Thursday 20 November 2014

The Falmouth Connection by Joana Starnes plus Giveaway!


Almost from the very beginning, I knew that I would like this book, if the size of my grin was anything to go by!
I have recently been reading modern JAFF and if done well they can be great reads. However it is books like 'The Falmouth Connection' that totally encompass my love for Regency JAFF and the great ones put me in D & E literary heaven :)

"That a grown man could be so put out by the vagaries of the English climate was bordering on the ridiculous. One would have thought he had been blessed with perpetual sunshine over the hills of Derbyshire!" - Joana Starnes

Beginning at Hunsford we get straight into the thick of the story, Darcy has yet to propose and Elizabeth has been summoned to Falmouth to join her family at the request of Mrs Bennet's aunt.
Mr Darcy and the Colonel are only too happy to offer escort to Elizabeth and her maid, albeit it be all the way to Falmouth. I am sure you will not be surprised to hear that Lady Catherine was displeased at the impropriety of two young men escorting Elizabeth alone, the maid not worthy of the title chaperone!

Despite Lady Catherine's objections,  Darcy and the Colonel are to escort Elizabeth. The latter aware that the former intends to propose and the former aware the latter will feign sleep on their journey. Not that a gentlemen of Mr Darcy's sensibilities would dream of proposing in a carriage with an audience, however when and how does he propose to do it? Lets just say there's no getting away from the 'last man in the world' speech when it comes to a good JAFF and it will eventually come, even if it is not in Hunsford but along the lovely coast of Falmouth. If Darcy is to win Elizabeth he's going to need more staying power than Bingley, all the amiability of the Colonel, a kind and compassionate author, all the while encroaching on the ambiguous hospitality of his love rival, Lord Trevellyan!

"As for the carriage, heaven help us! Aye, he would gladly have Fitzwilliam wait out in the rain - and perforce the poor blameless maid, into the bargain - but how the deuce was he to bare his soul to her, propose to her and, with any luck, kiss her - in his carriage, for goodness' sake? Or by the side of the road, like a common ploughboy? Or worse still, in the courtyard of a country inn, milling with all and sundry?" - Joana Starnes

I love books like this and I'll share why, as soon as the aforementioned carriage ride was confirmed I was skipping down a country lane in a bright summer dress, singing in a nursery rhyme manner, 'she's going to share a carriage with Darcy!' Most Janeites will be able to relate to the anticipation, excitement and joy that is rendered from such an event! "What will happen in the carriage?", "Will they speak?","What will they talk about?" & "Will he hand her into the carriage?" The delight that comes from observing, the inevitable close proximity that is an unavoidable consequence of sharing a carriage, is a delight that is barely related to in this day and age and is one of the many reasons I love reading books based in Jane's era. Joana created a seemingly innocent carriage journey with minimal dialogue, yet it conveyed a significant part of the story through body language, significant deductions of ones character, Mr Darcy's self reflection, the humour of the Colonel and Elizabeth's ready wit and kind nature. All from a carriage journey from Hunsford to Falmouth, just think what Hunsford to Gretna Green would be like, they'd go from Pride and Prejudice to married all in one day! ( I grant you not one day by carriage but by car, to be sure! )

The dialogue is delightful, Mr Darcy is amiable for most of the book! Although we know him to be taciturn in nature, this Darcy is Firth all the way, that smile when he told Mrs Gardiner (1995) that he used to run to Lambton as a little boy, the Darcy that rests his eyes on Elizabeth at the pianoforte at Pemberley (1995).

This book has it all, scoundrel Wickham, up to no good as per. An adorable and gullible Bingley who has his work cut out, when Jane does not welcome him with open arms (I do not blame her)! A witty Mr Bennet, who after witnessing his daughters being kissed, turns into the disciplinarian he should have been overnight! Lord Trevellyan, a rival for Elizabeth's affections, created the most heart rendering of scenes, between Lord Trevellyan and Darcy I did not know who to feel more sorry for. Mrs Bennet was great, I loved her matchmaking for once and she had my full approval. A fantastic Colonel who follows an unusual path to a happily ever after.
It is not often done but when authors make me like Lydia, it's gold stars all round, a surprising twist led me from shock to reconciliation, towards an idea so novel I had to smile.

"Mrs Bennet nervously prattled as she struggled with the daunting task of entertaining the most taciturn gentleman of her acquaintance, and holding him in place until she could ascertain whether her suppositions were in any way justified." 
"Heavens above, how positively vexing! Just how long can anyone stretch a picnic? Where on earth are you Lizzy? For goodness sake, come home now. enough is enough!"- Joana Starnes

 My absolute favourite part of the book is the night garden scene and from there I was sighing up until the last page. Joana sets the scene beautifully, the fear and adrenaline Elizabeth is feeling as a result of her walk through the woods in the pitch black of night sets the stage for a kiss that is executed perfectly.

"He did not linger there. Cards had never sparked his interest and were not likely to begin tonight. So he took another cup of punch from the obliging footman and returned to the parlour, steadfastly keeping his back to the great hall throughout - for he knew full well how badly he would have needed this final act of kindness, had the scales of Fortune been tipped the other way" - Joana Starnes

I was blissfully content to marvel in the absolute pleasure that I attained from the propriety and constraints of the Regency era which governed the direction of this book. 'The Falmouth Connection' has all the ingredients that a great P&P JAFF story should possess and I was hard pressed to find fault. Darcy & Elizabeth are adorably lovely in this heart warming story of true love.

This book is worthy of 5 Hearts - Mr Darcy!

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Joana Starnes is kindly giving a copy of 'The Falmouth Connection', as a giveaway prize, comment on one reason you love Regency JAFF or leave a comment about the book. (open internationally)
Winner to be announced on the 27th Nov 14. Good Luck everyone! Thank you again Joana Starnes for the giveaway!

I received an Arc copy for my honest review.

33 comments:

  1. I think I like Regency JAFF so much because the men are gentlemanly - well the Darcys that is, not the Wickhams! Sometimes a girl likes to be cherished and treated with deference and respect. Sometimes it's nice to not have to be the strong one and all I-am-woman-hear-me-roar. It's nice to be taken care of!

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    1. Hello my lovely, yes I quite agree with you, I often fancy swapping feminist independence for extensive reading and painted screens ;) give me a knight in shining armour any day good luck in the giveaway !

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    2. The knight in shining armour gets my vote too, any day!
      Thanks for stopping by, Brenda, and good luck :)

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  2. I adored this book! (Don't enter me in the giveaway) My heart broke for poor Darcy so many times! My favorite is how he starts out so confident in how he would propose and Colonel Fitzwilliam laughs at his pride. It was one of the greatest scenes I've read between the Colonel and Darcy (and we know there have been hundreds). Fabulous! Then Darcy goes on this tortuous road of hope, no hope, hope, no hope. He is desperately trying to win Elizabeth's heart but his breaks with every chapter. Joana does a fabulous job at grabbing the reader's heart and not letting go. She has a knack for helping us see the depth of Darcy's character and especially his pain - so much so that you nearly wish to throw the book at times~but then she pulls you along with a morsel of hope, and then the cycle repeats. But I agree that the kiss in the cave was spectacularly written! I personally will always remember the sailing.

    I had stepped away from JAFF for a month or two until I read one of Joana's books and then I was thoroughly reminded of why I love it! The poor man loves Elizabeth so passionately and is so devoted to her! He would do anything to win her heart! What woman does not wish to be fought for?

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    1. Yes Jeanna, what woman indeed:) ha ha ha no hope, hope, no hope I shouldn't be laughing but poor Darce does go through all sorts of trials for Elizabeth's heart at the cost of our love for JAFF :)

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    2. Thanks for the wonderful words, Jeanna, they mean an awful lot, coming from you :)
      I'm SO glad that whatever I've written reminded you of why we love JAFF so much. It would be a dreadful shame if you were to grow disenchanted and slip away from it. Please don't!!!! We need your stories, your optimism, your belief in the inherent goodness of people and in the fact that there's a glimmering light at the end of every long dark journey!
      Thanks for reading my stories and for having such amazing things to say about them. Much, much appreciated!

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  3. Truly, Elizabeth and Darcy are endearing characters who find their way to each other no matter what the circumstances or silliness or plotting of others. JAFF readings bring a smile to my face. I enjoy learning more about Regency England and some books encompass European/American political issues. Thank you for a wonderful review! And thank you for the giveaway - am am so interested in reading this book as I have enjoyed Joana Starnes previous books.

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    1. So thrilled to hear you've enjoyed my other books! I hope you'll like this one too. You're so right about Elizabeth, Darcy and JAFF. That's exactly how I feel: that despite all obstacles, all hardship, all mishaps and ill-will, our two favourite kindred spirits find each other and all is well with their world :)

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  4. I've read a lot of positive reviews on this one, so I'm going to bump it up on my wishlist!
    Is the giveaway for a paperback? If yes, I would love to win one! If not, then don't enter me, because I don't have an e-reader!

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    1. I'm so glad you heard good things about it, Arjanne. Sorry that the giveaway is for an ebook rather than a paperback and thanks very much for stopping by to read Tamara's very kind review! I hope you'll get to read the story and that you'll like it when you do :)

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  5. I'm half way through Joana's book and loving it. The setting is wonderful and yes, there's action as well as romance. Enjoyed your review, Tamara!

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    1. Thanks so much, Monica, I'm absolutely thrilled to hear you like it! Tamara's review is truly wonderful and so very kind! Thanks again for the lovely words, Tamara, and for welcoming me here!

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  6. I love the Regency Era for how the men court the women. Less is so much more. A slight touch of a hand or just a look has so much more depth in its meaning. I can't imagine how people in the Regency Era would look at us today. I gather they would be shock to see what people do these days...

    I love reading P&P JAFF, I always imagine the 1995 version with Firth as my Darcy while reading any novel. I've read so many wonderful excerpts from this novel and look forward to reading it. Thank you for hosting blog and the giveaway!

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    1. I totally agree, Dung Vu, about the depth and meaning of gestures that count for very little nowadays. I too have the P&P 1995 cast in mind most of the time and I can't help thinking that Colin Firth played Darcy to perfection. But, speaking of the depth and meaning of gestures, I found the 'hand scene' in P&P 2005 to be breathtakingly perfect and conveying this very same message, that the touch of a bare hand can be more affecting than Mr Darcy would have ever imagined ;)

      Thanks for stopping by and commenting and best of luck in the giveaway!

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  7. Congrats on the new release!

    I love JAFF for the continuation of being able to continue reading about D&E. I admire the creativity and the ability to take a small (or large) plot twist or change of genre and have a whole new adventure of D&E to read. What's not to love?

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    1. Thanks, Colleen! Someone (I wish I could remember who!) mentioned recently on Facebook that it's like having a favourite show and knowing that it'll never be cancelled. And that's just great, because we can't have enough of Elizabeth and Mr Darcy!
      Thanks for coming over to read Tamara's amazing review and good luck in the giveaway!

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  8. I don't know if I can still enter the giveaway, but I wanted to say that I loved your review, Tamara!! So lovely!! :) It sounds like a very good book! To answer your question, I love reading JAFF because I like the way they make me feel. It is like a dream, I find myself dreaming of being there, in those places with my favourite characters and I would never want to stop reading!!

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    1. So true, Maria! My sentiments exactly! To me, the feel-good effect of reading JAFF is better than chocolate :)
      Thanks so much for taking part in the giveaway. best of luck and I hope you'll like it.

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  9. I think what I like about JAFF is that I love all the "what ifs". One little decision or event happening one way or another can send our beloved characters off down completely different paths to their HEA. They do, however, have to have their HEA! I also like tales that mix in a bit of my other favourite genre, sci-fi, such as Jane Odiwe's time slip books and Monica Fairview's Steampunk Darcy.

    If the giveaway is for a paperback version, then please put my name in the hat. If not, then don't, as I've already got the ebook. The excerpts I've read so far have me champing at the bit to read it, especially that night scene, Joana!

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    1. Ah, just read Joana's reply to one of the other comments and seen that it's an ebook on offer.

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    2. Yes Angela, 'what if's' have given us another dimension to Jane's stories. Keeping her beloved characters alive in the 21st century. Like me I must have the paperback as well as the ebook if they are great JAFFs!

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    3. Anji and Tamara, I agree, the 'what-if's' are such a delight! The butterfly-wing effect and all that! And also the thought that no matter what, regardless of obstacles and mistakes, there's a red thread that still guides our favourite couple to each other :)

      I love time-travel stories! I guess it's because I wish it was possible (and I refuse to think of lack of antibiotics, decent medical & surgical treatment, the likelihood that I would have ended up in the scullery, etc ;) )

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  10. If time travel machine were available, I definitely would visit the Regency Era. For the sake of the language, protocol, manners, etiquette, and moral codes I would enjoy living some time among that society. In my opinion the humankind during 19th century reached its highest point on many cultural levels, and from that on begun its decline. From the words written by the literates of such époque I learned about what love should be. How love it was in fact, comprehended and apprehended. Apparently, in the past love was much of a different and more intense flavor than we encounter today in our walking lives. Perhaps this noblesse exuded in the gents behavior made me and still does to enjoy reading everything about JAFF. And Joana Starnes knows perfectly to exhibit those feelings in her books.

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    1. I totally agree ArtaMisa, I agree feelings of Love must have been in some ways different to what we experience today not to mention the different reasons and ways in which people came to be married. Good luck in the giveaway!

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    2. Thanks so much for the kind words, ArtaMisa, and so sorry about my late reply. I didn't realise there would be so many new comments and I'm so thrilled by the response!

      I would definitely visit the Regency Era if I got the chance. It might be very different from what we imagine, but if literature and history is anything to go by, it must have been an awesome place. I wonder if you've read Maggie Lane's book, 'Jane Austen's England'. There was something she said there that stayed with me: that Jane Austen was fortunate to live in a time when the world around her was 'improved but not yet desecrated by human activity'. I think that sums it all up, so beautifully!

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  11. I love Regency JAFF over Modern JAFF so much because of the anticipation, the flirtation, the romance. Sends the heart fluttering!

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    1. Exactly Erika, so much more is conveyed in expressions and body language. The balls and carriage rides are my favourite :) Good Luck!

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    2. Same here, Erika. I love the freedom of speech and movement that a modern variation offers to both reader and writer, but there's so much excitement in placing the story in a time where a glance spoke volumes and the touch of a hand was the difference between misery and seventh-heaven! Thanks for stopping by and for your comment.

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  12. This book is on my kindle wishlist! I think I love JAFF so much because of the romance (duh!) and Jane's wry perspective on Regency society. It's so interesting to think about the class separation and how it affected lives.

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    1. Yes the insight into the class system back then is very different to the class system today, yet the same in so many ways. Good Luck! I

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    2. Hi, Allison

      It's so fascinating to try to understand the different concepts and mentalities that governed their lives 200 years ago. I started reading Jane Austen's novels for the subject-matter & the romance, but then it was so exciting to discover more and more about that long lost way of life!

      Thanks so much for coming over to read Tamara's amazing review and I'm so glad 'Falmouth' is on your wish list! Hope you'll get to read it and that you'll like it when you do.

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  13. I love Jane Austen fan fiction! I love every tipe of variation if it is good written, but regency time gives the book a very magical atmosphere!

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    1. So glad you think so, Loren. I totally agree about the magic! It may be rose-tinted glasses, but I don't think any era before or since had so much grace and sparkle. Thanks for your comment and all the best!

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Thank you! Your comments are always welcome