The Matchmaker's Melody by Riana Everly ~ Guest Post, Excerpt, & Giveaway!

Hello, my friends! Riana Everly is joining us today with her second book in her Austen Echos series! These books look truly delightful! I'm hoping to read the first one before Christmas. Goals!

Please give Riana Everly a warm welcome, and don't forget the giveaway! Details are at the bottom of this page. 

Thank you once more, Candy, for letting me stop by your blog today. It’s always lovely to be here.

I’m thrilled to announce that the second story in my Austen Echoes 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.

In this second story, The Matchmaker’s Melody, our main character is Emma. And Emma is, well, Emma! I’ve given her a new last name, which I’ll explain briefly. 

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
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.

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.

I love the modern version of Knightley in this book. As in Austen’s Emma, 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. 

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.

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!

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 The Matchmaker’s Melody, I do hope you love it as much as I loved discovering these fun characters and their story.

Here’s an excerpt to give you a taste.

*** 

Emma

The phone rang just after dinner the next night.

“Gordon?” Emma rolled her eyes as she saw the name on the
screen. “No one uses phones to actually call. Can’t you text like a normal person?”

“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.

“What? Are you following me?” 

“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?”

“Well, yes, but…”

“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.”

“Seriously? Now you’re monitoring and criticising the people I hang out with? Are you reporting this to my mommy as well?”

“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.”

She huffed into the phone. “It is precisely none of your business what I do.”

“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.”

If they had been together in person, Emma would have thrown her phone at him. What gave him the right to say that?

“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.”

Gordon

Gordon’s voice grew very quiet. “Are you certain you understood his intentions?”

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!

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.”

“You know that’s not true—” he started, but Emma had heard enough.

“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.”

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.”

“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.”

Her tirade was met with disapproving silence. Well, she had no time for his grumpy nonsense. 

“Goodbye, Gordon. And next time, text like a normal person.”

***

The Matchmaker's Melody

A Modern Pride and Prejudice Improvisation

by Riana Everly

Blurb: 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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? 

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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Here's a link to the first book in the series!

All the Wrong Notes

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About the Author

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.

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. 

She now lives in Toronto, Canada, with her husband, a secret stash of chocolate, and far too many books.

Connect with Riana Everly

Website • Blog • Facebook • Amazon • Instagram

* * * GIVEAWAY * * *

Riana is hosting a giveaway! Here's a message from her:

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!

Thanks so much for stopping by, Riana! And for offering one of my readers a chance to win an eCopy of your book!

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!

Death in Highbury by Riana Everly ~ Blog Tour ~ Charades & Riddles ~ Giveaway!

Hello, my friends! It's my stop on the Death in Highbury Blog Tour! Riana Everly is here to with some fun Regency parlour games! Plus, there's a chance to win an e-copy of Death in Highbury! Details are at the bottom of the page.

Thank you for letting me stop by your lovely blog today as part of my blog tour for Death in Highbury: An Emma Mystery. It’s always a pleasure to be here.

Death in Highbury is the second of my Miss Mary Investigates mysteries, where Mary Bennet steps out of her sisters’ shadows and shines as a detective. In the first book, Death of a Clergyman, she helped prove her sister Elizabeth innocent of killing Mr. Collins. In this new release, she finds herself in Emma’s Highbury, where she helps solve a series of strange deaths in the community. 

While the storyline does not follow that of Jane Austen’s Emma, it does include Jane Austen’s beloved characters, and that includes what they do for amusement. In Emma, Emma and Harriet amuse themselves with parlour games and collecting riddles. In fact, it is through these riddles that Mr. Elton makes some of his first overtures towards Emma – ones which she misinterprets as being directed toward Harriet.

These activities do not stop just because Mary Bennet is staying at Hartfield, and Mary sometimes finds herself engaged in the planning and collecting of the same.

So what, exactly, were Regency-style charades? The term was used synonymously with “riddle.” They were not the contemporary game, where a word is acted out, syllable by syllable. Instead, the clues were spoken, and you had to guess each syllable and then put them together.

For example, in Emma Mr. Elton offers a well-known riddle:

My first doth affliction denote, 

     Which my second is destin'd to feel

And my whole is the best antidote

     That affliction to soften and heal.

Here, the “first,” or first syllable, is woe. The second syllable is man. And the “whole” is woman.

When asked to come up with his own, Mr. Elton then provides the following:

CHARADE

My first displays the wealth and pomp of kings, 

     Lords of the earth! their luxury and ease.

Another view of man, my second brings,

     Behold him there, the monarch of the seas!

But, ah! united, what reverse we have!

     Man's boasted power and freedom, all are flown;

Lord of the earth and sea, he bends a slave,

     And woman, lovely woman, reigns alone.

Thy ready wit the word will soon supply,

     May its approval beam in that soft eye!

Here, the first syllable is court, where a king’s wealth is displayed, and the second is ship – the monarch of the seas. And together they make courtship. A not very subtle hint, which Emma completely misunderstands!

Here is another one by Jane Austen:

When my first is a task to a young girl of spirit,

     And my second confines her to finish the piece,

How hard is her fate! but how great is her merit

     If by taking my whole she effects her release!

You might have seen this, but if not, any guesses? I’ll put the answer at the end.

Now, I am the first to admit I would be a complete flop at Regency parlour parties. I have no head for these things whatsoever. They are like cryptic crosswords to me: I understand the theory but am totally unable to do them.

Let me try to make one, though. See if you can guess it.

My first with scones and toast is often served

     My second that which hovers near the table

My whole a lovely image, well deserved

     That flits and takes what nectar it is able

Yes, I know. It’s not very good, is it? What about you? Are you good at these word games? Would you like to try one to challenge us with? Put it in the comments and let’s see how we all do.

***

Here are two short excerpts from Death in Highbury. In the first, Mary is not too happy about sitting all afternoon with Emma and Harriet.

***

Mary had, by now, become sufficiently accustomed to Mr. Woodhouse’s laments that she imagined “poor” Isabella to be quite well settled. 

“Isabella?” Emma called from her seat. She must have heard the name. “I had a letter from her just today. The boys are all very well, and baby Emma is growing as you watch her! Isabella,” she explained to Mary, “is my sister in London, and she is married to none other than Mr. Knightley’s brother! Is that not amusing? We quite adore our shared nieces and nephews, and when he is very angry with me, Isabella’s children are our path to reconcile. I was still in the schoolroom when they married, but Mrs. Weston will tell you how I foresaw they would do very well for each other. And so it has transpired!”

She gave a wide and self-satisfied smile before returning to her conversation with Harriet about the best sort of charades, and if poetry were superior to verse, or the opposite.

Mary listened to the discussion for a while with her accustomed detached boredom and believed that Mr. Woodhouse had dropped off to sleep, for he had not spoken in a while. Suddenly he raised his head and gave her a quizzical look. “We often played charades in my younger years. It was a great favourite in the neighbourhood on a summer evening, or in the winter if the roads did not become too covered in snow for the carriage. I was not the most adept at the game, but Mrs. Woodhouse—that is Emma’s dear mother, now departed—was most proficient, and Mrs. Bates the cleverest of the lot of us. Though we might try and try, we never were able to catch her out, for she got all of them. She had a fine mind, better at figures and puzzles than many men I knew, always with an eye to the future. Pity she was not born a man, for she would then have been very smart indeed.

Mary’s head snapped up and only with difficulty did she hold her tongue. Foolish old man, to believe that a woman could not be as intelligent as a man! One’s sex had nothing to do with one’s ability to think, to reason. What ridiculous and ancient ideas he had! Prudence triumphed, and she refrained from making a sound. 

Her host stared into the flickering fire and continued, “Young Jane Fairfax promised to be as quick-witted as she. As a very young thing, all Mrs. Bates could do was boast about how Jane was counting to ten by a year of age and reading by four and playing the fortepiano at five. She seemed destined for such great things, a splendid match, no matter that her father left her with nothing but his name. Poor Miss Fairfax. Perhaps if her poor mother had eaten more gruel…”

He returned his eyes to the hearth, and in short time soft snores wafted to Mary’s ears. She would learn nothing more from Mr. Woodhouse this evening. With a resigned sigh, she left her chair and moved to the sofa, asking if she might join Emma and Harriet at their contemplation of tableaux and parlour games.

***

In this second excerpt, Alexander has gone to interview some townsfolk, and Emma has decided to join him against his wishes.

***

What was the man not saying? He was so certain there was some other iota waiting to be learned. But he also knew when he would hear no more. Abdy did suggest another person to seek out, who had a farm near the woods where Smith had made his home when first he arrived, and who had allowed the tramp to sleep in his barn on the coldest or wettest nights.

Alexander thanked the clerk for his time, and then thanked the bank’s supervisor, and led Emma back out onto the streets. 

From here, matters followed the same pattern. Every man they spoke to had some small crumbs to offer, but with each, Alexander suspected they knew more than they were willing to say. Emma would often interject her own questions with the same glee as if she were solving a delightful charade, as often interrupting a useful response and thereby distracting the teller to the point of forgetting what he was about to say, as offering anything helpful. She was lovely and charming and everybody to whom they spoke wished greatly to please her, and Alexander rued the moment he ever first spoke to her. How he would prefer to have Mary beside him: quiet, thoughtful, calm Mary, who had the gift of melting into the background to the point that his witnesses forgot she was there. They would then speak easily, telling him what he needed to know, without deference to a woman’s delicate sensibilities.

Instead, he heard only what the men believed Emma ought to hear, and when Alexander at last walked Emma back to the village where she was to meet Harriet, he had discovered precious little.

***

The answer to Jane Austen’s charade is “hemlock.”

The answer to my riddle is “butterfly.”

Death in Highbury

An Emma Mystery

by Riana Everly

Book Blurb 

When political chaos in London forces Mary Bennet to take refuge in the picturesque town of Highbury, Surrey, she quickly finds herself safe among friends. Emma Woodhouse welcomes her as a guest at Hartfield, Jane Fairfax is delighted by her love of music, and Frank Churchill can’t stop flirting with her. But it is not long before Mary starts to suspect that beneath the charming surface, Highbury hides some dark secrets.

Alexander Lyons is sent to Surrey on an investigation, and at his friend Darcy’s request, heads to Highbury to make certain Mary is comfortable and safe. But no sooner does he arrive than one local man dies, and then another!

Soon Alexander and Mary are thrust into the middle of a baffling series of deaths. Are they accidents? Or is there a very clever murderer hiding in their midst? And can they put their personal differences aside in time to prevent yet another death in Highbury?

 

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FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks!

About the Author

Riana Everly was born in South Africa, but has called Canada home since she was eight years old. She has a Master’s degree in Medieval Studies and is trained as a classical musician, specialising in Baroque and early Classical music. She first encountered Jane Austen when her father handed her a copy of Emma at age 11, and has never looked back.

Riana now lives in Toronto with her family. When she is not writing, she can often be found playing string quartets with friends, biking around the beautiful province of Ontario with her husband, trying to improve her photography, thinking about what to make for dinner, and, of course, reading!

Connect with Riana Everly

Facebook • Website • Amazon

* * * GIVEAWAY * * *

It's giveaway time! Riana I am giving away five eBooks worldwide over the course of this blog tour, chosen randomly from people who enter. To enter, please use the Rafflecopter link or widget. 

If you don’t like Rafflecopter, you can still enter. Just send me an email (riana.everly@gmail.com) saying so, and I’ll add your name to the list for the draw.

The giveaway will close at 12am EST on February 27, 2021.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Congratulation, Riana, on the release of Death in Highbury! And thank you for stopping by with this diverting post! 

So, friends, are you good at word puzzles or charades? Please, feel free to accept Riana's challenge and leave one in the comments! 😃

Reckless, Headstrong Girl Giveaway winner!

Hello, my friends! I hope you are all doing well. It's time to announce the winner of the Reckless, Headstrong Girl by Grace Gibson eBook! 

Many thanks to Grace for stopping by with that fun character interview. I really enjoyed seeing the change in Lydia, and I truly liked her!

Also, a big thanks to Meryton Press for offering one of my readers a chance to win an e-copy.

Without further ado... the randomly picked winner is:

Sophia Rose!

Congratulations, Sophia Rose!

Buy: Amazon US • Amazon UK

Add to Goodreads

FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon US. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks!

Thanks again to all who entered!

Came a Flight Gently by Leigh Dreyer ~ Excerpt

 Hello, my friends! Leigh Dreyer's third book of the Pride in Flight Series is now available, and I have an excerpt from Came a Flight Gently for you to read! I hope you enjoy it! 

 

Came a Flight Gently

by Leigh Dreyer

In the exciting conclusion of the Pride in Flight Series (The Best Laid Flight Plans and The Flight Path Less Traveled), our dear couple Elizabeth and Darcy have moved to Pemberley to begin their lives together. An outsider to New York society and the affluent world of Darcy, our heroine uses her characteristic drive and wit to begin her marriage and all that comes with him. Helped along by Mrs. Reynolds and a curmudgeonly airplane mechanic, Elizabeth discovers a new path to the civilian flight world. Darcy, ever the hero, supports her and learns to trust her instincts. Fast-paced and dramatic, Came a Flight Gently soars through love, adventure, and intrigue as it races through Reno to the finish.

 

Excerpt from Chapter Fifteen

     Elizabeth was back a few days later to meet Weston’s friend as arranged. 

     “Mrs. Reynolds sent you a sausage biscuit, hard-boiled eggs, and water,” Elizabeth announced walking into the hangar office and pulling the water bottle out with a flourish. 

     “Water.” Weston made a face of disgust.

     “She said you’ve got to watch your sugar.” Elizabeth laughed. “I think you two should go out,” Elizabeth added, watching Weston attack the breakfast bag. 

     “No, we’re just old friends.” He sighed, taking a bite and waving one hand. 

     An aircraft taxiing up outside the hangar interrupted them. Weston got up and opened the hangar door. “That would be your instructor.” 

     Elizabeth followed him out of the office. 

     As the door opened, the engine ticking of a beautiful red, white, and blue Lancair Legacy came to a stop. The canopy tipped forward and a thin, attractive woman in her early thirties stood up smiling and waved. She was wearing something like tennis shoes but different, khaki slacks and a blue woman’s polo shirt with wings on the left side. 

     The woman hopped down off the wing as Weston and Elizabeth waited. “How are you, you old curmudgeon?” she said, giving Weston a big hug. 

     He put her arms around her. Elizabeth noticed him blush. 

     “Check the oil and wipe her down,” the woman joked as she let him go. Weston backed away, looking down and coughing to recover his voice. 

     “Mrs. Darcy, may I present Allison Noreen Dashwood, airline first officer, and Lancair instructor extraordinaire. Allie Nore, Mrs. Darcy.”

     “Elizabeth, please,” said Elizabeth, putting out her hand.

      “Allie,” she answered, shaking her hand, and looking annoyed at Weston. “And when have you become so formal, Stephen Paul? Not Fog anymore? Should we just call you ‘Step?’” She laughed. 

     Weston blushed an even brighter red. 

     “You have a beautiful airplane,” Elizabeth said. 

     “So do you,” replied Allie, nodding to the aircraft in the hangar. “I’m the one that flew it in. You didn’t screw with the flight control balance, did you, Steve?” 

     “No, no, just checked out the engine, did a flight condition check, and changed the oil,” he replied. 

     “Good,” Allie answered, looking at Elizabeth. “It’s a sweet flying aircraft. Whoever built the kit did an outstanding job harmonizing the controls. Nice avionics too.” 

     They went into the hangar. 

     “Weston said you’re an airline pilot,” Elizabeth asked. 

     “Yep, for about five years. Should upgrade to captain soon. Seniority, you know? Flew checks and freight before that, some charter work, and instructed at a Cessna 141 school. And you?” 

     “Got my commercial couple weeks ago, Air Force T-6, and the mighty Skyhawk,” Elizabeth answered. 

     “Steve said you, how’d he put it, ‘crashed’ out of training.” 

     “Yeah, ejected and trashed my back. Medically retired.” 

     “Hmm,” said Allie, then perking up, “well, that won’t stop us today.” 

     Allie continued to talk, and Elizabeth listened. She discovered that she liked this calm woman who seemed to understand airplanes. They discussed various flights, procedures, and Allie shared how she started with the airlines. Soon, conversation shifted to the upcoming flight, and Elizabeth could tell Allie was probing her knowledge and desire to fly the Lancair. 

     After Allie appeared satisfied, she said, “Let’s go sit in the plane, go over systems and avionics. It’ll take about an hour. Steve keeps talking about a Mrs. Reynolds and a mansion for lunch, then we’ll take her up this afternoon.” 

     “Sounds good,” responded Elizabeth. “I’ll call Mrs. Reynolds to expect three of us.”

     At the aircraft, Allie showed Elizabeth what to look for in the pre-flight inspection, how the landing gear retracted, and how to check the oil and propeller. Elizabeth enjoyed the way she instructed and treated her as an equal. Allie had a quiet demeanor but shared her knowledge freely, allowing Elizabeth to learn quickly. Allie continued to quiz Elizabeth, but it was pleasant, unlike standup evaluations during Air Force pilot training which had left her sweaty and nervous. 

     With the walk-around completed, they entered the cockpit. “The biggest difference from something you’ve flown before is the stick is in your left hand, and the throttle, the right,” began Allie. “It’s different than the yolk, but you’ll get used to it. Most people initially over control in pitch so watch yourself on takeoff.” 

     Elizabeth moved the stick around, getting the feel and checking the flight controls. Together, they went through the instruments. Weston had hooked up an auxiliary power cart so they could view the avionics without draining the battery. Allie made Elizabeth operate and input data into the avionics. 

     “Each system is just a bit different,” said Allie. “Makes it a pain switching between aircraft.”

     Elizabeth nodded, concentrating on pushing the buttons.           “Yeah, this is similar, but different from the Bonanza. I’ll have to practice before taking this in the weather.” She finished putting in a typical flight plan and sat back. 

     “There. That’s a good place to stop. After lunch, we’ll get airborne. Typical stuff, stalls, slow flight. You know the drill. You said you just finished your commercial ticket…” 

Elizabeth nodded. 

     “Great,” Allie said, rolling her eyes, “you’ll probably be better than me at those maneuvers.” 

     “Oh, I doubt it,” said Elizabeth. “You’ve got the more recent Lancair practice.” They both laughed as they got out of the aircraft. 

     Weston came out of the office and turned off the power unit.

     “Ready for lunch? Mrs. Reynolds just called and said whenever you all are ready.” 

     “Sure, let’s go see this mansion.” Allie teased. 

     Weston and Elizabeth grinned at each other. 

     “I’ll drive,” said Weston. “Get in the truck.”

     During the short drive, Allie said, “Steve’s been telling me about this extravagant mansion forever. Which one is it? I saw four within five miles of the airport flying in.” She narrowed her eyes suspiciously at Weston. “Based on all the other jokes he’s pulled, it’s probably a mobile home at the other end of the airport.” 

     Elizabeth tried not to chuckle; Weston kept a straight face. They turned into the driveway and Pemberley came into view. Elizabeth remembered the first time she had seen Pemberley and how her stomach had dropped in amazement at the utter beauty of the home and the surrounding land.

     “Here we are,” said Weston, grinning. 

     Allie looked forward and her mouth dropped. “You gotta be kidding me,” she said. 

     “No, this is it. Just a small summer cottage.” A big smile erupted on Elizabeth’s face. “Welcome to Pemberley. Steve, drive to the front door.” 

     Weston said, “The front door, ooh, the front door. We must be getting the full treatment, Allie.”

     They parked and walked to the door. 

     “Oh my god. You live here? How do you not get lost?” said Allie. 

     “I have,” said Elizabeth, laughing. “I had to carry the tour map with me for the first few weeks.”

     Mrs. Reynolds met them at the door, and they made introductions walking to the breakfast room. 

     “You have a breakfast room and a dining room?” said Allie as they walked by. 

     “Yep, and a parlor, and a music room, and a study.” Elizabeth smiled. “Oh, and a bar, slash, game room.” 

     “Wow—now, I guess I’ve got something to work toward,” replied Allie. 

     Mrs. Reynolds brought out two platters with Reuben sandwiches, chips and pickles for the women and a Rueben sandwich only for Weston. 

     “Allie, what can we get you to drink?” asked Elizabeth. 

     “Root beer, if you have it, please,” responded Allie. 

Elizabeth chuckled. “Virgil’s, Dad’s, Barq’s, A&W? Here, you pick your poison,” asked Elizabeth.

     “I’ll take a Dad’s,” said Weston. 

     “You’ll have water,” snapped Mrs. Reynolds, glaring at Weston. 

     The two younger women giggled as a very maternal Mrs. Reynolds put a glass of ice water in front of him before sitting down next to him. 

     In between bites, Allie asked, “So Elizabeth, what do you miss about Air Force flying?” 

     “Well, I didn’t get very far. Instruments are about the same. I miss formation flying,” answered Elizabeth. 

     Allie said, “I’m a FAST instructor, and the Lancair is a good formation plane.” 

     “What’s FAST?” asked Elizabeth, intrigued. 

     “It’s a group that certifies people to fly formation together. Airshows require it, and various aircraft groups signed up to agree on signals and expectations. You have to practice with an instructor, take a test, and a checkride,” explained Allie. “But most of all, it’s fun! Not every day you get to fly formation, huh?” 

     “That sounds cool,” said Elizabeth. It wouldn’t be hard to talk Darcy into a few weekends away to fly. He could even come with me!

     “Get through your checkout before you go off flying too close to someone else,” grumbled Weston. 

     “Steve, what do you have against anyone having fun?” teased Allie. 

     “Yes, what do you have against fun?” asked Mrs. Reynolds, turning on him. 

     Elizabeth opened her mouth to add on, but Weston interrupted, “I know when I’m out numbered. Should have never agreed to lunch with three women. Like a zebra in a crocodile farm. Let’s go. Eat up. Some of us have to work for a living.”

About the Authors

Leigh Dreyer is a huge fan of Jane Austen variations and the JAFF community. She is blessed to have multi-generational military connections through herself and her husband, who she met in pilot training. She often describes her formative years in this way: “You know the ‘Great Balls of Fire’ scene in Top Gun (Goose, you big stud!) when Goose and Meg Ryan have their kid on the piano? I was that kid.” Leigh lives with her pilot husband, a plane-obsessed son, a daughter who was a pink pilot for Halloween, and a one-year-old son who is so used to F-16 noise, he does not even startle to sonic booms.

Paul Trockner was an Air Force fighter pilot for twenty-eight years. He flew the F-111, T-37, A-10, and T-38. He currently teaches fighter pilots using simulator instruction. He has been happily married for thirty-six years to his lovely wife Elizabeth. Leigh is the oldest of his five children.

Connect with Leigh Dreyer

Facebook • Website • Goodreads

Came a Flight Gently Buy Links

Amazon US • Amazon UK

FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon US. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks!

Congratulations, Leigh, on the release of Came a Flight Gently! Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing an excerpt with my readers! 

Friends, please feel free to leave a comment! Tell us what you think of the excerpt, or have you read any of the other books in the series? 

Adventure Awaits Giveaway Winner!

 

Hello, my friends! I hope you are doing well! It's time to announce the winner of Adventure Awaits by Virginia Kohl eBook!

Many thanks to Virginia Kohl for visiting us here and sharing an excerpt with us! Also, a big thanks for offering one of my readers an eBook of Adventure Awaits!

Without further ado... the randomly picked winner is: 

KellsBells 

Buy: Amazon

Add to Goodreads

*FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon US. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks! 

Thanks again to all who entered!

"Adventure Awaits" by Virginia Kohl ~ Excerpt & Giveaway!

 Hello, friends! I have the lovely Virginia Kohl visiting today with an excerpt from her new book, Adventure Awaits! She’s also kind enough to offer one of my lucky readers an e-copy of Adventure Awaits! Details are at the bottom of the page.

I hope you enjoy Virginia’s introduction and excerpt!

Adventure Awaits

by Virginia Kohl

Margaret Dashwood, known to her family and friends as Daisy, has always dreamed of going on a grand adventure. With her first Season behind her, those dreams are relegated to the stories she tells her niece. 

Dr. Alexander Mallard came to the small village of Delaford straight out of medical school. With the knowledge and desire to help everyone he can, the young man settles into the life of a country doctor. 

The day their paths cross, an adventure grander than either ever imagined begins.

 

Since writing my debut novel, True Love Comes to Delaford, I knew I wanted Daisy to have her own story. When the adventuresome young woman and the village’s new physician are invited to dinner by a mutual friend, things do not go as planned.   

Excerpt: 

     The Delaneys and their guests could not believe what they had just heard. A footman had been sent from Delaford estate to summon Dr. Mallard. The Brandon baby was coming. Three weeks early.

 

     Seeing the confusion on the children’s faces, Mrs. Delaney tried to distract them before any questions were asked. 

     “Isabella is going to spend the night and you can play all day tomorrow!” Seeing their evident delight, she added, “Since you both were so well-behaved, you may be excused from the table early tonight.” 

     This exception prevented the children from hearing anything unsuitable for their little ears.  Cheers filled the room. Colin and Isabella got up from their seats and hugged each of the table’s other occupants. 

     Embracing her niece, Miss Dashwood attempted to hide her growing anxiety. Once the little girl left, she turned to the physician. 

     “Taking the carriage would be the most efficient. We should leave now.”

     “Although, I appreciate the use of your family’s carriage, it would be best for you to stay here for Isabella’s sake.”

 

     “Thank you for considering her well-being, but she will be fine with her godparents,” Daisy took a deep breath and tried to remain calm. “I must be with my sister. Please, Alexander.” 

     The last words came out in a whisper. It took him a second to realize she had used his given name. Regardless of the social faux pa, he was elated hearing his name on her lips. Although that might be acceptable in private, going out unchaperoned in public most definitely was not. 

     Oh, my Daisy, I cannot risk your reputation.

     As if she could read his thoughts, she determinedly replied, “The footman will be our chaperone. The journey cannot be deemed unacceptable when he is with us.”

     “That is true,” Louisa confirmed. “My family sent along staff to chaperone during our courtship outings in the East Indies.” 

     Alexander hid a smile at Daisy’s cleverness. “Very well, we shall leave as soon as the carriage is ready.” 

* * *

     Dusk had begun to fall when Dr. Mallard and Miss Dashwood entered the Brandon’s carriage. He placed his medical bag down and took the seat opposite her. The first few moments were spent in silence while the transport continued down the uneven road. 

     Lost in thought, her hands fidgeted in her lap and she looked out the window at the passing landscape. “This is not supposed to take place until November.” 

     Without a word, the young man reached over and gently took her hand. His thumbs caressed her skin in a rhythmic pattern. When she turned, her eyes were brimming. 

     “Something could happen to Elinor and the baby. What if —”

     She could not finish due to the lump that had formed in her throat.

     For the second time that evening, Alexander yearned to comfort her. Not wasting a second, he let go of her hands and cautiously switched seats. 

     Pulling her close, one hand rubbed her back while his other stroked her hair. “Shh, my Daisy. Do not think of such things.”

     Although he had referred to her that way in his mind, this was the first time he had uttered the endearment. She did not seem to mind. Perhaps she had not noticed. What mattered was his softly spoken words were reassuring her. 

     Daisy began to feel calmer, wrapped in the unexpected warmth and security of his embrace. “I am trying, Alexander. Why is the baby coming so soon?”

     The physician in him took over, explaining, “Sometimes babies are unable to wait.” Thinking for a moment he recalled a recent birth. “Mrs. Clark’s son made an unexpected debut in May. All of his check-ups have gone well, and he is as fit as can be.”

     She was about to respond when the carriage began to swerve. He instinctively tightened his hold on her. They were soon thrown against the wall. Horses neighed, and the servant could be heard trying to calm them. Finally, the transport came to an abrupt stop, although at a precarious angle. 

     “Alexander? Are you all right?”

     “I am fine. Are you hurt?”

     Even though she shook her head, the doctor carefully examined her to make sure. 

     Looking out at the mud-filled ditch they found themselves in, he evaluated the situation. “This way will land us in ankle-deep mud. Climbing out of the other door is our only option.”  

     Supporting himself on the doorframe, he carefully got one leg out followed by the other before jumping to the ground below. Alexander turned back toward the carriage to retrieve his medical bag. He noticed Daisy in the process of lifting her dress to make the descent easier. Placing the case on the ground, he reached his arms out to her.

     “Put your hands on my shoulders.” 

     After hesitantly looking around, she followed his order. A shiver went down her back when his hands rested on her waist. To her delight, he lifted her up and over with great ease. With her feet on the ground, neither made a move to let go. Several curse words yelled from the other side of the carriage caused them to reluctantly part. They found the servant in the middle of the ditch examining a broken wheel.

     “Nothing can be done, Sir,” he shook his head wearily.    

     “As I had feared.” With a glance to the darkening sky, Alexander grabbed one of the carriage lanterns along with his bag and ordered, “Watch over Miss Dashwood. I shall send assistance upon my arrival.”

     Anticipating a protest, he stopped the spirited young woman before she could say anything. “I understand your desire to be with your sister, however, this is safer for you.” 

     “I must go. How can I help Elinor here?”  

     He made sure the servant was distracted and then gently kissed her brow. “Pray.”  

     Without another word, he turned on his heels and strode away.  

     She stood motionless, astounded by his forward gesture. Clearing her head with a shake, Daisy proceeded to follow him. “If he believes this will stop me, he is sorely mistaken.”

If you enjoyed this excerpt, Adventure Awaits is available in both Kindle and trade paperback. 

Buy: Amazon

Add to Goodreads

FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks! 

About the Author

Virginia Kohl has been fascinated with the Regency era since discovering Jane Austen’s works at the age of eleven. 

Originally from Germany, Virginia Kohl shares her Texas home with her illustrator mother and faithful rescue dog. When not passing her love of learning on to her students, this college math professor enjoys reading, writing, cooking, and being an active member of her local writer’s guild. 

Connect with Virginia Kohl

Website • Facebook • Amazon Author Page • Goodreads Author Page

* * * GIVEAWAY * * *

It’s giveaway time!! Virginia Kohl is kindly giving away one e-copy (Kindle only) of Adventure Awaits to one of my lucky readers!

• One person will win an e-copy (Kindle only) of Adventure Awaits.
• One winner will be randomly picked.
• To enter the giveaway, leave a comment below and include your e-mail with parentheses around (at) and (dot).
• Open to Amazon.com customers.
• The last day to enter the giveaway is Sept. 1, 2020, by the end of the day.

Good luck!

Congratulations, Virginia, on the release of Adventure Awaits! Thanks so much for visiting us here today and for generously giving away an e-copy of your new book! 

So, friends, do you have any thoughts? We would love to hear from you!