Winner of When They Fall in Love!

First, I would like to say thank you to 

Mary Simonsen for graciously offering to giveaway an e-copy of 

When They Fall in Love!

Rafflecopter has picked:

Kelli H!

Congratulations Kelli!

Thank you to everyone who entered!

If you didn't win, you can head over to Leatherbound Reviews for a chance to win a paperback copy! Or you can buy a copy at Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

Kelli, you should have received an email from me.

Review and Giveaway: When They Fall in Love by Mary Lydon Simonsen

When They Fall in Love is a beautiful Pride and Prejudice variation that places Elizabeth and Darcy in Italy. In true Simonsen fashion, we not only get a lovely story of Elizabeth and Darcy falling in love, but we also get a bit of a history lesson, and in this case, we get to tour Florence with beautiful descriptions of paintings and sculptures. When They Fall in Love is a new twist on an old classic!

It has been seven years since that disastrous proposal at Hunsford, now Elizabeth and Darcy will meet again. While traveling in France with the Bingleys, Elizabeth finds herself on her way to Florence after Darcy invites them all to visit him there at his villa. Elizabeth's feelings have changed for him since Hunsford, but Darcy married Miss Amelie Cantwell just months after his proposal to Elizabeth. Could Darcy transfer his affections so easily if he had truly loved her?  Now he’s a widower, but too many years have gone by and Elizabeth is convinced Darcy would never renew those affections he once claimed to have for her.

Elizabeth and Darcy spend a lot of time together touring around Florence unchaperoned as Darcy is a family friend and rules of conduct were not as rigid in Italy. I was getting a little frustrated with Elizabeth. She is so sure Darcy would never renew his addresses to her that she misses every subtle hint Darcy drops! 

I also had mixed feelings about Jane. At first, I thought she was a little self-absorbed - too caught up in her illness, but soon I understood Jane a little more, especially as I learned more about her illness, and I began to like her again.

Throughout the story as Elizabeth is touring the sites of Florence, Simonsen gives beautiful descriptions of the artwork and a brief history to go with it. Not being familiar with the art pieces I was curious to see them for myself. I was happy to find Mary has written a short article about some of the pieces on her blog.

When They Fall in Love is a beautiful story that enjoyed very much. It's a delightful book to curl up on the couch with and spend a relaxing afternoon!

4 out of 5 stars.

I was provide an e-copy of the book for my honest review.

You can buy a copy at Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

(Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, should you purchase the book through the link I will receive a small commission.)

Connect with Mary Simonsen:

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This completes my 7th selection of the Pride and Prejudice Bicentenary Challenge 2013 hosted by Austenprose! You can see my list of completed selections here.

* * * GIVEAWAY * * *

Mary has graciously ofter to giveaway one e-copy (kindle or Nook format) of When They Fall in Love! All you have to do  to enter is fill out the Rafflecopter below. The giveaway is open Internationally. The last day to enter is April 22, 2013.
Good luck!

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Any thoughts? I would love to hear from you! 
Remember to enter the giveaway, you MUST fill out the Rafflecopter above. Thanks! 

Book Review and GIVEAWAY: Mr. Darcy Bites Back by Mary Lydon Simonsen

Ahh...It feels good to be back with my favorite couple! I’ve been asked to review many good books lately that are not Austenesque, but I always love to come home! Today, I am reviewing Mary Simonsen's new book, and she is graciously giving one e-book copy of Mr. Darcy Bites Back to one lucky person! All you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter below! 

From the back jacket:

As Mr. and Mrs. Darcy approach the first anniversary of their marriage, they look upon their life together very much as an idyll. With one exception. Their lives will always be ruled by the lunar cycle as the Master of Pemberley is a werewolf.

As Darcy prepares his wolf pack for nightfall, an unsettling rumor is being spread in the village that a phantom Ghost Buck has appeared in Wentside Woods on the Darcy estate. Because Darcy does not believe the stag exists, he wants to know who started the rumor—and why. Is it possible that someone has learned of his darkest secret and is trying to draw him out?

My Review:

This is a fun peek into the lives of Darcy and Elizabeth! I read Mr. Darcy’s Bite last year; you can read my review here.  The story continues in Mr. Darcy Bites Back where we visit the Darcy’s about a year after they are married... 

Someone is spreading rumors about a huge deer the locals call “Ghost Buck."  Interestingly, the Ghost Buck has only been spotted in the woods near Pemberley. Darcy has always tried hard to keep people out of his woods. Now, he is concerned the rumors will bring more poachers to the area to trap this elusive deer, thus adding more danger to him and his pack by being spotted, or worse, caught in the teeth of a steel trap. Darcy is anxious to solve this mystery.

As if that’s not enough, Darcy also has to deal with a new member of his pack, Marcel, a young man, a loner who trusts no one. With no guidance, he has had trouble adjusting to his life as a wolf, and because of those troubles, he has a lot of pent-up anger. The Council is hoping Darcy can help him adjust to his new life and to learn to be part of a pack.

While Darcy is working to figure out where the rumors are originating, Elizabeth and Georgiana have teamed up to solve the mystery on their own. 

I loved the mention of Antony, Lord Fitzwilliam! He is at Rosings, most likely hiding out from his creditors. I can only imagine how he is getting along with Lady Catherine! Now, that could be a good story all on it own!

If you enjoyed Mr. Darcy’s Bite, I think you will enjoy Mr. Darcy Bites Back! Even if, you haven’t read the first I think you’ll be alright reading this alone. Mary does give a little of the back story at the beginning and then a few times through out the story. This is a novella, so it does concentrate on this one event.

As always, Mary has written another enjoyable read!

4 out of 5 stars.

I was provided a copy of Mr. Darcy Bites Back for my honest review.

You can buy a paperback or e-book copy. Or fill out the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win an e-copy!

Connect with Mary:

Twitter: @MarySimonsen

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Blog: Austen Inspired Fan Fiction

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~~~GIVEAWAY!~~~

Here it is! Your chance to win an e-book copy (Nook or Kindle) of Mr. Darcy Bites Back! Fill in the Rafflecopter form below! The last day to enter is December 5, 2012. This is open internationally. Good luck!

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Don't forget to enter the rafflecopter for your chance to win an e-book copy of Mr Darcy Bites Back, and leave a comment.

Guest Post, Giveaway and a Freebie!

Hi Everyone! I just wanted to let you know I'm over at Indie Jane with my review of All My Tomorrows by Colette Saucier. They are also having a giveaway over there. You have a chance to win  either an e-book copy or a paperback copy of All My Tomorrows!










Next, I wanted to let you know, Mary Simonsen's book, Becoming Elizabeth Darcy kindle e-book is free at Amazon for the next three days, November 27th, 28th and 29th! ~ SALE IS OVER. 

Review: A Killing in Kensington By Mary Lydon Simonsen

In Mary Simonsen’s first book of the Patrick Shea Mystery series, Three's a Crowd, we meet Patrick Shea. It is a lighter read intended to introduce us to his character. In A Killing in Kensington, we get down to the nitty-gritty.... 

Clifton Trentmore, president of Trentmore World Imports, is found dead in his flat located in one of London's poshest neighborhoods.  Patrick and his new partner, Tommy Boyle, are assigned to the case. Trying to find who murdered Trentmore is not going to be easy. Trying to find someone who liked him is going to be even harder.

While looking for Trentmore’s killer, Patrick and Boyle find plenty of corruption and sexual harassment surrounding Trentmore and his company. To make matters worse the more they investigate, the longer the suspect list grows.

This mystery was very much like CSI or Law and Order, British style. I found it very well written and thought out, with strong characters that were believable. With so many people hating Trentmore, I wasn't sure who killed him! As the story get's closer to the end, I could start narrowing it down, but I still didn’t know until the conclusion, a telltale sign of any good mystery.

Unlike Three's a Crowd, there is no romance in A Killing in Kensington. The romantic in me was hoping to see more of Annie Jameson, but that relationship has ended with Annie moving to the States. Besides that, Patrick needs to put all his time into this high-profile case. However, there does seem to be a bit of sexual tension between Patrick and one of the suspects. Could this jeopardize his case?  

Mary Simonsen has amazed me with her ability to switch from romance to mystery, with seemly little effort.  At the same time, Simonsen’s humor is seen throughout the story. If you’re a mystery buff, I would highly recommend A Killing in Kensington!

4 out of 5 stars

I received a copy from the author for review.

Buy a copy here.

Connect with Mary:

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Blog: Austen Inspired Fan Fiction

Austen Authors

Captain Wentworth Home from the Sea By Mary Lydon Simonsen

     I tell you, you cannot go wrong reading one of Mary’s books! She always amazes me with her creativity, wit and her knowledge of history. In this book, there is not so much history, but a lovely story that made me feel good the whole way through!

     Captain Wentworth, who has no memory of Anne due to a head injury, returns with his sister and her husband who have let Kellynch Hall.  Anne’s father, Sir Walter, has left Anne at Kellynch Hall to help the Crofts get settled. During this time, Anne and Captain Wentworth get to know each other again. Anne has never stopped loving him, but can love find its way back into his heart again? 

     I love that Anne gets a second chance, but as Captain Wentworth’s memory starts coming back, will Anne’s happiness be jeopardized? 

     I really felt for Anne as her father treats her like a servant, but I’m glad she begins to make decisions based on what is good for her and not be persuaded by her family and friends.

     I adored this variation! I couldn’t put it down! It’s a good thing it is a novella and I was able to finish it in one sitting! 

I give this 5 out of 5 stars!

Buy Captain Wentworth Home From the Sea here.

This completes the Variations category of the Jane Austen Spinoffs 2012 Reading Challenge.

That's 2 of the 8 categories.

About the Author:

     Mary Simonsen has been writing Jane Austen re-imaginings in her head for thirty years. She finally put pen to paper in 2006 and published her first novel, Searching for Pemberley with Sourcebooks. Since that time, she has been as busy as a bee writing stories with tie-ins to Austen’s novels for Sourcebooks as well as self-published titles, including her latest, Becoming Elizabeth Darcy. Her favorite Austen title: a tie between Persuasion and Pride and Prejudice. Mary is a wife, mother, grandmother, and fanatical recycler. She lives in Arizona.

Mr. Darcy's Bite by Mary Lydon Simonsen

     Here's a good read, and just in time for Halloween! Mr. Darcy's Bite is fun Pride and Prejudice werewolf story.  But this isn’t your typical werewolf story, it is a romance. Oh, Mr. Darcy is most definitely a werewolf, but this is not a gruesome story. In fact, Mary Simonsen made the whole werewolf thing to be very interesting and surprisingly organized! 

     After months of Mr. Darcy calling on Elizabeth, he still hasn’t proposed, and Elizabeth is getting annoyed by the whole business. Mr. Darcy is trying to figure out how tell Elizabeth that he is a werewolf. He takes her to Pemberley to tell her. While there she learns a lot about the werewolf community. She realizes the danger Darcy is in and how he needs someone next to him who can help him. She also discovers that he is not alone in the woods...there is a female wolf with him.

     One of my favorite characters is Lord Fitzwilliam, the Colonel’s older brother. I love that he is a reoccurring character in Mary’s stories! He is such a lovable scoundrel! Another favorite of mine is Lady Marguerite, Darcy’s aunt on his father’s side.  She is a straight forward person, who tells it like it is. She's a hoot! I enjoy characters like that! Mr. Darcy has also surrounded himself with an incredible staff.  

     I could go on and talk about another scene in the story that I love but I don’t want to spoil it for you! Let’s just say I really liked this story!

     Buy a copy of Mr. Darcy's Bite here.

     Tell me what you think! I'd love to hear from you!

Darcy on the Hudson By Mary Lydon Simonsen

Darcy on the Hudson

By Mary Lydon Simonsen

Mary Simonsen definitely did her homework on Darcy on the Hudson.  There is an incredible amount of history woven through out the story.  The story begins in the summer of 1811.  Mr. Darcy, his sister Georgianna and Mr. Bingley are on there way to visit America.  While there they meet the Bennet family.  Of course sparks fly between Elizabeth and Darcy but there American/British differences keep them apart.  It is a turbulent time between the two countries.  

A pleasant surprise in this story is Mrs. Bennet.  I loved her! She is much more firm with Lydia and Kitty.  She believes her girls should be capable to take care of themselves, they were taught to cook and do chores. She was wise, had common sense and her husband was proud of her.

Something else I found interesting, there are similar quotes as in the original Pride and Prejudice, but are said by different people.

Darcy on the Hudson is an excellent story!  I enjoyed it very much.