20of%20Elizabeth%20Bennet,%20Volume%20Two.jpeg" width="268" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i>The Husbands of Elizabeth Bennet, Volume Two</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">by Christine Combe</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">
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Nine years after a marquess miraculously fell in love with Elizabeth Bennet, the worst that could happen did, and she was left to raise four little ones on her own. A year after Henry’s death, she is as little prepared to return to high society as she was to enter it when they married, but a reminder of her responsibilities to her rank and her children helps her courage rise to take the first steps.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Fitzwilliam Darcy sadly lost his wife in childbirth a year after they married, and he has raised his daughter alone at Pemberley for the last six years. One of his noble aunts entices him to make the journey to London to share in the bonds of family, while another claims it is past time he found his little girl a mother and sired and heir—and Lady Catherine de Bourgh has decided that the right woman to fill the role is none other than Elizabeth.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Darcy and Elizabeth are brought together by their family connexion, and love for their children leads to their spending time together. Although he sees that the years have only enhanced her beauty and she sees that he is a changed man from the one she knew in Meryton, neither is thinking of marriage—certainly not to each other! But matchmaking is the business of the London social Season, and innocent visits to each other’s homes leads to speculation that they are courting in secret.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Can the return of unrequited love help Darcy heal Elizabeth’s broken heart? Or will Elizabeth’s determination to remain a widow keep them apart forever?
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<div class="“p-1”"><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Oh, I do hope the blurbs intrigue you! Now, how about a sneaky peek at a dinner scene in volume two, where Elizabeth has to deal with Lady Catherine’s nosiness in a manner similar to canon…</span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>***</b></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> When the earl entered the room with Lady Catherine in tow, Elizabeth noted a distinct rise in tension, as though the others were expecting something to happen—or were afraid it would. She could not help but wonder if it had anything to do with what had made Adelaide cry. Had Lady Catherine said something that upset her? It must have been her because Elizabeth knew that Adelaide adored her uncle. </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Lord Disley offered her his arm when dinner was announced, and though she had become used to being first on most occasions, it sometimes still made Elizabeth blush to have precedence over so many. When all the family were on their feet, Lady Disley announced that seating would be informal, and everyone could sit where they liked. As the large party began to file out of the room, Lady Catherine muttered, “How is the distinction of rank to be preserved when guests are given leave to sit where they like?”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “In a mixed party, Aunt,” said Lord Rowarth, “it certainly does well to adhere to formal seating. But we are an informal family gathering.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Elizabeth decided she wished to sit by Henry’s sister, so chose the seat to Lady Disley’s left. Adelaide quickly claimed the seat to her aunt’s right, with Cate sitting on Elizabeth’s left. The other ladies took the remaining seats beside each other, putting all the women at one end of the table and the men to the other. </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> This arrangement would suit Lord Disley, Elizabeth thought with some amusement, as she knew the earl found talk of ladies’ pursuits inane and boring, as most men did. The seating suited Elizabeth as well, as the mothers could then chatter away about their children and the men could talk about sport to their hearts’ content.</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> After Grace was said and soup was served, Lady Catherine—who sat four places down and across the table from Elizabeth—called down to her, “Lady Stashwick, your eldest daughter is nine now, is she not?”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Elizabeth paused, her spoon halfway to her lips. She lowered it as she looked to the lady and replied, “She is, yes, as is my son Harry; they are twins.” </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “Does your daughter play an instrument?” asked Lady Catherine. </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “Yes. Isabella plays the harp,” Elizabeth replied. </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “And she is remarkably talented for one so young,” spoke up Lady Disley. “Have you still a harp in the music room at Stashwick House, Elizabeth?” </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Elizabeth nodded. “Indeed. You may recall that when Isabella took to the instrument, Henry made certain she would never be in want of one to play and purchased a harp for both the castle and the house in town.” </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “I should call again and ask her to play for us,” said Lady Disley with a smile. “It has been too long since I have heard her.” </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> As Elizabeth parted her lips to agree with her sentiment, Lady Catherine said, “Does your younger daughter play, Lady Stashwick?”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “Not at all, Lady Catherine,” Elizabeth replied. “Margaret has a month still before she is four years old—she is hardly of an age to be learning an instrument, though she has shown an interest in the pianoforte.” </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “Then you must engage a music master for her, if the one that teaches Lady Isabella does not know both the harp and the piano,” insisted Lady Catherine. “That she has shown an interest is proof enough that she is ready to learn.” </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “I believe that as Lady Stashwick is her mother, madam,” said Darcy, “she is in the best place from which to judge if Lady Margaret is ready to begin learning an instrument.” </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Elizabeth glanced down the table at Darcy, who sat to his uncle’s left, and found a frown upon his features. He seemed almost angry with his aunt for the impertinence of her queries, and she could not but find it both strange and generous of him to be vexed on her behalf.</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “I remind you, my lady,” Darcy went on, “that my own daughter is two years older than Lady Margaret, and she has yet to begin playing an instrument. I surmise that Lady Stashwick has taken the same approach as I have done and is allowing her children to develop their interests at their own pace rather than imposing upon them.” </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Elizabeth caught Darcy’s eye and smiled at him. “I thank you, Mr. Darcy,” said she. “You are correct—I have chosen not to force any of my children to study those subjects in which they show no real interest, save those which are true necessities. At present, Meg likes to play on the pianoforte because she likes the different noises it makes, but she has yet to show any real interest in learning to play.” </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Darcy returned her smile and inclined his head, while Lady Catherine lifted her chin and sniffed. “I meant no offence, of course. I merely wished to share my opinion on the subject. Do any of your children draw, Lady Stashwick?” </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Suppressing the urge to groan, Elizabeth took a spoonful of her soup before she replied, “My three eldest draw, yes. Harry’s particular interest is landscapes and Tom likes to draw buildings. Isabella is particularly gifted at portraits. Margaret does not draw, but she likes to color the simple pictures her brothers and sister draw for her. Tom is also considering taking up an instrument but has yet to decide between the pianoforte or the violin.” </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “If I may interject an opinion on the subject,” said Lord Rowarth, “I would recommend the violin. My eldest son, as you know, asked to learn and I have not regretted letting him. He is very accomplished. And my daughter Emma plays the lyre.” </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Elizabeth grinned. “Then perhaps Tom should learn the pianoforte instead. We would then have ourselves the beginnings of a family orchestra.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “What a delightful notion, Lady Stashwick!” said Georgiana cheerfully.</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>***</b></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">What a dinner conversation! Lady Catherine will always be Lady Catherine, lol, even when Elizabeth outranks her. </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">If you liked this excerpt, I hope you will consider purchasing a copy of both novels. Both volumes of <b><i>The Husbands of Elizabeth Bennet</i></b> are now available from Amazon in eBook, paperback, and hardcover editions, and is also available to read in Kindle Unlimited! </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>***</b></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>About the Author</b></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-g_h1W926D35vyFlgTq5dphU3AcnWfU-OHJ02f_c5q3xnQJzvpoInZvqzSTSLa1FwuN0mkwBgzwYaDeTvDGiArAQJDxSVq6ydjJsNp6bXemBxdBDPB2zxmEAMlYL13hXb0bbzcM3SNF12qmqa2pNGjvZhwN3xROMvgl1DHle3vaKTVeUupYm4D1bQ-rU/s400/Author%20Pic%202.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-g_h1W926D35vyFlgTq5dphU3AcnWfU-OHJ02f_c5q3xnQJzvpoInZvqzSTSLa1FwuN0mkwBgzwYaDeTvDGiArAQJDxSVq6ydjJsNp6bXemBxdBDPB2zxmEAMlYL13hXb0bbzcM3SNF12qmqa2pNGjvZhwN3xROMvgl1DHle3vaKTVeUupYm4D1bQ-rU/w200-h200/Author%20Pic%202.png" width="200" /></a></div>Christine, like many a JAFF author before her, is a long-time<br /> admirer of Jane Austen's work, and she hopes that her alternate versions are as enjoyable as the originals. She has plans to one day visit England and take a tour of all the grand country estates which have featured in film adaptations, and often dreams of owning one. Christine lives in Ohio and is already at work on her next book.</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Connect with Christine Combe</b></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;">Blog: <a href="https://allthattheydesire.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">All That They Desire</a> • </span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorChristineCombe" target="_blank">Facebook</a> • </span><span style="font-size: large;">E-mail: authorchristinecombe@gmail.com</span></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Purchase Links</b></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Volume One - <a href="https://amzn.to/3IyWFDF" target="_blank">Amazon</a> (paid link) • Add to <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/198530785-the-husbands-of-elizabeth-bennet-volume-one" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Volume Two - <a href="https://amzn.to/3IAuOTG" target="_blank">Amazon</a> (paid link) • Add to <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/208527028-the-husbands-of-elizabeth-bennet-volume-two" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">FTC Disclaimer: Links to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. I will receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase a book through the link provided. Thanks!</span></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Christine, congratulations on the release of both books and thanks so much for sharing an excerpt with us! </span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Friends, what do you think? Do you like variations where Elizabeth is married to someone other than Darcy? I think it's interesting that because of the marriage, Elizabeth is now on equal grounds with Darcy. We'd love to hear your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below!</span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div>
Candy @ So little time...http://www.blogger.com/profile/05308027187577034357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650768524127186637.post-7558242163829767632024-03-05T23:30:00.000-08:002024-03-05T23:30:00.137-08:00"A Quick Succession of Busy Nothings" by Jayne Bamber ~ Guest Post, Excerpt & Giveaway!<p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Hello, my friends! Jayne Bamber is visiting today with an excerpt from her new book, <i><b>A Quick Succession of Busy Nothings</b></i>!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7R2M1yHscIUm1-Ywb4KAw9e4Jsq9sMUo0qmNYpj88vc-ecsDBJYmMd5yixsscoHy6HkZY4hytWoW85fn3g6Svsez5qu60gnyJ_o1nCfXFLX4FeDSklYNYl_RXi_wgooSk24lRzk8vxWiXqQdVwL5JGlnEI1ahuXdGp7yNLuRSx2VXLM6xtxvr9QV8i3c/s2000/New%20Cover.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1316" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7R2M1yHscIUm1-Ywb4KAw9e4Jsq9sMUo0qmNYpj88vc-ecsDBJYmMd5yixsscoHy6HkZY4hytWoW85fn3g6Svsez5qu60gnyJ_o1nCfXFLX4FeDSklYNYl_RXi_wgooSk24lRzk8vxWiXqQdVwL5JGlnEI1ahuXdGp7yNLuRSx2VXLM6xtxvr9QV8i3c/w422-h640/New%20Cover.jpg" width="422" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /> </span><p></p><p><br /></p>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i>A Quick Succession of Busy Nothings</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">A Jane Austen Mashup </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">By Jayne Bamber</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Blurb:</b>
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The worlds of <i>Pride & Prejudice</i> and <i>Mansfield Park</i> collide when the Bertrams and Crawfords come to Meryton…. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The Bertram family of Mansfield Park is forced to retrench and retreat to Purvis Lodge when the baronet’s heir, Tom Bertram, bankrupts the family with his extravagant spending and expensive debauchery. Oblivious to their ruin, their new neighbor Mrs. Bennet finds an agreeable friend in the indolent Lady Bertram, and hastily forms designs on the two Bertram sons for her daughters. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Mary and Henry Crawford leave Mansfield Parsonage for the Mayfair home of their friend Charles Bingley, and soon convince him to rent Netherfield Park and travel there with a large party of friends as well as his wily, widowed aunt, Lady Susan Vernon. Once again, Mrs. Bennet is overjoyed at the influx of eligible bachelors for her girls. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Jane and Elizabeth Bennet are delighted to be reunited with their Crawford cousins, who shall in turn be reunited with the Bertrams. The bonds of the two eldest Bennet daughters and their cousins Mary and Henry Crawford are put to the test over the course of a summer filled with more fine society than Meryton has ever seen! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Mrs. Bennet has it all planned out, but hers are not the only matchmaking maneuvers being made in Meryton - the matrimony-obsessed matron has met her match in Lady Susan Vernon, a masterful manipulator who is infinitely Mrs. Bennet’s superior in subtlety, and who brings out the schemer in Mary Crawford. Even Mr. Bennet is tempted to a little light trickery of his own when Mr. Collins comes to town. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Fitzwilliam Darcy wishes only to lift the spirits of his broken-hearted sister Georgiana and his bereaved cousin Richard, and in his efforts to cheer them he becomes embroiled in schemes, rescues, and is even compelled to participate in a theatrical production because it pleases the ones he loves - including the bewitching Elizabeth Bennet. Conflicting desires not only consume his mind, but begin to surround him as his companions at Netherfield all form opposing plans of their own, which threaten to keep any of them from a clear path to Happily Ever After….
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<div class="“p-1”"><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I’m so happy to be back at So Little Time... to share another new release! My tenth novel, <i><b>A Quick Succession of Busy Nothings</b></i> is a mashup of <i>Pride & Prejudice</i> and <i>Mansfield Park</i>; these two worlds are linked by a familial relationship, with the Crawford siblings as cousins to the Bennet sisters. The Bertrams also have a part to play, for they move to Purvis Lodge after Tom’s profligate spending forces Sir Thomas to rent out Mansfield Park. Darcy and the Bingleys arrive at Netherfield with a larger party than in canon, including Georgiana, the Colonel, and Bingley’s aunt – the notorious Lady Susan Vernon. </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">In this variation, the Lucases are no longer residing in the area; Maria Lucas married well and Charlotte married splendidly, becoming Lady Longmont. Sir William Lucas, now a widower, divides his time between his two daughters’ estate, and only visits annually so that his young son and heir can maintain a connection to Lucas Lodge. On this occasion, Lady Longmont accompanies her father, curious at all the new neighbors Lizzy has mentioned in her letters.</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">In the excerpt I am sharing today, Sir William hosts a garden party with his eldest daughter, with the Bennets, the Bertrams, the Crawfords, and all their companions at Netherfield in attendance. Mrs. Bennet is insistent that Jane must be for Darcy, and Lizzy for Bingley; early in the story, Elizabeth is still unsure if she likes any of the gentlemen in the area (and there are enough to send Mrs. Bennet into a tizzy!)</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>***</b></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> A sense of euphoria carried Elizabeth through the crowd of her neighbors as she put her mother’s scheming from her mind. Her sisters all appeared content, her cousins were here and so was a dear friend she had not seen in years. Meryton was as merry as she had ever seen it, and she was enjoying the liveliest and finest blend of society she had ever experienced. She felt that she was even now making memories that would be cherished when her environs returned to their usual monotony, and a sense of being on the precipice of great felicity for many weeks filled Elizabeth with exhilaration. She was fairly floating.</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> After stopping to speak with all her friends and neighbors, she finally approached Mr. Bingley. His game of lawn bowls had just ended, and a new one was beginning. Lady Susan moved away with Henry in pursuit, and Mr. Bingley entreated Mr. Darcy and his sister to take their place. </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Elizabeth, too, was invited to join; she declined, saying, “I shall have to suffice as an observer of your game, though I shall not be a silent one – I shall leave this office to Mr. Darcy.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Georgiana began to look alarmed, but her brother gave her a reassuring nod, his lips curling slightly upward in what Elizabeth supposed must be all the smile she could expect from him. “I am ready to oblige you,” he said. </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Mr. Bingley laughed. “I can well believe it of Darcy, but not you, Miss Elizabeth.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “My old friend Lady Longmont has been teasing me already, for my greatest pleasure in the day is sure to be studying the characters of all our new neighbors.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “I am sure you shall make quick work of me,” Mr. Bingley replied with a self-deprecating laugh. </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “Oh yes, I understand you perfectly,” Elizabeth teased him.</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> She had hoped for something clever in return, but he drew his eyebrows together as he replied, “I might wish that a compliment, but to be so easily seen through is rather pitiful.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Georgiana gasped. “I am sure Lizzy means no offense.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Now it was Elizabeth’s turn to reassure the girl; she gave a broad smile and said, “It does not necessarily follow that a deep and intricate character is more estimable than an open temperament such as yours, sir.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “You are generous,” Mr. Bingley said. “But I cannot begrudge you what must be a fascinating occupation.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “I thank you,” Elizabeth said, hoping she might yet lure Mr. Bingley into a lively debate. “Intricate characters do have the advantage of being a more interesting study.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “Undoubtedly,” Mr. Bingley agreed. </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Mr. Darcy had watched them with the same twinkle in his eye as when he had seen Elizabeth’s fit of pique in the boxwoods, and she was struck with the memory of his real smile, wide and bright and completely disarming. For now, he offered only that polite turning upward of his lips. “No doubt you must find yourself more occupied than usual, with the recent influx of subjects for study.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> She had said so to Charlotte, but as much as Elizabeth enjoyed studying her companions, she delighted more in verbal sparring; she refused to agree with Mr. Darcy. “The long standing residents of Meryton have never disappointed me. People themselves alter so much that there is something new to be observed in them forever.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “Ha,” Mr. Bingley cried. “How very true.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Mr. Darcy eyed his friend, his face beginning to betray his amusement. “And are you so content, Miss Elizabeth, to be surrounded by the same changeable companions, that you cannot be tempted by a chance to examine new specimens?”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> His phrasing could only inspire more rebellion in Elizabeth. “I hope I should never limit myself in such a dismal way; who knows what delights I may deny myself. No, I should be pleased by any opportunity to take the likeness of a new character, even if they are only tolerable.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “You are fortunate in having a disposition so well suited to society; I am sure it must aid your endeavors.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Mr. Bingley was quick to agree with his friend. “Quite so – we are alike in that way, Miss Elizabeth – I daresay we enjoy society more than Darcy here.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Elizabeth grinned at the gentlemen. “Is our company such a punishment for your friend? I wonder at your bringing him amongst us, Mr. Bingley.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Georgiana looked alarmed. “Oh, no – I am sure William is very pleased with Meryton. He smiled more on the day of our picnic than I have seen him do in many months, and I know he was looking forward to coming here today, for he was most impatient at Miss Bingley’s delaying our departure.” She finished this speech with a little gasp and clapped a hand over her mouth, offering both her brother and Mr. Bingley an apologetic look. </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “Your brother’s commitment to punctuality is most commendable,” Elizabeth said to Georgiana with a cheeky little wink. “It proves he is able and willing to apply himself in society. After all, he is a gentleman of consequence who might move in the world as much as he chooses, and so in time he may become as proficient as his friends in the enjoyment of social occasions.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Georgiana made no reply beyond a startled sound that grew into a smile; Mr. Bingley mirrored her amusement, but likewise remained silent as he regarded Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth with merry anticipation. </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “You posit that your ease in company is the result of practice, and not predisposition?”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “Certainly, Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth replied. “I should always rather be considered accomplished than lucky.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “Then you are not perceptive and convivial by nature?”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “I am sure you are, Miss Elizabeth,” Mr. Bingley said at once. </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “I am, yes – and is it not prudent to nurture those strengths in character that might be most easily and most advantageously cultivated?”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “Might not the same be said of discernment and pride?” </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Elizabeth tilted her head to one side as she studied Mr. Darcy. “Pride, sir? We speak of strengths and not weaknesses.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “Yes, but where there is a real superiority of mind, pride will always be under good regulation.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Elizabeth laughed in spite of herself. “Confident as you are, I cannot imagine the reason for your reserve in society.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “I am conversing easily with you now, am I not?”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “You must be the judge of that, sir – I can say only that you are conversing well. But I have claimed only to excel at <i>studying</i> society, not participating in it.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Mr. Darcy’s lips twitched and twisted, as if resisting a smile. “And what is your success?”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “I cannot make out your character at all,” Elizabeth replied. She considered the disinterested haughtiness he had shown at the assembly – it was very different to his behavior at the picnic. He had shown her compassion, then, and an intriguing trace of humor – and his sister seemed to think he had enjoyed himself, despite Elizabeth’s display of absurdity. </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “My experience has been limited to such disparate encounters with you as to puzzle me exceedingly,” Elizabeth said. </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “I beg you would not attempt to sketch my character at present,” Mr. Darcy replied. “I fear it would not reflect well on either of us. You shall have many other opportunities to perfect your study; a hasty judgment would be a most regrettable thing, particularly when the subject merits greater consideration.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> This was said with such a significant look in his eye that Elizabeth felt certain Mr. Darcy meant to atone for his rude remarks at the assembly, though any gentleman so far above her station might have thought one apology was more than enough. She suspected it would only embarrass him for her to acknowledge such a tender sentiment – for he had indeed softened her feelings for him considerably – but she remained too stubborn to expose herself in such a way. </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “At last we are in agreement,” Elizabeth said. She might have spoken more – indeed she had begun to feel she might easily lose all sense of time, propriety, and consideration for her companions in conversing endlessly with Mr. Darcy – but they were interrupted.</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> A beleaguered looking Mr. Fitzwilliam joined them with Miss Bingley on his arm. That lady wore a haughty grimace which tried, and failed, to become a smile. The gentleman clapped his cousin on the back. “I had to come over and ascertain if you have developed some manner of fever or mania, Darcy, for I have never seen you so conversant amongst new acquaintance.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “Mr. Darcy has been enlightened as to the myriad benefits of practice,” Elizabeth said archly. “Do you not think his efforts a great success?”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “I am sure Mr. Darcy does everything well,” Miss Bingley replied.</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “I have it on good authority that you are quite right,” Elizabeth said cheerfully. “His sister informed me, when we had our picnic at Longbourn, that her brother has no faults at all.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “Have you revised your opinion of him, then?” Mr. Bingley stepped closer to her, looking eager for his share of her attention. </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Elizabeth smiled back at him before turning to give Mr. Darcy a significant look. “I hope we are all capable of revising our first impressions.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “Surely nobody could ever think ill of Mr. Darcy,” Miss Bingley insisted. “He is too much the gentleman – he commands too much respect for the censure of strangers.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “I am sure I must defer to your superior judgment, Miss Bingley – I am resolved to act upon sound advice, and not sketch his character until we have become better acquainted.” Feeling on the verge of becoming quite embarrassed, Elizabeth dipped into a curtsey. She roused one last moment of defiance as she parted from them, saying, “I beg you would excuse me – I must look elsewhere for some folly to amuse me.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Elizabeth strode away, and when she had sufficiently removed herself from Mr. Darcy and his praise chorus, she began to laugh. How could it be that Mr. Bingley was far more agreeable than his sister, when both siblings were inclined to agree endlessly with anybody they liked? </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Mr. Bingley’s style of agreement, Elizabeth supposed, was more sincerely and more frequently bestowed; he responded to any pleasant sentiment with more of the same, seeking to please everyone he could. Miss Bingley was the opposite side of the same coin – she wielded her acquiescence like a poisoned dagger, making little cuts wherever she could. Anything might be made to sound worse by Miss Bingley’s agreement, which was given only when she could use it to assert her own imagined superiority.</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> With Mr. Fitzwilliam so perversely resolved to attach himself to Miss Bingley, and that lady twice as determined to insinuate herself into Mr. Darcy and Georgiana’s esteem, Elizabeth could understand why Mr. Darcy worried for his sister and cousin – she was almost moved to pity Mr. Darcy. Almost.</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> She had every reason to dislike him, but Elizabeth could not deny, in the privacy of her own musings, that she had not only understood Mr. Darcy’s ill humor and forgiven him his insult, but she was beginning to like him. And poor Mr. Bingley! There was every reason in the world she should like <i>him</i> – beyond the material considerations her mother was wont to expound upon, and even his own apparent interest in herself, Mr. Bingley was handsome, amiable, and everything a gentleman ought to be. And yet, Elizabeth was beginning to believe that she could never think better of him than she did now; his disposition was so open that she doubted there was more of wit and substance than she had yet to discover in him. If only <i>he</i> had argued with her, and not Mr. Darcy!</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>About the Author</b></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Jayne Bamber is a life-long Austen fan, and a total sucker for costume dramas. Jayne read her first Austen variation as a teenager and has spent more than a decade devouring as many of them as she can. This of course has led her to the ultimate conclusion of her addiction, writing one herself. </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Jayne’s favorite Austen work is <i>Sense and Sensibility</i>, though <i>Sanditon</i> is a strong second. Despite her love for <i>Pride and Prejudice</i>, Jayne realizes that she is no Lizzy Bennet, and is in fact growing up to be Mrs. Bennet more and more each day.</span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Connect with Jayne Bamber</b></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/JayneBamberAuthor" target="_blank">FaceBook</a> • <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jaynebamberauthor/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> </span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Purchase Links</b></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3IjJsi4" target="_blank">Amazon</a> (paid link) • Add to <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/209030487-a-quick-succession-of-busy-nothings?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=wvjhtKnMMo&rank=1" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. I will receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase a book through the link provided. Thanks!</span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>* * * GIVEAWAY * * *</b></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">It's giveaway time! Jayne is one eCopy of <i>A Quick Succession of Busy Nothings</i> to one lucky person on this Blog Tour! Enter through this <a href="https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/01b2829a13/" target="_blank">Rafflecopter link</a>.</span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Good luck!</span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Jayne, congratulations on this 10th book! Wow! That's fantastic! Also, thank you for visiting here! I enjoyed hosting you. </span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Friends, thanks for stopping by!</span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"> I hope you enjoyed the excerpt. Let us know your thoughts about the story! Do you like mash-ups? </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div></div>Candy @ So little time...http://www.blogger.com/profile/05308027187577034357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650768524127186637.post-55585409542856869732024-02-13T23:30:00.000-08:002024-02-13T23:30:00.131-08:00"No Less Than Any Other" by MJ Stratton ~ Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway<p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Hello, my friends! MJ Stratton is visiting us today with an excerpt and a giveaway of her new book, <b><i>No Less Than Any Other</i></b>! Please enjoy! Details for the giveaway are at the bottom of the page.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3DHD9b-UovYlBrX4jPnHualpxsKMhXLmfxYeAUReAzsf0qYkhPN5u00Pgs7qqaps3ohyphenhyphenE5mStx73j7q_87wv-9M8mSXfZoSq-xhSpWoKNeEGo7cMMZilCHxjL7QZk8z_2qCE56bk0vdydmo2VeO-CHCSFfKwdKSRDbEr0YI7bpKiZaM8ceKY1AyMMcgY/s1000/No%20Less%20Than%20Any%20Other%20Cover%20(625%20x%201000%20px).jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="625" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3DHD9b-UovYlBrX4jPnHualpxsKMhXLmfxYeAUReAzsf0qYkhPN5u00Pgs7qqaps3ohyphenhyphenE5mStx73j7q_87wv-9M8mSXfZoSq-xhSpWoKNeEGo7cMMZilCHxjL7QZk8z_2qCE56bk0vdydmo2VeO-CHCSFfKwdKSRDbEr0YI7bpKiZaM8ceKY1AyMMcgY/w400-h640/No%20Less%20Than%20Any%20Other%20Cover%20(625%20x%201000%20px).jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /> </span><div style="background: none 0% 0% repeat scroll rgb(253, 245, 230); padding: 5px 8px; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i>No Less Than Any Other</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">by MJ Stratton</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Blurb:
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Elizabeth Bennet is not the son and heir her mother wished, much to Mrs. Bennet’s despair. But all was not lost, for soon after her second daughter’s birth, Mrs. Bennet delivered a son. </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">Tom Bennet, born just minutes after his sister, was their family’s savior from the moment he took his first breath. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Tom Bennet's peculiar nature soon sets him apart from others around him. His striking intelligence, key in aiding his family, paired with his many oddities leaves those around him with many differing opinions. None, though, are more dedicated to his well-being than his twin sister Elizabeth. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The closer to reaching their majority the twins get, the more frantic Mrs. Bennet is, for should anything befall Tom, her hopes and security will be dashed. She is determined that her girls must marry wealthy, eligible men as an extra precaution. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">When Netherfield Park is let at last and is filled with eligible men, Mrs. Bennet sees her chance to ensnare at least one wealthy man for her daughters. But will the rumors of heartless neighbors prevent the new tenants from forming any serious designs on any of the Bennet daughters? </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>No Less Than Any Other</i> is a sweet and clean<i> Pride and Prejudice</i> variation.</span></div>
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<div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Excerpt</b></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div class="“p-1”">When the twins were four, Fanny was once again pregnant. She had great hopes that this one would be the spare she so desperately wanted. Tommy was still not speaking, and Fanny took great pains to bemoan her son’s mute state whenever she could.</div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Longbourn’s heir was the talk of Meryton and the surrounding area regularly. Mrs. Bennet could barely stand it, and though she was a social creature, she forewent visiting the neighbors so that she could avoid their questions. </div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Gossip about Tommy first started when the lad’s peculiar tendencies became obvious as he grew. Tommy could not tolerate bright lights or loud noises. He was sensitive to textures, particularly when it came to clothing, and the softest fabrics were needed to keep him comfortable. The biggest curiosity, however, was that at the age of four, no one had yet to hear the boy utter even one word.</div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Thomas Bennet Senior was rightly concerned with his son’s inability to speak. It was quite by chance that his fears were put to rest. One afternoon, as he wandered his garden, taking a brief rest from the tedium of managing the estate, he heard Lizzy’s little voice amidst the summer flowers. The second Bennet daughter had a great love of the outdoors, much to Mrs. Bennet’s dismay, and she could often be found hiding in the shrubs and greenery.</div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Tommy,” lisped Elizabeth. “You ought to give up this nonsense. It is silly that you only speak to me.”</div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“You are the only one who listens,” another voice came.</div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Thomas nearly fainted in shock. Tommy’s voice, his perfect little voice! Words perfectly pronounced with no hint of the awkwardness of speech that often accompanies a child of four.</div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“But Mama’s hes-tri-on-ax,” Lizzy enunciated slowly. “I know they are making Papa upset.”</div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“It is pronounced his-tri-on-ics, Lizzy,” Tommy said, slowly pronouncing the word his sister had butchered.</div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“His-tri-on-ics,” Lizzy repeated. “Yes, those. Papa does not deserve to have Mama being so mean to him. We can fix it by showing Mama that you can speak.”</div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Why?” Tommy asked. “Will it not shock her to learn that I am not the idiot she thinks me? What if she becomes more hysterical?”</div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Do not call yourself an idiot,” Lizzy scolded. “You are smart, and I love you.”</div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“I know I am smart,” Tommy whispered. “But I am still different. If it is not my speech, Mama would find something else wrong with me.”</div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Different is not less,” Lizzy insisted.</div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Thomas listened to his young twins with fascination. It was like listening to a pair of miniature adults. Lizzy’s manner of speaking was much less advanced than her brother’s, but it was no less amazing. </div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“I cannot help how I am, Lizzy,” Tommy continued. “Sometimes things are just…overwhelming. I hate the nursery. It is too loud. And then when I am upset, the nurse does not understand. It is hard to explain how I feel when everything is too much. You are the only one who helps me.”</div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Thomas felt a pang of remorse. How had he missed the silent struggle his little boy was going through? Nurse Wilson had, indeed, complained many times about Master Tommy’s tantrums. Crying at nothing, the lady had said. What was it Tommy called it? Everything being too much?</div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The household had long since learned that Tommy did not like loud noises or bright lights. He was often overwhelmed, causing him to flap his arms or cry inconsolably. Lizzy was the only one with the skills to calm the young master during one of his ‘fits.’ Given the knowledge his son had just imparted, it made sense that little Tommy spent barely any time in the nursery with his younger siblings.</div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Can you not start speaking sometimes?” Lizzy asked, her tone pleading. “It would make Papa very happy.”</div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“How do you know?” Tommy asked, his voice full of questions. </div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Because he always looks so sad,” Lizzy answered. “Whenever he and Mama have argued about you, he looks so very upset.”</div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“How can you tell?” Tommy questioned. “I have never noticed.”</div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“It is in his eyes,” Lizzy replied. “He looks like he is going to cry.”</div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“What does that look like?” </div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Like this,” Lizzy said. </div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>She must have been demonstrating for her brother, for it was silent for a few moments. Thomas peeked around to view his children and observed his son studying Elizabeth’s expression intently.</div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“I think I have it now,” Tommy said. “Is this what it looks like?”</div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Elizabeth giggled. “You look like you ate something sour,” she said.</div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“I do not know how to do it,” Tommy huffed. “Everyone’s face looks the same to me.”</div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“With practice, you will notice the differences in expression,” Lizzy promised her brother. “Now, it is time for tea. I am very hungry. Should we go in?”</div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Tommy nodded in agreement, and Mr. Bennet ducked out of sight so he would not be seen. He watched as Tommy took Elizabeth’s hand and they skipped off toward the house. </div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>As they went Thomas heard Lizzy ask once more, “You will at least think about what I said, right Tommy?”</div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The pair were too far away for Mr. Bennet to hear Tommy’s reply.</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><b>About the Author</b></div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”">MJ Stratton is a long-time lover of Jane Austen and her works, having been introduced to <i>Pride and Prejudice</i> by a much-beloved aunt at the age of sixteen. The subsequent discovery of Austenesque fiction sealed her fate. After beta reading and editing for others for nearly a decade, MJ started publishing her own work in 2022. MJ balances being a wife and mother with writing, gardening, sewing, and many other favorite pastimes. She lives with her husband and four children in the small, rural town where she grew up.</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><b>Purchase Links</b></div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"><a href="https://amzn.to/3OImhSm" target="_blank">Amazon</a> (paid link)</div><div class="“p-1”">Add to <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/205844937-no-less-than-any-other?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=4bAvPaDtlT&rank=1" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”">FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. I will receive a small commission if you purchase a book through the link provided. Thanks!</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red;">* * * GIVEAWAY * * *</span></b></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="“p-1”">It's giveaway time! As part of this book tour, MJ Stratton is giving away an eCopy of the book <b><i>No Less Than Any Other</i></b>! Enter through the Rafflecopter below!</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div></span></div>
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="af643a386" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/af643a386/" id="rcwidget_5e6coa9g" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">So, friends, what are your thoughts? What intrigues you about this story? </span></div>Candy @ So little time...http://www.blogger.com/profile/05308027187577034357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650768524127186637.post-31962645553209027212024-02-08T23:30:00.000-08:002024-02-08T23:30:00.141-08:00Heartbroken: A Pride and Prejudice by Laura Moretti ~ Spotlight <p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Hello, my friends! Today, I’m spotlighting </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">Laura Moretti’s new book, </span><i style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;">Heartbroken</i><span style="font-family: georgia;">! The cover looks fantastic! I love the photo of the couple. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNLtkxtNTS0lxk1rpfpSxFcDgwLZcSAF3xp6sZXMlzIajVTtgy7litWi1At91tqDoYBBjC6cjdwemGNTI7D5wbZQUTIlc1oRJX6OcltRwJ99p2mv1t1TBxDWhJEdAXbXEZh-FD2lQ1MT9hxWQpxiH95u-butNw80q2Dkm5iotg-R0SWTMKOXf29KNFqQ/s2560/Heartbroken%20JPEG.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNLtkxtNTS0lxk1rpfpSxFcDgwLZcSAF3xp6sZXMlzIajVTtgy7litWi1At91tqDoYBBjC6cjdwemGNTI7D5wbZQUTIlc1oRJX6OcltRwJ99p2mv1t1TBxDWhJEdAXbXEZh-FD2lQ1MT9hxWQpxiH95u-butNw80q2Dkm5iotg-R0SWTMKOXf29KNFqQ/w400-h640/Heartbroken%20JPEG.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p>
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Heartbroken </i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>A Pride and Prejudice Variation</i> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">by Laura Moretti </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Publication Date: February 21, 2024
Available for pre-order! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Blurb: </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Elizabeth hasn’t heard from Darcy since violently rejecting his declaration of love. But then one day… She’s bored. Yes, bored. No, there’s no better reason for it.
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Anyway, she texts him. And Darcy texts back.
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">For Elizabeth, it’s nothing, sending this first message. It’s a game — an absurd decision that she just makes on the spur of the moment. For Darcy, this is life and death. This is his second chance, to maybe get Elizabeth to look at him, <i>really</i> look at him at last.
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">So. A party, where Jane and Bingley are annoyingly happy. A business meeting at Pemberley. Short dates in a café, in winter, while it’s snowing outside. Valentine’s Day in February, in the rain.
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The game is getting serious. Elizabeth is getting attached. And Darcy will do anything, <i>anything</i>, not to lose her again…
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">From despair to hope, a passionate, intense love story…
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<div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Buy: <a href="https://amzn.to/4b8wMHY" target="_blank">Amazon</a> (paid link)</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Add to <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/204671615-heartbroken?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=kYbZRwKPbf&rank=1" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. I will receive a small commission if you purchase a book through the link provided. Thanks!</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>About the Author</b></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div class="“p-1”">Laura Moretti is new to the <i>Pride and Prejudice</i> world, but not new to writing… She is a fantasy and sci-fi writer in another life.</div><div class="“p-1”">You can find her books here: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Laura-Moretti/author/B07B3W5Y9R?ref" target="_blank">Amazon Author Page</a>.</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”">And if you want to test the waters before reading “Heartbroken,” you can subscribe to her newsletter and get “A Day in Turin,” a free Elizabeth and Darcy novella, here: <a href="https://dl.bookfunnel.com/kkr7e2w7yh" target="_blank">Book Funnel</a>.</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><b>Connect with Laura Moretti</b></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/lauramoretti.pp/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> • <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lauramorettibooks/?hl=fr" target="_blank">Instagram</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/Lauramorettipp" target="_blank">X</a> • Email: lauramoretti.pp@gmail</div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: left;">So, friends, what do you think of <b><i>Heartbroken</i></b>? Are you looking forward to reading it? </div></span></div>Candy @ So little time...http://www.blogger.com/profile/05308027187577034357noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650768524127186637.post-43902034058828438192024-02-05T00:30:00.000-08:002024-02-05T00:30:00.138-08:00With Love, Mr. Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Valentine Short Story Collection <p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Hello, my friends! A group of lovely authors have put together this wonderful anthology of short stories for Valentine's Day! But not only that, but the proceeds will be going to the Jane Austen's House Museum! Amazing! Thank you, Ladies, for doing for being so generous with your time! </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpFuIUlBENA40KrH9E6smeeRe7nHTxyS4wo5skn_P6IqBlLR5hKV2xghIGg5rRdeRS_vVg3LDESucGiUQB-GSJOjUWdNT5gRcYKi22KtJKW4tFE8odowipk6RFZkfoXFlJPzNoCHGw715q4dke8w9hY5x5_uxALTdHyyvNYY7Lvd_g7Iz9nhMRcBC1zw/s709/2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="709" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpFuIUlBENA40KrH9E6smeeRe7nHTxyS4wo5skn_P6IqBlLR5hKV2xghIGg5rRdeRS_vVg3LDESucGiUQB-GSJOjUWdNT5gRcYKi22KtJKW4tFE8odowipk6RFZkfoXFlJPzNoCHGw715q4dke8w9hY5x5_uxALTdHyyvNYY7Lvd_g7Iz9nhMRcBC1zw/s320/2.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>With Love, Mr Darcy</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>A Pride and Prejudice Valentine Short Story Collection</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Thanks so much for welcoming us here today, as we celebrate the release of our Valentine’s Day short story collection. We’re so excited to share these stories with everyone, and even more excited to be helping the Jane Austen’s House Museum by donating all the proceeds from this volume to the museum. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>What is this collection, you ask?
</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Our tagline says it all.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cFppyEM8YyVITUr9Fd4dP1ngjuF0z2pdP31eOYI6pL8yy_NgIbII4blswqdvABOq6kW6cXaMb06p4PTn3MG64n5G_PK1t1HCLjdseqHno4weze2UmdxkYqSmOAUg8dGzINygcC7_-bxRpdnqVwvVGR4ZEJixmXEagh8nMWaTZuJy0LcJgHU7V07Nbzo/s600/With%20Love%20cover%20400x600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cFppyEM8YyVITUr9Fd4dP1ngjuF0z2pdP31eOYI6pL8yy_NgIbII4blswqdvABOq6kW6cXaMb06p4PTn3MG64n5G_PK1t1HCLjdseqHno4weze2UmdxkYqSmOAUg8dGzINygcC7_-bxRpdnqVwvVGR4ZEJixmXEagh8nMWaTZuJy0LcJgHU7V07Nbzo/w426-h640/With%20Love%20cover%20400x600.jpg" width="426" /></a></b></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><br />Six authors, six stories, seven happily-ever-afters.</b>
</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;">Join writers Michelle d'Arcy, Elin Eriksen, Riana Everly, Iris Lim, Laura Moretti, and S. Neha for a special Valentine's Day anthology of <i>Pride and Prejudice</i> variations, each crafted with love from Mr Darcy.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Wait? This is for an Austen-Amazing cause?
</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Indeed it is!</i>
</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>All proceeds will be donated to the Jane Austen’s House Museum at Chawton, England.
Swoon for a worthy cause!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>What do you all have to say for yourselves, anyway? Why a Valentine’s anthology about Darcy?</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>A word from the authors…</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“I loved the idea of putting together a collection of stories about, well, love! Valentine's Day just seemed the perfect opportunity to bring our favourite couple together in our unique ways.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“The theme is both unifying and inspiring, and seeing how we all had such different ideas was wonderful. This is, for me, one of the great joys of JAFF. We have some fixed parameters, but rather than limiting our imaginations, they let our imaginations soar.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“We love Jane Austen, and her legacy! And we would love to know we contributed even a bit to it. The House in Chawton is the very heart of this legacy.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“And then there is Mr Darcy! We love Mr Darcy!”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“Yep, we do!”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Okay, you have our attention. So what’s in it?</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Here are some tidbits to tempt you! Enjoy these excerpts!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i>Alone</i>, by Michelle d'Arcy</b> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">With every step closer, Darcy knew what he wanted and knew what he would do. He had no doubts remaining. The surprise, joy, and gratitude on Elizabeth’s beautiful face and the tears of happiness in her bright eyes would surely make his extended torment worth the while. She would surely forgive him for the weeks of silence and turmoil, during which he had given her the impression he was toying with her affections. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">He entered and found her alone in the parlour. She was pale and clearly not feeling well; she looked surprised, and he needed a little time to gather his thoughts and find the right words to address her. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Then, their eyes met, and he lost himself in hers. She licked her lips, in obvious anticipation, so he opened his heart and held it in his hands, offering it to her. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“In vain I have struggled. It will not do. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.” He heard himself revealing the tumult that had tortured him for six months. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">She remained silent, wide eyed, completely still while he poured his very soul at her feet.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i>My Funny Valentine</i>, by Elin Eriksen</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Elizabeth curtseyed deeply. Far be it from her to show any lack of manners on <i>her</i> part. Oh no,<i> she</i> would be perfectly civil.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“Mr Darcy, we have not been introduced due to your lack of gentlemanly behaviour. I am willing to overlook that slight impropriety, which surely must count as insignificant and came as the result of you walking away in the middle of an introduction. I am referring to your party’s arrival, when my mother importuned you by asking you to dance with one of her daughters, and your immediate and hasty retreat to the opposite end of the room.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Mr Darcy opened his mouth as if to speak, but Elizabeth had not finished, and she stopped him with a pointed hand gesture.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“I perfectly comprehend your feelings, Mr Darcy. You are an excellent physiognomist, and you should always judge people’s characters by their looks. One would not want to associate with anyone lacking in appearance, and certainly not dance with any lady slighted by other men.” </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Elizabeth drew a breath to allow her point to be understood. “You simply <i>must</i> allow me to express my gratitude. My dear grandmother has instilled in me the virtues of never expressing behind anyone’s back what you cannot say to their face. I, therefore, highly appreciate your sincere evaluation of my appearance. With that said, I shall not disturb you for a moment longer but shall promptly remove my unpalatable presence from your company.” </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i>A Coincidence of Connexions</i>, by Riana Everly</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Mr Darcy looked away and cleared his throat. Was he flushing pink? She hardly could believe so arrogant a man could feel such an emotion as embarrassment.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“I recall… when last we spoke, at the ball at—”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“Netherfield,” Elizabeth supplied.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“Yes. We danced.” He stopped and she waited. He surely had more to say than repeat such a fact. He cleared his throat again. “We were discussing your… our mutual acquaintance, Mr Wickham, before we were interrupted. You accused me of withdrawing from him my own friendship, in such a manner that he would suffer all his life. I did not know, then, how to respond. It hardly seemed the place…”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“Much better to bring out these matters at an intimate dinner party.” </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“You are, madam, always correct. I seem to have the ill fortune of a terrible choice of timing. But the topic was raised, and I had to address it. Forgive me.” He said this last with such genuine meaning that she could not help but be affected. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Perhaps she had severely misjudged everything about Mr Darcy!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i>In Time for Valentine’s</i>, by Iris Lim</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“I shall be throwing a ball, here at Matlock House, that shall be the talk of the Season,” said Lady Matlock.
Fitzy scoffed. “We already are the talk of the Season, mother dear.”
“Not that sort of talk—the good kind.”
“A hardly think a ball could so easily distract the voracious ton.”
“We shall have it on St. Valentine’s, a day many are coming to associate with love.”
“Again, Mother, I do not think—”
“Then we shall announce a betrothal—preferably, one of yours.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Both Darcy and Richard sprung up with alacrity.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“You cannot mean—”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“And given that Richard shall be leaving for the Continent soon, the better candidate would be Darcy.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“Aunt, please, you must see—”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“Georgiana would benefit, would she not?” Lady Matlock continued, unperturbed by Darcy’s clear agitation. “Besides, I already have several ladies in mind. I am sure you shall be able to find at least one of them suitable.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“This is madness. I cannot possibly—”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“Oh, but you can.” The countess pinned him in place with a glare. “Have no fear, Darcy, we shall have you betrothed in time for Valentine’s.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i>Ten Valentine’s Days</i>, by Laura Moretti</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“Darcy had been so in love with her, ten years ago. Paradoxically, he’d only realised how much <i>after</i> his drunken declaration. When days had passed. When his hangover had subsided. When he’d had time to reflect. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">He missed Elizabeth like hell.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">He’d cut Elizabeth from his life cold turkey, like one would just stop smoking, stop eating sugar, stop doing drugs. And yes, it was hell.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The withdrawal. Everything hurt. Before the…‘The Events at the Pub at Hunsford’, Darcy had spent two years in Elizabeth’s presence, in the same circle of friends. Darcy and Elizabeth had celebrated Bingley and Jane’s engagement together, their attendance mandatory at the intimate dinner and during the huge party that followed; they’d been best man and chief bridesmaid at the wedding. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Elizabeth had been a constant in Darcy’s life. Her banter. Her laugh. Their heated debates. The love she showed her sister, her friends. It was in her absence Darcy realised how much he was—hooked.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Seven years. Why couldn’t he move on? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i>Mr Darcy's Matchmaking Valentine</i>, by S. Neha</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Yellow? Oh… no! Rosie’s favourite doll has a cap of the exact same colour</i>. It was now evident to Elizabeth why her aunt was standing close to those two gentlemen and why Rose was so upset. <i>But how did Rosie’s doll wind up in the lake in the first place?</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The gentleman with the stick suddenly, and somewhat improbably in Elizabeth's opinion, stretched his arm a little bit further and stumbled, just as she had feared. It was only the second gentleman holding on to him that saved him from a dunking in the frigid waters. The very next moment, the man was lifting the stick in the air, Rose’s doll dangling from it. That young lady’s squeals of joy indicated that she, too, had observed the rescue of her poor, beleaguered doll.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The gentlemen then turned to face the others, both beaming proudly, and Elizabeth’s thoughts scattered in shock. It was Mr Darcy who was holding the stick with the dangling doll, and very poetically, it was Mr Bingley who had been hanging on to his coattails! Although in this instance, one could be charitable and argue that he was making himself useful.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>* * *</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Available for a limited time!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3OsjvQQ" target="_blank">Amazon</a> (paid link)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Add to <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/204118955-with-love-mr-darcy?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=CK4SVlAHZf&rank=4" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. I will receive a small commission (at no cost to you) if you purchase a book through the link provided. Thanks!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSkk3mGdpMf8pBYrZbLFaeljHtVphH2oavIxiKi5taxtqFDb5O4NNnL2FsGCw4dynWoZ4hNtKW60PkYiyxAplFzIWngWpPn3TIbnOhp70FwYG-ZQHv6GGsg-Mkqpl7EB9X3IcWwrdQMcRKBEhdJekpte2HTi9FdhVwMKHALT8Vc-nE_47uP_EMZHixRb4/s369/image%20(2).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="369" data-original-width="369" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSkk3mGdpMf8pBYrZbLFaeljHtVphH2oavIxiKi5taxtqFDb5O4NNnL2FsGCw4dynWoZ4hNtKW60PkYiyxAplFzIWngWpPn3TIbnOhp70FwYG-ZQHv6GGsg-Mkqpl7EB9X3IcWwrdQMcRKBEhdJekpte2HTi9FdhVwMKHALT8Vc-nE_47uP_EMZHixRb4/w200-h200/image%20(2).png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">So, my friends, what do you think of this short story collection? We'd love to hear from you! </span></p>Candy @ So little time...http://www.blogger.com/profile/05308027187577034357noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650768524127186637.post-72628214625735551812024-01-25T23:30:00.000-08:002024-01-25T23:30:00.158-08:00The Second Ending by Riana Everly ~ Guest Post, Excerpt, & Giveaway!<span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Hello, friends! Riana Everly is here with her third book in her new series Austen Echos! How lovely, these books came out so quickly! One a month! Nice!</span><div><br /></div><div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFe3VgyG_oqLGi0-i9eDS0Y9I-VKZ-biDXginyxWdJTMWoP36nRik7annBNcmHJ6xWDYBvBqttGQLPKGbduP3QCIdoSgNwWeXqYUciE3bLnjgIOM52LyF_hixZ2tGQupcXSqP0ysBm21uj8uZGxgRpye_P3nZAk5oApkLFPwuoRDrThnogdfKSBQuNTf8/s800/Austen%20Echoes%20on%20purple.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="283" data-original-width="800" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFe3VgyG_oqLGi0-i9eDS0Y9I-VKZ-biDXginyxWdJTMWoP36nRik7annBNcmHJ6xWDYBvBqttGQLPKGbduP3QCIdoSgNwWeXqYUciE3bLnjgIOM52LyF_hixZ2tGQupcXSqP0ysBm21uj8uZGxgRpye_P3nZAk5oApkLFPwuoRDrThnogdfKSBQuNTf8/w640-h226/Austen%20Echoes%20on%20purple.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div>Thanks so much, Candy, for letting me stop here today to talk about my new book, <b><i>The Second Ending</i></b>. This is the third and final book in my <b>Austen Echoes</b> series of contemporary Austen retellings, all centred around members of a concert choir in my home city of Toronto. This book, just released a couple of days ago, is inspired by my favourite of Austen’s novels, <i>Persuasion</i>, and trust me, you’ll love it!</div><div><br /></div><div>One of the fun challenges about re-setting a Regency-era novel into the present is how to make the characters keep up with the times. For the most part, women today just don’t sit at home and sip tea while waiting for their heroes to come dashing across the fields on a jet-black horse. A modern heroine needs a modern life, and that is probably going to involve a career of some sort.</div><div><br /></div><div>Likewise, the men need new lives as well. Even if I were to keep Austen’s military characters in that field, times have changed. Naval captains now draw a salary, rather than keeping a chunk of loot from whatever foreign ships they capture. It’s a different world, and our characters need to reflect that.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbLCl7vIIKYO3c_H397aNp6rNtHir_ZOvsSuNkA1N53BWLJ19oxyW5TLaoqSlGg6sXkQy2HvDtAShKCym8luiU5qTJ7IayA3wH2q8DVNJrfNDLCHzdG0AD86yBVgeUJfV03szJSNydISwU2akI6_OfftKmqAO3EhdOO9F_EHeYrDxCDvmk7C0kRRQ7MGE/s1024/Ashleigh%20as%20a%20lawyer.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbLCl7vIIKYO3c_H397aNp6rNtHir_ZOvsSuNkA1N53BWLJ19oxyW5TLaoqSlGg6sXkQy2HvDtAShKCym8luiU5qTJ7IayA3wH2q8DVNJrfNDLCHzdG0AD86yBVgeUJfV03szJSNydISwU2akI6_OfftKmqAO3EhdOO9F_EHeYrDxCDvmk7C0kRRQ7MGE/s320/Ashleigh%20as%20a%20lawyer.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>When I began thinking about this contemporary take on<br /> <i>Persuasion</i>, I knew right away that Ashleigh Lynch (my modern Anne Elliot) would be a lawyer. It’s a career acceptable to her snooty family, but it also lets her be a helper. Just like Anne Elliot is the one helping her sister Mary with the children, taking care of packing up Kellynch hall after her father and sister Elizabeth take off to Bath, managing the crisis when Louisa has her dreadful accident in Lyme, modern Ashleigh is the one helping as well. She takes legal aid cases, working with people who can’t afford to pay a lawyer from their own pockets, helping abused women escape their tormenters, assisting families get new starts in life. </div><div><br /></div><div>It’s not the sort of career to make someone rich, since legal aid rates are far below what a lawyer can charge private clients, but it’s the sort of career that suits someone like Ashleigh, who wants to make a difference for people who need her.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCAlRIBpe11jLBvYrZhyFf9aJM_8KkLxHyE-MN7fc4iOPgaKhK-eSotkSEeZj0jSHKuZEXv0hrAbY55S7Q2tXDZDG2HOv5I2tdip60zUmf-z229d4YR2AOaRwAQ-dQEPVp_kpGnBsI-80F2A4Mz4IIVRVgRbM3TzJ0Iqw9yq13WRyjIynnMTp2cyTdpXU/s1024/Young%20Marcus%20construction%20worker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCAlRIBpe11jLBvYrZhyFf9aJM_8KkLxHyE-MN7fc4iOPgaKhK-eSotkSEeZj0jSHKuZEXv0hrAbY55S7Q2tXDZDG2HOv5I2tdip60zUmf-z229d4YR2AOaRwAQ-dQEPVp_kpGnBsI-80F2A4Mz4IIVRVgRbM3TzJ0Iqw9yq13WRyjIynnMTp2cyTdpXU/s320/Young%20Marcus%20construction%20worker.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>What about Marcus, my modern Frederick Wentworth? He had to come from a place that’s absolutely unacceptable to<br /> Ashleigh’s family. He had to start off with a job that the Lynches would hold their noses at, but that would also give him the possibility of doing extremely well for himself. Here, I decided to put him in the trades.</div><div><br /></div><div>Marcus Fredericks met Ash when he was a construction worker, and she was a university student. But in the years since they broke up, he took his uncles small business and turned it into a huge success, building a development corporation that made the construction worker into the CEO. </div><div><br /></div><div>When Ash and Marcus cross paths again, eight years after her family managed to break them up, they’re very different people from who they were back then. Or are they?</div><div><br /></div><div>Do these new interpretations work? Do these careers suit a modern take on Austen’s wonderful characters? You’ll have to read the book and decide that for yourself!</div><div><br /></div><div>To give you a taste, here’s an excerpt from <b><i>The Second Ending: A Modern Austen Persuasion Improvisation</i></b>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">*** </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Still, law had been a good choice for her. She’d excelled at her classes and passed her exams with ease, and discovered that, all stereotypes aside, there was a great deal of good she could do in her profession. It wasn’t all money laundering and overcharging clients, but instead, it was a way to help people out of bad situations. Whether that meant supporting a small business<br /> owner in a lease dispute or advocating for a new immigrant with little English when his employer decided not to pay him, she found she went to bed each night with the sense of having made a difference in someone’s life.</div><div><br /></div><div>Law had also engendered in her a passion for helping others, something that had not been part of her rather pampered childhood. Her father was, as she joked, a poor trust-fund baby. The family once had quite a lot of money. Some forward-thinking grandfather had put it all into reasonable investments, and the interest was enough to live on more than comfortably.</div><div><br /></div><div>One of those investments had been a house in Rosedale, where Ashleigh’s father had lived since he was a baby. Living there, in that most prestigious part of town, an enclave of old money and new sports cars, Walter Lynch could consider himself part of Toronto’s elite. He was certainly well-connected, having been to the right schools and having made the right contacts, and if his wealth didn’t quite extend to summer homes in the south of France, it was enough to keep up appearances without having to resort to actually having to work.</div><div><br /></div><div>Because Walter Lynch, for all his insistence that his daughter train for a suitable career, had never worked a day in his life. Ashleigh suspected her parents would be quite horrified at what she really did with the precious law degree they had insisted so vehemently that she achieve.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ashleigh sighed as she glanced around her slightly tatty flat once more. Oh, her father would have a fit if he saw it. Her sister would drag her to the nearest real estate agent in seconds, and her mother would smile in her absentminded way and say, “It’s not very fancy, is it, dear? Wouldn’t you prefer something nicer?” As if wishing would make it so.</div><div><br /></div><div>She had, once, had something nicer, back eight years ago, when her life was full of promise and when the future looked wonderful. When she was still with Marcus.</div><div><br /></div><div>Seeing him again today had disturbed all the ghosts, bringing long-buried memories flooding back. Her mind replaced the faded paint and worn furniture with the sweet place they had shared for not nearly long enough. She recalled the butter-yellow walls, the deep burgundy curtains, the lovely long couch that one of his friends had found for them, the comfortable chair, the elegant dining room table… </div><div><br /></div><div>Did he still have them? Or had he burned everything after she’d walked out? </div><div><br /></div><div>She let out another deep sigh. Probably, by the anger he had vented then, and by the hard expression he’d borne today when he had seen her for the first time since their awful break-up, he’d burned them, then burned the ashes, and then buried them. Like her heart.</div><div><br /></div><div>Because that was the second time her family had destroyed her dreams.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU_13I_UGTi6W3B4h0xjVJZI-MpEzgKyHNOmdrVbJAro_nd3nJclMBSPRvcmftUsSgBsYk8ohEgBMw_sgdZ72VCBSAo69GUSnA8o9yt-GGVtuC8N_uKhaqnANiUw5v0PhlrhOqpFXfMKDm675aKkcbT7dMm2KpwzkkWVKSfhgTZDM3Qi7ouOx16KbmwsY/s640/TSE%20400x640.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU_13I_UGTi6W3B4h0xjVJZI-MpEzgKyHNOmdrVbJAro_nd3nJclMBSPRvcmftUsSgBsYk8ohEgBMw_sgdZ72VCBSAo69GUSnA8o9yt-GGVtuC8N_uKhaqnANiUw5v0PhlrhOqpFXfMKDm675aKkcbT7dMm2KpwzkkWVKSfhgTZDM3Qi7ouOx16KbmwsY/w400-h640/TSE%20400x640.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></span></div></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><b>The Second Ending</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>A Modern Persuasion Improvisation</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">by Riana Everly</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Blurb:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">
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The last person Eglinton Echoes member Ashleigh Lynch expected to see across the table from her was her ex, Marcus Fredericks. Eight years ago when they were in love, she was a law student and he was a construction worker, not nearly good enough for her elitist family. But times have changed. Now she’s a lawyer, and he owns the development company threatening the playing fields she’s been engaged to protect. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Her family managed to crush her dreams and her confidence back then, and seeing Marcus again has rocked her to the core. But as talks over the playing fields continue, they are forced to confront each other again and again, and even the hardest hearts aren’t always impervious to old, tender feelings. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">But rekindling their romance won’t be easy. They are on different sides of a dispute, and Ashleigh has caught the eye of a charming guy from the city’s planning department. When the development project is threatened and Ashleigh discovers who her real enemy is, her very world begins to crumble around her, and not even her precious music is safe. Can she find the inner strength to deal, at last, with an old threat and reclaim the happiness that was ripped away from her eight years ago? </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">This musical reimagining of Jane Austen’s beloved <i>Persuasion</i> will have you cheering the characters on, pulling you into their world and into their hearts.
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<div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Buy: <a href="https://amzn.to/3OczCC3" target="_blank">Amazon</a> (paid link)</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Add to <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/200736859-the-second-ending?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=4kknnvt0bp&rank=1" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3SvAnZq" target="_blank">All The Wrong Notes, Book 1</a> (paid link)</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3UeF8bc" target="_blank">The Matchmaker's Melody, Book 2</a> (paid link)</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">FTC Disclaimer: Links to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. I will receive a small commission (at no cost to you) if you purchase a book through the link provided. Thanks!</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>About the Author</b></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div class="“p-1”">Born in South Africa, award-winning author Riana Everly has called Canada home since she was eight years old. She proudly boasts one husband, two grown(ish) children, three degrees, four recordings, five instruments (of varying proficiencies), six languages (also of varying proficiencies), and thirteen novels (and growing). She also can’t count very well.</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”">When not indulging her passion for Jane Austen, Riana loves cooking, travel, and photography. She’s a historian and trained classical musician, specialising in viola, and is delighted to be able to combine her love of writing and music in her novels. </div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”">She now lives in Toronto, Canada, with her husband, a secret stash of chocolate, and far too many books.</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><b>Connect with Riana Everly</b></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://rianaeverly.com/" target="_blank">Website</a> • <a href="https://rianaeverly.com/blog/" target="_blank">Blog</a> • <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RianaEverly/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> • <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/stores/Riana-Everly/author/B076C6HY27?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true" target="_blank">Amazon</a> • <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rianaeverly/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red;">* * * GIVEAWAY* * *</span></b></div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”">Riana is hosting a giveaway! Here's a message from her:</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”">I’m delighted to be able to offer a giveaway of an eBook at each stop on this blog tour. I will randomly select one person who comments on the post here through random.net. Please make sure I have a way to contact you if you win! I will take comments until midnight, North American Eastern time, five days after the blog post goes live. Good luck everyone!</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”">Congratulations, Riana, on the release of <b><i>The Second Ending</i></b>! That's awesome! Also, many thanks for visiting with us and offering one of my readers a chance to win an eCopy of <i style="font-weight: bold;">The Second Ending</i>.</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div></span></div></div>Candy @ So little time...http://www.blogger.com/profile/05308027187577034357noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650768524127186637.post-70579148503907361342024-01-18T23:30:00.000-08:002024-01-18T23:30:00.127-08:00"Not Without Affection" by Caroline Cartier ~ Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveawy!<p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Hello, my friends! I'm delighted to have Caroline Cartier on the blog today! She has a new book out, <b><i>Not Without Affection</i></b>, and it's her debut novel! Very exciting! Congratulations, Caroline!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I hope you enjoy the excerpt below, and be sure to enter the giveaway! Caroline is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card! Details are at the bottom of the page.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7GzRuGbkeuvhMJPZytG3tkQbQ6KcxWgYgGRNsccA9_PcYNlK7MRk_N3Jx-eZqlxGTZk291k1tYclZ1rVui3l61XBR4LOfy7e0thrM-IojsgKYq0a6OhxTRn61Mz2Aq-3nbPNvHwWt-fW_t0oHf-l89Lu7EzkpnQQX5CFMGDD1Oq34x5seM6vCcS1Ux2Q/s1471/410321724_212928321874953_3001450332732329666_n%20(1).jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1471" data-original-width="1009" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7GzRuGbkeuvhMJPZytG3tkQbQ6KcxWgYgGRNsccA9_PcYNlK7MRk_N3Jx-eZqlxGTZk291k1tYclZ1rVui3l61XBR4LOfy7e0thrM-IojsgKYq0a6OhxTRn61Mz2Aq-3nbPNvHwWt-fW_t0oHf-l89Lu7EzkpnQQX5CFMGDD1Oq34x5seM6vCcS1Ux2Q/w438-h640/410321724_212928321874953_3001450332732329666_n%20(1).jpg" width="438" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i>Not Without Affection</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">by Caroline Cartier</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Publication Date: February 1st, 2024</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Book Description:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">
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When Mr Collins visits Longbourn, Elizabeth Bennet is shocked by the sycophantic behaviour of her family toward the Longbourn heir. Mrs Bennet declares that any of her daughters had better accept the man if he offers for them, and Elizabeth quickly comes to suspect that her father will not defend them should they wish to refuse. Despite her protestations, Elizabeth finds herself engaged to her cousin against her will and her sisters turned against her, showing Elizabeth harsh revelations about Jane's true character. She makes plans to escape the untenable situation, with help from Charlotte, and surprisingly, Mr Darcy, but the marriage moves forward despite their efforts and Lizzy is forced to accept her fate. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">When Elizabeth is unexpectedly relieved of her unwanted husband, her new friends at Rosings support her as she builds her new life, while Mr Darcy is relieved to have a chance to win her heart but knows he must wait to court her to preserve her reputation. While he suffers the long wait of her mourning until she can be courted, Elizabeth must decide if she is willing to try again, as estate matters and other parties threaten to end the match before it is made in this 68,000-word Pride and Prejudice Variation.
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<div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Excerpt</b></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div class="“p-1”"> On a bright morning in early November, Elizabeth Bennet was walking briskly in the direction of Longbourn to the sweet sound of blackbirds lifting their beaks in song. The sun had risen some time ago and it was nearly time for breakfast. Elizabeth had been out longer than usual this morning, having been cooped up at Netherfield tending her sister Jane for the last sennight.</div><div class="“p-1”"> </div><div class="“p-1”"> She quickened her pace, both in anticipation of breakfast and also in an effort not to upset her mother, who generally disapproved of Elizabeth's morning activities, and grew angry when her second daughter was late for the morning meal. She hoped she and her sisters might walk to Meryton later in the morning. Elizabeth had missed the arrival of the regiment while at Netherfield. While she had no intention of chasing officers like her youngest sisters, she expected there to be a great deal happening to entertain in the little village.</div><div class="“p-1”"> </div><div class="“p-1”"> The walk to Meryton was not to be, however. Elizabeth had taken her seat at the table just in time to escape her mother's ire, and as the family began to dine, her father spoke up. "I hope my dear, that you have ordered a good dinner today, for I have reason to expect an addition to our family party."</div><div class="“p-1”"> </div><div class="“p-1”"> "Whoever can you mean, Mr Bennet?” inquired his wife. “I know of no one who is expected unless Charlotte Lucas drops in, and I do hope my dinners are good enough for her. She certainly does not see such fine fare at her mother's table. Or perhaps Mr Bingley! What dreadful luck! There will not be a bit of fish to be had today. Ring the bell, Kitty; I must speak with Hill post-haste."</div><div class="“p-1”"> </div><div class="“p-1”"> Mr Bennet chuckled, "It is not Charlotte, nor Mr Bingley, though I give you leave to invite them both as often as you please, because they are excellent company. No, it is a person I have never seen once in the whole of my life." This naturally roused a great clamour of interest by his wife and all five of his daughters, and so, well pleased to have their undivided attention for once, he settled back into his chair with his coffee to relate the information to them. "I received this letter about a month ago, and about a fortnight ago, I sent a reply, considering it a matter of some delicacy, and requiring prompt attention. It is from my cousin, Mr Collins, who, if you recall, when I am dead, may turn you all out of this house as soon as he pleases," he finished with an unpleasant smile. Elizabeth wished she knew why her father insisted on being so disagreeable at times. She was fortunate that she usually escaped his razor-sharp tongue, but her mother and sisters were rarely so lucky.</div><div class="“p-1”"> </div><div class="“p-1”"> "Mr Bennet pray do not talk of that odious man coming here! I cannot bear to hear such an idea mentioned. It is the hardest thing in the world that your estate should be entailed away from your own children! You ought to have done something about it long ago!” Fanny Bennet wailed.</div><div class="“p-1”"> </div><div class="“p-1”"> Thomas Bennet agreed with his wife that it was indeed a most iniquitous affair, but advised her to hear the letter, for perhaps she might be softened by the man's sentiments or manner of expressing himself. Mrs Bennet declared that she was sure she would not, and decried the man as a hypocrite for contacting them at all. Mr Bennet, however, insisted upon reading the letter aloud.</div><div class="“p-1”"> </div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"><i>Hunsford,</i></div><div class="“p-1”"><i>Near Westerham, Kent,</i></div><div class="“p-1”"><i><br /></i></div><div class="“p-1”"><i>Dear Sir,</i></div><div class="“p-1”"><i><br /></i></div><div class="“p-1”"><i> The disagreement subsisting between yourself and my late honoured father always gave me much uneasiness, and since I have had the misfortune to lose him, I have frequently wished to heal the breach; but for some time I was kept back by my own doubts, lest it might seem disrespectful to his memory for me to be on good terms with anyone with whom it had always pleased him to be at variance. My mind, however, is now made up on the subject, for having received ordination at Easter, I have been so fortunate as to be distinguished by the patronage of the Right Honourable Lady Catherine de Bourgh, widow of Sir Lewis de Bourgh, whose bounty and beneficence has preferred me to the valuable rectory of this parish, where it shall be my earnest endeavour to demean myself with grateful respect towards her ladyship, and be ever ready to perform those rites and ceremonies which are instituted by the Church of England.</i></div><div class="“p-1”"><i> </i></div><div class="“p-1”"><i> As a clergyman, moreover, I feel it my duty to promote and establish the blessing of peace in all families within the reach of my influence; and on these grounds, I flatter myself that my present overtures are highly commendable and that the circumstance of my being next in the entail of Longbourn estate will be kindly overlooked on your side, and not lead you to reject the oered olive branch. I cannot be otherwise than concerned at being the means of injuring your amiable daughters, and beg leave to apologise for it, as well as to assure you of my readiness to make them every possible amends — but of this hereafter. I shall write no more of my hopes, but assure your daughters in the most complimentary terms that I come prepared to admire them. If you should have no objection to receiving me into your house, I propose myself the satisfaction of waiting on you and your family, Monday, November –, by four o’clock, and shall probably trespass on your hospitality till the Saturday night following, which I can do without any inconvenience, as Lady Catherine is far from objecting to my occasional absence on a Sunday, provided that some other clergyman is engaged to do the duty of the day.</i></div><div class="“p-1”"><i><br /></i></div><div class="“p-1”"><i> I remain, dear sir, with respectful compliments to your lady and daughters, your well-wisher and friend,</i></div><div class="“p-1”"><i><br /></i></div><div class="“p-1”"><i>William Collins</i></div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"> </div><div class="“p-1”"> "And so my dear, we shall have the honour of receiving this peacemaking gentleman, presumably waving an olive branch above his head, at four o'clock," concluded Mr Bennet, folding the letter and placing it beside his coffee. "I doubt not that he will be an invaluable acquaintance."</div><div class="“p-1”"> </div><div class="“p-1”"> "The letter is not defective in composition. The offering of an olive branch is not particularly original, though it is well expressed," observed Mary.</div><div class="“p-1”"> </div><div class="“p-1”"> "One wonders by what means he intends to make amends to us, though it is to his credit that he wishes to do so," remarked Jane.</div><div class="“p-1”"> </div><div class="“p-1”"> "It is perfectly obvious, is it not, Mr Bennet?” asked Mrs Bennet. “The gentleman comes prepared to admire you girls. He is a young single man, with a comfortable living, the patronage of a great lady, and the expectation of a gentleman's inheritance. It is obvious that he comes in want of a wife."</div><div class="“p-1”"> </div><div class="“p-1”"> "That cannot be what he meant, Mama,” protested Elizabeth. “He would never write it so openly. He must have meant something else, which is entirely plausible, considering his manner of apologising for the entail. He likely meant something else entirely. He certainly sounds like an oddity. Do you think he can be a sensible man, Papa?"</div><div class="“p-1”"> </div><div class="“p-1”"> "I highly doubt it, my dear," her father answered with his satirical grin. "In fact, his strange mixture of pomposity and servility gives me great hope of finding him quite the reverse. I am indeed impatient to see him. This promises to be a most entertaining sennight. But in answer to your first, I agree with your mother. As ridiculous as this man sounds, it is possible that no one in his parish would accept him if he is truly objectionable. He probably hopes to find us desperate, and willing to give him a daughter to save your home after I am gone, and he would not be too far wrong."</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"> "Despite your humour, Papa, you would not make one of us marry him!" exclaimed Elizabeth, horrified by her father's speech. Sometimes even she could not quite tell when Mr Bennet was fooling them, and she understood her mother's nerves well in those moments.</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"> "Make you! You silly, foolish girl, why ever would we need to make you!" Mrs Bennet burst out in annoyance. "In case you have not noticed, there are no gentlemen in the area to marry, and neither Jane nor you have found success in town when visiting my brother. If the man who is to inherit your home proposes to any of you, you will accept with joy and gratitude in your heart! Oh, except you Jane, dear, you are for Mr Bingley; and of course, dear Lydia is far too young to marry a clergyman. But any of the rest of you had better gladly accept him. The idea of refusing to save your family from destitution is abhorrent, Lizzy. How could you say something so selfish? Do you <i>wish</i> for us all to be homeless?"</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"> "Mama, I will not marry someone horrid just to keep Longbourn," Elizabeth argued. "I am sure my sisters and I will do well enough without selling ourselves to a booby.”</div><div class="“p-1”"> </div><div class="“p-1”"> "How <i>dare</i> you, young lady! To speak of the heir of this estate, a man you have never even met, in such disrespectful terms!” Mrs Bennet scolded her second child soundly. “You think that I do not see you disdain the behaviour of your sisters and me, missy, but you are not such a model of propriety yourself! You will not degrade Mr Collins in any way again, and when he arrives, you will accord him the respect that is his due. I will <i>not</i> have any of my daughters behaving in such an objectionable manner! If the man is ridiculous, so much the better. It means he will be easily led, and easier for one of you to manage. Have you not seen how I struggle with a clever husband? Do not make my mistake. Marry a booby."</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"> Elizabeth looked at her father, whose face was like stone and did not meet her eye. Why did he not defend her? He had said himself he expected to find the man insensible. He would not marry any of them to an idiot. Would he?</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><b>About the Author</b></div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"><div class="“p-1”"><b>Caroline Cartier</b> is an anglophile in her early forties, living out her happily ever after in New England with her very own Darcy. She is mom to an extraordinary young woman who is an English major, two cats, and a spaniel (co-author) named Belle.</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”">Having cut her teeth on the Tudors and Mary Queen of Scots with the historical fiction of Jean Plaidy and Victoria Holt at sixteen, Caroline read her way through the histories of the Monarchs of England and France, settling into an abiding love for Regency fiction in her twenties.</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”">Her first Jane Austen Variation was <i>Mr Darcy's Diary</i> by Amanda Grange. Several years later, a free trial of Kindle Unlimited opened a whole new world of Austenesque fiction. After reading what feels like hundreds of variations, Caroline began her first writing project in 2021, <i>The Victorian Vagaries</i>, <i>a Victorian Pride and Prejudice Quartet</i> that will be published in 2024.</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”">Having been a gushing member of many fandoms in her time, Caroline takes great enjoyment in historical fiction, fantasy, and YA fiction, and enjoys the works of Rick Riordan, Angie Sage, James Patterson (the Max Ride series), Stephanie Meyers, Suzanne Collins, J K Rowling, L M Montgomery, Louisa May Alcott, and of course the father of fantasy, J R R Tolkien.</div><div class="“p-1”">She takes her inspiration for writing from the wonderful authors of Austenesque literature and the romance series of Stephanie Laurens, Julia Quinn, and Lisa Kleypas, in addition to other historical romances and television period dramas.</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><b>Connect with Caroline Cartier</b></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://carolinecartier.wixsite.com/ccwrites" target="_blank">Website</a> • <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092622895777&mibextid=ZbWKwL" target="_blank">Facebook</a> • <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hrhcarolinecartier?igsh=eDR0NWJ4OXpoaHRq" target="_blank">Instagram</a> </div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><b>Purchase Links</b></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3Sng93V" target="_blank">Amazon</a> (Paid link)</div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;">Add to <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/204998849-not-without-affection?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=2GUa5qyMjs&rank=1" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;">FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. I will receive a small commission if you purchase a book through the link provided (at no cost to you). Thanks!</div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><b>* * * GIVEAWAY * * *</b></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="“p-1”">Caroline is generously giving away a $25 Amazon gift card to one lucky person during this blog tour! Enter the giveaway through the Rafflecopter below. </div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;">Good luck!!</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div></div></span></div>
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<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Many thanks to Caroline Cartier for stopping by today! Again, congratulations on the release of <i><b>Not Without Affection</b></i>! BTW, I love this cover! It's so beautiful!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">So, my friends, do you have any thoughts? I cringe at the thought of Elizabeth marrying Mr. Collins! Mr. Bennet, what are you thinking!!</span></div>Candy @ So little time...http://www.blogger.com/profile/05308027187577034357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650768524127186637.post-67277419893216186752023-12-17T23:30:00.000-08:002023-12-17T23:30:00.136-08:00"Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord" by Celeste Connally ~ My Review<p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Hello, my friends! It's been a while since I've posted a review. This is more of a mini review, but I thought I'd post it anyway. 😃</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cS3-qamMlIlKbkNSD_SuJ0y1F1IJREpD9QZ5yBREi_xoO5YkCwl2GLeMKSS27OIoWhaxUboMjdlVPRNdhHftd9blQ2BjUNMiAE_NaLtLurUFrzvb0B4nYg9lrmiWUGAdD-Av5ksRNBmpHC4I2rcw4kk_SDXP6yum0RITAzGF7Jgaz8FJ6LdtIqHa62w/s400/Act%20Like%20a%20Lady,%20Think%20Like%20a%20Lord.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="265" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cS3-qamMlIlKbkNSD_SuJ0y1F1IJREpD9QZ5yBREi_xoO5YkCwl2GLeMKSS27OIoWhaxUboMjdlVPRNdhHftd9blQ2BjUNMiAE_NaLtLurUFrzvb0B4nYg9lrmiWUGAdD-Av5ksRNBmpHC4I2rcw4kk_SDXP6yum0RITAzGF7Jgaz8FJ6LdtIqHa62w/w424-h640/Act%20Like%20a%20Lady,%20Think%20Like%20a%20Lord.jpeg" width="424" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><b>Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">by Celeste Connally</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Publication Date: November 14th, 2023</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Publisher: Minotaur Books</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Pages: 304</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Received: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Rating: 5 stars</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Book Description</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">
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Bridgerton meets Agatha Christie in Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord, a dazzling first entry in a terrific new Regency-era mystery series with a feminist spin.</b> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">When Lady Petra Forsyth’s fiancé and soulmate dies just weeks ahead of their wedding, she makes the shocking proclamation—in front of London’s loosest lips—that she will never remarry. A woman of independent means, Petra sees no reason to cede her wealth and freedom to any man now that the love of her life has passed, nor does she intend to become confined to her country home. Instead, she uses her title to gain access to elite spaces and enjoy the best of society without expectations. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">But when ballroom gossip suggests that a longtime friend has died of “melancholia” while in the care of a questionable physician, Petra vows to use her status to dig deeper—uncovering a private asylum where men pay to have their wives and daughters locked away, or worse. Just as Lady Petra has reason to believe her friend is not dead, but a prisoner, her own headstrong actions and thirst for independence are used to put her own freedom in jeopardy.
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<div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>My Review</b></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Fabulous story! What a page-turner! I found myself thinking about the story when I wasn't reading it. </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Lady Petra is a strong, independent woman with a curious mind. And I like that! She is also concerned for the welfare of others, even those not of her station, like the street urchin Teddy. </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Taking the loss of her friend Gwen to heart, Lady Petra must discover what happened to her. Her curiosity sends Lady Petra into dangerous situations. I was so anxious for her!</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I highly recommend <i><b>Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord</b></i> for your reading pleasure!</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">FTC Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher.</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Purchase Links</b></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Buy: <a href="https://amzn.to/41mLx5q" target="_blank">Amazon</a> (paid links) • <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/act-like-a-lady-think-like-a-lord-celeste-connally/1142827145" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> • <a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/act-like-a-lady-think-like-a-lord-celeste-connally/19473490?ean=9781250867551" target="_blank">Bookshop</a></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Add to <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/65213393-act-like-a-lady-think-like-a-lord" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. I will receive a small commission if you purchase a book through the link provided. Thanks!</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>About the Author</b></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbhjEgmapXkged7HIhxaHgxx5AgeXQnJNkE7wjgUX1izBMVAx_JY-qsNAIxI4yZ5g3GdOP8HBMLgQuOXT_hfwJqYlFUCknn6CHuNBw84xkZyZJlQ0Ky26IZM-cLh45doX16iOMrHgGwIJTxWBOA5S7-I-tSsrLyPkaCQN4uYeZQRi6yupnRaShMSfMe5A/s320/Celeste%20Connally%20author%20headshot%20x%20750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="229" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbhjEgmapXkged7HIhxaHgxx5AgeXQnJNkE7wjgUX1izBMVAx_JY-qsNAIxI4yZ5g3GdOP8HBMLgQuOXT_hfwJqYlFUCknn6CHuNBw84xkZyZJlQ0Ky26IZM-cLh45doX16iOMrHgGwIJTxWBOA5S7-I-tSsrLyPkaCQN4uYeZQRi6yupnRaShMSfMe5A/s1600/Celeste%20Connally%20author%20headshot%20x%20750.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>Celeste Connally is an Agatha Award nominee, and a former<br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">freelance writer and editor. A lifelong devotee of historical novels and adaptations fueled by her passion for history—plus weekly doses of PBS Masterpiece—Celeste loves reading and writing about women from the past who didn’t always do as they were told.</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Connect with Celeste Connally</b></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://celesteconnally.com/" target="_blank">Website</a> • <b><a href="https://twitter.com/cconnallyauthor" target="_blank">X</a></b> • <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CelesteConnallyAuthor/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> • <a href="https://www.instagram.com/celesteconnallyauthor/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> • <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/23160576.Celeste_Connally" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Thanks for stopping by, dear readers! I'd love to hear what you think of this book! Have you read it? I have always found terrifying that women could be place in an asylum by their husbands or fathers. </span></div></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Candy @ So little time...http://www.blogger.com/profile/05308027187577034357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650768524127186637.post-42007151012927839962023-12-14T23:30:00.000-08:002023-12-14T23:30:00.135-08:00The Matchmaker's Melody by Riana Everly ~ Guest Post, Excerpt, & Giveaway!<p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Hello, my friends! Riana Everly is joining us today with her second book in her <b>Austen Echos</b> series! These books look truly delightful! I'm hoping to read the first one before Christmas. Goals!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Please give Riana Everly a warm welcome, and don't forget the giveaway! Details are at the bottom of this page. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabNrXh7XlFLByRXFZXeYHZh8OQ2r_9uc4GlApi5Y4BM2rZBbiMgop0Ly_EGyHwf8eCFmnZ0s7JGqT0G5icgmuajwbhI_YJmS1pn0VEPtLLy0OTqigLK4Tqta5_-lo9DfJsTF_Cp0J_nAMqOuOWC4AfKqIitSzNscn7CIEuvXbitoaAmwG0QyrAR6YTR0/s800/Austen%20Echoes%20on%20purple.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="283" data-original-width="800" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabNrXh7XlFLByRXFZXeYHZh8OQ2r_9uc4GlApi5Y4BM2rZBbiMgop0Ly_EGyHwf8eCFmnZ0s7JGqT0G5icgmuajwbhI_YJmS1pn0VEPtLLy0OTqigLK4Tqta5_-lo9DfJsTF_Cp0J_nAMqOuOWC4AfKqIitSzNscn7CIEuvXbitoaAmwG0QyrAR6YTR0/w640-h226/Austen%20Echoes%20on%20purple.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Thank you once more, Candy, for letting me stop by your blog today. It’s always lovely to be here.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I’m thrilled to announce that the second story in my <b>Austen Echoes</b> series is now out. These three modern retellings of Austen’s classics have been so much fun to write, and I’ve loved getting to know the characters is very different ways. You’ll find they are very much the same as Austen’s beloved originals, but with modern ideas and sensibilities, and as such, they have slightly different responses to things that Austen’s characters would.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">In this second story, <b><i>The Matchmaker’s Melody</i></b>, our main character is Emma. And Emma is, well, Emma! I’ve given her a new last name, which I’ll explain briefly. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6IFrDKXbysKy2Nbz8izjMCMwXkv8nAigIx613UV9FbYmE2xYpNkRgQJpmNT6aUqGRNpNtb9BLQMECaxjARAiyvjKwNIZwE1qPIIVmlx2t-948lakvsJjLcrdyIo0bfy3eBZm98vlbUI6_v3WKBilUgKPH8raUjG3RID9IDsVydzqoEHCVU15nWyPUDNk/s588/Massey%20Hall.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="577" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6IFrDKXbysKy2Nbz8izjMCMwXkv8nAigIx613UV9FbYmE2xYpNkRgQJpmNT6aUqGRNpNtb9BLQMECaxjARAiyvjKwNIZwE1qPIIVmlx2t-948lakvsJjLcrdyIo0bfy3eBZm98vlbUI6_v3WKBilUgKPH8raUjG3RID9IDsVydzqoEHCVU15nWyPUDNk/s320/Massey%20Hall.jpg" width="314" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">These stories all take place in Toronto’s music scene, and I’ve worked hard to reflect the city around them, while keeping it in the background. Still, being set in Toronto, I thought Emma should be from the closest thing we have to Toronto Royalty. In other words, she’s from an old and established family. One of<br /> these families is the Massey family. They’re the one with the fancy mausoleum at the main cemetery, the one a university college is named after, the one a concert hall is named for. Hence, Emma Woodhouse has become Emma Massey.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Emma is a tricky character to write about, since she’s not everybody’s favourite. Even Jane Austen herself proclaimed Emma to be a rather unlikeable creature, and it has been interesting creating her is such a way that she’s true to her roots, but (hopefully!) is a worthy heroine. It’s been a lot of fun, trying to create a character who has a very high opinion of herself and her actions, while keeping her human, and with a genuinely good heart. What she does, she does for the best of motives, even if she doesn’t always see things so clearly.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I love the modern version of Knightley in this book. As in Austen’s <i>Emma</i>, he’s known our heroine since she was a child, and he’s a sensible and level-headed man. I have made a few changes, though, to keep the story more in line with a modern mind-set. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">First of all, I’ve renamed him Gordon Knight, a more modern name. His father and Emma’s father are business partners, and yes, they knew each other as kids, but unlike in Austen’s novel, they didn’t really grow up together. First Gordon went off to university, and then Emma went her own way, and despite a long history, they only really come together as adults, needing to get to know each other again.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Gordon is a sweetheart. He’s an engineer by day and a pianist in his spare time, and he’s a lot of the glue that holds the entire choir together. He features fairly prominently in all three novels, since he is friendly with Randall, the choir director. And yes, Randall is my nod to Mr Taylor who lives at Randalls, and Randall is, indeed, married to Taylor! I had to get them in. Of course I did!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Have I succeeded in creating new, modern characters who we cheer for? What about the rest of the crew? Only one way to find out! If you read <i><a href="https://books2read.com/TheMatchmakersMelodyAustenEchoes2" target="_blank">The Matchmaker’s Melody</a></i>, I do hope you love it as much as I loved discovering these fun characters and their story.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Here’s an excerpt to give you a taste.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>***</b> </span></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyo_niqOcOO1EYuCXahyyLfy2yNOjm9AU4hgDGp6JlT2HOdNARVuieBEgITjAYa05-1KZY9v77RGtaQiJQhJoAVn2YIjQii8BuunZNT0MJkMny41nO8q5HBAeQaGZf0e2PyG-XP30fPudvy5pnmHg6Mgd3IdCfedq2iWy8yun_mQRayXhkn7rGp_-M1QU/s1024/Sketch%20Emma.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyo_niqOcOO1EYuCXahyyLfy2yNOjm9AU4hgDGp6JlT2HOdNARVuieBEgITjAYa05-1KZY9v77RGtaQiJQhJoAVn2YIjQii8BuunZNT0MJkMny41nO8q5HBAeQaGZf0e2PyG-XP30fPudvy5pnmHg6Mgd3IdCfedq2iWy8yun_mQRayXhkn7rGp_-M1QU/s320/Sketch%20Emma.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emma</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The phone rang just after dinner the next night.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“Gordon?” Emma rolled her eyes as she saw the name on the<br /> screen. “No one uses phones to actually call. Can’t you text like a normal person?”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“Hello to you, too, Emma. You’ve been busy this weekend.” His voice was disapproving, and she could picture his brown eyes narrowing as he spoke.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“What? Are you following me?” </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“Only on Instagram. You’re fairly well-known, if you’re the sort to get your information on social media. Someone saw you, snapped you, and tagged you. Isn’t that what you want?”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“Well, yes, but…”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“I’m glad you’re taking some time for Halli, but what’s with that other chap? Phil Elton, right? Did you invite him along? I’ve only had a few words with him, and he didn’t really impress me. He’s out for himself and no one else, from what I could tell.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“Seriously? Now you’re monitoring and criticising the people I hang out with? Are you reporting this to my mommy as well?”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“Don’t be silly. But what’s going on in your head? You were so smug about fixing up Randall and Taylor, you surely aren’t trying to do the same with Halli and Phil. Are you? Emma, please say you’re not.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">She huffed into the phone. “It is precisely none of your business what I do.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“And it is precisely none of your business to interfere in other people’s lives. Someone is going to get hurt, and I don’t think it will be Phil. He’s not more than an adequate singer, but he’s a go-getter, and the choir looks good on his resume. He told me as much, so don’t go huffing and puffing. As sweet as Halli is, he’s not the sort to moon over a nineteen-year-old university student with nothing to offer him. He wants to move up, and he wants connections, Halli is very pretty, I’ll grant you, but she doesn’t have connections.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">If they had been together in person, Emma would have thrown her phone at him. What gave him the right to say that?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“Well,” she all but shouted, “for your information, it was his idea to join us. I just mentioned that I was going to show Halli around the city a bit, and he asked to come along. And Halli certainly didn’t have any objections.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdp3duWgALhPDqP9-FkG_-6gHbg0QyuhZs28hJJui5bShAP7CpWMGkJDBBh8YUUfH9H6WP6A0Q_x_oureU59vl4QxUOcpLVAIW0WOfsOpYfUDv3q9y8QvNMEf_gYnJhhwDqgJf2k24WKh2NdJDmJO6qT-K45IuUM_Pm7vWUDnz90kdupTi4yoSfeH51hc/s1024/Sketch%20Gordon.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdp3duWgALhPDqP9-FkG_-6gHbg0QyuhZs28hJJui5bShAP7CpWMGkJDBBh8YUUfH9H6WP6A0Q_x_oureU59vl4QxUOcpLVAIW0WOfsOpYfUDv3q9y8QvNMEf_gYnJhhwDqgJf2k24WKh2NdJDmJO6qT-K45IuUM_Pm7vWUDnz90kdupTi4yoSfeH51hc/s320/Sketch%20Gordon.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gordon</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br />Gordon’s voice grew very quiet. “Are you certain you understood his intentions?”</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">What the hell was that supposed to mean? Phil wasn’t some stalker or anything. God, Gordon was a bit creepy. And really, she was the one who read people so well, not Gordon. He was just an engineer. He did buildings or stuff, not people. Sheesh!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">She gave another huff. “They got along very well together. I know what I’m doing. So you can stop being my party-pooping big brother and go back to ignoring me, like you have since I was five years old.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“You know that’s not true—” he started, but Emma had heard enough.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“And you accuse me of being too involved, but isn’t that exactly what you’re doing now? If Halli and Phil want to hang out together, and if I can facilitate it, what business is it of yours, anyway? They’re grown-ups. No one is forcing them to do anything.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">He let out a huff that was audible over the phone. “Emma, you don’t understand how this could turn out, what sort of influence you have over people.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“You're talking nonsense. I know exactly what sort of influence I have. It’s my job, Gordon, remember? That’s what I do. I influence. And I’m just trying to make a couple of people happy, so enough with the doom and gloom.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Her tirade was met with disapproving silence. Well, she had no time for his grumpy nonsense. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“Goodbye, Gordon. And next time, text like a normal person.”</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>***</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid76IatAWmKiYzpPXQlvL4SbswzCV0kkD8o3pnarxVSPt1R2E98mQK8zPOUBR5dcJWq51ZOC-ZGNtQSZm8FHIq02ObYxfNQ0zzJw7Zf4hL0YBlcWvEIl82KvX3AoiDe1qmGbxZ-YcOY_XhxB4seb6HtnaVG3tJmSSHF20uTDjDZ4tYzDrAB3lW7xyUGNY/s640/TMM%20cover%20400-640.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid76IatAWmKiYzpPXQlvL4SbswzCV0kkD8o3pnarxVSPt1R2E98mQK8zPOUBR5dcJWq51ZOC-ZGNtQSZm8FHIq02ObYxfNQ0zzJw7Zf4hL0YBlcWvEIl82KvX3AoiDe1qmGbxZ-YcOY_XhxB4seb6HtnaVG3tJmSSHF20uTDjDZ4tYzDrAB3lW7xyUGNY/w400-h640/TMM%20cover%20400-640.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"></span></p><p><br /></p>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><b>The Matchmaker's Melody</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>A Modern Pride and Prejudice Improvisation</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;">by Riana Everly</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">
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Blurb: </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Beautiful and successful, Emma Massey has the world figured out. She’s the star soprano in the Eglinton Echoes, a popular Internet influencer, after all, and didn’t she just make the best match ever for her choir’s musical director? So, it makes perfect sense for her to use her matchmaking powers to help others find their perfect mates. Right? Like that pretty new girl in the choir, and that rather handsome tenor who keeps hovering about. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">What a pity her annoying childhood friend Gordon Knight isn’t on board with her plans. He might be the choir’s pianist, but that doesn’t give him the right to step in and tell her she’s making a big mistake. Especially since he’s usually correct, annoying man. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Gordon is always sure he’s right, but Emma is equally sure he’s wrong. Wrong about the gorgeous new baritone just arrived from Montreal, and definitely wrong about boring Ashleigh, who he insists is far more interesting than Emma could imagine. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">But despite her supposed matchmaking skills, it seems there’s one heart Emma doesn’t understand at all, and that heart is her own. When her eyes are finally opened, will it be too late? </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">This musical reimagining of Jane Austen’s beloved Emma will have you cheering the characters on, pulling you into their world and into their hearts.
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</div> <div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Buy: <a href="https://amzn.to/3RCW61b" target="_blank">Amazon</a> (paid link)</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Add to <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/200736203-the-matchmaker-s-melody?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=Pi8c3dcZh4&rank=2" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKRqHBAWYObRWcZQUuxs5DHJCIKvEn_LCqNvqRNnYHYT7BlOS_13-aC6aJAymVt1-3YHvXtfkHI-2cx5Df1Gjphlx7Mne2yjV5fJkbLfcx9SexDSnLDu5tGcGeYBDCUrd0Vkd59CxqUikzqcrpIt65nuW4ukVgSoVv8z6v-aDQGD8CQ9Dt-Ae_fm5ZKu8/s640/CoverATWN%20400x640.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKRqHBAWYObRWcZQUuxs5DHJCIKvEn_LCqNvqRNnYHYT7BlOS_13-aC6aJAymVt1-3YHvXtfkHI-2cx5Df1Gjphlx7Mne2yjV5fJkbLfcx9SexDSnLDu5tGcGeYBDCUrd0Vkd59CxqUikzqcrpIt65nuW4ukVgSoVv8z6v-aDQGD8CQ9Dt-Ae_fm5ZKu8/s320/CoverATWN%20400x640.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Here's a link to the first book in the series!<br /></span><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i>All the Wrong Notes</i></b></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Buy: <a href="https://amzn.to/3NpLDUd" target="_blank">Amazon</a> (paid link)</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Add to <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/200649957-all-the-wrong-notes" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">FTC Disclaimer: Links to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. I will receive a small commission if you purchase a book through the link provided. Thanks!</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>About the Author</b></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div class="“p-1”">Born in South Africa, award-winning author Riana Everly has called Canada home since she was eight years old. She proudly boasts one husband, two grown(ish) children, three degrees, four recordings, five instruments (of varying proficiencies), six languages (also of varying proficiencies), and ten novels (and growing). She also can’t count very well.</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”">When not indulging her passion for Jane Austen, Riana loves cooking, travel, and photography. She’s a historian and trained classical musician, specialising in viola, and is delighted to be able to combine her love of writing and music in her novels. </div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”">She now lives in Toronto, Canada, with her husband, a secret stash of chocolate, and far too many books.</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><b>Connect with Riana Everly</b></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://rianaeverly.com/" target="_blank">Website</a> • <a href="https://rianaeverly.com/blog/" target="_blank">Blog</a> • <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RianaEverly/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> • <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/stores/Riana-Everly/author/B076C6HY27?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true" target="_blank">Amazon</a> • <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rianaeverly/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red;">* * * GIVEAWAY * * *</span></b></div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”">Riana is hosting a giveaway! Here's a message from her:</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”">I’m delighted to be able to offer a giveaway of an eBook at each stop on this blog tour. I will randomly select one person who comments on the post here through random.net. Please make sure I have a way to contact you if you win! I will take comments until midnight, North American Eastern time, five days after the blog post goes live. Good luck everyone!</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”">Thanks so much for stopping by, Riana! And for offering one of my readers a chance to win an eCopy of your book!</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”">How's everyone doing with their reading challenge this year? I'm behind! Yikes! Remember to leave a comment below to enter the giveaway! Good luck!</div></span></div>Candy @ So little time...http://www.blogger.com/profile/05308027187577034357noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650768524127186637.post-69163489326534855182023-11-27T23:30:00.000-08:002023-11-27T23:30:00.134-08:00A Pride & Prejudice Christmas Charms Book Series by MJ Stratton ~ Guest Post & Giveaway!<p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Hello, friends! MJ Stratton has written a series of Christmas stories! She's here today to share a little about Christmas pudding and the charms that are added! Why you ask? Well, she includes this lovely tradition in her new series, <i>Catherine Called Kitty</i>, <i>Mary, Marry? Quite Contrary!</i>, and <i>Charmed</i>. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Plus, there's a chance to win a eCopy of the series! Details at the bottom of the page!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Please, give a warm welcome to MJ Stratton!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Gm_jJiROIlpDTyVCDVZCGSjEMRcC-ILV2wniVu_KAwLsoRw1920gfci2-873vzdslMNRbvVGY2pKsN7ph9opMkQQorNy1MmFnOAInOxBA6chZD5LcJrOKTVhKCW0LsoL290Oz2QCzfsV8eUwpUiveIIUXhoF12a9Lt0xF4mKpYj2p_KQ7UiYrPhaR6A/s648/Guest%20Post%202020.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="648" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Gm_jJiROIlpDTyVCDVZCGSjEMRcC-ILV2wniVu_KAwLsoRw1920gfci2-873vzdslMNRbvVGY2pKsN7ph9opMkQQorNy1MmFnOAInOxBA6chZD5LcJrOKTVhKCW0LsoL290Oz2QCzfsV8eUwpUiveIIUXhoF12a9Lt0xF4mKpYj2p_KQ7UiYrPhaR6A/w640-h284/Guest%20Post%202020.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">What is Christmas pudding, and what are the charms that were added? The Simple Things Blog says the tradition of gathering together to all have a stir of the pudding is <i>said</i> to have been brought to Britain by Prince Albert. A coin was dropped in before everyone took a turn at mixing and the person who unearthed the coin on Christmas day would be blessed with good fortune in the year to come, apparently. </span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">And charms were agreed to be so charming they soon moved on from simple thrupenny bits and sixpences to include more items, each said to have a different meaning. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>For the sake of my stories, I imagined that this tradition began before the 1800s.</b></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Here are a few charms and their meanings.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Coin:</b> Coming into money<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Thimble:</b> If a single woman finds it they’ll remain single another year</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Button:</b> If found by a single man he’ll remain a bachelor</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Horseshoe:</b> Good luck<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Ring/bell:</b> A wedding is on the cards</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Wishbone:</b> A wish will be granted</span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Anchor:</b> They will have a safe year, protected from danger</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixU34yZkFT5_m4gcWRmPIicO15r8jnnzMUb7-gHh4tTnt03bU4pTUcFXAKbKNoOV_JZQfdlrTHGsGFlP-6t6BXVa_dAm7EFQ0ks2mMuy5dTUc_ycmPuzMAHYOhZMh5c5wwm6VKJXBGwcUzQHWcBdgc69GaMtDi8_cnt7996Kcsg8vyXeXI2WtMJgWFWa0/s700/Charms.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="700" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixU34yZkFT5_m4gcWRmPIicO15r8jnnzMUb7-gHh4tTnt03bU4pTUcFXAKbKNoOV_JZQfdlrTHGsGFlP-6t6BXVa_dAm7EFQ0ks2mMuy5dTUc_ycmPuzMAHYOhZMh5c5wwm6VKJXBGwcUzQHWcBdgc69GaMtDi8_cnt7996Kcsg8vyXeXI2WtMJgWFWa0/w640-h274/Charms.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7dgp1B4YuFKPLc9MUleTdw0UkGJlJa5e82uOR4TNJk2IbSQMdHQq8uG6_mtN8ZOcKepzv_nuJjy1Ff4nuVdu0elv0_unag4Y1RXvnWh63vrm7wfSZR8Aq68CPCtOJKL9cd3oDH48dnV86bjB87ktA9GBz9-6Nae1XLW2QGfUZzVDR1oa8GFIGEPSLRE/s1425/cropped%20Kindle%20cover%20CCK.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1425" data-original-width="928" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7dgp1B4YuFKPLc9MUleTdw0UkGJlJa5e82uOR4TNJk2IbSQMdHQq8uG6_mtN8ZOcKepzv_nuJjy1Ff4nuVdu0elv0_unag4Y1RXvnWh63vrm7wfSZR8Aq68CPCtOJKL9cd3oDH48dnV86bjB87ktA9GBz9-6Nae1XLW2QGfUZzVDR1oa8GFIGEPSLRE/w260-h400/cropped%20Kindle%20cover%20CCK.jpg" width="260" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><b>Catherine Called Kitty</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">by MJ Stratton</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Publication Date: Nov. 3rd, 2023</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">
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Blurb: </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Catherine Bennet does not believe in magic, per se, but she unequivocally stands by her mother’s assertion that the Christmas charms in their yearly pudding hold mystical properties. She was raised on Mrs. Bennet’s tales of the charms predicting her future, after all, and had not Lydia married the year following the Christmas she found the ring? </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">When Kitty unearths the wishbone the winter after Lizzy and Jane wed, she is excited to use the charm’s magic to secure a happy future. Having been awakened to the possible consequences of Lydia’s choice of husband, she wishes for what Jane and Lizzy have secured in their respective husbands. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">This novella holds a touch of Christmas magic as Kitty Bennet finds her path to happily ever after.
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i>Mary, Marry? Quite Contrary!</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">by MJ Stratton</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Expected release date: Dec. 1st, 2023</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">
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Blurb: </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Mary Bennet despises the tradition of Christmas charms. Too many years she discovered the thimble, and too many times Lydia taunted her, declaring her a spinster in the making. When she finally discovers the ring in her Christmas pudding, Mary scoffs at the idea that a little silver charm could decide one’s fate for the coming year. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">When Mary is given several doses of humility, the very foundations of who she thought she was is called into question. Joining her sister on a journey of self-discovery, Mary seeks to amend the flaws in her character. If she finds love along the way, it is purely a matter of chance. Isn’t it? </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">This novella holds a touch of Christmas magic as Mary Bennet comes into her own. Follow Mary to London and back as she travels the path to her happiness.
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i>Charmed </i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">by MJ Stratton</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Expected release date: Dec. 25th, 2023</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">
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Blurb: </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">What is a family to do when a certain Christmas tradition may or may not tell their future? A collection of short stories that accompany the first two books of the <i>Christmas Charms</i> series answers that question. Follow along with Fanny Gardiner as she meets and marries Thomas Bennet. Meet Mrs. Gardiner’s beloved brother and find out what happens to Mr. Bennet five years after the events of <i>Mary, Marry? Quite Contrary!</i> Are the Christmas charms magic? You decide.
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<div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Buy the Book 1 on <a href="https://amzn.to/49WRIRB" target="_blank">Amazon</a> (paid link)</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Add to <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/200799584-catherine-called-kitty?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=hTLwSWHUlv&rank=1" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. I will receive a small commission if you purchase a book through the link provided. Thanks!</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>About the Author</b></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">MJ Stratton is a long-time lover of Jane Austen and her works, having been introduced to Pride and Prejudice by a much beloved aunt at the age of 16. The subsequent discovery of Austenesque fiction sealed her fate. After beta reading and editing for others for nearly a decade, MJ started publishing her own work in 2022. MJ balances being a wife and mother with writing, gardening, sewing, and many other favorite pastimes. She lives with her husband and four children in the small, rural town where she grew up.</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>* * * GIVEAWAY * * *</b></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">MJ Stratton is giving away a set of <i>A Pride & Prejudice Christmas Charms</i> Books! Enter through the Rafflecopter below. </span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Good luck!</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="af643a385" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/af643a385/" id="rcwidget_k655twtm" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;">Many thanks to MJ Stratton for stopping by here today! </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;">So friends, any thoughts? We'd love to hear from you. Please, leave a comment below!</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Candy @ So little time...http://www.blogger.com/profile/05308027187577034357noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650768524127186637.post-38073301341118618792023-11-19T23:30:00.000-08:002023-11-19T23:30:00.140-08:00All The Wrong Notes by Riana Everly ~ Guest Post, Excerpt, & Giveaway!<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">(Post contains affiliate links)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Hello, my friends! I’m so excited to have Riana Everly here today! She’s written a new series, and the first book, <b><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3G4qtqy" target="_blank">All the Wrong Notes: A Modern Pride and Prejudice Improvisation</a></i></b>, is already out.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Please read an excerpt from <i><b>All the Wrong Notes</b></i> below! Plus, she’s giving away an eBook from the series to one of my lucky readers! Details are at the bottom of this page.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiONI0UqsuVrUc-qTkDe1EvkwD3joyq6x5PgUSK-CmDH6HZL1bJgjmvxJ497dNNy_VQFhNtyllvpV8t1MkcLootY5QZP7s6FuN4QhPZCR5BjFPNSq2KhLZkiQwpaxA7dKigc-W2PUC8Lz40skhMcGwQP6lYasyZ6oa5s7X-Kras4AKmWaSwSZEIGm6boK8/s800/Austen%20Echoes%20on%20purple.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="283" data-original-width="800" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiONI0UqsuVrUc-qTkDe1EvkwD3joyq6x5PgUSK-CmDH6HZL1bJgjmvxJ497dNNy_VQFhNtyllvpV8t1MkcLootY5QZP7s6FuN4QhPZCR5BjFPNSq2KhLZkiQwpaxA7dKigc-W2PUC8Lz40skhMcGwQP6lYasyZ6oa5s7X-Kras4AKmWaSwSZEIGm6boK8/w640-h226/Austen%20Echoes%20on%20purple.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Origin of a Series</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Thank you so much, Candy, for hosting me here today. I’m honoured and delighted to be able to spend a bit of time here on your blog.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">As some of you might know, I’ve just released the first of three books in a new series of contemporary Austen-inspired novels. This series is called <b><a href="https://amzn.to/3MLDCIY" target="_blank">Austen Echoes</a></b>, and I’ll explain the name.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">First of all, it will be no surprise that the stories all echo the wonderful originals that Jane Austen left us. These are not scene-by-scene retellings, cast in modern clothing, but rather, they’re stories that are strongly influenced by Austen’s work. Anyone who knows Austen will have no problem recognising the story arcs or the characters, but I’ve let the narrative take me where I feel the story needs to go, even if that doesn’t line up 100% with the original.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">When I sent the first draft to my editor, one of her first replies was, “I literally gasped out loud when I worked out who Wickham was!” That brought a huge grin to my face.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The second reason for the series name is a reference to a unifying aspect. The three books in Austen Echoes all revolve around members of the same choir, who know each other and who interact between stories, and this choir is called The Eglinton Echoes.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Since the stories echo Austen, and the characters are part of the Echoes, the series title just came to me. Welcome to <b>Austen Echoes</b>!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">But where did the idea come from?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Last year, I published <i><a href="https://books2read.com/preludesmodernpersuasion" target="_blank">Preludes</a></i>, a contemporary musical retelling of <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3SKNaaW" target="_blank">Persuasion</a></i>, my favourite of Austen’s novels. I loved seeing how Austen’s characters translated into the modern world, and as a musician myself, I loved writing about music. Then I began to talk to Romance Café Publishing, who specialise in contemporary romance, and an idea quickly began to form. I wasn’t ready to leave my modern musical world, and a series of shorter novels would let me spend more time in the city I love, and in the musical world that I love, while getting to know modern versions of the characters we love so much. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I presented them with a general idea, and they were as excited about it as I was. The three books that make up this series all but wrote themselves, and I just thrilled with the response from the editorial team. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">At the same time as I was writing about a choir, my son began to think about auditioning for the local concert choir. He sang in a couple of choirs while he was away at university, including in the Ottawa Choral Society. The musical director from that ensemble has since moved to Toronto to take up the baton at The Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, and since my son knows him and enjoyed working with him, he was encouraged to try out. Through his connections, I was even able to sit in on a rehearsal, just to make sure that I had the details right.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Everything just seemed to snap into place.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">So, what about the books themselves? Well, you’ll have to read them to find out!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The first one, which was released just last week, is my reimagining of <i>Pride and Prejudice</i>. Elise (my Lizzy) and Will (my Darcy) have a terrible first meeting, and do not get off to a good start. You might say they hit all the wrong notes!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Here’s an excerpt from my new book, <b><i><a href="https://books2read.com/AllTheWrongNotesAustenEchoes1" target="_blank">All the Wrong Notes: A Modern Pride and Prejudice Improvisation</a></i></b>. Elise and Janet have just been at a speed-dating event. It went wonderfully for Janet. It was less wonderful for Elise. (By the way, you can read about Janet and Carlos in my free short story, <i><a href="https://dl.bookfunnel.com/xoe7lju97u" target="_blank">The Perfect Love Song</a></i>.)</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">*** </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“There wasn’t anyone you liked?” Janet tutted as the two women headed to the doors. “I thought some of them were very nice.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“You seemed to like that Spanish fellow, Number Twelve. From what I saw, he could hardly bear to move from your station after the bell rang.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Janet’s eyes went dreamy for a moment. “Carlos. His name is Carlos. I know we weren’t supposed to give our names, but… he’s lovely, isn’t he?”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Elise had enjoyed her eight minutes with him. “He was definitely charming.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“And so handsome.” If Janet were a little bit dreamier about him, she would dissolve in a pastel-coloured mist of rose petals and singing birds.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“Handsome, indeed. As every man should be, if he can at all help it!”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Janet rolled her eyes. “You are impossible, Elise! I really liked him. He enjoys reading and cooking, and he’s a music lover, too. He sings, if you can believe that! We only had a few minutes, but I really liked him. I hope we match.” She let out a happy sigh, full of more rose petals and fairy dust. “Come home with me. We’ll order pizza, and I’ll go on and on about Carlos, and then I’ll drive you home.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Elise stifled a snicker and glanced at her watch. It was 8:30, and she was hungry. They had taken a short break in the middle of all that speed-dating for a snack, but a handful of pretzels and a ginger ale didn’t fill the belly. It might help keep her mind off that miserable Number Seven who couldn’t even be bothered to try. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“Thanks. Maybe we can order now, so it will be ready by the time we get to your place. The usual?”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“Absolutely,” Janet replied. She ran a hand through her hair and gasped. “Oh! I’ve lost an earring. These are a favourite pair, too.” She shook her head, and only one golden spiral danced from an earlobe. “Do you mind? I’ll run back into the room and see if I can find it.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">She dashed back into the meeting room without waiting for a reply. Elise moved to the wall by a large plant, to stay out of everyone’s way while she waited.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“You were awful in there.” </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">A man’s voice sounded from a few feet away. The plant hid him from view, but by the slight accent, it was Carlos, the charming guy Janet had gushed over. He did not sound pleased. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“Why did you bother coming at all, if you weren’t even going to be pleasant?”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">A sharp exhalation of breath, almost a snort. Then another man spoke. “I said I would attend. I never promised to find pleasure in it.” </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">That was Mr. Snootypants, Number Seven. A pause. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“There was nobody attractive or interesting enough to waste my time on. What sort of desperate person comes to these things anyway?” </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“I came,” Carlos grunted. “And so did you. I thought some of the women were charming. Did you see the redhead? She’s stunning.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Another snort. “That can’t be denied. But she was the only woman in the room worth looking at, and she seemed only to have eyes for you. Anyway, she smiled too much. She giggles.” </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“She is lovely, isn’t she? And sweet, and smart, and so funny! But what about some of the others? There was the brunette with the yellow shirt…”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Elise blinked. That was her! It was flattering to be considered almost in the same zone as Janet.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“I was there to keep my promise to you. I don’t need to waste my time on people who can’t even be bothered to dress for the occasion. Here’s the car. Let’s go.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Not so flattering. Jerk.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Warm air rushed in as the two men opened the door and left the lobby, leaving Elise with the sight of their departing backs and a rather bad taste in her mouth.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Janet might fancy Carlos, she huffed to herself, but hopefully she would never have to set eyes on Number Seven Snootypants again in her life.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUz9hN0bWeEqAwuG9UgGw53Be8MWX8CJjvQuBC3PgtZOpSTHTPlJy-fHyHZoPp9TMFkfmSatZ6WY4X5OhUL9zio29zRxWPXW9w2GqAQsEB0Pa0tZOxHnOY6BN8Ryr0p9qUmMDsx62USj8dJWT998DuNBI84M7fgS07rrPfsfcHT3rBPLTdPO88BLfNdvw/s640/CoverATWN%20400x640.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUz9hN0bWeEqAwuG9UgGw53Be8MWX8CJjvQuBC3PgtZOpSTHTPlJy-fHyHZoPp9TMFkfmSatZ6WY4X5OhUL9zio29zRxWPXW9w2GqAQsEB0Pa0tZOxHnOY6BN8Ryr0p9qUmMDsx62USj8dJWT998DuNBI84M7fgS07rrPfsfcHT3rBPLTdPO88BLfNdvw/w400-h640/CoverATWN%20400x640.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><b>All The Wrong Notes</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>A Modern Pride and Prejudice Improvisation</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">By Riana Everly</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">
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Blurb: </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Elise Benzion has everything she wants. The arts centre that she’s built from the ground up is thriving. She has a circle of great friends. Her concert choir, the Eglinton Echoes, is in top form and gives her an artistic outlet to satisfy her musical side. What she does not want is an annoying, rude, and far too handsome man hovering around. But Will is her best friend’s new beau’s good friend, and she’ll play nice, for Janet’s sake. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Eventually she begins to discover the man beneath the unpleasant veneer, and tolerance warms into a tentative friendship, and possibly something more. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Then disaster strikes, and everything she loves, everything she’s worked so hard for, crumbles in an instant. With all her dreams dashed and her beloved arts centre destroyed, her biggest regret might just be losing Will. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Is there any hope? Or will a demon from his own past keep them apart forever? </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">This musical reimagining of Jane Austen’s beloved <i>Pride and Prejudice</i> will have you cheering the characters on, pulling you into their world and into their hearts.
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<div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Buy: <a href="https://amzn.to/47gElds" target="_blank">Amazon</a> (paid Link)</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Add to <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/200649957-all-the-wrong-notes?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=IfM8JPdd8W&rank=1" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. I will receive a small commission if you purchase a book through the link provided. Thanks!</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>About the Author</b></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div class="“p-1”">Born in South Africa, award-winning author Riana Everly has called Canada home since she was eight years old. She proudly boasts one husband, two grown(ish) children, three degrees, four recordings, five instruments (of varying proficiencies), six languages (also of varying proficiencies), and ten novels (and growing). She also can’t count very well.</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”">When not indulging her passion for Jane Austen, Riana loves cooking, travel, and photography. She’s a historian and trained classical musician, specialising in viola, and is delighted to be able to combine her love of writing and music in her novels. </div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”">She now lives in Toronto, Canada, with her husband, a secret stash of chocolate, and far too many books.</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><b>Connect with Riana Everly</b></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://rianaeverly.com/" target="_blank">Website</a> • <a href="https://rianaeverly.com/blog/" target="_blank">Blog</a> • <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RianaEverly/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> • <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/stores/Riana-Everly/author/B076C6HY27?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true" target="_blank">Amazon</a> • <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rianaeverly/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b>* * * GIVEAWAY * * *</b></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”">Riana is giving away an eBook! Here is her message:</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”">I’m delighted to be able to offer a giveaway of an eBook at each stop on this blog tour. I will randomly select one person who comments on the post here through random.net. Please make sure I have a way to contact you if you win! I will take comments until midnight, North American Eastern time, five days after the blog post goes live. Good luck everyone!</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”">Many thanks to Riana Everly for being my guest today! Thank you for offering one of my readers a chance to win an eCopy of your new book, and congratulations on this new series!!</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”">Ok, friends, please leave a comment to be entered into the giveaway. </div></span></div>Candy @ So little time...http://www.blogger.com/profile/05308027187577034357noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650768524127186637.post-20252358204010605672023-11-06T23:30:00.010-08:002023-11-06T23:30:00.144-08:00Elaine Jeremiah ~ Why I read Jane Austen ~ Guest Post<p> <span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Hello, my friends! It's my pleasure to have Elaine Jeremiah here today! Her topic is one I think we can all agree upon. Please give her a warm welcome! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6nzm2tDQT2uBMw046T5AoL6I1ywpOkQWkHoEK596rSPlJgJ8RsHiltzbzjYvZ9j2TsegjBFdJFCwU_4N2Nn0orqwffWXJjlf5qF_FdPVVrwyTggKA_NcsS4KQJ7QyEuS9ErNpLx0kEfgQKNCg5XDmFmStsO3Pu3g9Au_vKd4KOy7PlHE7xpmdMimO3I/s648/Guest%20Post%202020.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="648" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6nzm2tDQT2uBMw046T5AoL6I1ywpOkQWkHoEK596rSPlJgJ8RsHiltzbzjYvZ9j2TsegjBFdJFCwU_4N2Nn0orqwffWXJjlf5qF_FdPVVrwyTggKA_NcsS4KQJ7QyEuS9ErNpLx0kEfgQKNCg5XDmFmStsO3Pu3g9Au_vKd4KOy7PlHE7xpmdMimO3I/w400-h178/Guest%20Post%202020.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Why I Read Jane Austen</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Why do we read Jane Austen’s novels? Why does anyone read Jane Austen’s novels? You might think these are daft questions to ask, but I think it bears thinking about if only because her novels are still immensely popular 200 years after her death.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I’ll tell you why I read her novels. I read them because they never get old – there’s always something new to discover in them, as I found when rereading <i>Mansfield Park</i> very recently. You can always find a new aspect to your favourite characters – and your least – even if you’ve read the novels many times before.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmAcekiw7gNniMPPFr5pgTcq8GbI362VRVcWakbvxMzHeeH0frzBZ6EflA8xNgs_QdawLyCFebzsmHjydxJx1fLhhB5oPcNL1Q_BjEkbIXEs16ETmVzjm66ZcXby0eeBs3ldBAWA4Oj6tAwl055mwSQfZ3sYCBq3SjWoAP03_snneZK1yIuCqIW-8ckI0/s1000/NA%20book%20cover.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="655" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmAcekiw7gNniMPPFr5pgTcq8GbI362VRVcWakbvxMzHeeH0frzBZ6EflA8xNgs_QdawLyCFebzsmHjydxJx1fLhhB5oPcNL1Q_BjEkbIXEs16ETmVzjm66ZcXby0eeBs3ldBAWA4Oj6tAwl055mwSQfZ3sYCBq3SjWoAP03_snneZK1yIuCqIW-8ckI0/s320/NA%20book%20cover.jpg" width="210" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I think that one reason why we still read Jane Austen’s novels is because they all work on many levels. What do I mean? Well, take <i>Northanger Abbey</i> for example. I know it’s not most people’s favourite of her novels, but on one level it’s obviously a romance about a girl obsessed with Gothic fiction, who must learn to live in the real world and not fantasise about people and places being things that they are not.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">But on another, cleverer level, Austen is using her story to playfully critique the Gothic romance novels that were popular at the time – like <i>The Mysteries of Udolpho</i> by Ann Radcliffe (which I’ve read and actually really enjoyed!). </span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>Northanger Abbey</i> is a pastiche of novels like that, with its heroine going to a castle-like house, whose mistress is long dead and whose master is aggressive and potentially a villain!</span></span></p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Of course, this relates to the first level as the heroine, Catherine Morland, is obsessed with reading Gothic fiction and fantasises that the people and places around her are just like the novels she’s reading.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdGjmvnk4L-HV8I01m-vwjS_H6csbuSvKPtQzyXWG9Yqy413QJ64Htt7PjcWYxrCUr7KxerHzo1k48WFRdW3NfvD8FEGFhgWYy9Ux3Is3itIFzYwYGfF6QoojD-Oaj16SKZ7i7jXQG0rcKOSHpScfLbYrn0sziFQW_YezwUxAIu1lhEz2PxfmCG4iJ-xk/s3500/Catherine%20Morland.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3500" data-original-width="2333" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdGjmvnk4L-HV8I01m-vwjS_H6csbuSvKPtQzyXWG9Yqy413QJ64Htt7PjcWYxrCUr7KxerHzo1k48WFRdW3NfvD8FEGFhgWYy9Ux3Is3itIFzYwYGfF6QoojD-Oaj16SKZ7i7jXQG0rcKOSHpScfLbYrn0sziFQW_YezwUxAIu1lhEz2PxfmCG4iJ-xk/w213-h320/Catherine%20Morland.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">On yet another level, Austen also takes the opportunity in <i>Northanger Abbey</i> to defend the medium of the novel against its detractors, saying that she will not join in with other novel writers in denouncing the novel, who do so even as they are adding their own to its numbers. ‘I cannot approve of it’ she says. Don’t you just love her?!</span><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Northanger Abbey</i> is just one example of Austen’s superlative talent in telling a story with many different facets to it. All of her novels demonstrate this ability she has to engage us and make us think more deeply in an entertaining way, as with her discussion of the worth of the novel as mentioned above.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;">So why do you read Jane Austen’s novels? What is it about them that makes you keep returning to them?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>About Elaine Jeremiah</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Elaine lives in Bristol, South West England with her husband. But she was privileged enough to grow up in Jane Austen country, in Hampshire. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;">She’s always loved writing, but it’s only been in recent years that she’s been able to devote more time to it. She decided to self-publish with the help of her wonderful husband who’s very tech-savvy! In 2013 she self-published her first novel, but it was only with her fourth, her novel <i>Love Without Time</i>, that she felt she finally found her niche: Jane Austen Fan Fiction! </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;">She’s always loved Jane Austen’s writing and the Regency era, so this felt like a natural thing for her to do. <i>Elizabeth and Darcy: Beginning Again</i> is the first <i>Pride and Prejudice</i> variation she’s written. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Connect with Elaine</span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://twitter.com/ElaineJeremiah" target="_blank">X</a> • <a href="https://www.instagram.com/elainejeremiahauthor/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> • <a href="https://elainejeremiah.co.uk/" target="_blank">Website</a></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Books by Elaine Jeremiah</span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Paid links below</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmMN3eKZhEW7Sg21Rgc_l1K5ZVU0hKWT9cQeSLpE40stRNo0ezAQ_SvRY_7t_gYI2HL2T_Ok9yGi6XToU5u2pSHV_TNlwkZQfVRv6VEKmacjewI201XbdID_9GwRWxE6jkRUCLYuSbHAUo8Et6VpgfzSeGFcRxQF8XCvMsRJ_gcW5e7hzlqaDdd_JJhY/s2560/Elizabeth%20and%20Darcy%20Beginning%20Again.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhsBMftjuDZhfOo-YXcCk-LQ4Bml3niTLOirIX1hxNsQZKzy8F-ow30-2S85V2foHyB2no0B5iA68gZVwBA-BEI8wIgzgYOasFM2T3gECdRx5htDVpP6vrJWFfGJs0ikUiuyW7kUnZN07TgPHYdRgyNsiVrwyzfUGJ30NVCmpe5UJLx_j_Gr2G_kd6Ck/s1640/Elaine's%20books.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1640" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhsBMftjuDZhfOo-YXcCk-LQ4Bml3niTLOirIX1hxNsQZKzy8F-ow30-2S85V2foHyB2no0B5iA68gZVwBA-BEI8wIgzgYOasFM2T3gECdRx5htDVpP6vrJWFfGJs0ikUiuyW7kUnZN07TgPHYdRgyNsiVrwyzfUGJ30NVCmpe5UJLx_j_Gr2G_kd6Ck/w640-h360/Elaine's%20books.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-size: large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3QFj9I5" target="_blank"><b style="font-family: georgia;"><i>Elizabeth & Darcy Beginning Again: A Pride and Prejudice Variation</i></b><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></a></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: georgia;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3smyowj" target="_blank">By Time Divided</a></span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: georgia;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/40pXaYP" target="_blank">Love without Time</a></span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: georgia;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/47hnO8z" target="_blank">Reunion of the Heart</a></span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: georgia;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/47962o2" target="_blank">Teaching Mr Leavis</a></span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: georgia;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3Mvi4Qy" target="_blank">The Inheritance</a></span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">FTC Disclaimer: Links to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. I will receive a small commission if you purchase a book through the link provided. Thanks!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Many thanks to Elaine for stopping to visit with us today! I must say <i>Northanger Abbey</i> is in my top three of Austen's books!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I'm going to end with the questions Elaine posed. Please leave a comment and let us know your thoughts! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">So why do you read Jane Austen’s novels? What is it about them that makes you keep returning to them?</span></p>Candy @ So little time...http://www.blogger.com/profile/05308027187577034357noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650768524127186637.post-51002997791225636772023-11-03T00:30:00.004-07:002023-11-03T00:30:00.136-07:00Worthy by Julia Winter ~ Blog Tour, Deleted Scene, & Giveaway!<p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Hello, my friends! It's my pleasure to have Julia Winter here today with her new book, </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Worthy </i>-<i> A Pride and Prejudice</i> variation! I hope you enjoy the deleted scene Julia is sharing with us, and please remember to enter the giveaway! Details for that are at the bottom of this page. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Let's check out the book first.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjburoJ0ljGXg_hnNR_H6bG0Tv3A7FApzPBKyvqfBc1Prw0biD-0riA1l6srnjUJMB8FWbaWyAH2daWmxzzMjlL5R-ePN0hWrBFTeqh8cI_7RTbdCi-lP_PMf5qBJSwd7C8967WUBFHsiA2WRUKpD9LZkwnr-Fs4kVjfGVuxaH1sds5DsxJWW0KN5Dpll4/s900/Worthy900.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjburoJ0ljGXg_hnNR_H6bG0Tv3A7FApzPBKyvqfBc1Prw0biD-0riA1l6srnjUJMB8FWbaWyAH2daWmxzzMjlL5R-ePN0hWrBFTeqh8cI_7RTbdCi-lP_PMf5qBJSwd7C8967WUBFHsiA2WRUKpD9LZkwnr-Fs4kVjfGVuxaH1sds5DsxJWW0KN5Dpll4/w426-h640/Worthy900.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><b>Worthy</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>A Pride & Prejudice Variation</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">by Julia Winter</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">eBook Publication Date: Oct. 31, 2013</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Publisher: Glass Hat Press (copyright 2023)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Wordcount: c125,000</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Editor: Megn Reddaway</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Cover: Detail from a portrait by Eugen von Blaas. Provenance and whereabouts unknown. Inge in the public domain, obtained via ArtVee, and available for unrestricted use.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Book Description </b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> In the course of 1811, the Bennets of Longbourn meet two sets of estranged relatives: Mr Bennet’s unprepossessing heir, and his mother’s family. Elizabeth Bennet journeys into Kent to stay with the Palmers at Wingham Hall: her grand-aunt Iphigenia, her cousin Sir James Palmer, who had loved her grandmother ardently in his youth, and his son Galahad. Pleased with her new relations, Elizabeth is less content with the taciturn friend Galahad has invited to join him at Wingham. Fitzwilliam Darcy—rich and proud, disdainful of those beneath him—has escorted his sister Georgiana to Ramsgate, to recuperate from a dangerous illness in the care of her companion, Mrs Younge. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Complications arise with the arrival of Elizabeth’s sister Jane and, separately, Charles and Caroline Bingley, the authors of Jane’s unhappiness. Tensions and quarrels result in the Bingleys’ abrupt departure, swiftly followed by Darcy after a maladroit proposal that Elizabeth spurns with a pride that matches his own. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Unfortunately, Darcy leaves Kent just as his enemy, George Wickham appears, intent on securing Georgiana and her fortune. Who will stand between Georgiana and ruin? Who will win Jane Bennet’s hand? And can Darcy and Elizabeth ever be reconciled?” </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> (NB British spelling, punctuation and grammar throughout).
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<div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>A Note From the Author</b></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I always write masses more than actually makes it into the final version of a book, so it’s inevitable that sections get edited out. Sometimes that’s because they slow down the pacing of a story, or are too detailed, or just don’t tell us anything new about the characters. No matter how much I love them, some scenes have to go for the sake of a tighter, better story – that’s what editing is all about!</span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Here is one such outtake from “Worthy”. I was sad to see it go, but other scenes already showed the loving relationship between Elizabeth and Jane, so this one wasn’t strictly necessary. It’s set in a Canterbury coaching inn. Jane, escaping Town and her unhappiness over the thwarted romance with Charles Bingley, has just arrived to spend time with Elizabeth and their Palmer relations, in an effort to soothe her heartache.</span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Julia</span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Deleted Scene</span></b></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Jane arrives in Canterbury</span></b></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Elizabeth flew down to the inn’s courtyard when Cousin Galahad, who had been hanging out of the window for the previous half-hour keeping watch, announced the arrival of the coach. The footman had just handed Jane down, and Elizabeth enveloped her in a hearty embrace almost as soon as her sister’s feet reached the cobbles.</span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"> “Oh Jane! Jane! Here you are at last! How delightful it is to see you!”</span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Jane returned the embrace with fervour. “Thank you, Lizzy,” was all she said, but her eyes spoke of her gratitude for more than the greeting.</span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"> “Let me look at you!” Elizabeth stood back a step, holding Jane at arms’ length, examining her as if she had not seen her for a year. “Beautiful as ever, I see! Not even a day’s journey can discompose you. How lowering for the rest of us. I was a perfect fright when I arrived in Canterbury after so long in the coach.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Jane laughed softly. “Nonsense, Lizzy. You are always lovely.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"> “I am glad to be reassured. Now then, Aunt Iphy and our cousin are awaiting you in a private sitting room upstairs, along with Mr Darcy. You will love Aunt Iphy.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"> “I do look forward to meeting her at last.” Jane lowered her voice. “The necessary? It was a long coach ride, Lizzy. You may be quite sure I feel my discomposure in that regard!”</span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Elizabeth laughed and led the way under an arch leading to a small, but well-kept garden. The necessary house abutted the garden wall at the far end. Jane entered it with uncharacteristic haste, but was her usual serene self when she emerged a few moments later.</span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Elizabeth linked arms with her. “Are you well, dearest? We cannot speak long of private matters here since we are expected upstairs, but give me that assurance at least.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Jane’s smile was tinged with disappointment. “I… I had hopes, Lizzy. It is not to be, it seems, and I believe the Bingleys have now left Town and are journeying to Bath. I must accept it was entirely my own fancy that Mr Bingley’s admiration meant more than he obviously intended. Well, I am not ashamed of being mistaken, but I cannot dwell on it and retain my peace of mind. So he will be forgot, and all will be well. Perhaps we may talk of it later?”</span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"> “As soon as we can contrive it. I am sorry, though, that you are so bruised by this. You are the last person to deserve such treatment.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Jane pressed Elizabeth’s hand, and shook her head, saying, “Tell me of our aunt and cousins instead, Lizzy.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"> There truly was no time to discuss the Bingley problem then and Elizabeth made do with giving Jane another hug to show her sympathy, and made a silent resolution that as soon as she could get Jane alone, she would allow her sister to unburden herself. Jane’s own nature and good sense would not allow her to indulge in those fruitless regrets which would destroy her peace, and she had no doubt her sister would be tranquil again in time. All the same, even the most temperate of souls should be comforted when they deserved it.</span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"> She gave Jane the balm of a different subject to occupy her thoughts. “Aunt Iphy is the dearest creature, with such a gentle nature I am quite astonished that her sister Cassandra had the heart to keep her so firmly suppressed. She has shown me too many kindnesses to describe each one. I think you will love her, Jane. Indeed, you and she are rather alike, and I fancy you could not take a dislike to her if you tried. It would be as if you disliked yourself. Cousin James, now, is the very essence of a county squire, but he has the kindest heart. He treats me in a very grandfatherly fashion, though it must pain him to see his lost love’s face every time he looks at me.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"> “You are very like our Grandmamma in looks.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"> “Too much so for Sir James’s peace of mind, I fear, but as I say, he is kind and indulgent. You will deal with him very well, I think. Cousin Galahad is a few years our senior, and was, like Shakespeare’s Beatrice, born in a merry hour. I find him excellent, vivacious company and I like him a great deal.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Jane linked her arm into Elizabeth’s. “And does he like you?”</span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"> “I believe so.” And Elizabeth primmed up her mouth and allowed Jane to see her amusement. “I also suspect Sir James and Aunt Iphy hope he does.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"> “Oh,” said Jane, and quirked up an eyebrow that was oddly reminiscent of Papa, despite her having little resemblance to him otherwise.</span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"> “Well.” Elizabeth sighed, and wished it were not unladylike to shrug. “I do not believe it is my duty to right a star-cross’d romance from half a century ago. I am no Juliet. If we find we like each other that way, then we shall see; but if I would not marry Mr Collins to please Mamma, I certainly will not marry Galahad merely to please his father.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"> “No, indeed! I know you will follow your heart and your good principles. What of Mr Darcy?”</span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"> “Oh, he is the top of the trees, of course, and very aware of his position in life! He is a rather perplexing man, and I am not entirely sure what I think of him. Although,” Elizabeth added, as they reached the inn door, “he is easier with practice. He improves upon acquaintance.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"> “I look forward to meeting them all.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"> “Come then. They are waiting.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"> They hurried up the stairs to the private room Cousin Galahad had hired for their comfort. Elizabeth flung the door wide.</span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"> “Dearest Aunt Iphy, Mr Darcy, Cousin Galahad… here at last is my beloved sister Jane, who is quite the best Bennet of all!”</span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">About the Author</span></b></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjhdp92CgyDNciGFU7kNBXhQd6lxuEhBtI3i9u1zPUWz-vF6Wnzebi8LrFJdv1-x8Vgd4pWIFErKUZB6aaCfguG4Zg0Ev1l2KVpBG4Kd47kbGTrjqawsXy69yiLRdP6tYLtf6m3dLTouMAlbgFeqzvB3xATIvFXZnNW1hp35FI7Q8NgepLn-HYtrkQ9s/s100/image2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="100" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjhdp92CgyDNciGFU7kNBXhQd6lxuEhBtI3i9u1zPUWz-vF6Wnzebi8LrFJdv1-x8Vgd4pWIFErKUZB6aaCfguG4Zg0Ev1l2KVpBG4Kd47kbGTrjqawsXy69yiLRdP6tYLtf6m3dLTouMAlbgFeqzvB3xATIvFXZnNW1hp35FI7Q8NgepLn-HYtrkQ9s/s1600/image2.jpeg" width="100" /></a></div><br />Once Julia was a communications specialist working with several UK government departments. These days she's thankfully free of all that, and writing full time. She lives in the depths of the Nottinghamshire countryside with her husband and Mavis, a Yorkie-Bichon cross with a bark several times bigger than she is.</span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Connect with Julia</span></b></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://juliawinterfiction.com/" target="_blank">Website</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/fiction_julia" target="_blank">X (Twitter)</a> • <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JuliaWinterFiction" target="_blank">Facebook</a> • Email:</span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">juliawinterfiction@gmail.com</span></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Purchase Links</span></b></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/49f5HSH" target="_blank">Amazon US</a> *(paid link) • <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Worthy-Prejudice-Variation-Julia-Winter-ebook/dp/B0CJVV5S1J" target="_blank">Amazon UK</a> • <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/worthy-julia-winter/1144130002;jsessionid=EEE3C601213F415E6D5FAB3E7D22D38A.prodny_store01-atgap16" target="_blank">B&N</a> • <a href="https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/worthy-44" target="_blank">Kobo</a> • <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1458044" target="_blank">Smashwords</a></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Add to <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199179084-worthy" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">*FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon US. I am an Amazon Associate. I will receive a small commission if you purchase a book through the link provided. Thanks!</span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b>* * * GIVEAWAY * * *</b></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 28.4px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 28.4px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">It's giveaway time! Julia Winter is generously giving away a </span><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">$20 (or equivalent) Amazon voucher! Enter the Rafflecopter below for the chance to win. The raffle begins October 31, 2023, and ends November 10.</span></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 28.4px;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 28.4px;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Good luck to all who enter!</span></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 28.4px;"><br /><br /></div></span></div><script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="1b5565292" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1b5565292/" id="rcwidget_xabmy1vx" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">A special thanks to Julia</span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> for stopping by here today and for her lovely giveaway! Also, congratulations on the release of <b><i>Worthy</i></b>!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">So, friends, what do you think of these new relatives of the Bennet sisters? And what about Cousin Galahad? Hmm, Darcy, look out! LOL - actually, just the thought makes me anxious!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Please leave a comment below and tell us your thoughts!</span></div>Candy @ So little time...http://www.blogger.com/profile/05308027187577034357noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650768524127186637.post-44334095351216605572023-10-11T00:30:00.014-07:002023-10-11T00:30:00.152-07:00"Mr. Knightley ...in His Own Words" by Shannon Winslow ~ Blog Tour<p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Hello, my friends! I'm delighted to have Shannon Winslow visiting here today! Her new book, <b style="font-style: italic;">Mr. Knightly ...in His Own Words</b>, was released this month. I believe this is the 3rd book in her <i>In His Own Words</i> series. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx_7TtuDJ8v_2slr8enQvGQGOXPBPNPGZ1_b5_tv_YJKVsWaOnxNgOrNfg_MBuMhwHrWlFSZ0tJHbvlS5I0jY7acssITyFU40Y8nfkBBCFEBE_E3TA69hsIm1mjkleT9cS8lE8UP3GQrPifB-BbkozZOjI7xP8Clx1_cBaqIw2g98EByIGvrJhAGLSnrs/s648/Guest%20Post%202020.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="648" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx_7TtuDJ8v_2slr8enQvGQGOXPBPNPGZ1_b5_tv_YJKVsWaOnxNgOrNfg_MBuMhwHrWlFSZ0tJHbvlS5I0jY7acssITyFU40Y8nfkBBCFEBE_E3TA69hsIm1mjkleT9cS8lE8UP3GQrPifB-BbkozZOjI7xP8Clx1_cBaqIw2g98EByIGvrJhAGLSnrs/w400-h178/Guest%20Post%202020.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Without further ado, here's Shannon! Please give her a warm welcome.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I’m in love with Mr. Knightley, and here’s why.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">First, there’s Jeremy Northam. I mean, what’s not to like? I know the Knightleys from the other film adaptations are pretty hunky too, but JN was my first, and so he will always be special to me.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Secondly, Mr. Knightley is a really good guy. He’s sensible, good natured, and straightforwardly honest. Everybody likes and respects him. But he doesn’t show off his importance. Instead, he uses what he has to help others – sending gifts of food or the use of his carriage – all very quietly, not wanting or expecting his generosity to be noticed. And don’t you think it’s pretty heroic how kind to and tolerant of the neurotic Mr. Woodhouse he is?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">But mostly it’s because I’ve been spending so much time with him over the last year. It’s true; I always fall a little in love with the hero of the book I’ve been writing, which in this case is Mr. Knightley (Mr. Knightley in His Own Words). He hasn’t had it easy, I can tell you. I’ve taken him through some rough times, but he’s bravely overcome, his kindness and sense of humor intact. The way I see it, he deserves his happy ending, and I’m going to make sure he gets it!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Finally, of course, there’s the name. When spelled correctly, it conjures up images of a knight in shining armor, right? But if you were married to the guy and thought “Nightly” instead. Hmm. Well, I’ll leave that to your own imaginations…</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjon2cciiDsyqEhpuzpDPHps8OdCDhC8lkKDIjWe2EiErCweDQ1ztr_DxOAbqvb6UYOG-hH9FQdnSAIOpz15SE-OB1W5a3K17fG_ZxOn1Tqm5tmXu988fG17N8pIVjhouaJgBjY1OfJZMQRMl_Rssz2wnNZD_9x000kb0JPNUl6kIhuBDLY1xwAsxsYgKo/s1275/Mr.%20K%20Cover_WEB_M.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="826" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjon2cciiDsyqEhpuzpDPHps8OdCDhC8lkKDIjWe2EiErCweDQ1ztr_DxOAbqvb6UYOG-hH9FQdnSAIOpz15SE-OB1W5a3K17fG_ZxOn1Tqm5tmXu988fG17N8pIVjhouaJgBjY1OfJZMQRMl_Rssz2wnNZD_9x000kb0JPNUl6kIhuBDLY1xwAsxsYgKo/w414-h640/Mr.%20K%20Cover_WEB_M.jpg" width="414" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i>Mr. Knightley ... in His Own Words</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">by Shannon Winslow</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Publication Date: Oct. 5th, 2023</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Pages: </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">331 pages, Kindle Edition</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Book Blurb</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">
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Mr. George Knightley. According to Emma Woodhouse, you won’t see one in a hundred who is so clearly the gentleman. Respected by all, he’s kind, unpretentious, and scrupulously honest, with an air so remarkably good that it’s unfair to compare other men to him. We also know he’s been his “own master” from a young age. But Jane Austen tells us little more. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">What were his early years like, and how did he lose his parents? A man in his mid-thirties, he must have had at least one romance along the way. Did it end badly? Is that why he’s never married? When and how did his relationship with Emma shift from friendship to love? And what can explain his incredible forbearance towards the eccentric Mr. Woodhouse? Now, <b><i>Mr. Knightley</i></b> reveals these answers and more i<b><i>n His Own Words</i></b>. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">This is not a variation from but a supplement to the original story of <i>Emma</i>, chronicled in the hero’s point of view. Two-thirds completely new material, it features key events in Mr. Knightley’s past – events that still haunt him and yet have shaped who he’s become, the superior man Emma can’t help falling in love with.
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<div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Buy: <a href="https://amzn.to/3Q5fL9c" target="_blank">Amazon</a> *(paid link)</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Add to <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/197994843-mr-knightley-in-his-own-words?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=hR8RIERXGV&rank=1" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">*FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. I will receive a small commission if you purchase a book through the link provided. Thanks!</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Meet the Author</b></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Shannon Winslow approaches writing JAFF a little differently, adding onto rather than varying from canon, giving us prequel, sequel, and supplemental views of favorite characters. Shannon, who has authored eleven Austenesque novels so far, lives with her husband in the log home they built in the countryside south of Seattle, where she writes and paints in her studio facing Mr. Rainier. Visit her at her <a href="https://shannonwinslow.com/" target="_blank">website/blog</a> and follow her on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/shannon.winslow.3" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Thank you so much for stopping by, Shannon! Congratulations on the release of your new book. I happen to favor Jeremy Northam as Knightley also. He's so good! </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">What about you, readers? Do you have a favorite Knightley? Let us know in the comments!</span></div>Candy @ So little time...http://www.blogger.com/profile/05308027187577034357noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650768524127186637.post-610974259597507352023-09-18T07:00:00.006-07:002023-09-18T07:00:00.136-07:00"Every Time We Say Goodbye" by Natalie Jenner ~ Cover Reveal!<p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Hello, my friends! I'm back with another cover reveal! It's my pleasure to bring you Natalie Jenner's newest book, <i>Every Time We Say Goodbye</i>. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcDw2RE8RYGKMIscWdF8rMMMis-gKDFS1vZSSIRSOmGtTpSgRQs4O5TTl-zkKn7IJTslWT8qnEAVuYFfwB1Ke0Miu5AKEwFEfXCyRr1j0SgS5LKD5PxN7uKmtka50-yv-OYFdC0sjeAkluDRYrFZt4j_OZItBiOxUsig_-zKZ8GXNYgnbasoodw4C8Nw/s1200/Cover%20Reveal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcDw2RE8RYGKMIscWdF8rMMMis-gKDFS1vZSSIRSOmGtTpSgRQs4O5TTl-zkKn7IJTslWT8qnEAVuYFfwB1Ke0Miu5AKEwFEfXCyRr1j0SgS5LKD5PxN7uKmtka50-yv-OYFdC0sjeAkluDRYrFZt4j_OZItBiOxUsig_-zKZ8GXNYgnbasoodw4C8Nw/w640-h336/Cover%20Reveal.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I'm very excited about this book as I have read both <i>The Jane Austen Society </i>and <i>Bloomsbury Girls </i>(I'll link my reviews for these books at the bottom of this page). Having met Vivien in <i>Bloomsbury Girls,</i> I look forward to getting to know her better!</span></p><p style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">A Message From Author Natalie Jenner</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></p></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Hello Dear Readers,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Every Time We Say Goodbye</i> was the hardest book I will ever write, and the most rewarding.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">It all started when I learned about the world-famous Cinecittà movie studio in Rome being used as a war refugee camp in the 1940s. People who had been stripped of everything—homes, possessions, even their most basic humanity—suddenly found themselves confined to life inside a “dream factory.” I decided to set my third novel during a very specific, very cool time in history—<i>la dolce vita</i> of mid 1950s Rome—while exploring the incredibly complex and haunting legacy of that city under German occupation during the Second World War.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I also wanted to know why Vivien Lowry, a character from my book <i>Bloomsbury Girls</i>, had been so angry all the time! I wondered if a woman could make the biggest mistake of her life and move past the regret in a way that benefitted her and the world around her. I never intended to write a dual timeline. I had been working on <i>Every Time We Say Goodbye</i> for nearly a year when the voice of a young female Italian resistance fighter codenamed <i>la scolaretta</i>—the schoolgirl assassin—suddenly showed up on the page one day. Having witnessed the bravery and sacrifice of so many to keep us safe during our world’s most recent challenge, I wanted to pay tribute to them. How fortunate am I, through the intimate and emotional power of historical fiction, to have the opportunity to do so.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I packed everything I could into this book: love and conflict, faith and religion, censorship and resistance, art and moviemaking, fashion and food, and cameos by favorite actresses such as Sophia Loren and Ava Gardner and characters from both <i>The Jane Austen Society</i> and <i>Bloomsbury Girls</i> (I, myself am terrible at goodbyes!). </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I hope, more than anything, that <i>Every Time We Say Goodbye</i> gives readers the entertainment, inspiration and food for thought that nourished me throughout its writing.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Best wishes, Natalie</span></p><p></p><p style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>And now for the moment you've been waiting for!</b> 🥁🥁🥁</span></p><p style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNiDWdOyl9Bo_Fc4386AWNxtsE9qbE6FR6NkHUC9qXnDZ-A708VV8Y0iU3tGSFv3R0DqIieBESC2GB1dq0yul-7jsDsA2M0B45EenW5ZpzDuKuS2qxeilLp1lwyNALpzwhm-OQCGw7jhhajMl-E1hDxls7IlTeuhhBSIV_vGYTO_CUjD16-FzpC_gmpt4/s946/Every%20Time%20We%20Say%20Goodbye%20cover%202024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="946" data-original-width="624" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNiDWdOyl9Bo_Fc4386AWNxtsE9qbE6FR6NkHUC9qXnDZ-A708VV8Y0iU3tGSFv3R0DqIieBESC2GB1dq0yul-7jsDsA2M0B45EenW5ZpzDuKuS2qxeilLp1lwyNALpzwhm-OQCGw7jhhajMl-E1hDxls7IlTeuhhBSIV_vGYTO_CUjD16-FzpC_gmpt4/w422-h640/Every%20Time%20We%20Say%20Goodbye%20cover%202024.jpg" width="422" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Book Description</span></b></p><p></p><p><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The bestselling author of T<i>he Jane Austen Society</i> and <i>Bloomsbury Girls</i> returns with a brilliant novel of love and art, of grief and memory, of confronting the past and facing the future.</span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">In 1955, Vivien Lowry is at a crossroads in life. Her latest play, the only female-authored play on the London stage that season, has opened in the West End to rapturous applause from the audience. The reviewers, however, are not as impressed as the playgoers and their savage notices not only shut down the play but ruin Vivien's last chance for theatrical success. With her future in London not looking bright, at the suggestion of her friend, Peggy Guggenheim, Vivien takes a job as a script doctor on a major film shooting in Rome’s Cinecittà Studios. There she finds a vibrant moviemaking scene filled with rising stars, acclaimed directors, and famous actors in a country that is torn between its past and its potentially bright future, between the liberation of the post-war cinema and the restrictions of the Catholic Church that permeate the very soul of Italy.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">As Vivien tries to forge a new future for herself, she also searches for the long-buried truth of the recent World War and the fate of her deceased fiancé lost in battle. <i>Every Time We Say Goodbye</i> is a bold and moving exploration of trauma and tragedy, hope and renewal, filled with dazzling characters both real and imaginary, from the incomparable author who charmed the world with her novels <i>The Jane Austen Society</i> and <i>Bloomsbury Girls</i>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">(<i>Every Time We Say Goodbye</i> is linked to <i>The Jane Austen Society</i>, & <i>Bloomsbury Girls</i> by characters, but is a stand-alone novel.) </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Advance Praise</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>“I’m in awe of Natalie Jenner’s new novel</b>, which surprised me at every turn. At times it reads like the juiciest historical tell all, boasting cameos by enduring household names like Sophia Loren and Gina Lollabrigida, and featuring a party where Ava Gardner dances on the table. But most importantly, this is a story about damaged people who are still blinking into the light after the nightmare of the Second World War. This beautiful book balances and explores the most heroic aspects of humanity, and by extension the most evil. <i>Every Time We Say Good Bye</i> is<b> a heartbreaking, engrossing, and thoroughly dazzling work of art</b> that would make the filmmakers at the center of its story proud.” <b>—Nina de Gramont, New York Times and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author of <i>The Christie Affair</i></b></span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“<i>Every Time We Say Goodbye</i> welcomes back beloved characters from Jenner’s previous novels along with a new fascinating cast in Italy for the production of post-war films. Well-researched and <b>written in a perfect blend of harrowing and heartwarming, this is another fabulous Natalie Jenner novel that historical fiction fans will adore!” —Madeline Martin, New York Times bestselling author of <i>The Last Bookshop</i> in London and <i>The Librarian Spy</i></b></span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“In her latest novel, <i>Every Time We Say Goodbye</i>, Natalie Jenner deftly weaves in elegant prose, the lives of the incredibly unique characters working to create a controversial war film at the Cinecitta in Italy, and the effects they have on each other and society. An emotionally poignant tale, that explores the human condition before, during and after war, and how those experiences change some while others remain unapologetically stuck. Ultimately, readers will find themselves swept along on a vivid journey through 1950s Italy, wading through the pains of the characters’ pasts and the sacrifices they made, in order to find a way to their hopeful future. <b>Every once in a while, a story comes along that really grips you and inspires you to contemplate the choices we’re all given, and Jenner has done that here. An absolute page-turner, I couldn’t put this captivating book down.” —Eliza Knight, USA Today bestselling author of <i>The Mayfair Bookshop</i> and <i>Starring Adele Astaire</i> </b></span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>About the Author</b></span></div><div><br /></div><p></p><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzv6MgjynzGO5atrdPDIiq4AE781A2DpkQzmMhRlUAHKqV0lv1PsCzXjYAuPtOC3oJtAKx4-SwFffFjOMMfctEKdiFNlQzYw5H1q0WuPqxC3B0GZ2ejG5tHplCqR8s47rtGo7-u7T4dxzZMDxtYj9QSdw4D6REnYgX__m3E2pvrAZIGtklD2e9J5PF6JM/s1477/Author%20Natalie%20Jenner%20headshot%202022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1477" data-original-width="1236" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzv6MgjynzGO5atrdPDIiq4AE781A2DpkQzmMhRlUAHKqV0lv1PsCzXjYAuPtOC3oJtAKx4-SwFffFjOMMfctEKdiFNlQzYw5H1q0WuPqxC3B0GZ2ejG5tHplCqR8s47rtGo7-u7T4dxzZMDxtYj9QSdw4D6REnYgX__m3E2pvrAZIGtklD2e9J5PF6JM/s320/Author%20Natalie%20Jenner%20headshot%202022.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><b>Natalie Jenner</b> is the internationally bestselling author of <i>The<br /> Jane Austen Society</i> and Bloomsbury Girls, which have been translated into more than twenty languages worldwide. Born in England and raised in Canada, Natalie has been a corporate lawyer and career coach and once owned an independent bookstore in Oakville, Ontario, where she lives with her family and two rescue dogs.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Connect with Natalie Jenner</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.nataliejenner.com/" target="_blank">Website</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/NatalieMJenner" target="_blank">X (formerly Twitter)</a> • <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010638227094" target="_blank">Facebook</a> • <a href="https://www.instagram.com/authornataliejenner/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> • <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18786953.Natalie_Jenner" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Publisher: <a href="https://us.macmillan.com/stmartinspress/" target="_blank">St. Martin's Press</a> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Publication Date: May 14th, 2024</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Pages: 336</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Genre: Historical Fiction </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Purchase Links</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3EFUuw6" target="_blank">Amazon</a> (*paid link) • <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/every-time-we-say-goodbye-natalie-jenner/1143881682?ean=9781250285188" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> • <a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/every-time-we-say-goodbye-natalie-jenner/20395417?ean=9781250285188" target="_blank">Bookshop</a> • <a href="https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250285188/every-time-we-say-goodbye" target="_blank">St. Martin's Press</a> • <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/books/every-time-we-say-goodbye-by-natalie-jenner" target="_blank">BookBub</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Add to <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123028875-every-time-we-say-goodbye" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">*FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. I will receive a small commission if you purchase a book through the link provided. Thanks!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Links to my Reviews</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://candy-m.blogspot.com/2020/06/the-jane-austen-society-blog-tour-my.html" target="_blank">The Jane Austen Society </a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://candy-m.blogspot.com/2022/05/bloomsbury-girls-blog-tour-my-review.html" target="_blank">Bloomsbury Girls</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Many thanks to Laurel Ann Nattress @ <a href="https://austenprose.com/austenprose-pr/" target="_blank">Austenprose PR</a> for including me on this blog cover reveal tour! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Thanks for stopping by! Please leave a comment below. I would love to hear if you're also looking forward to this book!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Candy @ So little time...http://www.blogger.com/profile/05308027187577034357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650768524127186637.post-63518600019368116522023-08-11T00:30:00.052-07:002023-08-11T00:30:00.138-07:00CYANIDE AND SENSIBILITY by Katie Oliver ~ Cover Reveal<p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Hello, my friends! It’s been a while. I moved back to </span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;">Arizona and became a grandma for the second time. I love spending time with the grandkids! I planted a garden, painted the living room/dining room, and just got home from a camping trip! So, I’ve been very busy and enjoying life! I hope you all have been doing well, too! </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zb-6kgahXEHbhB2-dKNt7huojq2rJvH_hk9CBEsJbHalJk7fY4JnOaY_WNxtkluQ2cM3o_vC6wpQB8cPYl0mxuyqEC9sqsWMoriTegTGE1B8OchVur_jVhzwAK4ZpEbO6L6dXh9GWyvG0sbgBTVecNliaSlHYa_eummqLcsIMFuv1A1iEoHU0D4_bxU/s1200/My%20project-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zb-6kgahXEHbhB2-dKNt7huojq2rJvH_hk9CBEsJbHalJk7fY4JnOaY_WNxtkluQ2cM3o_vC6wpQB8cPYl0mxuyqEC9sqsWMoriTegTGE1B8OchVur_jVhzwAK4ZpEbO6L6dXh9GWyvG0sbgBTVecNliaSlHYa_eummqLcsIMFuv1A1iEoHU0D4_bxU/w417-h219/My%20project-1.jpg" width="417" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Today, I’m excited to be part of <b><i>Cyanide and Sensibility: A Jane Austen Tea Society Mystery </i>(Book 3)</b> by Katie Oliver Cover Reveal! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Book description:</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Murder is on the menu and Phaedra Brighton is called on to serve up justice in the latest Jane Austen Tea Society Mystery.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;">While Phaedra Brighton might not have a Mr. Darcy (yet), she’s quite content with her loving family and loyal cat. Phaedra’s sister Hannah is the Jane to her Elizabeth, and Phaedra is ecstatic that Hannah has decided to move home for her next adventure—opening a business. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;">All of Laurel Springs is out in full force to celebrate the grand unveiling of Hannah’s new patisserie, Tout de Sweet, including local celebrity Rachel Brandon. Hannah is a master of her craft, with divine confections; one bite will make you think you’ve died and gone to heaven.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;">Of course, you never want that to happen literally. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;">When one of Hannah’s famous dark chocolate cupcakes sends Rachel’s assistant to the hospital with poisoning, Hannah begs for Phaedra’s help to save her reputation and budding business. But Phaedra has more questions than answers: Who was the cupcake actually meant for? And how far is the culprit willing to go to permanently take their target off the menu?</span></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>PRAISE FOR THE JANE AUSTEN TEA SOCIETY MYSTERIES</b></span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“A crackling good mystery: like a modern-day Agatha Christie bestowed with a hefty dollop of Jane Austen. It’s deliciously written, emotionally resonant, and delightfully engaging. Katie Oliver’s cinematic eye is spot on!”— <b>Laura Childs</b>, <b>#1 <i>New York Times</i> bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mystery series</b></span></li></ul><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“a wonderfully fun and charming modern-day mystery…and packed with clever character references that Austen fans will find delightful.”— <b>Marilyn Brant, bestselling author of <i>Pride, Prejudice, and the Perfect Match</i></b></span></li></ul><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“With the right balance of humor, charm, and intrigue, this contemporary whodunnit had me swiping, swiping, swiping through my kindle until the satisfying end.”— <b>Christina Boyd, editor of <i>Elizabeth, Obstinate Headstrong Girl</i></b></span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Now for the moment you’ve been waiting for! 🥁🥁🥁</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW5XYZp-Dca-jStFqgvRFn4_bP6vU_JP2qR6t7laBlBV-UDC3U1rLVheRC2fyqZx4pUkreF0VTzB4dYc1LL5u5-mapeW1x135AT_0cUO4FCpFCQ28c7vUr9wQwyI6PeoCApE7Cs9e7-0NEZzSK9kSsbD29X4BFflxUYeNb5NmWFuho_5nvnTZsu5oW5OQ/s1250/Cyanide%20and%20Sensibility%20cover%202023%20x%20755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="755" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW5XYZp-Dca-jStFqgvRFn4_bP6vU_JP2qR6t7laBlBV-UDC3U1rLVheRC2fyqZx4pUkreF0VTzB4dYc1LL5u5-mapeW1x135AT_0cUO4FCpFCQ28c7vUr9wQwyI6PeoCApE7Cs9e7-0NEZzSK9kSsbD29X4BFflxUYeNb5NmWFuho_5nvnTZsu5oW5OQ/w386-h640/Cyanide%20and%20Sensibility%20cover%202023%20x%20755.jpg" width="386" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Lovely! Looks like a fun Austenesque cozy mystery!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Publisher: Berkley (Penguin Random House)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Publication Date: December 12, 2023</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Pages: 320</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Genre: Cozy Culinary Mysteries, Armature Sleuths, Austenesque Fiction</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Purchase Links</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3QxSH3n" target="_blank">Amazon</a> (*paid link) • <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cyanide-and-sensibility-katie-oliver/1143202190?ean=9780593337653" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> • <a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/676028/cyanide-and-sensibility-by-katie-oliver/" target="_blank">Berkley</a> • <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/books/cyanide-and-sensibility-by-katie-oliver" target="_blank">Bookbub</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Add to <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123257837-cyanide-and-sensibility" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">*FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. I will receive a small commission if you purchase a book through the link provided. Thanks!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>AUTHOR BIO</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIo02K03yooufpGZs9wi1grs_GLsqJrMC-3iH0Fga1TN9tDheDnU7dyzuVOH6jkU5XBhhmc501m7JfE5DJ28Om_Lk3EqhdoH62sbeWiWOFRrOzLc7oFI-t0HfsPG-WKKG4t8yW5dzar8JCeydj3xjPOQP3X48H_ojgVaU9YcoPESU4ZS4PtjzsIxmgmHI/s1080/Katie%20Oliver%20headshot%202023%20x%201080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIo02K03yooufpGZs9wi1grs_GLsqJrMC-3iH0Fga1TN9tDheDnU7dyzuVOH6jkU5XBhhmc501m7JfE5DJ28Om_Lk3EqhdoH62sbeWiWOFRrOzLc7oFI-t0HfsPG-WKKG4t8yW5dzar8JCeydj3xjPOQP3X48H_ojgVaU9YcoPESU4ZS4PtjzsIxmgmHI/s320/Katie%20Oliver%20headshot%202023%20x%201080.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b>Katie Oliver</b> is known internationally as a writer of Jane Austen rom-coms with a hint of mystery. In the US and the UK, she is the bestselling author of the Dating Mr. Darcy and Marrying Mr. Darcy series. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://katieoliver.com/ko/" target="_blank">Website</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/katieoliver01" target="_blank">Twitter</a> • <a href="https://www.instagram.com/katiewriter/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> • <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KatieOliverWriter" target="_blank">Facebook</a> • <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7565829.Katie_Oliver" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Many thanks to Laurel Ann Nattress @ <a href="https://austenprose.com/austenprose-pr/" target="_blank">Austenprose PR</a> for including me on this blog cover reveal tour! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Thanks for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed this cover reveal! I hope you add <i>Cyanide & Sensibility</i> to your TBR list!</span></div></div><p></p>Candy @ So little time...http://www.blogger.com/profile/05308027187577034357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650768524127186637.post-20070701962502045772023-04-17T00:30:00.018-07:002023-09-17T15:09:45.935-07:00An Accomplished Woman Blog Tour ~ Excerpt & Giveaway!<p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Hello, my friends! I'm very excited to welcome Suzan Lauder to the blog! She has a new book out; <i>An Accomplished Woman</i>. I have an excerpt for you, and there's a giveaway! Details are at the bottom of the page. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFs9fqiovFzzLdAME5axjfoEN2Pk0zDsGIeqezTJzsixoqaRG1xncdQgc-hVvaTCHB5xwOckZEx_bIJ4cvbsv46lUT0Nxkd7xlLMOu1aKb1tzblrtga7M6h05rbw5bFxH6utEbP0ERkb46I-rpunxr-xTc6-6Tie-SaWrHzdRupGusqA---So_OCd/s1200/AAW%20BT%20Banner%20Horz%20M.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFs9fqiovFzzLdAME5axjfoEN2Pk0zDsGIeqezTJzsixoqaRG1xncdQgc-hVvaTCHB5xwOckZEx_bIJ4cvbsv46lUT0Nxkd7xlLMOu1aKb1tzblrtga7M6h05rbw5bFxH6utEbP0ERkb46I-rpunxr-xTc6-6Tie-SaWrHzdRupGusqA---So_OCd/w400-h266/AAW%20BT%20Banner%20Horz%20M.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Hi, Candy! I’m pleased to be on your blog with <i>An Accomplished Woman</i>, my first traditional Regency romance. This excerpt is a conversation between Lord Vernon and Audra where they have not long ago had a rather smoldering verbal encounter related to meeting in the rain, which opened Audra’s eyes to her attraction. They haven’t seen each other since because she’s been stuck in bed in case she might have a cold.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">~~~</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> As expected, Lord Vernon’s appearance prior to dinner brought forth its own sort of excitement since he was assisted down the stairs by a burly footman, then made his way to the drawing room with the aid of his walking stick. Others might make a fuss over his infirmity, but for Audra, his mere presence lit a fire deep within her. With a thunderstorm on his face, he requested a whisky. Was his request for liquor due to his pain or as a result of the precarious trip down the staircase? The glass reached his lips, and every nerve in her body became aflame. Those lips were too much for her. Still, she should not allow herself to be overcome in such a manner; she must be proper in these situations. Audra could approach him; the gesture was polite given their experience a few days before.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> His eyes set upon her before she could take one step his way, making her hesitate. Her throat constricted even as everything within her chest crawled up towards the back of her tongue. Was that dark look foreboding or something else? It revived that quivering in her low belly and the scorching of her cheeks. But she was no milksop and would not shy away just because his looks unnerved her a little. She marched right over to him. “I am glad to see you are well enough to join us for dinner, my lord.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> One brow lifted. The result was exceedingly charming—that is, if the trembling of her body was any indication. “I am also pleased to know you are well, Miss Hales, since you escaped the grippe.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “Tell me, how is your knee?”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> He gazed at the trousered joint in question and patted it with his walking stick. “It pains me most when I put my weight upon it, but otherwise, it is barely noticeable.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> That was apt to be a story created to make her feel better, but she would take it. A bit of encouragement could not hurt, so she smiled. “I am glad to hear it. I must thank you again for your assistance. I would in all probability be ill had you not intervened.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> He looked towards the floor and his hair drooped over his face, but his head had drawn closer to hers. “It was nothing I would not do again at any time,” he said in the softest of tones, “for you.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Her breathing somehow became more difficult, and her skin tingled from head to toe. “I hope you would not risk life and limb every day for me, my lord, but it is one of the best things anyone has ever done for me just the same.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “But I would. Every day,” he said, his voice breathless.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “Vernon, how wonderful to see you out of your rooms!” Others had approached and neither she nor Lord Vernon had noticed. Lord Garner glanced between them. “What is the big secret?”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Lord Vernon’s head snapped up. His eyes were shuttered. “I was assuring Miss Hales that assisting her the other day was of no bother. It is rather noisy in this room.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Lord Garner feigned kicking his brother in the leg. “How is the old leg, eh?”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> The ill breeding of this man! “Oh, pray, do not joke about such a thing!”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Her Grace huffed. “My children seem to thrive on competition in the form of teasing. It cannot be helped. Of course, with the boys, it is worse.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “Miss Hales has only sisters,” said Cecilia, “and is therefore more delicate about foolish trifling.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">~~~</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2bW-y3_1XcyH66IEDkKWus0PcJ8vvbzVBS9OMXKYe-rJWljUwKfGll6r7ak-9KXYUGy_Vw7PJvuhgYjv3OQ85l-n47M0y7j1jm3qU40poa_y6ncXlos_ie6ktuGH9l4BxFcRzY2K1l-EORaJq7orzqEcgq_UKaO_sapSmgmgBVMEOPGryvZ8bY07d/s1200/AAW%20Final%20FC%2003_30_23%20wobld%20S.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2bW-y3_1XcyH66IEDkKWus0PcJ8vvbzVBS9OMXKYe-rJWljUwKfGll6r7ak-9KXYUGy_Vw7PJvuhgYjv3OQ85l-n47M0y7j1jm3qU40poa_y6ncXlos_ie6ktuGH9l4BxFcRzY2K1l-EORaJq7orzqEcgq_UKaO_sapSmgmgBVMEOPGryvZ8bY07d/w266-h400/AAW%20Final%20FC%2003_30_23%20wobld%20S.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>An Accomplished Woman</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Cecilia's Mismatches Book 1</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">by Suzan Lauder</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">
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Blurb</b> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Audra Hales</b> is a lady of many perfect accomplishments—at least she believes so. It is no wonder: she has mirrored her great friend Cecilia, the newly minted Lady Hoxley, so how could her talents not be worthy of the highest praise? A self-described matchmaker, Cecilia has brought Audra to Bath—where balls and excursions abound—with the intention of matching her with the gregarious Lord Garner Tremaine. Though he seems an affable and talented gentleman, his brother, the marquess, is quite the opposite. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> <b>As head</b> of his family, Everett Tremaine, the Marquess of Vernon acts on behalf of his father, the duke, who remains secluded from Lady Hoxley’s guests. With his obligations, Everett has no time for foolish temptations such as Miss Hales…so why does he constantly find her thrown into his path? </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Meanwhile</b>, Audra has conjured all sorts of wild imaginings concerning the frustrating marquess, and every time she encounters him, he leaves her breathless rather than answering her questions! After all, what is ailing the mysterious duke? Could the marquess be a villain masquerading as the savior of his family? And most importantly: should she marry Lord Garner, the safe suitor, or follow her heart? </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Book One</b> of the <i>Cecilia’s Mismatches</i> series is a stand-alone novel. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i>Cecilia’s Mismatches</i> Series Blurb</b> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Who is Cecilia?</b> She’s Lady Hoxley, a recently married young lady whose husband is old enough to be her father. Theirs is a love match. She loves his money and title, and he loves her youth and vivacity. Cecilia is so gratified with her own match that she is determined to match her friends with worthy gentlemen—but what happens when all her grand schemes seem to go awry?
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<div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Buy: <a href="https://amzn.to/3zTqYRr" target="_blank">Amazon US</a> (paid link) • <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BZWN8WRS?linkCode=ogi" target="_blank">Amazon Universal Link</a></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Add to <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/124946485-an-accomplished-woman?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=oyFO1Nb2Gr&rank=4" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon US. I am an Amazon Associate. I will receive a small commission if you purchase a book through the link provided. Thanks!</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>About the Author</b></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div class="“p-1”"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju0Ewr0uWO770k7k8hBsUAJb6ZHbOSYhxMNjd1cKa2qF99sQi1ck3JDA9yb4DQ77I6ZgYDquKgrzR5nNx2Ki8VjmnjrP_D4c0AxL_gN1VQsUvvUztYapnb14uoazKwdYSHiVx4Hm4nQKpnRxux2usHYkrlyOImHqVxbpLpFc8nE0VNuCnkjrk5qzFV/s1870/Suzan%20Lauder%20photo.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1870" data-original-width="1835" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju0Ewr0uWO770k7k8hBsUAJb6ZHbOSYhxMNjd1cKa2qF99sQi1ck3JDA9yb4DQ77I6ZgYDquKgrzR5nNx2Ki8VjmnjrP_D4c0AxL_gN1VQsUvvUztYapnb14uoazKwdYSHiVx4Hm4nQKpnRxux2usHYkrlyOImHqVxbpLpFc8nE0VNuCnkjrk5qzFV/s320/Suzan%20Lauder%20photo.jpg" width="314" /></a></div>A lover of Jane Austen, Regency period research and costuming,<br /> yoga, fitness, home renovation, design, sustainability, and independent travel, cat mom Suzan Lauder keeps busy even when she’s not writing novels based on Austen’s <i>Pride and Prejudice</i>, all of which are published by Meryton Press.</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”">She and Mr. Suze and their rescue tabby split their time between a loft condo overlooking the Salish Sea and a 150-year-old Spanish colonial casita in Mexico. Suzan’s lively prose can be found on her <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SuzanLauder" target="_blank">Facebook author page</a>; on <a href="https://twitter.com/SuzanLauder" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/suzanlauder/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, and <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/suzanlauder/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> as @SuzanLauder; and on her <a href="http://suzanlauder.merytonpress.com/" target="_blank">Meryton Press blog, <i>road trips with the redhead</i></a>. Her Amazon author page is https://www.amazon.com/author/suzanlauder. </div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”">Prior to publishing <i>An Accomplished Woman</i> of the <i>Cecilia’s Mismatches</i> series, Lauder had four novels, a novella, and a novelette published by Meryton Press and has short stories in two Austenesque anthologies. All are popular, most earning four-plus star ratings on Amazon and Goodreads. Accolades include Amazon bestseller for <i>Letter from Ramsgate</i> and <i>The Barrister’s Bride</i>, a Finalist for Sexy Scribbles for an excerpt from <i>Alias Thomas Bennet</i>, and several of her books were placed on top ten of the year lists by influential bloggers.</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”">She even finds time to bake muffins!</div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><b>Connect with Suzan Lauder</b></div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/SuzanLauder" target="_blank">Facebook</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/SuzanLauder" target="_blank">Twitter</a> • <a href="https://www.instagram.com/suzanlauder/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> • <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/suzanlauder/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> • <a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Suzan-Lauder/author/B00GXO64UM?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true" target="_blank">Amazon Author Page</a> • <a href="http://suzanlauder.merytonpress.com/" target="_blank">Meryton Press Blog, <i>road trips with the redhead</i></a></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;">Email: suzanlauder@gmail.com</div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><b>Blog Visit Information</b></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">The blog tour will start on April 10th, but Suzan has lots going on even before the blog tour and after.</span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;">April 3-7 <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/LadyCatherinesSalon" target="_blank">Lady Catherine's Salon</a>; Suzan Lauder guest hosts this Facebook group. </div></span><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">April 4 <a href="https://celticladysreviews.blogspot.com/2023/04/an-accomplished-woman-by-susan-lauder.html" target="_blank">Celtic Lady's Reviews</a>; Kathleen Kelly will be spotlighting <i>An Accomplished Woman</i> and Suzan.</span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">April 7 <a href="https://www.facebook.com/delightedreader" target="_blank">Delighted Reader</a> Facebook page; Sophia Rose will be spotlighting the book and author. </span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Blog Tour Schedule</b></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">April 10 <a href="https://musingsfromanaddictedreader.wordpress.com/2023/04/10/book-tour-and-review-an-accomplished-woman-by-suzan-lauder/" target="_blank">Musings from an Addicted Reader </a></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">April 11 <a href="http://thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com/2023/04/book-spotlight-and-giveaway.html" target="_blank">The Book Connection</a> </span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">April 12 <a href="https://elzareads.com/blog-tour-excerpt-an-accomplished-woman-by-suzan-lauder/" target="_blank">Elza Reads</a></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">April 13 <a href="https://elzareads.com/blog-tour-excerpt-an-accomplished-woman-by-suzan-lauder/" target="_blank">From Pemberley to Milton</a> </span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">April 14 <a href="https://myvicesandweaknesses.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">My Vices & Weaknesses</a> </span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">April 17 <a href="https://candy-m.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">So little time…</a> You're here!</span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">After the blog tour, Meredith will host Suzan and her book. </span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">April 27 <a href="https://austenesquereviews.com/" target="_blank">Austenesque Reviews</a> </span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><b>* * * GIVEAWAY * * *</b></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://merytonpress.com/" target="_blank">Meryton Press</a> is giveaway one eBook (mobi or ePub) to one of my lucky readers! To enter, please leave a comment below. Open Internationally. The last day to enter is April 24th by the end of the day. </span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMKyb5JWPIOcuU05ieVsOyfGFFf7TWtac2upGQqDJ27jxzk62aY0zAAJ2UyiIGJXMfxfSAypmUbMA1SRWTEE0brOd-nezXI222VlBdgQWEtILiiCEXPxdiF-0V5Y59AzHlRQuLcHXZFfC59m8JqfPoUZRsTT5CggLTD54gU4Xpbq3dnMSQtqG1DBAA/s1200/AAW%20Final%20FC%2003_30_23%20wobld%20S.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMKyb5JWPIOcuU05ieVsOyfGFFf7TWtac2upGQqDJ27jxzk62aY0zAAJ2UyiIGJXMfxfSAypmUbMA1SRWTEE0brOd-nezXI222VlBdgQWEtILiiCEXPxdiF-0V5Y59AzHlRQuLcHXZFfC59m8JqfPoUZRsTT5CggLTD54gU4Xpbq3dnMSQtqG1DBAA/w266-h400/AAW%20Final%20FC%2003_30_23%20wobld%20S.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Good luck!</span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">(send me an email if you can't comment)</span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Many thanks to <a href="https://merytonpress.com/" target="_blank">Meryton Press</a> and Janet Taylor @ <a href="http://moreagreeablyengaged.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">More Agreeably Engaged</a> for organizing this blog tour and including me! </span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Congratulations, Suzan, on the release of <i><b>An Accomplished Woman</b></i>!</span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">So, friends, what did you think about that conversation between Lord Vernon and Audra? I definitely felt the attraction between the two of them. -- Leave a comment and tell us your thoughts! </span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div>Candy @ So little time...http://www.blogger.com/profile/05308027187577034357noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650768524127186637.post-80498629753283001492023-04-08T00:30:00.001-07:002023-04-08T00:30:00.207-07:00The Sailor's Rest Blog Tour ~ Guest Post, Excerpt & Giveaway!<p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Hello, friends! It's my pleasure to have Don Jacobson here today to share a bit about his new book, <i style="font-weight: bold;">The Sailor's Rest, </i>and there's a chance to win an eCopy of his book. Details are at the bottom of the page.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Please give Don a warm welcome! </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyzX9FIFwEdtCAukpiNK2WKzAqF6krnWA6FPN9ohVuKKEps1kXLHnIsk_wevsvR0FIk_T-fP444zqWJYcqtd-8Qe5FGGauMG3Uq3mPsX-cWuFrYzThRtB6fPkiNr7m_bijl9_BrEqd4XHDsMLL14SAaTC39PjGfynvKQ0DBYrUyJ4yyWH_ockRM1b/s648/Guest%20Post%202020.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="648" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyzX9FIFwEdtCAukpiNK2WKzAqF6krnWA6FPN9ohVuKKEps1kXLHnIsk_wevsvR0FIk_T-fP444zqWJYcqtd-8Qe5FGGauMG3Uq3mPsX-cWuFrYzThRtB6fPkiNr7m_bijl9_BrEqd4XHDsMLL14SAaTC39PjGfynvKQ0DBYrUyJ4yyWH_ockRM1b/w400-h178/Guest%20Post%202020.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Since I began writing Austenesque fiction eight years ago, I have been fascinated by supporting characters. Note that I did not write “secondary” characters. That diminishes their importance in my eyes. I have found that a conscientious treatment of the supporting cast allows a richer and deeper reading experience.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Authors have their styles allowing them to explore the truths they seek to uncover in their work. Austen did this. Her requirements for her secondary characters were precise. She needed them to reveal specific traits against which the leads’ characteristics could be bounced.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">For instance: Mr. Collins impressed Elizabeth as a profoundly silly man with little depth and almost no capacity for thought—let alone rational thought. His direct opposite is Darcy—serious, thoughtful, and responsible. Thus, if Collins entirely puts off Elizabeth, one can sense Austen saying <i>Look at this Darcy fellow</i>. I smile as I write this, for Austen wrote Bingley as shallow enough to be of little interest to Lizzy. I could go on with other character juxtapositions throughout the Canon, but you can understand my point.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">When I began working on <i>The Sailor’s Rest</i>, I quickly realized that the plot I envisioned demanded supporting actors to supply capabilities that none of the leads could. Of these, I focused on Admiral and Mrs. Croft—experienced in life and the Royal Navy. Recall that <i>The Sailor’s Rest</i> uses the <i>Persuasion</i> timeline after Anne and Wentworth rediscover their love. Thus, the Crofts are at Kellynch. I had Anne staying with them after her betrothal while Wentworth was away on a mission to Sweden.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I always have felt that Croft has been treated as a bit of a ‘Colonel Blimp’ type, almost a comic relief in a blustery way. His character is meaningless other than to serve as the financial salvation of Sir Walter’s retrenchment. That is one of the terrible shortcomings of the television/motion picture filters through which the public has seen the Canon. Two hours is tragically short for any character development.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHAv8Hp8Ei4QQ0aIZdPlY5c2xCedke6MonsldXMYtflstRRSpsdfHzBzW6fYBE-PNRQdyt00v0O--yQjIPDD1kX8rJrvCM6eDdGv85KLWTYmpQcK00_iFQSoOg3z-6SHrRYZqBEy_oqCNXIuTmmJ2IFxMYIm7u7p-Th9E0stgSHPL-CrYs5-g4o1rW/s1200/Colnel%20Blimp%20image.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHAv8Hp8Ei4QQ0aIZdPlY5c2xCedke6MonsldXMYtflstRRSpsdfHzBzW6fYBE-PNRQdyt00v0O--yQjIPDD1kX8rJrvCM6eDdGv85KLWTYmpQcK00_iFQSoOg3z-6SHrRYZqBEy_oqCNXIuTmmJ2IFxMYIm7u7p-Th9E0stgSHPL-CrYs5-g4o1rW/w640-h336/Colnel%20Blimp%20image.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">My research showed that only thirty seagoing admirals were active at any one time in the Napoleonic Wars. I will not go into a lengthy explanation of attaining the final step in a naval officer’s career except to note that there were two types: those assigned to the Yellow Squadron and thus never to serve in any capacity and those who gained a Red, White, or Blue Pennant. Promotion came with seniority. The higher you moved up the post-captain’s list, the longer you lived, the closer you came to flag rank. Even if you were first in line, you needed an admiral to die for you to get your stars.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Admiral Alfred Croft was not a bumbling fool but an experienced fighting man with uncommon vision and martial intellect. He had just returned from a lengthy tour in the Far East. Croft was well-respected in the Admiralty as a warrior and diplomat. As such, his wife would also be most capable. Mrs. Sophie Croft had spent years in the Bay of Bengal and the South China Sea. She was no society wife. Imagine, if you will, Caroline Bingley or Elizabeth Elliot aboard a 72-gun battleship. Both Crofts are imbued with their own brand of common sense. I brought that out, I hope. This makes a difference for Anne Elliot and Elizabeth Bennet as they embark on a perilous journey to recover Wentworth and Darcy. </span></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI51KtAlAiD49qh_RfOlmrEqf9SshJHdYAPF1q8YjnLLUYfGkMWMzPheW7ZN9r93VqTCK7eDwOjSx1yH_MIj_EAJkvOyVsw85anX-c1qFC9NO-ahyX4k7_jW5UsORm57pjJ_WgwaAlVQeklWdIRFMCil_iFADCXXqUcs3SdNr_QGOikGl4YJyWCPdu/s1024/Iain%20Glen%20pic.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI51KtAlAiD49qh_RfOlmrEqf9SshJHdYAPF1q8YjnLLUYfGkMWMzPheW7ZN9r93VqTCK7eDwOjSx1yH_MIj_EAJkvOyVsw85anX-c1qFC9NO-ahyX4k7_jW5UsORm57pjJ_WgwaAlVQeklWdIRFMCil_iFADCXXqUcs3SdNr_QGOikGl4YJyWCPdu/w266-h400/Iain%20Glen%20pic.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;">I see Iain Glen playing my Admiral Alfred Croft. He has the perfect squint.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">With Admiral Croft’s backstory in hand (see Chapter Four), I could then consider the tools he could bring to bear. First amongst these were his connections with the Admiralty, specifically the First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Joseph Yorke. Croft makes two passages through Whitehall: before and after the party seeks word of Wentworth in Barton Upon Humber. Please enjoy the excerpt, which peels back the essentials of Rear Admiral of the White Sir Alfred Croft.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">&&&&&</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">This excerpt is © 2023 by Donald P. Jacobson. Reproduction is prohibited. Published in the United States of America.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>From Chapter 5</b></span></p><p style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>The Admiralty, Tuesday, February 28, 1815</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Croft knew the Admiralty and those who made the system work. His uniform coat hewed tightly to his frame and accentuated his powerful build. Cox’n Tomkins, used to Wentworth’s more subdued garb, whistled when he hefted Croft’s topcoat laden with gold braid and honors. Now Croft’s dazzling array accomplished its purpose. His feet had barely crossed the threshold before a visibly nervous porter accosted him. That low-placed functionary instantly saw Croft as one who had most recently led one of the Far East squadrons. ’Twas in his self-interest to recognize men whose heads rose into the rarified clouds enlivened by red, blue, and white pennants.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i> Croker has not survived multiple First Lords without being an adept manager of the political currents flowing through Whitehall’s blue water corridors. He will suspect my motives for rooting around his bailiwick. That will benefit me, for it will arouse his curiosity, a dangerous trait in any bureaucrat. I might impress his clerks with all my shining braid, but Croker will terrify them with his bland stygian manner and voice like the rustling of dried leaves. He will work the problem from this end.</i> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> The porter returned and begged Croft to follow him. A few turns through the paneled corridors presented Croft with an unexpected sight. John Wilson Croker stood in the doorway leading into his room. The Admiralty’s <i>chef de cabinet</i> could have remained in his cell and forced Croft to enter and bow before his throne. Croker did not because he had served Collingwood and, through him, had known Croft. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Few captains could have earned Collingwood’s approbation. The late admiral was known to have despised the incompetence lofty connections often brought aboard. If Croft had abandoned Somersetshire’s climes—custom had an admiral earning six months liberty after a long and challenging tour—there was a worthwhile reason that justly commanded Croker’s attention. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “Sir Alfred: an unexpected pleasure to see you. I was unaware you had arrived in town.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Croft bowed and followed the factotum into the chamber. After the two men had settled themselves, Croft laid the Admiralty message on the desktop and nudged it toward an otherwise motionless Croker. Only his eyes moved as he took in the broken seal.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “I freely admit that I read Wentworth’s orders. I will, however, plead the necessity of circumstances. Once I relate the facts known to us, you will understand that while this is a family matter, there may well be implications for the service,” Croft rumbled.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> <i>‘Implications for the service’</i> fixed Croker’s attention. Economy of motion hid his interest. Croft unspooled the tale at his nod as those at Kellynch knew it to be. The earlier surprise jelled into a chill that settled below Croker’s stomach the longer the admiral spoke.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> In a voice heard when careers foundered, Croker grated, “We never ordered Captain Wentworth here. Do you have proof that we did otherwise?”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Croft snorted. “Proof? Do I have the document? No! I only possess the one letter dated February 9 that Miss Anne Elliot received from Barton upon Humber. Wentworth—and I know the man’s hand—stated that he left <i>Laconia</i> in Newcastle to come south for his wedding. His only detour was to be here. He gave no details except that he had orders. Likely what he received was unspecific, but we sailors can only divine Admiralty intentions as through a glass darkly. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “We expected Wentworth a fortnight ago, give or take a few days. I think you will agree that Captain Frederick Wentworth has ne’er missed a rendezvous except when the deck has been blasted from beneath his feet.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> With that Croft subsided and fixed the secretary with slate gray eyes. That turbulent shade was a color well known by mariners familiar with the North Atlantic. The patch of unforgiving waters could freeze a man’s flesh on his bones. Men with such gales in their orbs eventually became admirals or died in the process. That ice-like attention to duty was why Croft had become one of the service’s indispensable men. Croft was an officer who knew when to use a diplomat’s touch instead of a 24-pound bludgeon. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Croker saw the set of his jaw and the storm in Croft’s eyes as a sign that the admiral was ready to embark on a course that would bring him near rocks and shoals. “As I said, we have no record of orders dispatched to the captain. We had been under the impression that he would spend some time in Somersetshire after his nuptials.” </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> The cabinet secretary raised the message and pointed a corner at Croft to emphasize his point. “The hall porter noted that you were coming to me on a family matter. I have had your acquaintance long enough, Admiral, to know that you are nothing if not precise in your seamanship—and speech. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “You have but one family member in our harness—your wife’s brother. Thus, I asked my clerks to locate our correspondence directed to him after he began his mission to the Swedish capital.” </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Croker lowered the Kellynch message onto the desk and pulled a buff-colored folder across the surface to rest beneath his fingertips. “If one eliminates demands for accountings of cordage, powder, and shot as well as casks of salt beef and biscuit, there are precious few communications of importance. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “One was an official notice of the required court martial after the wreck of the frigate. Appended to it was our acknowledgment of his acquittal with distinction for his accomplishment in bringing the ship to harbor and saving his crew. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “The other was this message,” the hand lifted from its anchor, and a long finger tapped the folded stationery earlier proffered by Croft, “sent to him at your home. We needed to post him into a new command bound through the Gut to quell the rumblings coming from the Bey of Algiers who is less-than-pleased that his frog patron remains in enforced retirement.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> The secretary’s hand lifted and floated above the fawn dossier before dropping atop the file: fingers splayed, pinning it to the desktop. Croker closed his eyes to emphasize his final pronouncement and dismay at the discovery. “The record remains suspiciously silent about any intervening missives.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Croft leaned forward. “Then it appears that you, sir, will have to pull on your end of the hawser whilst I must haul on mine.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “I am off to Barton but will apprise you of any developments: the most urgent ones by semaphore using the admiral’s code. Otherwise, I will attend you in a sennight or thereabouts.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuU2jn0OXA_BwFAHMr-J9UEUCdEejixA955sEdnu7vunV97zdhKKvpl5odKKV44OBLMuZ0M7lJ0jRa3w7I_vzSDfAuntyu5C-zTh_GSpQPm0BozNmyR5lveYJ1Hty9F2ExF0OWIinZ8OS7GE_WeGxBK7eYQdtcMegzL8JUa6x6KKw_5eAG2bC1UOui/s2701/ebook.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2701" data-original-width="1801" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuU2jn0OXA_BwFAHMr-J9UEUCdEejixA955sEdnu7vunV97zdhKKvpl5odKKV44OBLMuZ0M7lJ0jRa3w7I_vzSDfAuntyu5C-zTh_GSpQPm0BozNmyR5lveYJ1Hty9F2ExF0OWIinZ8OS7GE_WeGxBK7eYQdtcMegzL8JUa6x6KKw_5eAG2bC1UOui/w266-h400/ebook.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p> </p>
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<span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">
The Sailor’s Rest</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>The Naval Adventure Jane Austen Could Have Written! </i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">by Don Jacobson</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Jane Austen’s greatest lovers come together to be tested in the crucible of war on the Mediterranean’s blue waters and in the smoky confines of a prestigious London gambling den.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>The Sailor’s Rest</i> is inspired by <i>Pride and Prejudice</i> and <i>Persuasion</i> and is set on the stage of Napoleon’s 100 Days. Discover how the two betrothed couples—Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy, along with Frederick Wentworth and Anne Elliot—find their love tried by separation, battle, and deception. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> The novel immerses readers first in a mystery, then a sea chase, and, finally, a satisfying comeuppance. From the tattered rooms of a waterfront inn to three frigates engaged in a deadly game of naval chess, readers will experience the yearning as four hearts come closer to one-another. Before the tale ends, the audience will step into the gilded confines of London’s preeminent card room. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>The Sailor’s Rest</i> uses the characters formed by Austen as a starting point in an Austenesque excursion that will leave readers both challenged and richer for the experience. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>The Sailor’s Rest</i> is set in the <i>Persuasion</i> timeline of 1815 but leaves in place the age and plot constructs established by Austen in <i>Pride and Prejudice</i>. This is a full-length novel of 115,000 words. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Part mystery, part adventure - and all heart - This has the feel of a Hornblower epic.</i> - <b>Alice McVeigh, author of <i>Susan: A Jane Austen Prequel
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<div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Buy: <a href="https://amzn.to/3MjawRU" target="_blank">Amazon US</a> (paid link) • <a href="https://mybook.to/SailorsRestPandP" target="_blank">Universal Link to Amazon</a></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Add to <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123667190-the-sailor-s-rest?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=bEgHbkDPJb&rank=2" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon US. I am an Amazon Associate. I will receive a small commission if you purchase a book through the link provided. Thanks!</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>About the Author</b></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1f4DlHoTD_Q6OPBqxN-qfoiG2FhJyJTM3UgOXdvEPGPwrkIY9LORzamsuYUZpqvRA8nRJxegZtPzZkAXYgwnPfWayKFXPno0yDY4kIjP1k6GEcgqxgYaRxSqyWzD_Teyt4IumHkKjy7RvN6FJDIXqgI5zmSruTS6OICs67tGafIWnYvbR5vuDvDV/s341/Don%20Jacobson%20Head%20Shot.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="341" data-original-width="327" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1f4DlHoTD_Q6OPBqxN-qfoiG2FhJyJTM3UgOXdvEPGPwrkIY9LORzamsuYUZpqvRA8nRJxegZtPzZkAXYgwnPfWayKFXPno0yDY4kIjP1k6GEcgqxgYaRxSqyWzD_Teyt4IumHkKjy7RvN6FJDIXqgI5zmSruTS6OICs67tGafIWnYvbR5vuDvDV/s320/Don%20Jacobson%20Head%20Shot.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>Don Jacobson has written professionally for forty years, from<br /> news and features to advertising, television, and radio. His work has been nominated for Emmys and other awards. He has previously published five books, all nonfiction. In 2016, he published the first volume of <i>The Bennet Wardrobe Series, The Keeper: Mary Bennet’s Extraordinary Journey</i>. Since then, Meryton Press re-edited and republished <i>Keeper</i> and the subsequent six volumes in the series. In 2022, Meryton Press published the eighth and final book in the series—<i>The Grail: The Saving of Elizabeth Darcy</i>. Other Meryton Press books by Jacobson include <i>Lessers and Betters</i>,<i> In Plain Sight</i>, and <i>The Longbourn Quarantine</i>. All his works are also available as audiobooks (Audible).</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Jacobson holds an advanced degree in history. As a college instructor, he taught United States history, world history, the history of western civilization, and research writing. He is in his third career as an author and is a JASNA and Regency Fiction Writers member. He is also a member of the <i>Always Austen</i> collective.</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Besides thoroughly immersing himself in the Austenesque world, Jacobson enjoys cooking, dining out, fine wine, and well-aged scotch whiskey.</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">His other passion is cycling. He has ridden several “centuries” (hundred-mile days). He is incredibly proud of having completed the AIDS Ride–Midwest (five hundred miles from Minneapolis to Chicago) and the Make-a-Wish Miracle Ride (three hundred miles from Traverse City to Brooklyn, both in Michigan).</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">When not traveling, Jacobson lives in Las Vegas, Nevada, with his wife and co-author, Pam—a woman Miss Austen would have been hard-pressed to categorize.</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Bibliography</b></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Miss Bennet’s First Christmas</i> (2015)</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>The Bennet Wardrobe: Origins</i> (2016)</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>The Keeper: Mary Bennet’s Extraordinary Journey</i> (2016)</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Of Fortune’s Reversal</i> (2016)</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>The Maid and The Footman</i> (2016)</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Henry Fitzwilliam’s War</i> (2016)</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>The Exile: Kitty Bennet and the Belle Époque</i> (2017)</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Lizzy Bennet Meets the Countess</i> (2017)</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>The Exile: The Countess Visits Longbourn</i> (2018)</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Lessers and Betters</i> (2018)</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>The Avenger: Thomas Bennet and a Father’s Lament</i> (2018)</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>The Pilgrim: Lydia Bennet and a Soldier’s Portion</i> (2019)</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Cinders and Smoke in Falling for Mr. Thornton</i> (2019)</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>In Plain Sight</i> (2020)</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>The Longbourn Quarantine</i> (2020)</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>The Grail: The Saving of Elizabeth Darcy</i> (2022)</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Kiss Me Goodnight Major Darcy</i> (editor) (2022)</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>The Sailor’s Rest</i> (2023)</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Connect with Don Jacobson</b></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://austenesque.substack.com/" target="_blank">Don Jacobson’s Newsletter <i>Austenesque Thoughts</i></a></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Don-Jacobson/author/B001IQZ7GC" target="_blank">Don Jacobson’s Amazon Author’s (US) page</a> </span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.bookbub.com/authors/don-jacobson-ef9f09e3-96b8-475e-b988-54505cd1ec36" target="_blank">Don Jacobson’s BookBub Author Page</a> </span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15235321.Don_Jacobson" target="_blank">Don Jacobson’s Goodreads Page</a></span></div></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>* * * GIVEAWAY * * *</b></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Don Jacobson will give away 10 e-book copies of “The Sailor’s Rest” to randomly selected winners. Please use the Rafflecoptor and leave a comment to enter the drawing. No purchase is necessary.</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="9d1fdafb1" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/9d1fdafb1/" id="rcwidget_fy0ay352" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Many thanks to Don Jacobson for stopping by today! It's been wonderful to get some insights into your writing and take a peak into <b><i>The Sailor's Rest</i></b>!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Candy @ So little time...http://www.blogger.com/profile/05308027187577034357noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650768524127186637.post-61543345286956318582023-04-03T00:30:00.003-07:002023-04-03T00:30:00.191-07:00"Death in Sensible Circumstances" by Riana Everly ~ Guest Post, Excerpt, & Giveaway<p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Hello, friends! Today, it's my pleasure to have Riana Everly visiting with us. Her new book, and the 4th in the Miss Mary Investigates Series, <b><i>Death in Sensible Circumstance,</i></b> was released on March 1, 2023. Riana is here with a fun word from Elinor Dashwood and an excerpt from the book! Plus, details for a giveaway are at the bottom of this page. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><b>Elinor Dashwood Speaks</b></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiznxPA0KxAVR5B7bzTaXebDSLBoFIET9kTl69DfShj_aiBy2gYH78WjqZMrvbTP8o2ktYsbFY0kurbKgLn-ZkoWMIUNLlLVn-JnQN3GwrCxnC2ZqfXJgMc-MfByEW91P_CtILPEGAowxrh4S5KSNkK8oF_8qQ1VETvLGVfeZgHs1NMe34ujVxHY7t6/s599/Elinor.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="369" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiznxPA0KxAVR5B7bzTaXebDSLBoFIET9kTl69DfShj_aiBy2gYH78WjqZMrvbTP8o2ktYsbFY0kurbKgLn-ZkoWMIUNLlLVn-JnQN3GwrCxnC2ZqfXJgMc-MfByEW91P_CtILPEGAowxrh4S5KSNkK8oF_8qQ1VETvLGVfeZgHs1NMe34ujVxHY7t6/s320/Elinor.jpg" width="197" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Good day, friends,</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">It is I, Elinor Dashwood, who am here to talk with you today. My friend, Miss Mary Bennet, had so hoped to join us, but she was called away on a most urgent matter, and begged me to entertain you in her stead. It was unavoidable and was, I believe, the sensible thing to do.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I recently made the acquaintance of Miss Bennet whilst we were both staying in London, she with her aunt and uncle, and I with a relation of sorts, a generous woman named Mrs Jennings. I had expected something of a tedious stay in Town, for my sister Marianne was in very low spirits. We had been invited as a diversion from the small society at home, but had Marianne hoped to find the suitor who had abandoned her there. Alas, when we did discover him, it was to learn that he was engaged to somebody else, and Marianne has been inconsolable since. I had resigned myself to months of tedium listening to my poor sister’s woes, when, to my delight, I happened across Mary Bennet at a bookshop.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">What a delightful friend; so interesting and informed, and yet so sensible. I am very pleased to have met her.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">How much more unusual still the summer became when, first, tragedy struck in the form of a most tragic death, and later, when I became involved in the pursuit of the killer. This unexpected turn of events was rendered more yet extraordinary when the man suspected of instigating the murder was somebody I… esteem greatly. And that is only the beginning of the how convoluted affairs became!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">How clever my friend Mary was, to have solved this baffling mystery. She and her companion, a rather handsome investigator named Alexander Lyons, had all manner of tales to tell me when, at last, the killer was discovered. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">But I shall not tell you that tale at the moment. Instead, here is an account of how all these adventures began, when first I made the acquaintance of Miss Mary Bennet. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">From <b><i>Death in Sensible Circumstances: A Sense and Sensibility Mystery</i></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">March 23, 1814</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Mary Bennet could not name how many times she had walked past this particular shop on the corner. From the outside, it was an unassuming establishment, mere steps from the Bond Street Bazaar. Whilst walking down the street, one could see a small display of books in a window, but there was no apparent door, and a passerby might well believe the shop merely to be another of the booths in an arcade near The Exchange. But if one were to take a few strides down that other street—little more than a laneway, really—there one would find the green painted door that said <i>At the Sign of the Phoenix</i>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Every time in the past, Mary would stare at the door and wonder what was inside, but had never entered. She was always on some errand for her aunt, or expected somewhere, or simply too unsure of herself to walk unescorted into an unknown establishment. She ought, she told herself, to know better. She was Mary Bennet! She had solved—with some help, of course—three murders! She was not some simpering and helpless chit to be scared of a bookshop. And yet she always found some reason not to take that final step and enter the establishment. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Today, however, was to be different. Aunt Gardiner had told her in no uncertain terms to go and enjoy herself, and had even given her a whole guinea to spend “on matters completely frivolous.” When added to the ten pounds her brother-in-law Darcy had sent her for her stay in London, she felt as rich as the Prince himself. Yes! Today she would enter the Phoenix and buy herself a book!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimU88HqQyhx9jHJ52OdlApPZWxqEwpM6f5er8iODkNuUCuRJiTg5bK17nrkSBaG6iL8aWJkRaOKU2CFFgjjFaXDr0k3JJALHIEoyzSFy7VhhqeO2i5gG9OoBE6G5ApgIVhjQn_jpLKXjub3uvsK8au2HAetejv1-nJ_a4YRMvl0hvmpN2M6il4i8k/s640/Ladies%20in%20a%20Circulating%20Library.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="513" data-original-width="640" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimU88HqQyhx9jHJ52OdlApPZWxqEwpM6f5er8iODkNuUCuRJiTg5bK17nrkSBaG6iL8aWJkRaOKU2CFFgjjFaXDr0k3JJALHIEoyzSFy7VhhqeO2i5gG9OoBE6G5ApgIVhjQn_jpLKXjub3uvsK8au2HAetejv1-nJ_a4YRMvl0hvmpN2M6il4i8k/w400-h321/Ladies%20in%20a%20Circulating%20Library.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">She turned the corner and reached for the door. It swung open easily in her hand and she stepped through. And then her eyes widened and she gasped. Never had she expected this! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The room, though not large, was larger than the outside promised, and was stacked from the floor to ceiling with books! More shelves than she could count crossed the floor from the side walls, all filled almost to bursting with every manner of tome. Here and there, scattered with no seeming sense of pattern, a chair leaned near a wall, a few occupied by an avid reader, and in the scant open space between shelves, a handful of small tables supported piles of what looked to be several copies of the same title. As Mary gaped, a ginger cat wound itself about her ankles and drew her forward a few steps, where she could now see, at the far end of the shop, a staircase leading upwards, with a sign that read More Upstairs. It was an emporium of books! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Heaven, Mary mused, must be exactly like this, and then she chastised herself for having such improper thoughts about the nature of God’s heaven.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The cat rubbed itself up the backs of her shins and she stepped forward again. Now she could see a little desk in one corner, behind which sat a man of indeterminate years, neither young nor old, with thinning hair and spectacles. He peered at her through narrow eyes and gave a brief nod. He must be the bookshop’s proprietor. She nodded in return and hoped she looked friendly and trustworthy enough to be allowed in his establishment. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“May I help you?” the man asked in hushed tones. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">She swallowed and her face flushed hot. Could she voice her request to this unknown man? He would surely judge her most lacking. A serious, sensible young woman like herself ought to be reading a certain sort of literature. Improving manuals, for example, or sermons on the proper deportment of young ladies, or edifying poetry perhaps. But what Mary really wanted, and what she was going to buy with her small fortune of coins if her courage did not fail her, was a novel. Perhaps something horrid, like Regina Maria Roche’s <i>The Monastery of St. Columb</i>. Or Mary Brunton’s <i>Discipline</i>, perhaps. She had heard this latter had all manner of Highland scenes, which interested her greatly, although it really ought not to do so at all.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">There was Mrs. Roche’s book. She picked up a copy and turned to the first page. Was it horrible, like <i>Clermont</i>? Or worse, like <i>The Mysteries of Udolfo</i>? She had never dared to read something as scandalous as <i>Udolfo</i>, but she had heard so much about it… Still, she could not stop herself from reading the first page or two, or perhaps five, oblivious to the rest of the world. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Perhaps she would do better with Mrs. Brunton’s <i>Discipline</i>. She replaced the copy of <i>The Monastery of St. Columb</i> and reached for <i>Discipline</i> instead, her eyes full of the stacks about her. But rather than her hand alighting upon the cool hard cover of a book, she touched soft flesh instead. She pulled her hand back as if burned, only to see another young woman do exactly the same thing.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“Please forgive me,” Mary blurted out, as the other woman exclaimed, “Oh, I am so sorry!”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Then both of them smiled and both began to laugh, which brought the shopkeeper around to ask them to please be a little quieter.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“Have you read Mrs. Brunton’s book?” Mary asked the other lady, her voice now low.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“No, although I do wish to. But I must hide it from my sister. She thinks me far too serious to read novels! I saw you looking at <i>The Monastery</i>. Do you like the Gothick stories?”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Mary felt herself blush and hoped the red did not go badly with her mustard yellow pelisse. “Oh no! That is, I ought not… I dare not. I am far too sober-minded for that! Although I must confess, I would like to see what it is about…”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The other lady began to laugh again and then quickly quietened down to a delicate titter. “We are much alike then. Which shall you buy?”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Mary pinched her lips together and frowned. “I cannot say! I would like to read both, but really must not spend that amount of money.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“And I likewise.” Her companion shook her head and sighed.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“Ah, wait! I have a grand idea.” Mary beamed. She felt a great connection with this unknown lady, who seemed so similar to her and who had such excellent taste in books. “Perhaps I can buy the one and you the other, and when we have read them through, we might meet and lend each other our books so we can read both.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“How very clever! Here, may I introduce myself? It is not quite the thing, and yet there is no one else to do the honours, and we are hardly at a ball or an at-home. It must be excusable. My name is Elinor Dashwood, and I am staying in town with my cousin for some months.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“A pleasure to meet you, Miss Dashwood. I am Mary Bennet and I am staying with my aunt and uncle. What fun this is!”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Before long, the two ladies had made their purchases and, seeing there was ample time before either needed to return home, they decided to take tea at an elegant tea shop by The Exchange. They talked of this and that and the other, and by the time both had to depart, they had become fast friends.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_BkpQvgqLdqtdFka66L_ULx1XkTVWpQq2XI3e88iapPe-s0A7OtHmD2A1GS0gy5Whw0ra1o2JRX9QCOPNWgRUShsf_lsK4gjqiMRPJxu3bL8NJHcKD8McqyGM87RA-YEN9tY2eF5k5nSRKDDYdWfaJI-fM7pDlhCHL0atak7ESTSeub2qNlbTD33/s600/Death%20in%20SC%20400x600.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_BkpQvgqLdqtdFka66L_ULx1XkTVWpQq2XI3e88iapPe-s0A7OtHmD2A1GS0gy5Whw0ra1o2JRX9QCOPNWgRUShsf_lsK4gjqiMRPJxu3bL8NJHcKD8McqyGM87RA-YEN9tY2eF5k5nSRKDDYdWfaJI-fM7pDlhCHL0atak7ESTSeub2qNlbTD33/w266-h400/Death%20in%20SC%20400x600.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Death in Sensible Circumstances</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>A Sense and Sensibility Mystery</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Miss Mary Investigates Series </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">
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Blurb </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">A Jane Austen-inspired mystery, set in the world of <i>Pride and Prejudice</i> and <i>Sense and Sensibility</i>, being the fourth novel in the Miss Mary Investigates series. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">When Mary Bennet befriends Elinor Dashwood, she expects to become part of the young lady’s circle and be introduced to her friends and relations. She does not expect that one of this circle should die, far too young, and in most unfortunate circumstances. Worse, Elinor is secretly in love with one of the suspects, Edward Ferrars, and he is inconveniently engaged to somebody else. When an investigator is called in to assist, Mary is more surprised still. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Alexander Lyons expects to find death and deceit in his line of work, but he does not expect to come face to face with Mary, who hasn’t replied to his letters of late. What is she doing in London? And how is she involved with this sorry business of murder? Still, despite the tension between the two, they make a good team as they seek to unravel the mystery surrounding them. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">From the elegant drawing rooms of Mayfair to the reeking slums of St. Giles, the two must use every bit of wit and logic they possess to uncover a killer, all the while, trying to puzzle out the workings of their own hearts. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Join Mary Bennet, Lizzy’s often overlooked sister from<i> Pride and Prejudice</i>, and her intriguing and handsome friend Alexander Lyons, as they are pulled into the world of Jane Austen’s <i>Sense and Sensibility</i> in this, their latest adventure.
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<div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Buy: <a href="https://amzn.to/40SrFG1" target="_blank">Amazon US</a> (paid link) • <a href="https://books2read.com/deathinsc" target="_blank">Books2Read</a></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Add to <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/122991078-death-in-sensible-circumstances?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=T0UZWZVAwL&rank=1" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon US. I am an Amazon Associate. I will receive a small commission if you purchase a book through the link provided. Thanks!</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>About the Author</b></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-size: large;">Riana Everly is an award-winning author of romance, both contemporary and historical, and historical mysteries. </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-size: large;">Born in South Africa, she moved to Canada as a child, bringing with her two parents, two younger sisters, and too many books. Yes, they were mysteries. From those early days of <i>The Secret Seven</i> and <i>The Famous Five</i>, she graduated to <i>Nancy Drew</i>, and then to the Grande Dames of classical English whodunnits, including Agatha Christie and Ngaio Marsh. Others followed, and many sleepless nights ensued.</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-size: large;">When not matching wits with Miss Marple and Adam Dalgliesh, Riana keeps busy researching those little, but so-important, details for her next fabulous novel.</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-size: large;">Trained as a classical musician, Riana has degrees in Music History and Medieval Studies, and enjoys photography, hiking, travelling, learning obscure languages, and experimenting with new recipes. If they include chocolate, all the better.</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-size: large;">Her <b>Miss Mary Investigates</b> series has charmed both Jane Austen fans and serious mystery lovers alike, and readers are always asking when the next story will be available.</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Connect with Riana Everly</span></b></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://rianaeverly.com/" target="_blank">Website</a> • <a href="https://rianaeverly.com/blog/" target="_blank">Blog</a> • <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RianaEverly" target="_blank">Facebook</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/RianaEverly" target="_blank">Twitter</a> • <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Riana-Everly/e/B076C6HY27" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">She loves meeting readers!</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">* * * GIVEAWAY * * *</span></b></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-size: large;">From Riana: I am delighted to be giving away one eBook of <i><b>Death in Sensible Circumstances: A Sense and Sensibility Mystery</b></i> at each blog I visit. I will randomly select one person who comments as a winner. I’ll make the draw five days after the date of the blog visit. I will email the book directly to the winners, so please check back on the site, or make sure I have a way to contact you. </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-size: large;">Riana's email is <a href="mailto:riana.everly@gmail.com">riana.everly@gmail.com</a></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-size: large;">Good luck!</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-size: large;">Thank you so much, Riana, for stopping by today! Also, for generously giving away an eBook to one of my lucky readers! </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-size: large;">Thank you, everyone! I hope you enjoyed Riana's post and that you are as excited to read this series as much as I am! Be sure to leave a comment to enter the giveaway! </span></div></div><div class="“p-1”" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></div></span></div>Candy @ So little time...http://www.blogger.com/profile/05308027187577034357noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650768524127186637.post-33364323499266538822023-03-05T23:30:00.019-08:002023-03-06T14:59:05.068-08:00"Why I Kissed You" by Christine Combe ~ Guest Post, Excerpt & Giveaway!<p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Hello, my friends! I'm thrilled to welcome Christine Combe here today with her new book, <b style="font-style: italic;">Why I Kissed You</b>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Please give a warm welcome to Christine!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Greetings, fellow Austenians! I’m so excited to be visiting So Little Time for the very first time today! Candy has graciously allowed me to take over the blog for a day to talk to you about my newest release, <i>Why I kissed You</i>. This is actually my seventh JAFF novel to date, though the first one released in 2023.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiokyT-RCTyAGrjKt8ryC-Wu3KIqRkanJnBYukWvJbAGgS93GuWBpg3A_sX8XN-6SCGYuNuZg2gcIGa5V-GZzMZ4WCFEw1R6sZvD6mclJGkWWYi1lqqdpG2pXJFmSVVVATlr27JaO6lLkvEY34E0qIFGWsCorPTf7IpEeOSs5e27H1-_S1meK0FHFCo/s2048/Cover.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1354" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiokyT-RCTyAGrjKt8ryC-Wu3KIqRkanJnBYukWvJbAGgS93GuWBpg3A_sX8XN-6SCGYuNuZg2gcIGa5V-GZzMZ4WCFEw1R6sZvD6mclJGkWWYi1lqqdpG2pXJFmSVVVATlr27JaO6lLkvEY34E0qIFGWsCorPTf7IpEeOSs5e27H1-_S1meK0FHFCo/w265-h400/Cover.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Why I Kissed You</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">by Christine Combe</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">
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Blurb: </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Although she vehemently refuses the marriage proposal of Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth Bennet soon learns that an unexplainable moment of passion that occurred between them has led a furious Lady Catherine de Bourgh to demand she be thrown out of Mr. Collins’ house! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Fitzwilliam Darcy, although his pride was wounded by Elizabeth’s rejection, finds he cannot allow her to be harmed by his aunt’s fanciful ambition for a marriage between him and her daughter. Fearing further action may be taken to damage Elizabeth’s reputation, he knows that marriage is the only form of protection he can offer her. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Elizabeth and Darcy travel to London to begin the arrangements for a wedding that for all intents and purposes shouldn’t be taking place. In the midst of shopping for wedding clothes, sharing the news with family, and meeting Darcy’s noble relatives, Elizabeth is coming to learn more about who Darcy really is than she ever knew before. At the same time, Darcy is navigating the intricacies of realizing how wrong it is to interfere in the lives of others and how to deserve forgiveness from a friend. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Though they act quickly to begin a new life together where one person is in love and the other now unsure of their feelings, Elizabeth and Darcy can’t stop one final attempt to keep them apart forever. But faith and love—and a little bit of luck—will play their part in determining whether there is a chance to pursue the happily ever after that both of them desperately want.
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<div class="“p-1”"><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">In this new story, I deviated from the canon at Hunsford, but that’s not the only change! Instead of writing Elizabeth a letter, Darcy actually talks to her—I turned the letter into a conversation! If you’ve been following along on the tour so far, here’s the 2nd half of chapter 2:</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> They had come to a point on the road where a grassy lane—more a footpath, really—lead off into that favorite walk which Elizabeth had earlier avoided. She decided to turn that way in the hope of still finding some measure of peace in her exercise. Darcy could surely have nothing further to say to her—he’d explained his reasons for interfering with Bingley and Jane, but not at all to her satisfaction. Indeed, there were no words he could have said to dispel her anger there. Not even the recollection of Charlotte having once observed that Jane might want to show more than she felt—which admittedly stung a little in light of Darcy’s similar judgment of her sister’s behaviour—could make her believe that Jane had done anything wrong. </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “Will you hear me further?” Darcy asked her. </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “Have I any choice in the matter?” Elizabeth retorted.</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “You do,” he replied evenly. “However, I asked that you allow me to address the two offences of which I was accused. I have done with one but not the other.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “Oh yes—your cruelty to Mr. Wickham,” said she, glancing sidelong at him. “Pray make as poor an attempt to justify how you wronged him as you have wronged my sister and Mr. Bingley.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Darcy sighed…and then launched into a narrative which stunned Elizabeth to her core. That Wickham had grown up on the Pemberley estate as the son of old Mr. Darcy’s steward, that he had been Mr. Darcy’s godson and supported with a gentleman’s education at Cambridge, she had heard from Wickham himself. The first difference in their stories to give her pause was in the handling of the living. Darcy explained that his father had hoped Mr. Wickham would make the church his profession, for his manners were even then so engaging as to give the elder man the highest opinion of him and so had intended to provide him a living. </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “As for myself, it is many, many years since I first began to think of him in a very different manner,” said Darcy in a bitter voice. “The vicious propensities, the want of principle, which he was careful to guard from the knowledge of his best friend, could not escape the observation of a young man of nearly the same age with himself, and who had opportunities of seeing him in unguarded moments, which my father could not have. Here again I shall give you pain—to what degree you only can tell. But whatever may be the sentiments which Mr. Wickham has created, a suspicion of their nature shall not prevent me from unfolding his real character. It adds even another motive.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> The living, which Wickham had told Elizabeth he was promised, was to be his only if he took orders. Darcy told her that, about six months after the death of both their fathers some five years before, Wickham had written to say he had resolved against taking orders and instead wished to study the law. Knowing that Wickham ought not to be a clergyman, he thus hoped rather than believed the declaration to be sincere. Wickham’s letter said he hoped Darcy should not think it unreasonable for him to expect some more immediate pecuniary advantage in lieu of the preferment, as the interest of a legacy of one thousand pounds, left to him by old Mr. Darcy, would be insufficient to support the pursuit of that career. </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “Wickham resigned all claim to assistance in the church,” Darcy continued, “were it possible that he could ever be in a situation to receive it and accepted in return three thousand pounds.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Elizabeth could not stifle the soft gasp that erupted from her. Four thousand pounds, a combination of his legacy and compensation, was no trifle!</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Her companion went on without acknowledging her surprise. “All connexion between us seemed now dissolved. I thought too ill of him to invite him to Pemberley or admit his society in town. In town, I believe, he chiefly lived, but his studying the law was a mere pretense; and being now free from all restraint, his life was a life of idleness and dissipation. For about three years I heard little of him; but on the decease of the incumbent of the living which had been designed for him, when his dissolute style of living had rendered his circumstances desperate, he applied to me again by letter for the presentation.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “But… You said he willingly gave it up in exchange for money,” Elizabeth remarked. “I… I will admit to being rather surprised he ever thought that you would be of a mind to grant him that over which he had no longer had any semblance of rights to claim, even if you had no other person to provide for.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> She cleared her throat and, now feeling the first stirrings of shame, looked down at her feet as she said in a lower voice, “He told me you had denied him the living out of spite and jealousy, against the wishes of your father.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “Allow me to speculate that you were the only one with whom he shared this confidence until after I’d left Netherfield?” When Elizabeth nodded, Darcy snorted softly. “I am not surprised. When it was still possible that I might refute his claims and prove him a liar, he limited the number of his confidantes to one, then my absence—and ability to both blacken his character and defend my own—loosened his tongue. Nor does it surprise me he was as violent in his abuse of me to others as in his reproaches to myself. You will hardly blame me, in light of this knowledge, for refusing to comply with his entreaty, or for resisting every repetition of it.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “N-no, sir, I cannot,” Elizabeth confessed. “I… Four thousand pounds gone in only three years… How can anyone be so irresponsible?”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Darcy drew a breath and said, “Though I have thus far said enough, I think, to acquit me of wrongdoing in regard to Mr. Wickham, I have more to say that will completely open his real character to you.” </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Unable to think of what other lies she had foolishly believed that might be revealed as such, Elizabeth wordlessly gestured for Darcy to continue. Her mortification at having believed Wickham’s claims, so inappropriately communicated to a person he had only just met, paled immeasurably in comparison to the horror she felt on hearing how—in league with Miss Darcy’s former companion—Wickham had pursued the much younger girl to Ramsgate, where she had been taken on holiday. Darcy was to join her there but had been delayed, and Wickham had availed himself of the opportunity to attach himself to her and persuade Georgiana Darcy that she was in love with him, and that they ought to elope to Scotland. Darcy, his business concluded earlier than expected, went on to Ramsgate without sending word of his coming and thus arrived before the day of the planned elopement. Georgiana, unable to support the idea of grieving and offending a brother whom she looked up to as almost a father, acknowledged the whole at once.</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “You may imagine what I felt and how I acted. Regard for my sister’s credit and feelings prevented any public exposure; but I wrote to Mr. Wickham, who left the place immediately, and Mrs. Younge was of course removed from her charge. Mr. Wickham’s chief object was unquestionably my sister’s fortune, which is thirty thousand pounds; but I cannot help supposing that the hope of revenging himself on me was a strong inducement. His revenge would have been complete indeed, and my sister’s happiness ruined forever.” </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Elizabeth felt herself unequal to making any reply; indeed, she found herself feeling rather ill. How could she have been so very blind? </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “Miss Bennet, are you well? You’ve gone rather pale,” said Darcy then, and the concern in his voice—that he could even feel concern for her after all that had passed between them—only served to heighten her agitation. </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “Come,” said Darcy, taking her gently by the elbow. “Come, you must sit down.” </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> He guided her over to a fallen tree at the side of the path, and Elizabeth sat upon it with a shaky breath. “I… I had no idea he was…” </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> She looked up at him. “And this is a faithful narrative?” she asked, then instantly feared that she had offended him further by asking—why would he have involved his sister in the tale were any part of it false?</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Darcy nodded grimly. “You will, I hope, acquit me henceforth of cruelty towards Mr. Wickham. His success in deceiving you is not to be wondered at, ignorant as you previously were of everything concerning us both. Detection could not be in your power, and suspicion certainly not in your inclination.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “No,” she replied with a mirthless chuckle. “No, my inclination was to be happy in having found someone who disliked you as much as I did.”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Elizabeth looked up at him again. “Why did you not tell me all of this last night?”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “In light of the vexation I felt at your rejection of my offer and the manner in which it was delivered—as well as my utter confusion as to what had motivated me to kiss you—I was not then master enough of myself to know what could or ought to be revealed. However, for the truth of all this, I can appeal more particularly to the testimony of Colonel Fitzwilliam, who, from our near relationship and constant intimacy, and still more as one of the executors of my father’s will, has been unavoidably acquainted with every particular of these transactions. If your abhorrence of me should make my assertions valueless—”</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Elizabeth quickly held up her hand. “No, sir, that I could not… that is… I must confess that when you asked to speak with me, I had had no idea at all what you might say. And now I am so overcome with my own feelings that I at present know not what to say myself, except to own how blind, partial, prejudiced, and absurd I have been.” </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> In fact, she was quickly growing absolutely ashamed of herself. <i>How despicably have I acted!</i> she cried silently. <i>I, who have prided myself on my discernment! I, who have valued myself on my abilities! Oh, why did I not listen to Jane? Why did I disdain her advice to me? How humiliating is this discovery! Yet, how just a humiliation! Had I been in love, I could not have been more wretchedly blind. But vanity, not love, has been my folly. Pleased with the preference of one, and offended by the neglect of the other, I have courted prepossession and ignorance, and driven reason away where either were concerned.</i> </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> “Until this moment, I never knew myself,” she whispered.</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">***</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">That was certainly an enlightening conversation for Elizabeth! Do you think hearing the truth might ease her anger toward Darcy faster than a letter?</span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>About the Author</b></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQAWZgYoIH4WEdY1gyPfI44nW1eAyzkz330fThepxEYYETIQdtotrjqj13krskhhBZjmXDvOuYoXduJCshoGE-EK6_UUpI8YY9pt7GEmmQMreFoKkyEn5PgQpahUAptsu2jyr5HJ_Qyxt8AUtO2yaOKOtNLV-cZrpGNBzH_TFn-hG01jfA5ZMDIc_w/s400/Author%20Pic%202.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQAWZgYoIH4WEdY1gyPfI44nW1eAyzkz330fThepxEYYETIQdtotrjqj13krskhhBZjmXDvOuYoXduJCshoGE-EK6_UUpI8YY9pt7GEmmQMreFoKkyEn5PgQpahUAptsu2jyr5HJ_Qyxt8AUtO2yaOKOtNLV-cZrpGNBzH_TFn-hG01jfA5ZMDIc_w/s320/Author%20Pic%202.png" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Christine, like many a JAFF author before her, is a long-time<br /> admirer of Jane Austen's work, and she hopes that her alternate versions are as enjoyable as the originals. She has plans to one day visit England and take a tour of all the grand country estates which have featured in film adaptations, and often dreams of owning one. Christine lives in Ohio and is already at work on her next book.</span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Connect with Christine</b></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://allthattheydesire.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> • <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorChristineCombe" target="_blank">Facebook</a></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Email: authorchristinecombe@gmail.com</span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Blog Tour Schedule</b></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsYr9ZFITzhzbQxapEiRr0Kvu37lFPmvranrf6LtMBPJiRL-QpMr2-LnAe28v38ZkwiyN-qp3Kz2vc4E5AcH1Hk0jjP16AM_hUTShdQJEm7KvFqOm0Hb1DMCj_VL4lyE5jap-pTH4QC9rV35P3ljWj0BijiFgIWYXOA7dMKSTzjpapvn-YqWNOznov/s636/Blog%20Tour%20Schedule.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="636" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsYr9ZFITzhzbQxapEiRr0Kvu37lFPmvranrf6LtMBPJiRL-QpMr2-LnAe28v38ZkwiyN-qp3Kz2vc4E5AcH1Hk0jjP16AM_hUTShdQJEm7KvFqOm0Hb1DMCj_VL4lyE5jap-pTH4QC9rV35P3ljWj0BijiFgIWYXOA7dMKSTzjpapvn-YqWNOznov/w400-h368/Blog%20Tour%20Schedule.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">March 1 - <a href="https://interestsofajaneaustengirl.wordpress.com/2023/03/01/why-i-kissed-you-by-christine-combe/" target="_blank">Interests of a Jane Austen Girl</a></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">March 3 - <a href="https://myvicesandweaknesses.wordpress.com/2023/03/03/why-i-kissed-you-by-christine-combe-excerpt-giveaway/" target="_blank">My Vices and Weaknesses</a></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">March 5 - <a href="https://jaynebamber.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">But Do Not Faint</a></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">March 6 - <a href="https://candy-m.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">So Little Time...</a> You're here!</span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">March 9 - <a href="https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">From Pemberley to Milton</a></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">March 11 - <a href="https://allthattheydesire.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">All That They Desire</a></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">March 13 - <a href="http://thesecretunderstandingofthehearts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">My Jane Austen Book Club</a></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">March 15 - <a href="https://austenesquereviews.com/" target="_blank">Austenesque Reviews</a></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"> </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><i>Why I Kissed You</i></b> is now available from Amazon in eBook, paperback, and hardcover editions! </span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Buy: <a href="https://amzn.to/3ZIDGNQ" target="_blank">Amazon</a> (paid link)</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. I will receive a small commission if you purchase a book through the link provided. Thanks!</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><b>* * * GIVEAWAY * * *</b></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Leave a comment on today’s blog for a chance to win your very own Kindle copy—and follow along on the blog tour for a chance to win a signed paperback! If for any reason, you cannot comment on a blog, notify me (Christine) by email, and I will be sure to add you to the drawing for the paperback.</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">One of my lucky readers who comments today (Mar. 6th) will be randomly picked by Christine for the eBook.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">All winners and the signed paperback winner will be announced on Christine's blog on Mar. 20th. </span></li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Good luck!</span></div></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFlHmhO7S83GxJogRzoaSJsjPu1i6IAE9Z5m5UOHCL4ACHLQ7-QLIxSIR-KpO5YcseiolZYfFUnm5NYUf-0DdTUpEy6RRcFHvG2HfQLFTgGE0PdvmGMHwWxc0BGSZC0zIK9nT-XyLpGSkrLN_BieFZd1mdRd3eKN1Prs67W6iFv6xr6lbcVDHkSgy/s2048/Cover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1354" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFlHmhO7S83GxJogRzoaSJsjPu1i6IAE9Z5m5UOHCL4ACHLQ7-QLIxSIR-KpO5YcseiolZYfFUnm5NYUf-0DdTUpEy6RRcFHvG2HfQLFTgGE0PdvmGMHwWxc0BGSZC0zIK9nT-XyLpGSkrLN_BieFZd1mdRd3eKN1Prs67W6iFv6xr6lbcVDHkSgy/s320/Cover.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Thank you so much, Christine, for visiting us today! That excerpt was lovely! I'm so glad they were able to speak to one another. Yes, I believe that would clear the air much faster.</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Friends, what are your thoughts? We'd love to hear! Plus, don't forget to comment to enter the giveaway. 😃 </span></div></div></div>Candy @ So little time...http://www.blogger.com/profile/05308027187577034357noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650768524127186637.post-45367839882949291842023-03-01T23:30:00.003-08:002023-03-01T23:30:00.205-08:00A Winter by the Sea by Julie Klassen ~ Cover Reveal!<p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Hello, my friends! I'm delighted to bring you another cover reveal! Julie Klassen has a new book, <i><b>A Winter by the Sea</b></i>, coming out in December 2023! It's my pleasure to be part of the cover reveal book tour! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Before we see the cover, here's a word from Julie Klassen:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Dear Readers,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I am excited to give you an insider’s look at my December 2023 novel, <i>A Winter by the Sea</i>. This is the second book in the On Devonshire Shores series. Book One, <i>The Sisters of Sea View</i>, has been enthusiastically received and reviewed. I am grateful for each of you who helped spread the word about it!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">During my research, I learned that the Duke and Duchess of Kent and their baby daughter stayed in Woolbrook Cottage (very near fictional Sea View) during the winter of 1819-1820. I instantly knew I wanted to include them in the novel to give readers a glimpse of the early life of Queen Victoria and her parents. The royal party arrived with too many attendants to accommodate at Woolbrook, so some were lodged elsewhere. I thought it would be fun to have a few staff members stay at Sea View, including a pastry chef who invades their kitchen, a man in desperate straits, and the duke’s handsome private secretary.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">It was also interesting to write a seaside novel set during wintertime (it was unusually cold and snowy that year). Because I live in frigid Minnesota, cold weather details and sensations were easy to imagine. 😊</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">When I began writing this series, I had not yet traveled to Sidmouth, where the series is set. I am happy to say I was able to visit in August 2022 and was thrilled to experience this delightful town in person. The highlight of that trip was meeting the staff and volunteers of the Sidmouth Museum who have been extremely helpful in answering research questions and checking setting details for me.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>A Winter by the Sea</i> focuses on beautiful Emily Summers, who finds herself caught up in two rivalries. First, while striving to further her writing aspirations, Emily is torn between her loyalty to a well-established publisher & bookseller and his flamboyant competitor. Second, despite her best intentions, she is attracted to one of their new guests, but an old love comes to town, determined to renew their courtship.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I hope you are eager to return with me to the English seaside for Book Two of the On Devonshire Shores series. Thank you for all you do to support my books, and readers everywhere! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Gratefully, Julie</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>About the Author</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0NUVqNpaRI7clON4Si5QCWk9nFCVYuCpAcRm93uC2LCn8CTu4u8XFm0Z59qfWtyT1WBgUttLdSbg9ndHu3jUdYGdVBZoz8gwS8DSiKxkjaTxiLFNoqiTNGS0s5oJr0ixN3NpPPIc23BAjLLExixe6OdEAMR8jG9FPksAMaBNfPi-u8f2qVe7yKYeJ/s2000/Julie%20Klassen%20author%20headshot%202022.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0NUVqNpaRI7clON4Si5QCWk9nFCVYuCpAcRm93uC2LCn8CTu4u8XFm0Z59qfWtyT1WBgUttLdSbg9ndHu3jUdYGdVBZoz8gwS8DSiKxkjaTxiLFNoqiTNGS0s5oJr0ixN3NpPPIc23BAjLLExixe6OdEAMR8jG9FPksAMaBNfPi-u8f2qVe7yKYeJ/s320/Julie%20Klassen%20author%20headshot%202022.jpg" width="256" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Julie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen.<br /> Her books have sold more than a million copies and she is a three-time recipient of the Christy Award for Historical Romance. She has also been honored with the Minnesota Book Award, Midwest Book Award, and Christian Retailing’s BEST Award. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. She and her husband have two sons and live in St. Paul, Minnesota.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://julieklassen.com/" target="_blank">Website</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/Julie_Klassen" target="_blank">Twitter</a> • <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJulieKlassen/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> • <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/Julie_Klassen/_saved/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> • <a href="https://www.instagram.com/julie.k.klassen/?hl=en" target="_blank">Instagram</a> • <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/928415.Julie_Klassen" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Now without further ado, here's the cover!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQVE9xJ59A4N8Qzlh-RW3fdIeKiwhOqqXt4-OsqQFTekFCSxzc8ymw8yt-QEgmvccF_RyKQNkRU16UGnSuImOVfqsFCMNXYjIOSU7r25tMkDTX8HlgUUr_XO2UjqtkXO6hdDKYkkTFfkqctIsv1iWt3fG8xQFYQX3a9j0vx4068-6LDxV39XObaE8/s2552/A%20Winter%20by%20the%20Sea%202023.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2552" data-original-width="1649" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQVE9xJ59A4N8Qzlh-RW3fdIeKiwhOqqXt4-OsqQFTekFCSxzc8ymw8yt-QEgmvccF_RyKQNkRU16UGnSuImOVfqsFCMNXYjIOSU7r25tMkDTX8HlgUUr_XO2UjqtkXO6hdDKYkkTFfkqctIsv1iWt3fG8xQFYQX3a9j0vx4068-6LDxV39XObaE8/w414-h640/A%20Winter%20by%20the%20Sea%202023.jpg" width="414" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Book Description</b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">When the Duke and Duchess of Kent rent neighboring Woolbrook Cottage for the winter, the Summers sisters are called upon to host three of the royal couple's male staff in their seaside house. But they soon realize they've invited mysterious secrets and the sweet possibility of romance into their home.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Meanwhile, Emily Summers approaches a local publisher in hopes of fulfilling her dream of becoming an author. When he turns her down, his dashing competitor promises to consider her novel if she will first write a new Sidmouth guidebook for him. Emily accepts and begins researching with the help of the Duke of Kent's handsome private secretary. But a surprise visitor from her past shows up at Sea View, leaving Emily torn between the desires she used to hold dear and her budding dreams for the future.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Return to the Devonshire coast with the Summers sisters, where loyalties are tested, secrets come to light, and new love emerges.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Purchase Links</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3xTtp5k" target="_blank">Amazon</a> (paid link) • <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-winter-by-the-sea-julie-klassen/1143074473?ean=9780764234286" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> • <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Winter-by-Sea/9780764234286?ref=grid-view&qid=1677011401999&sr=1-6" target="_blank">Book Depository</a> • <a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/a-winter-by-the-sea-julie-klassen/19748059?ean=9780764234286" target="_blank">Bookshop</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Add to <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/89037426-a-winter-by-the-sea" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. I will receive a small commission if you purchase a book through the link provided. Thanks!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1TTSwRP8_pTsC2aTF13kfgZ5BlEh70Fwkjn2SO53B_sir94AKYW5JDRJRhlQnoV-60tzSRyzgLpdSiaDeqnt7Xi6ZBLAUOi4OVu71P7E2olQgjg9LWruUqv9eAeURVAp2rqt0GD3FO6xtd8GKzj3q23cbD2WE0Pfe9K23is5ThDFujymePTlhWoj/s1200/_A%20Winter%20by%20the%20Sea%20cover%20reveal%20horizontal%20(1200%20%C3%97%20675)%20V3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1TTSwRP8_pTsC2aTF13kfgZ5BlEh70Fwkjn2SO53B_sir94AKYW5JDRJRhlQnoV-60tzSRyzgLpdSiaDeqnt7Xi6ZBLAUOi4OVu71P7E2olQgjg9LWruUqv9eAeURVAp2rqt0GD3FO6xtd8GKzj3q23cbD2WE0Pfe9K23is5ThDFujymePTlhWoj/w640-h360/_A%20Winter%20by%20the%20Sea%20cover%20reveal%20horizontal%20(1200%20%C3%97%20675)%20V3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Many thanks to Laurel Ann Nattress @ <a href="https://austenprose.com/austenprose-pr/" target="_blank">AustenprosePR</a> for organizing and including me on this tour! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Wow! This looks like another fantastic book! Be sure to pre-order your copy! </span></p>Candy @ So little time...http://www.blogger.com/profile/05308027187577034357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650768524127186637.post-28862943131875259342023-02-22T23:30:00.001-08:002023-02-22T23:30:00.200-08:00Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord ~ Cover Reveal & Giveaway!<p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Hello, my friends! I'm super excited to share with you all the cover reveal for <b><i>Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord</i></b> by Celeste Connally! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">But first, here's a message from the author:</span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Hello, Dear Readers,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;">I’m incredibly honored you’re here to help me reveal the cover for the first book in my new historical mystery series, <b><i>Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord</i></b>.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;">The idea for this book took hold during the pandemic, when I was watching period dramas on the regular, including all my favorite Jane Austen adaptations and <i>Downton Abbey</i>. And of course, in nearly every one, there was the notion of the unmarried woman being a rather pitiable character. I began thinking about how the spinsters never got to be in the limelight, especially in the Regency period. They were hardly ever seen as strong, or capable, or worthy of respect, and I thought to myself that a main character who valued her independence and embraced her decision not to marry would make for a heroine I would like to write.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;">And thus, dear readers, I am overjoyed to introduce you to Lady Petra Forsyth. Daughter of the Fifth Earl of Holbrook, accomplished equestrienne, goddaughter to the Duchess of Hillmorton, and a woman in possession of her own fortune. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;">After the death of her fiancé three years ago, Lady Petra’s already headstrong ways—which include occasionally riding astride in her brother’s old breeches—came to include living her life on her own terms. That is, without a husband—though not everyone sees her decision as the right one, or the ladylike one. And when the purported death of a dear friend seems intertwined with mentions of a mysterious physician, Petra does the most unladylike thing she can: she starts asking questions.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;">When Petra formed in my mind as a character, I saw her with little bits of some of my favorite…well, almost-spinsters. Such as Emma Woodhouse, who was initially willing to go her own way and remain unmarried in a time where doing just that was an incredible risk for a woman, no matter what her financial status. And then there’s <i>Downton Abbey</i>’s Lady Edith, who recognized her talents and carved out a satisfying life for herself as an entrepreneur and businesswoman. She didn’t let it stop her from romance, either… </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;">Another thing my inspirations for Petra have in common is that I feel they would all have made excellent amateur sleuths. Some would say it’s because spinsters have an inclination toward nosiness, but I would say it’s their sharp minds and a refusal to give up on what’s important. I think Petra certainly begins to develop the knack for investigating—whether or not those around her approve—and I very much hope you’ll enjoy riding alongside her for her very first adventure.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;">All my best,</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;">Celeste</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now for the cover reveal! </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-W11Ot1GfGkztYerPnds-BBAx3Y9Jf7X7Byz4ZvwfT3ttwf0YNZcxSaBg-BQ2FNe9KCPmiJv_AbEh9PKoqSxR0igyA9Tn2hgsMrskUfu30Q0REmqEY1Lbm7fjQQhb6Csf17rIsDSO8hZzfWWgOCMYcqDvkgCJnCSWU5qL38YVreWgvh6AWfAzdFWe/s2551/Act%20Like%20a%20Lady%20Think%20Like%20a%20Lored%202023.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2551" data-original-width="1689" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-W11Ot1GfGkztYerPnds-BBAx3Y9Jf7X7Byz4ZvwfT3ttwf0YNZcxSaBg-BQ2FNe9KCPmiJv_AbEh9PKoqSxR0igyA9Tn2hgsMrskUfu30Q0REmqEY1Lbm7fjQQhb6Csf17rIsDSO8hZzfWWgOCMYcqDvkgCJnCSWU5qL38YVreWgvh6AWfAzdFWe/w424-h640/Act%20Like%20a%20Lady%20Think%20Like%20a%20Lored%202023.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Book Description</span></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Bridgerton meets Agatha Christie in Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord, a dazzling first entry in a terrific new Regency-era cozy series with a feminist spin.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">When Lady Petra Forsyth’s fiancé and soulmate dies just weeks ahead of their wedding, she makes the shocking proclamation―in front of London’s loosest lips―that she will never remarry. A woman of independent means, Petra sees no reason to cede her wealth and freedom to any man now that the love of her life has passed, nor does she intend to become confined to her country home. Instead, she uses her title to gain access to elite spaces and enjoy the best of society without expectations.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">But when ballroom gossip suggests that a longtime friend has died of “melancholia” while in the care of a questionable physician, Petra vows to use her status to dig deeper―uncovering a private asylum where men pay to have their wives and daughters locked away, or worse. Just as Lady Petra has reason to believe her friend is not dead, but a prisoner, her own headstrong actions and thirst for independence are used to put her own freedom in jeopardy.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Purchase Links</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3XO9PSq" target="_blank">Amazon</a> (paid link) • <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/act-like-a-lady-think-like-a-lord-celeste-connally/1142827145" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> • <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/ACT-Like-Lady-Think-Like-Lord-Celeste-Connally/9781250867551?ref=grid-view&qid=1676852319518&sr=1-5" target="_blank">Book Depository</a> • <a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/act-like-a-lady-think-like-a-lord-celeste-connally/19473490?ean=9781250867551" target="_blank">Bookshop</a> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Add to <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/65213393-act-like-a-lady-think-like-a-lord" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. I will receive a small commission if you purchase a book through the link provided. Thanks!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Author Bio</span></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo9cnuc797OpMLEt4eGdKQFABC4i-jPcy-OPkHdDZ0gNvYVxVlnJqAUZUbkxgDbMzX2Sc4qvX_imM0Z1tmy2aj7aZLqTQA5Vk4B6ttd1oMkmFUIiePtWw8FPhzGNI7mZdt65ajjBq2Pe1HxpxAu5sEojJTT2waIbo-SmD1aEonyui3GpMXgOtkcY6i/s750/Celeste%20Connally%20author%20headshot%20x%20750.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo9cnuc797OpMLEt4eGdKQFABC4i-jPcy-OPkHdDZ0gNvYVxVlnJqAUZUbkxgDbMzX2Sc4qvX_imM0Z1tmy2aj7aZLqTQA5Vk4B6ttd1oMkmFUIiePtWw8FPhzGNI7mZdt65ajjBq2Pe1HxpxAu5sEojJTT2waIbo-SmD1aEonyui3GpMXgOtkcY6i/s320/Celeste%20Connally%20author%20headshot%20x%20750.jpg" width="229" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Celeste Connally is an Agatha Award nominee, and a former<br /> freelance writer and editor. A lifelong devotee of historical novels and adaptations fueled by her passion for history—plus weekly doses of PBS Masterpiece—Celeste loves reading and writing about women from the past who didn’t always do as they were told.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://celesteconnally.com/" target="_blank">Website</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/cconnallyauthor" target="_blank">Twitter</a> • <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CelesteConnallyAuthor/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> • <a href="https://www.instagram.com/celesteconnallyauthor/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> • <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/23160576.Celeste_Connally" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8VuF15xRn7UqVRxPBY4J1HwGAFdBcCcAmoncBjXQGwwzXVfU6-SsULmAOR9NdTA4fPTkTfs6nhrJ6r_yss_-LliJS0OWYgcIMYZ9heekQ4dQcn6cWfnEPRfn2Maghny4ghJlzwuxVlnzLbaqXpUNf-_-Z8ew1xS5q3sWpZe4zley6OzqMuy0D8aYi/s1200/_Act%20Like%20a%20Lady%20cover%20reveal%20horizontal%20(1200%20%C3%97%20675).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8VuF15xRn7UqVRxPBY4J1HwGAFdBcCcAmoncBjXQGwwzXVfU6-SsULmAOR9NdTA4fPTkTfs6nhrJ6r_yss_-LliJS0OWYgcIMYZ9heekQ4dQcn6cWfnEPRfn2Maghny4ghJlzwuxVlnzLbaqXpUNf-_-Z8ew1xS5q3sWpZe4zley6OzqMuy0D8aYi/w640-h360/_Act%20Like%20a%20Lady%20cover%20reveal%20horizontal%20(1200%20%C3%97%20675).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b>* * * GIVEAWAY * * *</b></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Author Celeste Connally and her publisher Minotaur Books are generously offering a fabulous giveaway! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here are the giveaway details:</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Two (2) winners (selected at random by Rafflecopter) will receive one (1) advanced reader’s paperback copy of </span><i style="font-family: georgia;">Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord</i><span style="font-family: georgia;">. One (1) winner (selected at random by Rafflecopter) will receive one (1) advanced reader’s paperback copy of </span><i style="font-family: georgia;">Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord</i><span style="font-family: georgia;"> and a gift prize package containing the following: </span></span></p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">A Jane Austen 'Obstinate, Headstrong Girl' mug from the Jane Austen Centre giftshop. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">A bookmark, and a bookplate signed by the author.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">A medley of Harney & Sons teas in various flavors individually wrapped teabags. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">A handmade ceramic tea tidy in the shape of a teapot for teabags.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">A box of English tea biscuits. </span></li></ol><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVMPlM5O2VSitxtSd-djtM6hHt99GdTkaBvFaf7v7oiOTCIwWvOn5gAxAisctE1wiXtgK--QdrLTPnZ3epCzuDvXsrzXH3j-VbkjlE37ykLEYsG2r4iBf_qyeXiFtrNSQzMgr8zcIkLTJCY9Q-bxLp6MZItFebMrlyMWT04XSSi3X-40yQd6F0UjU/s2551/Act%20Like%20a%20Lady%20Think%20Like%20a%20Lored%202023.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2551" data-original-width="1689" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVMPlM5O2VSitxtSd-djtM6hHt99GdTkaBvFaf7v7oiOTCIwWvOn5gAxAisctE1wiXtgK--QdrLTPnZ3epCzuDvXsrzXH3j-VbkjlE37ykLEYsG2r4iBf_qyeXiFtrNSQzMgr8zcIkLTJCY9Q-bxLp6MZItFebMrlyMWT04XSSi3X-40yQd6F0UjU/w265-h400/Act%20Like%20a%20Lady%20Think%20Like%20a%20Lored%202023.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj3jXSKjLTicavAtbrZaCKLk6AlbdmycWknS1svmDgRO-1W7H6BU09PvRwL4XfddmJ_lwjqIHhdexqRmpBo-1f2IWnHHgM65Yle6fo65wDAmQ0DLPH6vZvJwbUiqpWt6FIq3FvcCHYUDjVVutm-yrouNRa_yOz7Knxv875cJQxR2prr7606PlVx68F/s668/Obstinate%20Headstrong%20Girl%20Mug.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="616" data-original-width="668" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj3jXSKjLTicavAtbrZaCKLk6AlbdmycWknS1svmDgRO-1W7H6BU09PvRwL4XfddmJ_lwjqIHhdexqRmpBo-1f2IWnHHgM65Yle6fo65wDAmQ0DLPH6vZvJwbUiqpWt6FIq3FvcCHYUDjVVutm-yrouNRa_yOz7Knxv875cJQxR2prr7606PlVx68F/s320/Obstinate%20Headstrong%20Girl%20Mug.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;">Giveaway period: Open from 12:01 am Pacific time 02/22/23 until 11:59pm Pacific time on 03/19/23.</span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Terms & Conditions:</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;">The giveaway is hosted by Celeste Connally and Minotaur Books. No purchase is necessary. Entrants must be 18 years or older. Open to US residents only. All information will remain confidential and will not be sold or otherwise used, except to notify the winner and to facilitate postage of the books and prizes to the winners. Void where prohibited. One giveaway item per eligible entrant. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Announcement of Winner:</b> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;">Visit author <a href="https://celesteconnally.com/" target="_blank">Celeste Connally’s</a> website on March 20, 2023, to see if you won one of the three prizes.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;">Good luck!</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> </span></p>
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="406b793d1" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/406b793d1/" id="rcwidget_lnu79up8" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I don't know about you, but I'm really looking forward to this one! </span></div>Candy @ So little time...http://www.blogger.com/profile/05308027187577034357noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650768524127186637.post-54439088235282993702023-01-23T23:30:00.005-08:002023-01-23T23:30:00.198-08:00A Long Way from Clare by Robert W. Smith ~ Blog Tour ~ Excerpt & Giveaway!<p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Happy Tuesday, my friends! It's my pleasure to be part of the <b><i>A Long Way from Clare</i></b> Blog Tour! Robert W. Smith has stopped by to share an excerpt from his new book! Plus, Meryton Press is giving away an eCopy of the book. Details are at the bottom of this post. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt00TIjCpeWC-mkJRO9VK9ns_3gLX8ONNouY27uU_PBo8gbVNAm8plyJP4VpT2BjtAaEniDi5_V0eEqV_A83rkqt7bkKTsSkdSFtLlh3q4aP4wOdUfw9sfYyeupsN2ZiwAv2mQKH2mdx3mVhfGQggxkjqJS52-MiAdSimVWOrt2JNdX-_ybrIPVnzK/s1200/ALWfC%20BT%20BannerHorz%20M.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="1200" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt00TIjCpeWC-mkJRO9VK9ns_3gLX8ONNouY27uU_PBo8gbVNAm8plyJP4VpT2BjtAaEniDi5_V0eEqV_A83rkqt7bkKTsSkdSFtLlh3q4aP4wOdUfw9sfYyeupsN2ZiwAv2mQKH2mdx3mVhfGQggxkjqJS52-MiAdSimVWOrt2JNdX-_ybrIPVnzK/w400-h268/ALWfC%20BT%20BannerHorz%20M.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> First of all, thank you to Candy for hosting me. If you like an off-beat love story sprinkled with a mystery and wrapped in history with a dash of social commentary, this book might be for you. I picked an excerpt that gives you a window into my Conor Dolan. He’s a bright, young immigrant lawyer, a bit socially inept with limited experience in matters of the heart, the kind who would flash you puppy eyes in a bar but freeze up when you smile back. Conor’s visit to Chicago has morphed into a mystery he’s determined to unravel. The lawyer has allied himself with an alluring, middle-aged widow named Rebecca Fletcher and Father Brendan White, a politically savvy Catholic priest. Rebecca is “tutoring” the young man in the ways of life and love and Father Brendan guides him through the labyrinth that is Chicago politics. Maureen Brogan is young, Irish firebrand of a single mother, herself involved up to her ears in Conor’s mystery. Both were Father Brendan’s unescorted guests for dinner at the rectory earlier tonight and Conor has been tasked by Brendan to escort young Maureen home safely. The sometimes thick-headed young man is trying to dissect the evening’s dynamics…</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Excerpt</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Late fall, 1903, Chicago</span></div><span><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 21.6px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 21.6px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">On the trolley back south, Conor wondered whether Maureen’s presence at the dinner, the seating arrangements, even this trolley ride home were coincidence or some sort of sinister plot by his devious friend, Father Brendan. He never thought of his relationship with Maureen Brogan as a courtship, nor had he harbored any desire to court the girl. Still, his initial opinion of Maureen had been unfair, unkind even. There was substance in Maureen Brogan, intelligence to spare, and the kind of independence he so much admired in Rebecca Fletcher. And make no mistake, he thought, Maureen was an attractive woman. There was no denying the fact.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 21.6px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 21.6px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Out of nowhere, Maureen asked from the seat beside him, “So what did ye think of Father Brendan’s matchmaking then?”</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 21.6px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 21.6px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">He laughed. “Yes, I noticed. It was a little embarrassing, I suppose, you and I being more or less business acquaintances—I mean <b>in the matter of my brother.”</b></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 21.6px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 21.6px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">She kept her eyes trained straight ahead. “Of course, in the matter of <b>yeer brother…and all.”</b></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 21.6px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 21.6px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Conor found it an uncomfortable conversation, so he tried to inject humor. “Well, I suppose a Catholic priest with a girlfriend would want to see everyone with a girlfriend.”</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 21.6px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 21.6px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">His attempt at humor flopped. “’Tis a myth, if ye ask me. Father Brendan is a complicated pairson. He feels guilty about being a priest, t’inks he has it too easy. He doesn’t want people to see him as marally superior, so he makes up sins about himself, sins he never committed. It makes him feel more like the rest of us poor fools. Besides, you already have a garlfriend, and, if you ask me, she’s too old far ye, no matter how nice she is. I t’ink the garlfriend is in his fookin’ head.”</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 21.6px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 21.6px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Conor knew better, but Maureen Brogan had effectively shut the lawyer’s mouth. Brendan must have told her about Rebecca, but who told Brendan? Outside Maureen’s flat, he stopped at the exterior door of the house and tipped his trademark homburg, “Goodnight, Maureen. It was a very pleasant day.”</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 21.6px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 21.6px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Still holding little Patrick’s hand in hers, she took a step toward Conor, raised herself up on dainty tiptoes and kissed him gently on the lips. “Goodnight, Conor Dolan, and t’ank ye for a wonderful day.”</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 21.6px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 21.6px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">On the streetcar ride east, it occurred to him how complicated his life had become in the last two months. He had learned much about women, about sex, even about the basest proclivities of human nature. And that was only his personal life. The more he learned, the more confused he became. He recalled a paraphrased quote from Oscar Wilde to the effect that, “Experience is the name men give to their biggest mistakes.”</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 21.6px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 21.6px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">He hopped off the streetcar at LaSalle and caught a southbound transfer with no wait. The car was empty but for a shabbily dressed woman with a young boy playing a harmonica. He sat facing them in the open car, and he was struck by the woman’s uncanny resemblance to his own mother. For the first time since his arrival, Conor thought consciously about his mother, about Ireland, the little white cottage, and the road down to the bog. He remembered the music that filled the family’s evenings as the turf fire cast its shadows along the stone wall. In that moment, he could almost smell the fire and the song of the kettle on the hearthstone.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 21.6px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 21.6px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Pa was proud of the stone house he and his brother had built; the people in their village, most of whom lived in cottages, lauded him for his craftsmanship.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 21.6px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 21.6px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">On rare occasions these days, Conor would still dream about his little dog and the incident at the Cliffs of Moher, but that was more a nightmare than a memory, banished to the whim of his unconsciousness.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 21.6px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 21.6px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">He passed Murph’s place on the walk home but fought the urge to stop for a nightcap. He would need his rest for the coming days.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 21.6px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div style="text-indent: 21.6px;"><br /></div></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_g7WfsvdsIiWAlQyC8z1yC9AY9-6hiroNnZ7yYgZnhqyY3aj9MDaZuEKAORecJJzXKToZdxKTUUB6pJrDCxvaguSzZfOQ5JQ2eebRoLFaHjJLD4lm5xr-rgzlaq-TMNxHCceTaZxbHKdQf1m9_03Kg7RdQ8vMwpw6dLuXAv09rjtWZxLbnX4Zmhl/s1200/ALWfC%20Final%20FW%20011223%20F%20SM.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_g7WfsvdsIiWAlQyC8z1yC9AY9-6hiroNnZ7yYgZnhqyY3aj9MDaZuEKAORecJJzXKToZdxKTUUB6pJrDCxvaguSzZfOQ5JQ2eebRoLFaHjJLD4lm5xr-rgzlaq-TMNxHCceTaZxbHKdQf1m9_03Kg7RdQ8vMwpw6dLuXAv09rjtWZxLbnX4Zmhl/w266-h400/ALWfC%20Final%20FW%20011223%20F%20SM.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>A Long Way from Clare</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">by Robert W. Smith</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">
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Blurb:
<i>Romance, Kidnapping, and Murder…</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Will a young Irish lawyer unravel the secrets or die trying?</i> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Conor Dolan, a young Irishman, travels to Chicago in 1903 to visit his older brother; instead, he finds a mystery. His journey sparks a quest to peel away secrets and rediscover a dead sibling he idolized but never really knew as he strives to learn the true meaning of brotherhood. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">His search reveals an Irish Republican plot to assassinate a visiting British royal. In the process, he is drawn into an alliance with two women: a mesmerizing Jewish widow and a struggling young Irishwoman. Each teaches Conor existential truths of life and love in her own way. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">But the brother he finds may not be the brother he remembers. <i>A Long Way from Clare</i> is a story of Chicago's early twentieth century immigrants and one man’s struggle with both bigotry and justice in an unforgiving city where no good deed goes unpunished. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Will Conor find the answers he desperately craves? Or will this trip punch a one-way ticket?
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<div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Buy: <a href="https://amzn.to/3Hni8je" target="_blank">Amazon US</a> (paid link) • <a href="https://mybook.to/smithalwfclare" target="_blank">Amazon Universal Link</a></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Add to <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/78626127-a-long-way-from-clare" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon US. I am an Amazon Associate. I will receive a small commission if you purchase a book through the link provided. Thanks!</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>About the Author</b></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipvo13ggFXdwxSYijWdW64xg4yARSsP9CKrd3JpuGH_l7WLEXxcxmpnaW3bdIYhr1P_aKqaQb_N0P24VgTVuU1iQ28c2zYKDmNZRvmjgax47u3jQFbtuguAQ1-GEAKpX2BFFgm5vadm9NbboH6e8DLktHU43iBQYLvWLgU93bqFjCjceBuoaYQSVpk/s600/Robert%20W%20Smith%204x4%20150.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipvo13ggFXdwxSYijWdW64xg4yARSsP9CKrd3JpuGH_l7WLEXxcxmpnaW3bdIYhr1P_aKqaQb_N0P24VgTVuU1iQ28c2zYKDmNZRvmjgax47u3jQFbtuguAQ1-GEAKpX2BFFgm5vadm9NbboH6e8DLktHU43iBQYLvWLgU93bqFjCjceBuoaYQSVpk/s320/Robert%20W%20Smith%204x4%20150.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Bob was raised in Chicago, enlisting in the Air Force at age<br /> eighteen during the Vietnam War. Following a year of language training at Syracuse University, he served four years as a Russian Linguist in Security Service Command, a branch of the NSA. He attended DePaul University and The John Marshall Law School in Chicago on the G.I. Bill while working as a Chicago Transit Authority Police Officer. Thirty-odd years as a criminal defense lawyer in Chicago followed. His first book was <i>Immoral Authority</i> (Echelon Press, 2002) followed by <i>Catch a Falling Lawyer</i> (New Leaf Books, 2005) and <i>The Sakhalin Collection</i> (New Leaf Books, 2007, hardcover). In February of 2022, Between the Lines Publishing released Bob’s newest novel, <i>Running with Cannibals</i>, a historical/military thriller based on actual events of the Philippine-American War.</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Connect with Robert W. Smith</b></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/robertsmithbooks" target="_blank"><br /></a></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/robertsmithbooks" target="_blank">Facebook Author Page</a> • <a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Robert-W.-Smith/author/B001JOU67I?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true" target="_blank">Amazon Author Page</a> •<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21018640.Robert_W_Smith" target="_blank"> Goodreads</a> • <a href="https://robertsmithbooks.com/" target="_blank">Website</a></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”" style="text-align: center;"><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Blog Tour Schedule</b></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">January 21 <a href="https://myvicesandweaknesses.wordpress.com/2023/01/21/a-long-way-from-clare-by-robert-w-smith-guest-post-excerpt-giveaway/" target="_blank">My Vices and Weaknesses</a></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">January 23 <a href="https://celticladysreviews.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Celticlady's Reviews</a></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">January 24 <a href="https://candy-m.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">So Little time…</a> You're here!</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">January 25 <a href="https://merytonpress.com/blog/" target="_blank">Meryton Press Blog </a></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">January 26 <a href="https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">From Pemberley to Milton</a></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">January 27 <a href="https://elzareads.com/" target="_blank">Elza Reads</a></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYAQQCdqvBBqy5_-cRPheUZGof8pQI9p94KXqXhRSnYsRjwOI0EM2ijzsqwaogaKtpRftJt5Tnc9ung22COSklRr9yiKxLcLDFcbGGL_BADyBViU6rFq2NsxkREL3RWzlLds7pTSoKtgUJDa2RGpo6tpu97XAT7KNhRbp_ncSf6BG6zDr9__YVmai/s1200/ALWfC%20Blog%20Tour%20Schedule%20M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="820" data-original-width="1200" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYAQQCdqvBBqy5_-cRPheUZGof8pQI9p94KXqXhRSnYsRjwOI0EM2ijzsqwaogaKtpRftJt5Tnc9ung22COSklRr9yiKxLcLDFcbGGL_BADyBViU6rFq2NsxkREL3RWzlLds7pTSoKtgUJDa2RGpo6tpu97XAT7KNhRbp_ncSf6BG6zDr9__YVmai/w400-h274/ALWfC%20Blog%20Tour%20Schedule%20M.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"><b>* * * GIVEAWAY * * *</b></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><br /></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://merytonpress.com/" target="_blank">Meryton Press</a> will be giving away one eBook for each stop on the Blog Tour, for a total of six eBooks! <b>For my stop</b>, please leave a comment with a way to contact you, or check back here, where I will announce the winner.</span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="“p-1”"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8ZbhDiKfCXwRZJUB8Vq4SQcsUB5xguiSjSRCUK9B48uO0EMAH7SG_tNs9kOQlpxjLFlyEpdheNUnFQAS7M3w6JSJAVGd6TF64kiu0YHnne0zxX_mU7GGzLPKeKq4yfgzlzl9vtOd4gguGVrHHnbBkodul2aVuo8GAsR09Co7EeScZPT1X7Zr8h2h/s1268/ALWfC%20Final%20FW%20011223%20F%20S.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1268" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8ZbhDiKfCXwRZJUB8Vq4SQcsUB5xguiSjSRCUK9B48uO0EMAH7SG_tNs9kOQlpxjLFlyEpdheNUnFQAS7M3w6JSJAVGd6TF64kiu0YHnne0zxX_mU7GGzLPKeKq4yfgzlzl9vtOd4gguGVrHHnbBkodul2aVuo8GAsR09Co7EeScZPT1X7Zr8h2h/w400-h284/ALWfC%20Final%20FW%20011223%20F%20S.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><ul><li style="text-align: left;">One person will win an e-copy of <b><i>A Long Way from Clare</i></b> by Robert W. Smith</li><li style="text-align: left;">One winner will be randomly picked</li><li style="text-align: left;">To enter the giveaway, leave a comment below and leave a way of getting in touch with you, or check back for the winner announcement.</li><li style="text-align: left;">Open internationally.</li><li style="text-align: left;">The last day to enter the giveaway is Jan 31st, 2023, by the end of the day.</li></ul><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Many thanks to Robert W. Smith for stopping by and sharing an excerpt with us! Congratulations on the release of <i>A Long Way from Clare.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks to Meryton Press for the giveaway! And a big thanks to Janet Taylor @ <a href="http://moreagreeablyengaged.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">More Agreeably Engaged</a> for organizing and including me in this blog tour!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div></span></div></div>Candy @ So little time...http://www.blogger.com/profile/05308027187577034357noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650768524127186637.post-24697249794754418722023-01-21T13:10:00.002-08:002023-01-30T19:13:31.984-08:00Winner of the "Not in Want of a Wife" Giveaway!<p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Hello, my friends! I'm happy to announce the winner of the <b><i>Not in Want of a Wife</i></b> by Amanda Kai eBook giveaway!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTY-tWPaGjPFQv2O41nuw6YFRwn0BbVTdGYDhxZXMkLuMqEVU3Cxjb9cqT1bs_b9ITq8Iau7XXGVXdRoDDTYcl-QZkfDfqUiZSGl8oBBao0lGIgmtPBM7UMWeDv9_b4roZhga2yWBmZKxuWL5ewjCn4F4Dktyf0NP34tgLGH3PadSHi-Qt9g9IOdUV/s531/Congratulations!.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="246" data-original-width="531" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTY-tWPaGjPFQv2O41nuw6YFRwn0BbVTdGYDhxZXMkLuMqEVU3Cxjb9cqT1bs_b9ITq8Iau7XXGVXdRoDDTYcl-QZkfDfqUiZSGl8oBBao0lGIgmtPBM7UMWeDv9_b4roZhga2yWBmZKxuWL5ewjCn4F4Dktyf0NP34tgLGH3PadSHi-Qt9g9IOdUV/w400-h185/Congratulations!.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">Congratulations to <b>Gylnis</b>!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Many thanks to Amanda Kai for visiting here at <i>So Little Time...</i> and for offering one of my readers a copy of her new book! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjloceq-Xa1_GCSnTXI1unPvtv7RY-d8sU80OdCvZ-t2b34_rXsLIZUVPOFb_c9XHRA2Vw_UJh7CfswyjObyHbl-7wznEILoDNAhf4iit_Jo4KKoIotu3UL4upfROuziUhe_mwbCjkcG6ZUkXgq1y7zh4r7hfjnXL3_3CznT2ZXN4r2oTJJvRHYarVc/s2560/Not%20In%20Want%20of%20a%20Wife-%20E-Book%20cover-%20final.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjloceq-Xa1_GCSnTXI1unPvtv7RY-d8sU80OdCvZ-t2b34_rXsLIZUVPOFb_c9XHRA2Vw_UJh7CfswyjObyHbl-7wznEILoDNAhf4iit_Jo4KKoIotu3UL4upfROuziUhe_mwbCjkcG6ZUkXgq1y7zh4r7hfjnXL3_3CznT2ZXN4r2oTJJvRHYarVc/w400-h640/Not%20In%20Want%20of%20a%20Wife-%20E-Book%20cover-%20final.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Buy: <a href="https://amzn.to/3XLsAq3" target="_blank">Amazon</a> (paid link) • <a href="https://storyoriginapp.com/universalbooklinks/a3ebaecc-4bc9-11ed-9c3e-f737c8cbef6f" target="_blank">Universal Book Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Add to <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63918665-not-in-want-of-a-wife?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=3YC70zNWsA&rank=1" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. I will receive a small commission if you purchase a book through the link provided. Thanks!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Read an excerpt <a href="https://candy-m.blogspot.com/2023/01/not-in-want-of-wife-by-amanda-kai-blog.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><p></p>Candy @ So little time...http://www.blogger.com/profile/05308027187577034357noreply@blogger.com0