tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64907197233292215062024-03-03T16:25:30.679-08:00My Kids led me back to Pride and PrejudiceAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08304167494997715591noreply@blogger.comBlogger174125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490719723329221506.post-75358650815918045362017-02-08T16:38:00.000-08:002017-02-08T16:38:02.940-08:00'Darcy’s Hope at Donwell Abbey' Blog Tour by Ginger Monette ~ Excerpt & Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Hello fellow Readers!</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>oday I have the pleasure of sharing an excerpt of <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">'Darcy's Hope at Donwell Abbey'</span>, by <span style="font-size: x-large;">Ginger Monette!</span> As an added bonus Ginger is kindly offering readers a chance to enter a giveaway! (US Residents only)<br />
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I first met Ginger, when I was contacted by another, lovely JAFF blogger; to find out if I would like to be a UK beta. Of course I was thrilled and daunted with the opportunity. Although we had never met in person, Ginger was very gracious and wonderful throughout the whole process. I had such fun. Therefore, I was so happy to see Ginger's story,<span style="font-size: large;"><b> <a href="http://tamaraausten77.blogspot.co.uk/2016/11/darcys-hope-beauty-from-ashes-by-ginger.html" target="_blank">'Darcy's Hope ~ Beauty from Ashes'</a></b></span> come to fruition.<br />
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I am excited to be participating in this current blog tour for Ginger's second instalment,<b> 'Darcy's Hope at Donwell Abbey'</b>! I simply, cannot wait to read it, to find out what Wickham's been up to. To watch Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship blossom and grow under the challenges ahead is something I look forward too.<br />
Thank you Ginger, for sharing today and for allowing me, to be a part of your journey.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzvRbUGfzM_KSpfBG9lPql6AJqW3CDCRKHS-UqAntqKc4UP5FN1e9IeVJZHrsgQJyq71os2GwGZut8SwDvVbCLD9nr5EeJQTds6IvglVtrRbV_JHjKS2UfzzmVc3KsGW-BVx4Z5Cn2KYs/s1600/2.1+DONWELL+cover+.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzvRbUGfzM_KSpfBG9lPql6AJqW3CDCRKHS-UqAntqKc4UP5FN1e9IeVJZHrsgQJyq71os2GwGZut8SwDvVbCLD9nr5EeJQTds6IvglVtrRbV_JHjKS2UfzzmVc3KsGW-BVx4Z5Cn2KYs/s400/2.1+DONWELL+cover+.jpeg" width="256" /></span></a><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">Blurb ~</span><br />
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1917. Amidst the chaos of WW1, Captain Fitzwilliam Darcy has won the heart of Elizabeth Bennet. Finally.<br />
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Then she disappears.<br />
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Still reeling from the loss, Darcy is struck by a battlefield tragedy that leaves him in a dark and silent world.<br />
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Sent to Donwell Abbey to recover, he's coaxed back to life by an extraordinary nurse. A woman whose uncanny similarities to Elizabeth invite his admiration and entice his affections.<br />
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His heart tells him to hold on to Elizabeth. His head tells him to take a chance with his nurse.<br />
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But Donwell Abbey holds a secret that just might change everything.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Excerpt ~</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><b>E</b></span>lizabeth bolted from the chair. “Fitzwilliam, wake up!” She nudged his arm in the darkened room, but he continued writhing with great heaving breaths. “Captain!” She squeezed his hand, but he jerked it away, whimpering.<br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">On</span></b> impulse, she slid her arms under his shoulders and held him close. Instantly his thrashing ceased.<br />
Gently rocking him, she massaged the unbandaged hair at his temple and whispered against his cheek, “It’s all right. Just a dream.”<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><b>His</b></span> breathing slowed, but his body remained tense. “My ribs...hurt.”<br />
She lowered him back to the pillow, then tapped on his hand, Try to relax. All right now?<br />
“Mmm.... Water. And morphine.”<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>She</b></span> squeezed his hand and poured water into the hospital cup. She touched the pill to his lips then offered the porcelain straw.<br />
He swallowed. “Who are you?”<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><b>Elizabeth</b></span> froze and closed her eyes. How she longed to tell him the truth, then brush a kiss on his lips, assure him of her love, and promise to stay by his side.<br />
She took his hand and spelled, Miss Thomas.<br />
<b style="font-size: xx-large;">“T</b>hank you...Miss Thomas.”<br />
Elizabeth sank into the wing chair and released a heavy breath. Could she bear to be so close and yet so far away from Fitzwilliam?<br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">Oh my word what an excerpt! I am even more intrigued now, why can't she tell him? I guess i'll find out soon enough. Thank you again Ginger and thank you for the giveaway!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;"><b>Giveaway!</b></span><br />
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Thank you Ginger, I know it was difficult to find an excerpt without giving too much away or haveing spoilers. </div>
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Ginger has a lovely giveaway of Downton Abbey Tea! Unfortuantely this giveaway is open to US residents only.<br />
<br />
<b>Rafflecopter Giveaway!</b><br />
<br /></div>
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<span class="Hyperlink0"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Hyperlink0"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: x-large; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b>As always, it is a pleasure to hear your thoughts!</b></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08304167494997715591noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490719723329221506.post-33848558553362008472017-01-27T22:00:00.000-08:002017-01-27T22:00:08.291-08:00“A Lie Universally Hidden” by Anngela Schroeder Blog tour ~ Excerpt & Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Hello Fellow Readers!</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Today </span>I have the pleasure of sharing an excerpt with you, from <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">‘A Lie Universally Hidden'</span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">by Anngela Schroede,</span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="color: #990000;">Plus a Giveaway!</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I first came across Anngela's work, in the 'Then Comes Winter' Anthology, where she wrote a lovely Pride & Prejudice variation called "Winter's Awakening"; which I reviewed back in December 2015. Therefore I was delighted to hear about the new P&P variation she had written and now only look forward to reading it!</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I would also like to thank<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: x-large;">Claudine</span></span><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: x-large;"> </span>at <span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://justjane1813.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #7f6000;">Just Jane 1813</span></a>,</span> for her part in bringing this blog tour to fruition.</span></span><br />
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: "brush script mt"; font-size: 18.0pt;">“</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: "brush script mt";"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>The engagement between them is of a peculiar
kind. From their infancy, they have been intended for each other. It was the
favorite wish of his mother…” —Pride and Prejudice,</b></span></span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: "brush script mt";"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> Jane Austen<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmopOHFUqekNO4uyE5lis8YE45O0VuYfKrt4h6tGaekViF8V0ql8fHFtZaBEDJB4pVcD6ZRMSvOiuL-ezOYtXwAydLy_a_fWkJds2U2j2-4feroIHiBtduJN5YAd7rmuAp2vnCPlltRq_/s1600/ALieUniversallyHiddenEbook-Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmopOHFUqekNO4uyE5lis8YE45O0VuYfKrt4h6tGaekViF8V0ql8fHFtZaBEDJB4pVcD6ZRMSvOiuL-ezOYtXwAydLy_a_fWkJds2U2j2-4feroIHiBtduJN5YAd7rmuAp2vnCPlltRq_/s640/ALieUniversallyHiddenEbook-Cover.jpg" width="406" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Fitzwilliam Darcy was
raised to never stray from the path set before him: ensure the continued
prosperity of his estate, Pemberley, protect and educate his sister to become
an accomplished woman, and marry the woman his mother chose for him—his cousin
Anne de Bourgh. With a letter bearing his late mother’s signature, Darcy
presumes his fate is sealed and prepares to wed one he does not love. However,
his destiny begins to unravel when he glimpses a pair of fine eyes on a quiet,
country road.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #660000; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Elizabeth Bennet is the
second daughter of a respectable though insignificant gentleman. She is
flattered to have captured the attention of a local squire, a childhood
friend, and everyone believes her path is secure—until a handsome, rich
gentleman arrives at a neighboring estate. Happenstance begets the unlikely
pair together, bridging a forbidden love long past a mere friendship.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">In “A Lie Universally
Hidden”, two of literature’s most beloved romance characters are destined to
marry for fortune and obligation rather than love. How will Darcy and Elizabeth
fulfill their true destiny under such circumstances? Shall honor, decorum,
prudence—nay, a signed letter from the grave—forbid it?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">"A Lie Universally
Hidden" is a Regency Romance suitable for most audiences, teen and up.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;"><b>Exceprt ~ </b></span></span><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">In this excerpt we find Colonel Fitzwilliam paying a call upon Anne de Bourgh in London. We are flies on the wall of a conversation which promises to bring to light some inner thoughts and struggles from a number of our favorite characters. ~<b><span style="color: #990000;"> Anngela Schroeder.</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Colonel Fitzwilliam</span></b> looked
around the sitting room and breathed a sigh of relief that his aunt Catherine
was meeting with her solicitor. His cousin Anne was pouring his tea and he
could not catch her eye. “My dear Anne. We have spoken of your time in London,
your visit to the theatre, and all that has occurred since I was last here two
weeks ago.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">She smiled. “We have yet
to speak on the lovely London weather. Do you believe the smoke and fog will
hinder our entire stay in town?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">He chuckled. “If we are
lucky, we may yet see more dark clouds on the horizon.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">She let out a most
unladylike snort and covered her mouth. “No, my mother is not expected back
until after luncheon.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="color: #660000;"><b>Richard let out a whoop
and slapped his knee.</b> </span>“You are <i>filled</i>
with impertinence. I forgot you had it
in you, my Annie.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Her eyes locked onto his
at the familiar name before she lowered her lashes. “You have not called me that since we were
children.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">He stood and walked over
to sit on the sofa beside her. “No, I have not, and I should have…every day for
the last fifteen years.” She sat with her mouth agape, her eyes not leaving
his. “Your mother interrupted our last conversation, Annie. You never answered
my question.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“Question?” She breathed
slowly, while her teacup seemed to rattle as she returned it to its saucer on
her lap. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">He took her empty hand in
his. </span></b>“Annie girl, do you want to marry Darcy?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“I…I” Her words were
stopped by the shattering of the tea cup as it slipped from her lap and onto
the floor. She only hesitated a moment before summoning a maid. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">After the maid departed,
she faced Richard who was grinning boyishly. She cleared her throat and sat
back down, before dropping her eyes. Her voice betrayed her anxiety. “Richard,
I…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“Mister and Miss Darcy,”
Thurston announced, opening the door and walking into the room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">“Blast!”</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Anne immediately started
and walked toward the fireplace before turning to face the door.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> “Richard!” Georgiana squealed, rushing to him
and throwing her arms around his neck. “Oh, pardon me.” Seeming to remember
herself, she stopped and her arms dropped quickly. “It is so lovely to see you.
When did you arrive home?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“Just this morning,
poppet.” He embraced his young cousin before clasping Darcy’s hand. “I came as
soon as I was able to get leave and will be here for a se’nnight.” As the
ladies quietly greeted each other, he said to Darcy in a low voice, “When can
you apprise me of the situation you alluded to in your letter?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">“Tonight, after dinner, if
you are available? </span></b>Actually,” he interjected, “I would rather not discuss it in
Lady Catherine’s home. It is of a sensitive nature.” At his cousin’s
questioning look, Darcy continued. “Why do you not return to Darcy House with
us? Your room has been ready since you
left and Georgiana would welcome your lively disposition.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“Lively? Mother said that
you have had two unmarried ladies staying with you these last few weeks. Is
that not lively enough?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“Two unmarried ladies at
Darcy house indeed. Miss Katherine Bennet is a friend of Georgiana’s and would
have dined with us this evening if she had not taken ill earlier today.” Darcy
cleared his throat and flushed. “And Miss Elizabeth Bennet is her older sister.
She is staying in Cheapside with her uncle and aunt and has visited a number of
times. But no, she does not reside with us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">“Oh, how interesting.” He
smirked.</span></b> “And how often is a number of times? Once? Twice? Maybe daily?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Darcy cleared his throat
again, before looking up at his betrothed. “She has mostly visited when I have
been at the club or conducting business. Anne,” Darcy said, interrupting his
and Richard’s conversation, “you are flushed. I believe you are standing too
near the fire.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Richard looked at Darcy’s
awkward interaction before allowing a seed of hope to take root in his breast. <i>Curious. Who is this Miss Elizabeth Bennet?</i><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #274e13; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><i><b>Thank you for sharing the except Anngela, I look forward to reading the rest of the book! I have enjoyed following and taking part in the blog tour, Thank you again.</b></i></span></div>
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<b style="font-size: 14pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Anngela is giving away </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">two autographed hard copies (US mailing
addresses only) </span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">2 kindle versions (Open to international winners), </span></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">An
autographed copy of <i>Then Comes Winter</i>
(US mailing address only) and an autographed 5x7 of the </span><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">A Lie Universally Hidden</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> book cover.</span></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Please enter in the Rafflecopter below</span></b></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;"><u>Blog Tour Schedule </u></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">January
16/ </span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://thesecretunderstandingofthehearts.blogspot.it/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "garamond" , serif; mso-themecolor: text1;">My Jane Austen Book Club</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">/Launch Post & Giveaway<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">January
17/ </span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpress.com/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "garamond" , serif; mso-themecolor: text1;">From Pemberley to Milton</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">/ Book Review & Giveaway<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">January
18/ </span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.madamegilflurt.com/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "garamond" , serif; mso-themecolor: text1;">A Covent Garden Madame Gilflurt's Guide to
Life</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">/Guest
Post <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">January 19/
</span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://candy-m.blogspot.com/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "garamond" , serif; mso-themecolor: text1;">So Little Time…</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">/ Excerpt Post & Giveaway<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">January 20/
</span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://myvicesandweaknesses.wordpress.com/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "garamond" , serif; mso-themecolor: text1;">My Vices and Weaknesses</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">/ Book Review & Giveaway<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">January
21/ </span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://babblingsofabookworm.blogspot.co.uk/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "garamond" , serif; mso-themecolor: text1;">Babblings of a Bookworm</span></b></a></span><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">/</span></i></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;"> Book Review <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">January 22/
</span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://justjane1813.com/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "garamond" , serif; mso-themecolor: text1;">Just Jane 1813</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">/ Excerpt Post</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">January
23/</span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://austenesquereviews.com/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "garamond" , serif; mso-themecolor: text1;">Austenesque Reviews</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">/ Author Spotlight & Giveaway<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">January 24</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">/<b> </b></span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://obsessedwithmrdarcy.wordpress.com/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "garamond" , serif; mso-themecolor: text1;">Obsessed with Mr. Darcy</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">/</span><span lang="EN-US"> </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">Book Review
& Giveaway<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">January 25/
</span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.everysavagecandance.com/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "garamond" , serif; mso-themecolor: text1;">Every Savage Can Dance</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">/Book Review & Giveaway<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">January
26 / </span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://diaryofaneccentric.wordpress.com/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "garamond" , serif; mso-themecolor: text1;">Diary of an Eccentric</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">/Book Review & Giveaway<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">January
27 /</span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://austenesquereviews.com/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "garamond" , serif; mso-themecolor: text1;"> Austenesque Reviews</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">/ Book Review & Giveaway</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">January
28/ </span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://tamaraausten77.blogspot.com/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "garamond" , serif; mso-themecolor: text1;">My Kids Led Me Back to Pride and Prejudice</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">/ Excerpt & Giveaway</span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">January 29/
</span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://savvyverseandwit.com/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "garamond" , serif; mso-themecolor: text1;">Savvy Verse & Wit</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">/ Guest Post & Giveaway</span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">As always I delight in hearing your thoughts!</span></span></b></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08304167494997715591noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490719723329221506.post-13194828508220708052017-01-18T21:17:00.000-08:002017-01-18T21:17:16.127-08:00"The Best Part of Love" by Amy D'Orazio Blog Tour ~ Vignette & Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZA31Hp6dlH5yrZcBs-TDdOwTIVQ4bRLf12wp2vqlC8vUvat33aqXQ9IvsjNG_F8oGM0Au2JXwzhcVyevvCL2aSSZQgU9Wjpqqg_0w6eeZme0MHB_OVPuuh_lFDSCRxoveeHoq-yBrOE6P/s1600/BPOLhorizontalbanner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZA31Hp6dlH5yrZcBs-TDdOwTIVQ4bRLf12wp2vqlC8vUvat33aqXQ9IvsjNG_F8oGM0Au2JXwzhcVyevvCL2aSSZQgU9Wjpqqg_0w6eeZme0MHB_OVPuuh_lFDSCRxoveeHoq-yBrOE6P/s640/BPOLhorizontalbanner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;"><b>Hello Fellow Readers, Happy NEW YEAR!</b></span><br />
<br />
I am delighted to welcome <b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Amy D'Orazio</span></b> author of<b><span style="font-size: large;"> "The Best Part of Love",</span></b> for my first blog post of the year!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Welcome Amy,</span> it is a pleasure to have you here. I have enjoyed following the blog tour thus far, each blog stop has only increased my interest further and had my kindle screaming "read me" every time I glanced in its direction!!. Especially when you read vignettes, like the one you are kindly sharing with us today!<br />
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: large;">Book
Blurb:</span></b></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #660000; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Avoiding the truth does not change the truth</b></span></i><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJPBBNs8DijCWROc4jdewiuWTlI4tFbLTomTjJnemgTj4vqcXL_CNio3px8BfbJ_wHBJ5HP34xJCDarrrVPd284IG1kMUF1pqts6KPjj7TC3QQhWTVEtxs1fahyM4sIzZEn9Tv_1GzNgBN/s1600/Best+Part+of+Love+Front+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJPBBNs8DijCWROc4jdewiuWTlI4tFbLTomTjJnemgTj4vqcXL_CNio3px8BfbJ_wHBJ5HP34xJCDarrrVPd284IG1kMUF1pqts6KPjj7TC3QQhWTVEtxs1fahyM4sIzZEn9Tv_1GzNgBN/s400/Best+Part+of+Love+Front+Cover.jpg" width="266" /></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When Fitzwilliam Darcy meets Miss Elizabeth Bennet he has no
idea that she — that indeed, the entire town of Meryton — harbors a secret.
Miss Elizabeth, a simply country girl from a humble estate, manages to capture
first his fascination and then his heart without him ever knowing the truth of
her past. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #660000; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When she meets Darcy, Elizabeth had spent the two years prior
hiding from the men who killed her beloved first husband. Feeling herself
destroyed by love, Elizabeth has no intention of loving again, certainly not
with the haughty man who could do nothing but offend her in Hertfordshire. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In London, Elizabeth surprises herself by finding in Darcy a
friend; even greater is her surprise to find herself gradually coming to love
him and even accepting an offer of marriage from him. Newly married, they are
just beginning to settle into their happily ever after when a condemned man on
his way to the gallows divulges a shattering truth, a secret that contradicts
everything Elizabeth thought she knew about the tragic circumstances of her
first marriage. Against the advice of everyone who loves her, including Darcy,
Elizabeth begins to ask questions. But will what they learn destroy them both?</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #660000; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Vignette ~</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">“</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">We meet again, Lady Courtenay.</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";"><b>”</b>
Mr. Darcy bowed. “</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">May I have the
honour of</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">—”</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">“</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">Joining me?</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">”
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">Elizabeth gave him a sidelong
glance. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">“</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">I could not
dare refuse you, sir.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">”</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">He drew back. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">“</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">I beg your pardon?</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">”</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">Elizabeth repressed her grin wondering if it was cruel
of her to enjoy teasing him so, particularly when, ofttimes, he seemed rather
bewildered by what to make of it. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">“</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">Only think, Mr. Darcy, all these
many lanes, the acres and acres of park land</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">… </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">and yet somehow we have managed to
meet one another each of these three days past. Extraordinary, is it not?</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">”</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";"><span style="color: #660000;"><b>Mr. Darcy stood silent</b></span> and still with one hand resting
comfortably on his walking stick and the other by his side. He would have been
the picture of sedateness, but his ears betrayed him, turning a delightful
shade of mortified crimson.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">“</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">How can one account for such a
concurrence of whims and undertakings? There are only two explanations I could
contrive.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">”</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">He spoke carefully. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">“</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">I should be delighted to know them,
I am sure.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">”</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">“</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">If one of us had hoped to avoid the
other, then I must presume</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">it is all the perverseness of mischance which keeps
throwing us in each other</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">’</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">s way. But I am not trying to avoid you. I do hope you
are not trying to avoid me?</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">”</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">Mr. Darcy</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">, who seemed to have perceived the
light humour in her tone,</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">conceded a faint smile to her</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">.
“</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">Of course not.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">”</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";"><b>“</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";"><b>Then I must attribute these
unlikely meetings to fate.</b> In either case, I should not dare to disoblige
whatever forces keep contriving to unite us.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">”</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">“</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">It is excessively unwise to
disoblige mystical forces.” After a moment</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">’</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">s hesitation, Mr. Darcy added, </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">“</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">Perhaps, to be perfectly obliging,
you should take my arm.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">”</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">“</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">Of course,</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">”
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">she agreed. They set off into the
feeble but burgeoning warmth of the spring morning, the weather an apt metaphor
for the strange feeling Elizabeth found within her heart. His society was not
unwelcome, she realised. A surprise, for in truth, Elizabeth prized the
solitude of her rambles as much as she prized the ramble itself. But here, at
Rosings — well, she rather liked having him along. Indeed, she almost would say
she preferred it.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">With that understanding came a bit of guilt for how
she had teased him. He had clearly expended some effort in learning her planned
course — she had varied it over these last three days and yet somehow he found
her every time. She should not tease</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">him for it.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">“</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">Shall we have some conversation, my
lady?</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">” </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">He had noticed
her reverie.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">“</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">We shall — but first I must beg
your pardon.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">”</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">“</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">Oh? Why is that?</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">”</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";"><b><span style="color: #660000;">She smiled up at him.</span></b> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">“</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">I fear my teasing might imply</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">distaste for our present
arrangement.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">”</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">He stared straight ahead. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">“</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">I do hope you would tell me if I
was intruding on your pleasure.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">”“</span><span lang="IT" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: IT; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">No.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">” </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">She squeezed his arm, making him look at her. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">“</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">Truly, no. I am glad you are with
me.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">”</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">She watched, with odd delight as his ears again told
his secrets. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">“</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">You are always welcome to join me, Mr. Darcy.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">”</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">Lightly, he said, </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">“</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">I pray you speak in earnest, Madam,
for I do find a great deal of enjoyment in these outings.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">”</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">
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<div class="Body" style="line-height: 120%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">“</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">Then it is settled,</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">”
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">she said. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">“</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">For whatever forces have begun this
— be it fate or the perverseness of mischance — we shall continue it on our own
inclinations.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";"><b><span style="color: #660000;">Thank you for sharing Amy!</span></b> Was not that, a lovely little scene? Wouldn't you like to read what inspired it? Amy D'Orazio is kindly giving readers the opportunity to win one of eight copies! I would also like to thank <b><span style="color: #660000;">Janet</span></b> at</span><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;"><b> </b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://moreagreeablyengaged.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank"><b>More Agreeably Engaged</b></a></span><b> </b></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">for helping to bring this blog tour to fruition.</span></span><br />
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<b><span lang="EN-US">Terms
and Conditions:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Readers may enter the drawing by tweeting once a day and daily
commenting on a blog post that has a giveaway attached for the tour. Entrants should
provide the name of the blog where they commented (which will be verified). </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tweet and comment once daily to earn extra entries. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Each winner will be randomly selected by Rafflecopter. Paperback or
ebook format will be randomly selected for each winner as well. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">**NOTE: Paperback copies are available for continental US winners!
Ebook copies are available for all winners, including international winners! If
more international winners are randomly chosen than the 4 allotted ebooks, then
that will decrease the number of paperbacks. 8 books will be given away to 8
different winners.**</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;"><b>Blog Tour Schedule:</b></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> 6 Jan </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&q=http://thesecretunderstandingofthehearts.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1484860430539000&usg=AFQjCNFb5tdIJ77M1uD72pzVbrZX8rnULQ" href="http://thesecretunderstandingofthehearts.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">My Jane Austen Book Club</span></a><span class="m_1301545401434903677gmail-MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">;</span></span><span class="m_1301545401434903677gmail-MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;"> Guest Post, Excerpt, Giveaway</span></span></div>
<div class="m_1301545401434903677gmail-MsoNoSpacing" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> 7 Jan </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&q=https://justjane1813.com/&source=gmail&ust=1484860430540000&usg=AFQjCNH5l8xUvUOEaphZlms_h4_IPJz5NQ" href="https://justjane1813.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">Just Jane 1813</span></a><span class="m_1301545401434903677gmail-MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">;</span></span><span class="m_1301545401434903677gmail-MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "calibri light" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span><span class="m_1301545401434903677gmail-MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">Review</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div class="m_1301545401434903677gmail-MsoNoSpacing" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> 8 Jan </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&q=http://babblingsofabookworm.blogspot.co.uk/&source=gmail&ust=1484860430540000&usg=AFQjCNFRpKxJ2dmI6dhO02lQSAR0TIS9hg" href="http://babblingsofabookworm.blogspot.co.uk/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">Babblings of a Bookworm</span></a><span class="m_1301545401434903677gmail-MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">; Vignette, Giveaway</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div class="m_1301545401434903677gmail-MsoNoSpacing" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> 9 </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Jan </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&q=http://www.everysavagecandance.com/&source=gmail&ust=1484860430540000&usg=AFQjCNFUZFUJDUeHm4hLHCj5HxMnhJoYPg" href="http://www.everysavagecandance.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">Every Savage Can Dance</span></a><span class="m_1301545401434903677gmail-MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">; Guest Post, Excerpt, Giveaway</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div class="m_1301545401434903677gmail-MsoNoSpacing" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">10 Jan </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&q=http://tomorrowisanotherday.altervista.org/&source=gmail&ust=1484860430540000&usg=AFQjCNEOgx7lOftJmT90gDw_b3fHnH3AQg" href="http://tomorrowisanotherday.altervista.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">Tomorrow is Another Day</span></a><span class="m_1301545401434903677gmail-MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">; Review</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div class="m_1301545401434903677gmail-MsoNoSpacing" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">11 Jan </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&q=http://savvyverseandwit.com/&source=gmail&ust=1484860430540000&usg=AFQjCNHwmDCzivpk5P53WJtuAqlHc_du5g" href="http://savvyverseandwit.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">Savvy Verse & Wit</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;">; Character Interview, Giveaway</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div class="m_1301545401434903677gmail-MsoNoSpacing" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">12 Jan </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&q=http://halfagonyhalfhopelove.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1484860430540000&usg=AFQjCNF0uVzMrtGWOCyNlCAMZEtpkpgg_g" href="http://halfagonyhalfhopelove.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">Half Agony, Half Hope</span></a><span class="m_1301545401434903677gmail-MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">;</span></span><span class="m_1301545401434903677gmail-MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span><span class="m_1301545401434903677gmail-MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">Review</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div class="m_1301545401434903677gmail-MsoNoSpacing" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">13 Jan </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&q=http://austenesquereviews.com/&source=gmail&ust=1484860430540000&usg=AFQjCNGZwrl5aP0eclPv95b5v7CEEJLl1g" href="http://austenesquereviews.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">Austenesque Reviews</span></a><span class="m_1301545401434903677gmail-MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">; Vignette, Giveaway</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div class="m_1301545401434903677gmail-MsoNoSpacing" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">14 Jan </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&q=http://www.darcyholicdiversions.com/&source=gmail&ust=1484860430540000&usg=AFQjCNFWKikt_O8VADpLRpm3fXXK_RPt-A" href="http://www.darcyholicdiversions.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">Darcyholic Diversions</span></a><span class="m_1301545401434903677gmail-MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">; Author Interview, Giveaway</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div class="m_1301545401434903677gmail-MsoNoSpacing" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">15 Jan </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&q=http://www.delightedreader.com/&source=gmail&ust=1484860430540000&usg=AFQjCNHKbRufpJzTwxkjkom1lIxJ1-vZMw" href="http://www.delightedreader.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">Delighted Reader</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt; text-decoration: none;">; Review</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;"></span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div class="m_1301545401434903677gmail-MsoNoSpacing" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">16 Jan </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&q=https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpress.com/&source=gmail&ust=1484860430540000&usg=AFQjCNE1Lc9H3eXKAsAqcM0TDYjwx1ETHQ" href="https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpress.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">From Pemberley to Milton</span></a><span class="m_1301545401434903677gmail-MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">; Review</span></span><span class="m_1301545401434903677gmail-MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">17 Jan </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&q=http://www.madamegilflurt.com/&source=gmail&ust=1484860430540000&usg=AFQjCNHUxMqyCwzVbD3AOyv4bJdXRhBEJg" href="http://www.madamegilflurt.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">A Covent Garden Gilflurt’s Guide to Life</span></a><span class="m_1301545401434903677gmail-MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">; Guest Post</span></span><span class="m_1301545401434903677gmail-MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">18 Jan </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&q=https://obsessedwithmrdarcy.wordpress.com/&source=gmail&ust=1484860430540000&usg=AFQjCNHijekXi0dMbqYTgmRz_EdTF5Pkvw" href="https://obsessedwithmrdarcy.wordpress.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">Obsessed with Mr. Darcy</span></a><span class="m_1301545401434903677gmail-MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">; Review</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">19 Jan </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&q=http://tamaraausten77.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1484860430540000&usg=AFQjCNEP2AUJ0YWMsEZWxmkRtUZP3v9Xwg" href="http://tamaraausten77.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">My Kids Led Me Back to Pride & Prejudice</span></a><span class="m_1301545401434903677gmail-MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">; Vignette, Giveaway</span></span><span class="m_1301545401434903677gmail-MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">20 Jan </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&q=https://diaryofaneccentric.wordpress.com/&source=gmail&ust=1484860430540000&usg=AFQjCNFHGqTh2FHi838GCw9Zn3HtDMR5mg" href="https://diaryofaneccentric.wordpress.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">Diary of an Eccentric</span></a><span class="m_1301545401434903677gmail-MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">; Review</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">21 Jan </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&q=http://www.moreagreeablyengaged.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1484860430540000&usg=AFQjCNFxzEg9MCFlTzY1ASkgNbi_s6Ik5g" href="http://www.moreagreeablyengaged.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">More Agreeably Engaged</span></a><span class="m_1301545401434903677gmail-MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt;">; Vignette, Giveaway</span></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US">Author
Bio:</span></b></div>
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<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLg0YAdGlfTfexnZtaEHvJwbR4jRg-DWARhcj5EGzAhzs24IOnlLS34IYS82O8jQ_Kg67-_WgfGl9xeUZLKQW8pUDf7z5SXSCC_hgw8fqrMTKJeMgLVL0TiMxhLl8LXz7JWBlAC9dqoYby/s1600/AIDOrazio+11-2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLg0YAdGlfTfexnZtaEHvJwbR4jRg-DWARhcj5EGzAhzs24IOnlLS34IYS82O8jQ_Kg67-_WgfGl9xeUZLKQW8pUDf7z5SXSCC_hgw8fqrMTKJeMgLVL0TiMxhLl8LXz7JWBlAC9dqoYby/s320/AIDOrazio+11-2016.jpg" width="239" /></a></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Amy D’Orazio is a former breast cancer researcher and current
stay at home mom who is addicted to Austen and Starbucks in about equal
measures. While she adores Mr. Darcy, she is married to Mr. Bingley and their
Pemberley is in Pittsburgh PA.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">She has two daughters
who are devoted to sports which require long practices and began writing her
own stories as a way to pass the time she spent sitting in the lobbies of
various gyms and studios. She is a firm believer that all stories should have
long looks, stolen kisses and happily ever afters. Like her favorite heroine,
she dearly loves a laugh and considers herself an excellent walker. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><u><b>Where you can find Amy</b></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><u><b><br /></b></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://merytonpress.com/our-authors/amy-dorazio/">Website </a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15873405.Amy_D_Orazio">Goodreads
Author Page </a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Facebook: Amy
D’Orazio</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://twitter.com/AllAbtAusten">Twitter</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Instagram:
amydorazio<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/AllAbtAusten/"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Pinterest</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">As always, I delight in hearing your thoughts!</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08304167494997715591noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490719723329221506.post-55171392080424050632016-12-04T16:33:00.000-08:002016-12-04T16:33:39.093-08:00Book winners! 'The Courtship of Edward Gardiner' & 'Mr Bennet’s Dutiful Daughter'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ccSeeuPRiVsHVLDXsldRIvUVBvpCVZdcQVdRxyFfFIJM8FnboA_GluFgMx9lVlgMcBmt5QoRAwMufoAtM1F3OaR4-O5qua95JIzCK_2RP5Fgd906JVFPNKIvMIbh_BTgjYxsa3nIcr1f/s1600/mr+darcy+smiling+both+winners.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ccSeeuPRiVsHVLDXsldRIvUVBvpCVZdcQVdRxyFfFIJM8FnboA_GluFgMx9lVlgMcBmt5QoRAwMufoAtM1F3OaR4-O5qua95JIzCK_2RP5Fgd906JVFPNKIvMIbh_BTgjYxsa3nIcr1f/s640/mr+darcy+smiling+both+winners.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Congratulations ladies!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Eva</span> you have won a copy of <b>'The Courtship of Edward Gardiner' by </b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><b>Nicole Clarkston</b></span>, your choice of either a paperback or e-book copy.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Vesper</span> You have won an e-book copy of<b> 'Mr Bennet’s Dutiful Daughter' by Joana Starnes.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Please contact me ladies, with your details.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Thank you again, </b><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">Nicole Clarkston & Joana Starnes for your generous giveaways!</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<i>(Winners picked using <a href="http://random.org/">Random.org</a>)</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08304167494997715591noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490719723329221506.post-50218925179030335652016-11-25T23:00:00.000-08:002016-11-25T23:00:24.008-08:00“Mr Bennet’s Dutiful Daughter” by Joana Starnes ~ Blog Tour & Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-X8L4BvJakLQjHcf_ocsc565xGHfjxNCkm0qYBosaEk9_I9oJyvkPcWTvyWx5QQwNymDoLzSu3608bBzXWgl8qJn6P-2ikWthaEIqH7AyMs2d1geBYUg3GI9zSlJgeauYqP6ZHtAlNzV3/s1600/MBDD+blog+tour+banner_landscape_D+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-X8L4BvJakLQjHcf_ocsc565xGHfjxNCkm0qYBosaEk9_I9oJyvkPcWTvyWx5QQwNymDoLzSu3608bBzXWgl8qJn6P-2ikWthaEIqH7AyMs2d1geBYUg3GI9zSlJgeauYqP6ZHtAlNzV3/s640/MBDD+blog+tour+banner_landscape_D+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">Hello Fellow readers!</span><br />
I am delighted to be welcoming <b>Joana Starnes</b> to my blog today, for another stop on the<b> 'Mr Bennet's Dutiful Daughter' </b>blog tour!<br />
I was unaware of the subject of Joana's post and was pleasantly surprised to find it featured one of my favourite chapters in the book, dear Mrs Reynolds diary! (by the by, a book i heartily give a 5 heart ~ Mr Darcy rating!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1HAxseoz0q__PLKIiKDdcdTvwSf06xrLUu_BmikCzsRrt0XhefqLArTLjxON75WH_zvn_RWR3TQGFG7jp9t0UryfUx3Gvgt0N1yXRNNy-HAXkmZkziCsuUoVIX5zXDNmPrSggMTSLsJM/s1600/heart+rating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1HAxseoz0q__PLKIiKDdcdTvwSf06xrLUu_BmikCzsRrt0XhefqLArTLjxON75WH_zvn_RWR3TQGFG7jp9t0UryfUx3Gvgt0N1yXRNNy-HAXkmZkziCsuUoVIX5zXDNmPrSggMTSLsJM/s400/heart+rating.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now, let me not leave you in any more suspense and hand you over to Joana.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">T</span>hank you, Tamara, for ever so kindly welcoming me at <i>My
Kids Led Me Back to P&P</i> on the blog tour for my latest book, <i>Mr
Bennet’s Dutiful Daughter</i>.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">By now your kids probably are well past the
cookie-baking stage, but I still thought I might bring<span style="color: #b45f06;"> </span></span></b></span><br />
<b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Mrs Gardiner’s
Oatcakes</i></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">on my visit to your lovely site.</span></span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCVl27_BYTHoNrRVj5iBZv-fl38g64dz7yIlRDPe69JmTnNaFcdFEg27x4hiFSHOVqc7Ck5HiWgpEONgQvJ5BCCGzcoWQegLDdgg4xFs6of7ICXengtKcycXOQBc2jiN0eM91RnajPrOe/s1600/Mrs+G%2527s+oatcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCVl27_BYTHoNrRVj5iBZv-fl38g64dz7yIlRDPe69JmTnNaFcdFEg27x4hiFSHOVqc7Ck5HiWgpEONgQvJ5BCCGzcoWQegLDdgg4xFs6of7ICXengtKcycXOQBc2jiN0eM91RnajPrOe/s640/Mrs+G%2527s+oatcakes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>The Oatcakes are mentioned twice in the book, and one of
those instances is in a tender moment between Darcy and Elizabeth, once they
are settled in their Derbyshire home:</b><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">The old housekeeper looked up from her papers at the
sudden noise. She could not quite place it, but it sounded like an exclamation
of some sort. From Mrs Darcy’s pastry-room. She was still there, then? Pen
poised, Mrs Reynolds stopped to listen. But the room around the corner had
grown suspiciously quiet. Perhaps she ought to check that Mrs Darcy was well –
it was always better to be safe than sorry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;">Sorry she was not, far from it, as soon as she
rounded the corner to come across a highly unexpected but also highly
gratifying sight. There was the Master, in a part of the house where he had not
ventured for fifteen years or so; not since the days when he and his cousin
were pilfering sweetmeats from the pantry. There was no question of pilfering
now, the treats were willingly bestowed, and Mrs Reynolds very nearly chortled
as she wondered what Mr Howard [the butler] would say to see their young master
literally eating out of Mrs Darcy’s hand. The diverted smile grew warm and
maternal and the housekeeper dropped her eyes, unwilling to intrude even
unnoticed on the joyful and very private moment. So she made to turn away and
leave the dear pair to their good cheer – he grinning widely, she likewise, her
youthful cheek marked with specs of flour – but was not quick enough and
chanced to catch a heart-warming glimpse of Mr Darcy abandoning the
confectionery for the even sweeter treat of his wife’s kiss.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;">Mrs Reynolds quietly hastened on her way, yet she still
heard her master chuckle, “I would not dream of saying so to your aunt when
they visit, but your oatcakes are even better.”</span></i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Would you like to hear more about Mrs Gardiner’s oatcakes?
Once again, it was Claudine’s wonderful idea that I include them in the blog
tour and share the recipe with you. It’s based on a traditional Derbyshire one
for Winster Wakes Cakes <i>(“sweet wheatflour biscuits with egg and currants,
associated with the annual Wakes holidays at Winster, near Matlock” <a href="http://www.foodsofengland.co.uk/">www.foodsofengland.co.uk</a></i>).
Derbyshire oatcakes are sometimes savoury; they’re cooked as pancakes and
served with bacon and eggs (<i>Ann Wall, ‘Favourite Derbyshire Recipes’</i>).
But since it might have been a step too far to imagine the mistress of
Pemberley flipping pancakes and frying bacon and eggs, I went for the more
genteel option of Elizabeth baking sweet oatmeal biscuits.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>I couldn’t in good conscience post a recipe without trying
it first, and hey, I’m still here to tell the tale of baking Mrs Gardiner’s
oatcakes. Would you like to try? It’s ever so simple. A bit messy and sticky
halfway through, but quick and easy. Here are the ingredients again:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoUgOiLBOtDDDuvJjThmfB31Dh_k3Zp4ZzqLkN0flb_33rMv9TnvRsl0I6-2Gy5ALvLbF3LofKhRK1NQnvB1D6ToDRn3eEMa9fMhie9GxaXdTAXnG25ZHl0-NHyBmTD9D3EXGnkm_sdctQ/s1600/Ingredients+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoUgOiLBOtDDDuvJjThmfB31Dh_k3Zp4ZzqLkN0flb_33rMv9TnvRsl0I6-2Gy5ALvLbF3LofKhRK1NQnvB1D6ToDRn3eEMa9fMhie9GxaXdTAXnG25ZHl0-NHyBmTD9D3EXGnkm_sdctQ/s400/Ingredients+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000;">12.5 oz (350g) oatmeal or finely ground oats<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000;">3 oz (85g) butter<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000;">3 oz (85g) caster sugar<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000;">1.5 oz (40g) currants<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000;">1 egg<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000;">1 pinch of cinnamon, if you’d like to make them a bit more
Christmassy</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>The more finely-milled the oats, the less chewy the texture
and less crumbly the oatcake. The milled oats I used looked like breadcrumbs. I
could have used the more floury oatmeal, or just flour (white or wholemeal). If
you’re using rolled oats the oatcakes will be <i>really</i> chewy. As
for the butter, Mrs Gardiner might frown but surely a healthier spread would
do.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>So, what next?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Mix the oats or flour with the sugar and the softened
butter, then stir in the currants, the beaten egg and the pinch of cinnamon.
Mix everything till it forms a dough. If the dough is still too sticky add
another sprinkling of oats or flour.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBij_d8inybqW0sQcFJ_4RKo18mskiEgvA9jM6oJOboeSDEeg31XGRJKbUMPeFif-ck9n-f_VeW769xOP6rjW6kENbo11E0c1FCk2yQeQyeSeaAHQi8v5RAovYGaSFSVjoGidXAp7Omasy/s1600/Step+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBij_d8inybqW0sQcFJ_4RKo18mskiEgvA9jM6oJOboeSDEeg31XGRJKbUMPeFif-ck9n-f_VeW769xOP6rjW6kENbo11E0c1FCk2yQeQyeSeaAHQi8v5RAovYGaSFSVjoGidXAp7Omasy/s640/Step+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Roll it on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/2
inch and cut into 2 inch- or 3 inch rounds. If you’re using a 3-inch cutter the
above quantity makes 12 oatcakes.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrTNg5sTj_k5XYjkQ-a3Id1YzZo5IEPVrZ16g-m4Nqu-h0qLVS-NqdlyHrBaNPMkj2AHTWL7E4BZSi29KK0F5uH9LhH_qeZ2pIlY9ppZ0Zc0Bcy62oF0KvW_k1Fo-WqoqLzuuhWFxJz71/s1600/Step+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrTNg5sTj_k5XYjkQ-a3Id1YzZo5IEPVrZ16g-m4Nqu-h0qLVS-NqdlyHrBaNPMkj2AHTWL7E4BZSi29KK0F5uH9LhH_qeZ2pIlY9ppZ0Zc0Bcy62oF0KvW_k1Fo-WqoqLzuuhWFxJz71/s640/Step+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Place the rounds on baking paper on a tray, reasonably well
apart (they spread a bit) and bake for approx. 20 mins in a moderately hot oven
(350ºF; 180ºC; Gas mark 4 in UK). You might have to use a spatula to get them
off the baking paper and they're quite crumbly when hot, but if you let them
cool down there's a good chance of getting them on a plate in one piece :D</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbWbrO6dK-tv3bDjw97ww72jocQlOYrIe1LPjAO83TKubd9fqFqi_Kb04TbYfgTD1A4z6_2lAWOmvc8l8aUcNGPT-P6ZEHiiqCBZ_ANg-z0RVzzhCoy9NK3-Ono4GHsTW90EmwHq3lD1Le/s1600/Oatcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbWbrO6dK-tv3bDjw97ww72jocQlOYrIe1LPjAO83TKubd9fqFqi_Kb04TbYfgTD1A4z6_2lAWOmvc8l8aUcNGPT-P6ZEHiiqCBZ_ANg-z0RVzzhCoy9NK3-Ono4GHsTW90EmwHq3lD1Le/s400/Oatcakes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>So how about reading <i>Mr Bennet’s Dutiful Daughter</i>
with a glass of milk and a plate of oatcakes? (Although some recommend red wine
and lots of chocolate ;) ). For a chance to read it for free, please leave a
comment to enter the international giveaway of a Kindle copy. Thanks for
stopping by to read the post and if you’re baking Mrs Gardiner’s oatcakes
please let me know if you liked them :) All the best, and thanks again, Tamara,
for having me as your guest today!</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: garamond;"><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">Thank you, for your wonderful post Joana and another wonderful book to add to my JAFF collection, as well as a recipe to add to the experience :) </span></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFoZLekbId5ZIhau3QCBypVqa87m7n7fOWpGf7L71GSIx8u7IP0p9nFcCMr3R0lV1fUmtW4jMK5SAroBoMGokt0mZwmmhjo6QpU96DFn-ZGBvFXbZQ_6gUiZkwDCT1vBjIs57Kz_H5ovkD/s1600/giveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFoZLekbId5ZIhau3QCBypVqa87m7n7fOWpGf7L71GSIx8u7IP0p9nFcCMr3R0lV1fUmtW4jMK5SAroBoMGokt0mZwmmhjo6QpU96DFn-ZGBvFXbZQ_6gUiZkwDCT1vBjIs57Kz_H5ovkD/s320/giveaway.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Giveaway Time!</span></b></div>
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<b>Joana Starnes is kindly giving bloggers a chance to win an e-book copy of 'Mr Bennet's Dutiful Daughter' on each stop of the Blog Tour! How delightful!</b></div>
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<b>For your chance to win leave a comment below and maybe tell Joana what you think of her efforts in the kitchen, could she possibly get a job below stairs, at Pemberley! </b></div>
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<b>Winner to be announced on the 2nd December 2016.</b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Blog Tour ~ </span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: garamond;">November 17/ </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&q=http://thesecretunderstandingofthehearts.blogspot.it/&source=gmail&ust=1480215654162000&usg=AFQjCNHVoQRZritYwkMD1mLnMbqWScNnOg" href="http://thesecretunderstandingofthehearts.blogspot.it/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: garamond;">My Jane Austen Book Club</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: garamond;">/Launch Post & Giveaway</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: garamond;">November 18/ </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&q=https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpress.com/&source=gmail&ust=1480215654162000&usg=AFQjCNFoxMcBr5uM8Eynu-3X957k0SLT_A" href="https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpress.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: garamond;">Pemberley to Milton</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: garamond;">/Book Review & Giveaway</span><span style="color: black;"></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: garamond;">November 19/ </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&q=https://obsessedwithmrdarcy.wordpress.com/&source=gmail&ust=1480215654162000&usg=AFQjCNFA11EuegebLbHcpq0c-Inv09QvLQ" href="https://obsessedwithmrdarcy.wordpress.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: garamond;">Obsessed with Mr. Darcy</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: garamond;">/</span><span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: garamond;">Book Review & Giveaway</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: garamond;">November 20/ </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&q=http://www.madamegilflurt.com/&source=gmail&ust=1480215654162000&usg=AFQjCNGVMfOQFyf9BLAq7Cx4XWzM-cTlgA" href="http://www.madamegilflurt.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: garamond;">A Covent Garden Madame Gilflurt's Guide to Life</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: garamond;">/Guest Post & Giveaway</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: garamond;">November 21/ </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&q=http://margiesmustreads.com/&source=gmail&ust=1480215654163000&usg=AFQjCNHfLtNkVb8Wsi__CQm5PZiMJaKKGw" href="http://margiesmustreads.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: garamond;">Margie's Must Reads</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: garamond;">/ Book Review & Giveaway</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: garamond;">November 22/ </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&q=http://babblingsofabookworm.blogspot.co.uk/&source=gmail&ust=1480215654163000&usg=AFQjCNH312KeI9MD_hLjmSGy5dpnoL6Spg" href="http://babblingsofabookworm.blogspot.co.uk/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: garamond;">Babblings of a Bookworm</span></a><i><span style="color: black; font-family: garamond;">/</span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: garamond;"> Book Review & Giveaway</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: garamond;">November 23/ </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&q=https://diaryofaneccentric.wordpress.com/&source=gmail&ust=1480215654163000&usg=AFQjCNH-_lDIg9eesNBdbZcqWbLVlm_fXw" href="https://diaryofaneccentric.wordpress.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: garamond;">Diary of an Eccentric</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: garamond;">/Book Review & Giveaway</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: garamond;">November 24/ Happy Thanksgiving</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: garamond;">November 25</span><span style="color: black; font-family: garamond;">/</span><span style="font-family: garamond;"> </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&q=http://candy-m.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1480215654163000&usg=AFQjCNFq3lbOMLUJIOS1xRhC07S5hkqhjA" href="http://candy-m.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: garamond;">So Little Time... So Much to Read/</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: garamond;"> Excerpt & Giveaway</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: garamond;">November 26</span><span style="font-family: garamond;">/ </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&q=http://justjane1813.com/&source=gmail&ust=1480215654163000&usg=AFQjCNEivBzGsf_YVgbvy6cakDzNN4v3YQ" href="http://justjane1813.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: garamond;">Just Jane 1813</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: garamond;">/Interview with Joana Starnes & Giveaway</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: garamond;">November 2 / </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&q=http://tamaraausten77.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1480215654163000&usg=AFQjCNFJZZxcKEr9kHFW6NX7y90ouGrviw" href="http://tamaraausten77.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: garamond;">My Kids Led Me Back to Pride and Prejudice</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: garamond;">/ Guest Post & Giveaway</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: garamond;">November 28/ </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&q=http://moreagreeablyengaged.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1480215654163000&usg=AFQjCNHl25UzXQAOJGs1fytsEEoPBCwd8g" href="http://moreagreeablyengaged.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: garamond;">More Agreeably Engaged</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: garamond;">/ Vignette & Giveaway </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: garamond;">December 1/ </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&q=https://myvicesandweaknesses.wordpress.com/tag/jaff/&source=gmail&ust=1480215654163000&usg=AFQjCNF_PZBuxqGYiVO-gPE-T5o-KkxzkA" href="https://myvicesandweaknesses.wordpress.com/tag/jaff/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: garamond;">My Vices and Weaknesses</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: garamond;">/ Book Review & Giveaway</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: garamond;">December 2/ </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&q=http://austenesquereviews.com/&source=gmail&ust=1480215654163000&usg=AFQjCNHSNjz3IsWpPbj17E2bAbcOR2r20Q" href="http://austenesquereviews.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: garamond;">Austenesque Reviews</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: garamond;">/ Excerpt & Giveaway</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: garamond;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">As always, it is a pleasure to hear your thoughts!</span></b></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08304167494997715591noreply@blogger.com45tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490719723329221506.post-84876880205503681772016-11-21T02:27:00.000-08:002016-11-21T02:38:16.740-08:00"Darcy’s Hope ~ Beauty from Ashes" By Ginger Monette Spotlight & Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGHo4-fKfoSTMOIVbKC-8NXRuwcB1B-K5Lzs5QT5cLku5yjbML2y665R8d0-eo6M0tovbfWmNNvj_fy69md-C9ZbrZwfjzyt-6Fna5_j80yjXPCTyqdtuxCDYGYJ6jmFkzYSMisSGQYTE/s1600/Z+FB+size+with+giveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="529" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGHo4-fKfoSTMOIVbKC-8NXRuwcB1B-K5Lzs5QT5cLku5yjbML2y665R8d0-eo6M0tovbfWmNNvj_fy69md-C9ZbrZwfjzyt-6Fna5_j80yjXPCTyqdtuxCDYGYJ6jmFkzYSMisSGQYTE/s640/Z+FB+size+with+giveaway.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #45818e; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;">Hello fellow readers!</span> Today it is my turn to shine the spotlight on <span style="font-size: x-large;">"Darcy's Hope ~ Beauty from Ashes" by Ginger Monette</span>, as part of the blog tour!<br />
Ginger's latest book is a WW1 Pride and Prejudice variation, told in two parts, with "Darcy's Hope at Donwell Abbey" currently available to pre-order.<br />
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">In</span> addition, Ginger is planning a Great War
Romance series. Several of the characters that readers encounter in <i>Darcy’s Hope</i> will have stories of their
own including Colonel Fitzwilliam, John Thornton, Robert Knightley and
a few more.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Escape to the era of Downton Abbey and experience all the drama of World War 1 alongside literature’s iconic Elizabeth Bennet & Fitzwilliam Darcy. You'll watch their tender love unfold as they learn to work together and reconcile their differences amidst the carnage of war.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><b>Blurb ~</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqIhZ6oWL3bxNLUnWUX234uBy1C05cHH9fatK_GnmKrJH1Q7_cvDeP5HxxFeQ6uDII9lngdyCoGPcLcBO2Vpl1eWgEoVKPZqUkHMptblli5NazInF7tBNlpv1X1SeW6jzoiY3clRyAjJI/s1600/Blurb+Front+cover+Darcy%2527s+Hope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqIhZ6oWL3bxNLUnWUX234uBy1C05cHH9fatK_GnmKrJH1Q7_cvDeP5HxxFeQ6uDII9lngdyCoGPcLcBO2Vpl1eWgEoVKPZqUkHMptblli5NazInF7tBNlpv1X1SeW6jzoiY3clRyAjJI/s640/Blurb+Front+cover+Darcy%2527s+Hope.jpg" width="419" /></a>1916. World War I has turned French chateaux into bloody field hospitals, British gentlemen into lice-</div>
infested soldiers, and left Elizabeth Bennet's life in tatters.<br />
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Her father is dead and her home destroyed. Never again will Elizabeth depend on a man to secure her future!</div>
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But when an opportunity arises to advance her dreams of becoming a doctor, she is elated—until he arrives....</div>
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Heartbroken. Devastated. Captain Fitzwilliam Darcy is left rejected by the woman he loved and reeling from the slaughter of his men on the battlefield. “Enough!” Darcy vows. “No more sentimental attachments!”</div>
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But arriving at a field hospital to pursue a covert investigation, Darcy discovers his beloved Elizabeth training with a dashing American doctor and embroiled in an espionage conspiracy. </div>
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With only a few months to expose the plot, Darcy is forced to grapple with his feelings for Elizabeth while uncovering the truth. Is she indeed innocent? Darcy can only hope….</div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;"><b>Giveaway time!</b> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTb5b2IIdubov444Is9Am5iap6AwWn2p9f3-JLVlHdY5zKDzqVrDHj_p0v-TOgCGFZl3J2pJZrFk9iznKjdUcoTLu5sxL4v6A7T7udW5UVLq2h1sxgSwN1Bi6oZBPqTbI2WCdFwrnKwp7Q/s1600/Giveaway+Ornaments+%2526+Mug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTb5b2IIdubov444Is9Am5iap6AwWn2p9f3-JLVlHdY5zKDzqVrDHj_p0v-TOgCGFZl3J2pJZrFk9iznKjdUcoTLu5sxL4v6A7T7udW5UVLq2h1sxgSwN1Bi6oZBPqTbI2WCdFwrnKwp7Q/s640/Giveaway+Ornaments+%2526+Mug.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US">Ginger is offering a giveaway of Seven Downton Abbey ornaments via entry through Rafflecopter. Also leave a comment below for additional entries.</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">.</span><br />
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<b><span lang="EN-US">The ornament giveaway is open to US residents in the
continental US. The prize for residents
of the continental UK is a Downton Abbey mug.</span></b><br />
<b><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></b></div>
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="01d280031" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/01d280031/" id="rcwidget_tpmseg88" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>
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<span lang="EN-US"><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">Bonus! Exclusively Available to blog readers until 22/11/16 click <a href="http://www.cliptomize.com/Clipbook/View/302976?secret=sc8jf2rn55" target="_blank">here!</a></span></b></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5vxPOJIkvXh6qNmWVkWsaT41LVqGQEOfUJwsuqp5QAkF0oIs7kCOUkvjseZVE08loTT8mFP_6TY_i5D8LJM63MZ8Dz5hfRZPqgnUcsxNFFhRvkoWq1H4S9XSGQ2gFYfeKMTLEhRJuHFd/s640/Lizzy%2527s+Scrapbook+graphic++jpg.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">I do hope you enjoy the bonus pictures and as I have already, had the pleasure of reading this book, I look forward to reading part two, "Darcy's Hope at Donwell Abbey"</span></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">Thank you again to Ginger, for the wonderful giveaway and special bonuses! </span></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">As always I delight in hearing your thoughts. </span></b></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08304167494997715591noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490719723329221506.post-37654269915966794442016-11-09T22:11:00.001-08:002016-11-09T22:11:28.749-08:00'The Courtship of Edward Gardiner' by Nicole Clarkston Blog Tour - Review & Giveaway! .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"><b>Hello fellow Readers and welcome to another delightful blog tour!</b> </span><br />
Today I have the pleasure of reviewing <span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">'The Courtship of Edward Gardiner' by Nicole Clarkston</span>, plus Nicole's generously offering one lucky winner a copy of 'The Courtship of Edward Gardiner' for each stop of the blog tour. I would also like to say a special thank you to Rita Deodato at<a href="https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"> 'From Pemberley to Milton'</a> for kindly helping to bring this Blog tour to fruition.<br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"><b>Book Blurb ~</b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Every great love has a beginning.</span></b><o:p></o:p><br />
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In Austen's Pride and Prejudice, we meet with perhaps the
most sensible, caring relatives a lovelorn young woman could hope for: Mr and
Mrs Gardiner. What is their story?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Edward Gardiner has just been refused by the lovely young
woman he had intended to make his wife. Heartbroken and eager for a diversion,
he accepts an invitation from his brother-in-law, Thomas Bennet, to accompany
him along with his two eldest daughters to the north on family business.
Gardiner's pleasure tour is interrupted, however, when his eldest niece falls
ill and is unable to travel farther. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Stopping over in the scarcely remarkable village of Lambton,
the men decide that Bennet must continue on, while Gardiner and the children
remain. The only trouble is that Gardiner has not the least idea how he should
care for one ailing niece and another who is ready to drive him to
distraction... until he meets with Madeline Fairbanks.<o:p></o:p></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"><b>Book Review -</b></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">It </span></b>is not a phrase I use lightly, but this is another JAFF Gem! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Mr and Mrs Gardiner
are a favourite couple of mine and a combination of Film and JAFF have made
them, all the more dear to me. So of course, it only follows that I would jump at
the chance to read a story on how they first meet one another.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Most of you know I simply
deplore</span></b> having to give anything away and often being as evasive with the details
as possible. However today I have no choice but to disclose a wonderful
surprise, Darcy, Georgiana and Charles also feature, plus others!!! And
I cannot begin to tell you how very pleased I was to make this discovery.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">It was lovely and funny to see that Mr
Gardiner was looking for someone with the type of attributes Darcy would look
for.</span></b> In this, Madeline’s character is a mixture of both Jane’s
genteel manner and Elizabeth’s sharp mind, well she certainly was very astute
an observer, when it came to opinions on Mr Wickham and Darcy in canon, so no
surprises there. This was another reason I enjoyed the story as the characters
were so in keeping with how I expected them to be, more so Madeline than Mr Gardiner, as we see more of
her personality in canon, yet seeing what would be decided for Mr Gardiner’s
backstory was a surprise and what he would say was most novel. The two make a great
pair and their courtship is very sweet. I very much liked the similarities that
were reminiscent of D&E, Mr Gardiner believing that a woman with a clever
mind was to be cherished and Madeline for always putting him at ease, with
knowing just what to say. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></div>
<div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #38761d;">“Fanny was quite delighted to marry a gentleman! A real
distinction for the daughter of an attorney, you must understand.” She smiled
indulgently. “Little Jane and Lizzy are so delightful, I am certain she must be
a noble, wise lady-without her equal, I am sure. Oh, Mr Gardiner, are you quite
all right?” she started in concern, for he seemed to have inhaled a portion of
his tea.</span>- <b><span style="color: #134f5c;">N.Clarkston</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">The</span></b> things Madeline would
ruminate over in the inner workings of her mind, gave you a glimpse at her
sound thinking and the advice she often gave Elizabeth in canon and still does
in JAFF. That Mr Gardiner was so sensible and fashionable even then was great
to see. That Madeline should speak so candidly and with an abundance of wit,
that at times it was easy to see that perhaps, Elizabeth’s character was also
shaped by her aunt as well as her father. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">I will own, as much as I delighted
in the inclusion of Darcy and said others,</span></b> I was left constantly trying to
puzzle whether or not this could be a ‘what if’ Prequel to P&P or a
workable prequel. As I could not fathom, that they would cross paths and not
remember, however on reflection when I look back on times I spent as a child on
various different holidays and the friends I often made at one hotel or
another, I would not be able to recall half their faces or names now, let alone
where they hailed from. Therefore I conclude, this is a sound prequel to P&P
and I loved every frustrating and delightful moment of it! I grant you the only
fault I could find was whether or not it was appropriate for Elizabeth to be
walking the halls and stairs of the Inn unchaperoned, however considering her
age I may be wrong in my assumption.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Back to the task at
hand,</span></b> it was funny to see a younger Mr Bennet, however his careless management
of the welfare of his daughters was a little hard to witness, however after a
moments reflection on Lydia’s faux pas, I think it is fair to say the author depicted
his manner quite well. And why is it that Mr Bennet’s discerning eye is so
frightful, he can make someone feel vulnerable, open and exposed with one look
lol! </span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #38761d;">“His flights of fancy tumbled to the ground the instant he walked the
lady through the door of the inn. Thomas Bennet reclined at the darkest and
most private of the corner tables, nursing his pipe with the road dust still
clinging to his boots. A wry curve defined his mouth, and those cunning eyes of
his twinkled brightly when he observed the party just entering”</span> - </span></span></span><b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">N.Clarkston</span></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Oh, Darcy as a young lad is
such a treat.</span></b> More than a treat, Nicole incorporates scenes that seem to give clarity to others in canon. For instance, I could clearly see, after another firm
reminder from Lady Catherine, how Darcy would see duty as important in regards
to Elizabeth’s status. The heart wrenching thoughts of what his mother would
think of his actions and his loyalty to her and her memory. I adored the fatherly
advice Mr Darcy would give to his younger son, with one poignant scene giving
an insightful perspective to Lydia’s later folly and Darcy's rescue, to see, the seed of this imparted from father to son was
quite a moment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">I liked that Mr Darcy loved his wife,</span></b> giving Young Darcy a
marker for future felicity, rather than his father cheating and it being a result
of him wanting to be the opposite, to his father. The many facets of Master
Darcy that were revealed, made for a heart warming and funny tale.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #38761d;">"He darted a glance over his shoulder to be sure he was not seen, then he
adjusted her short little legs so that she was sitting astride the horse’s
neck. Unladylike though it might be, he did not care to rob her of stability in
favour of propriety. There would come a day for that, but not yet." </span>- </span></span><b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">N.Clarkston</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><b>From his early compassion and care for his three year old sister on horseback</b></span>, in that
we see so clearly where his caring nature for Elizabeth’s welfare comes from, to his early arrogance, which makes you laugh and say “oh dear,
so Darcy, I see there is work yet to be done lol” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <span style="color: #38761d;">“Fitzwilliam,” Darcy
spoke gravely, “Mr Bingley intends for Charles to study at Eton. We have
written some of it during our other correspondence.” “Yes, indeed,” the
businessman affirmed. “He is to take up residence next month!” William
apparently had yet to learn to conceal his horror and astonishment, for his
face bled of all composure. A tradesman’s son! What travesty had compelled the
school officials to accept the man’s application? </span>- <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"> </span></span><b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">N.Clarkston</span></b></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><b><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">With all the </span>ingredient's<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> of a good JAFF,</span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> I seriously recommend you
read this Gem of a book. From passages that remind you of lady Catherine, to
delightful match makers and to being reminded of Caroline Bingley as a result
of someone’s air and manner. The
inclusion of musings that lead you to think about P&P. To scenes, with the oh
so popular, dreaded awkwardness, that leave the reader uterly delighted in the
characters discomfort or not!. To being reminded
of just how much you love Elizabeth’s out spoken tongue, yet kind and caring
nature. That Darcy’s horse has a personality. That anyone could be in awe of Mrs
Bennet’s station in life, was but a taster of the humour throughtout. Need I go on? I doubt it, all that remains for me to say, is that I do hope you get to read this book very soon. </span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This book derserves 5 hearts - Mr Darcy!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;">Giveaway Time!</span></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;"></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWDw6eJbhtyPX8FarDUvgokRHu_jijiFE4PiuJ_wn_hzfo3QTHWe4jTnyC8v65twQzYJSwuYfJaOhyAzbsCqK3Q4o6oIQhKkh3jy5gZ3hxkD0dP5quVoU6NCBP3LR-DVURq3WC7lGNEoQ/s1600/giveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWDw6eJbhtyPX8FarDUvgokRHu_jijiFE4PiuJ_wn_hzfo3QTHWe4jTnyC8v65twQzYJSwuYfJaOhyAzbsCqK3Q4o6oIQhKkh3jy5gZ3hxkD0dP5quVoU6NCBP3LR-DVURq3WC7lGNEoQ/s200/giveaway.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Nicole Clarkston
would like to offer a copy of 'The Courtship of Edward Gardine to one lucky reader. Remember each blog tour also has a giveaway. The format is readers’ choice (eBook or paperback) and is open internationally. To enter please leave a comment below and the lucky winner will be announced on the 2nd December 2016!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><b>I was given an ARC for my honest review.</b></span></span></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Blog Tour Schedule:</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">10/21: Guest Post, Excerpt & Giveaway at </span><span lang="PT"><a href="http://moreagreeablyengaged.blogspot.com/"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #0563c1; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;">More Agreeably Engaged</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">10/22: Review & Giveaway at </span><span lang="PT"><a href="https://justjane1813.com/"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #0563c1; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;">Just Jane 1813</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">10/27: Review & Giveaway </span><span lang="PT"><a href="http://savvyverseandwit.com/"><span lang="EN-US">Savvy Verse & Wit</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">11/01: Excerpt & Giveaway at </span><span lang="PT"><a href="http://halfagonyhalfhopelove.blogspot.com/"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #0563c1; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;">Half Agony, Half Hope</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">11/08:<b> </b>Guest
Post & Giveaway </span><span lang="PT"><a href="http://candy-m.blogspot.com/"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #0563c1; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;">So little time…</span></a></span><u><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #0563c1; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">11/10: Review & Giveaway </span><span lang="PT"><a href="http://tamaraausten77.blogspot.co.uk/"><span lang="EN-US">My Kids Led me Back to Pride and Prejudice</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">11/11: Guest Post & Giveaway at </span><span lang="PT"><a href="http://babblingsofabookworm.blogspot.co.uk/"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #0563c1; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;">Babblings of a Bookworm</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">11/15: Review & Giveaway at </span><span lang="PT"><a href="https://myvicesandweaknesses.wordpress.com/"><span lang="EN-US">My Vices and
Weaknesses</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">11/17: Guest Post & Giveaway at </span><span lang="PT"><a href="http://www.madamegilflurt.com/"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #0563c1; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;">A Covent Garden Gilflurt’s Guide to Life</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">11/26: Excerpt & Giveaway at </span><span lang="PT"><a href="http://margiesmustreads.com/"><span lang="EN-US">Margie’s Must Reads</span></a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">11/30: Review & Giveaway at </span><span lang="PT"><a href="https://diaryofaneccentric.wordpress.com/"><span lang="EN-US">Diary of an Eccentric</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">12/01: Guest Post
& Giveaway at<b> </b></span><span lang="PT"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #0563c1; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;"><a href="https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpress.com/">From Pemberley to Milton</a></span></span><u><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #0563c1; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US">Contact Info:<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/AVvXsEiRzuEbfR-dUzK-u2NwzShGxJkZZwyZL6cwdE0hadMP_oBLvqDAHJIfkS1qLA50rkg6YtnbL2-PfBs778nQUj6-BhPrUCsiIxV9bUTf_UN-76O3qAhhvfum0rxi-nz6UJBfjc9HPqEjhApB/s1600/Nicole+Clarkston.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRzuEbfR-dUzK-u2NwzShGxJkZZwyZL6cwdE0hadMP_oBLvqDAHJIfkS1qLA50rkg6YtnbL2-PfBs778nQUj6-BhPrUCsiIxV9bUTf_UN-76O3qAhhvfum0rxi-nz6UJBfjc9HPqEjhApB/s320/Nicole+Clarkston.jpg" width="178" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">N.Clarkston</td></tr>
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<span lang="PT"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nicole-Clarkston/e/B013LFODMG/ref=pdp_new_following_mf_vp"><span lang="EN-US">Amazon Author
Page</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US">Buy Link:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="PT"><a href="http://amzn.to/2eadYw1"><span lang="EN-US">The Courtship of Edward Gardiner</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="PT">As always I delight in hearing your thoughts!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08304167494997715591noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490719723329221506.post-50677317478555627222016-11-04T06:07:00.002-07:002016-11-04T06:07:27.180-07:00Mr Bennet’s Dutiful Daughter by Joana Starnes - Cover Reveal & Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPExoKi5jApvmuQTtGvuKRTVK94ppEYkd1fy7doT50LxxY5pdIZ7MjY2SxLHhcR4MeDuKRZoCwxzfoid83HTHJOJT0OEyjxo7FkRQ3dk0UpC62ayxLewkLDs42VUUpmcgpv7W-vNkU-PM4/s1600/MBDD+NOV+2+Cover+Reveal+%2526+BR+Ann_edited-2+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPExoKi5jApvmuQTtGvuKRTVK94ppEYkd1fy7doT50LxxY5pdIZ7MjY2SxLHhcR4MeDuKRZoCwxzfoid83HTHJOJT0OEyjxo7FkRQ3dk0UpC62ayxLewkLDs42VUUpmcgpv7W-vNkU-PM4/s640/MBDD+NOV+2+Cover+Reveal+%2526+BR+Ann_edited-2+%25281%2529.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hello Fellow Readers!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I am delighted, to be finally tearing off the paper and sharing with you the cover of <span style="color: #b45f06;">Joana Starnes's </span>new book, <span style="color: #b45f06;">Mr Bennet’s Dutiful Daughter!</span> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDu2Y-gGQCuUCacs53y5g85YzUxw9JlEeVSI82Lsm3Tqlhqb4yNEVqoI43UP_EI4w-Seh9CiFhdBZ3Zvi825yehgSz4Zqo3rscaxfTJF4DeBfrXNumxzaPVof53XBcgAy1JUwofftGCG4X/s1600/MDBB+FINAL+6_9_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDu2Y-gGQCuUCacs53y5g85YzUxw9JlEeVSI82Lsm3Tqlhqb4yNEVqoI43UP_EI4w-Seh9CiFhdBZ3Zvi825yehgSz4Zqo3rscaxfTJF4DeBfrXNumxzaPVof53XBcgAy1JUwofftGCG4X/s640/MDBB+FINAL+6_9_m.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The</b></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">
portrait on Joana’s new book is titled </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.the-athenaeum.org/art/detail.php?ID=119517"><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;">Portrait of
Miss Frances Vinicombe</span></span><span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">,</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> date unknown and was painted by </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face", serif; font-size: 14pt;">John
Opie, a British landscape and portrait artist, who also painted the author, Mary Wollstonecraft</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262727; font-family: "Baskerville Old Face", serif; font-size: 13pt;">.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span>It’s an oil on
canvas that measures </span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif;">92x71 cm.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #7a7a7a; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">The portrait painting, ranked 2nd most
prestigious genre by the <i>French Académie de peinture et de sculpture</i>,
depicts the visual appearance of a human subject. While portraitists often
strive for exact likeness, the viewer's recognition of the subject is of
primary importance. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">It was common for artists to alter the image to accentuate
or minimise the subject's physical, psychological or social traits.
Traditionally, portrait paintings have memorialised the rich and powerful.
Overtime, however, it became more common for middle-class individuals to commission
portraits of their families and colleagues.(findthedata.com)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: baskerville old face, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18.6667px;">Some of John's portraits are also included in</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Baskerville Old Face", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://artuk.org/visit/venues/chawton-house-library-3325">the
Chawton House Library</a>!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirILUsEfN-a8HbZKuezF2IYzGB91IEujdoxPalJzrFZaJQ3OvRVSOAn8kug6y7NIBP_B1haDxBPBy2sLnJrYxJB9q6dCNEaaERz6-T9ZqjY4iAHWkL4dgoIf2M1NKky_i8_M2vc6FgW7c8/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage+john.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirILUsEfN-a8HbZKuezF2IYzGB91IEujdoxPalJzrFZaJQ3OvRVSOAn8kug6y7NIBP_B1haDxBPBy2sLnJrYxJB9q6dCNEaaERz6-T9ZqjY4iAHWkL4dgoIf2M1NKky_i8_M2vc6FgW7c8/s640/PicMonkey+Collage+john.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Opie Mary Wollstonecraft</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">I </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">think what strikes me the most about the portrait for the cover,</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> is how expressive the young ladies face is, i almost feel like, i can sense a little of her character, she has a kind and </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">compassionate </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">face, much like Jane's persona but with Elizabeth's Dark curls and expressive eyes and now can not wait to read the contents.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18.6667px;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">To my surprise I also discovered this week, that Joana had a book out that I was unaware of!!! "Miss Darcy's Companion" , purchasing it post haste on Tuesday, it was finished that very evening and had me all the more excited for today! I first </span>fell in love with Joana's writing back in 2013 when I discovered JAFF. "From This Day Forward - The Darcys of Pemeberley" was the 11th JAFF that i read and still is my favourite P&P continuation. Therefore it will come as no surprise that I will be one of the first to purchase this new title when it goes on sale later today. Please also join me on the 27th November for a </span></span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: garamond; font-size: 18.6667px;">Guest Post & Giveaway </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "baskerville old face", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">with Joana Starnes as part of the 'Mr Bennet's Dutiful Daughter Blog Tour'</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjqVxBbCuS3865WsYiRBHyIKCRtAJIalk-6NafOXVM6oFnBBsniimdI6D4ncHbHZet8D0wD-8D1DGdYVxx3tA-Mc96Bn_x4KzsyAu8jRSnFmxW6SzIjKgijWr-h-n3CZfmHT3_E_z75Te/s1600/giveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjqVxBbCuS3865WsYiRBHyIKCRtAJIalk-6NafOXVM6oFnBBsniimdI6D4ncHbHZet8D0wD-8D1DGdYVxx3tA-Mc96Bn_x4KzsyAu8jRSnFmxW6SzIjKgijWr-h-n3CZfmHT3_E_z75Te/s320/giveaway.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">Cover
Reveal Giveaway<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Joana has kindly put together a giveaway for three lucky winners. One will receive a paperback and two will
receive an ebook of <i>Mr Bennet’s Dutiful
Daughter</i>. They will also receive assorted Austen-related mini-gifts. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Also, as a special bonus, all Rafflecopter
entrants will receive an exclusive excerpt of the book that will not be
included in the Amazon sample. These will be emailed to entrants
using their Rafflecopter email addresses. The giveaway is international.</span></b><br />
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "baskerville old face" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="b1ddd4553" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b1ddd4553/" id="rcwidget_gbe7zlfd" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Brush Script MT";">Book Description</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Brush Script MT";"> </span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face", serif; font-size: 14pt;">When Colonel Fitzwilliam’s disclosures are interrupted by the
bearer of distressing news from Longbourn, Miss Elizabeth Bennet is compelled
to consider an offer she would have otherwise dismissed out of hand. An offer
of marriage from the all-too-proud Mr Darcy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Yet how is she to live with a husband she hardly knows and does
not love? Would she be trapped in a marriage of convenience while events
conspire to divide them? Or would love grow as, day by day and hour after hour,
she learns to understand the man she married, before she loses his trust and
his heart?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Blog Tour</b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">November
17/ </span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://thesecretunderstandingofthehearts.blogspot.it/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Garamond",serif; mso-themecolor: text1;">My Jane Austen Book Club</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">/Launch Post & Giveaway<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">November
18/</span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpress.com/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Garamond",serif; mso-themecolor: text1;">Pemberley to Milton</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">/Book Review & Giveaway </span></b><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">November
19/</span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://obsessedwithmrdarcy.wordpress.com/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Garamond",serif; mso-themecolor: text1;">Obsessed with Mr. Darcy</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">/</span><span lang="EN-US"> </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">Book
Review & Giveaway<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">November
20/ </span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.madamegilflurt.com/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Garamond",serif; mso-themecolor: text1;">A Covent Garden Madame Gilflurt's Guide to Life</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">/Guest Post<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">November 21/
</span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://margiesmustreads.com/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Garamond",serif; mso-themecolor: text1;">Margie's Must Reads</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">/ Book Review & Giveaway<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">November
22/ </span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://babblingsofabookworm.blogspot.co.uk/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Garamond",serif; mso-themecolor: text1;">Babblings of a Bookworm</span></b></a></span><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">/</span></i></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"> Book Review & Giveaway<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">November
23/</span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://diaryofaneccentric.wordpress.com/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Garamond",serif; mso-themecolor: text1;">Diary of an Eccentric</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">/Book Review & Giveaway<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif;">November 24/ Happy Thanksgiving<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">November
25</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">/</span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif;"> </span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://candy-m.blogspot.com/"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Garamond",serif;">So Little Time... So Much
to Read/</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">
Excerpt & Giveaway<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">November
26</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif;">/ </span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://justjane1813.com/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Garamond",serif; mso-themecolor: text1;">Just Jane
1813</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">/Interview
with Joana Starnes<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">November
27 / </span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://tamaraausten77.blogspot.com/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Garamond",serif; mso-themecolor: text1;">My Kids Led Me Back to Pride and Prejudice</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">/ Guest Post & Giveaway<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif;">November 28/ </span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://moreagreeablyengaged.blogspot.com/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Garamond",serif; mso-themecolor: text1;">More Agreeably Engaged</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">/ Vignette & Giveaway <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">December
2/ </span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://austenesquereviews.com/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Garamond",serif; mso-themecolor: text1;">Austenesque Reviews</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">/ Excerpt & Giveaway</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Brush Script MT"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Xingkai SC Light";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face", serif; font-size: 18pt;">Author Information<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofIAUSW9_eLf6jmBA9CsTPHAZP_yw8_I8JXxDFwvX6G0PuUOjKexdXBeOE0oTVq2GKyJUr2K7phWQLPqenreUmp6Qq6RRSPrne7L17IJtzDYLnx3IqyxwvSMpg_HO7S0mtD6WwNW6IpLg/s1600/Joana+Starnes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofIAUSW9_eLf6jmBA9CsTPHAZP_yw8_I8JXxDFwvX6G0PuUOjKexdXBeOE0oTVq2GKyJUr2K7phWQLPqenreUmp6Qq6RRSPrne7L17IJtzDYLnx3IqyxwvSMpg_HO7S0mtD6WwNW6IpLg/s1600/Joana+Starnes.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Facebook:
<a href="http://www.joanastarnes.co.uk/">All Roads Lead to Pemberley/ Joana
Starnes Facebook Page</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Twitter:
<a href="https://twitter.com/Joana_Starnes?lang=en">Joana Starnes/ Twitter</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Goodreads: </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7076897.Joana_Starnes?from_search=true">Joana
Starnes Goodreads Author Page</a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Amazon: </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Joana-Starnes/e/B00CNAF1H2/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1475696464&sr=8-1">Joana
Starnes Amazon Author Page</a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08304167494997715591noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490719723329221506.post-74190112764483436982016-10-18T04:16:00.001-07:002016-10-18T04:16:29.794-07:00 "The Many Lives Of Fitzwilliam Darcy" Blog Tour ~ Review & Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWLruNeeF-xW1SYU3vM2utr9iVPPREcFIKlLA8Q_e8qF3UQYFWT4Ol1J3n0yWy3PVtQOiToj3ipdUESF4irYWCBVp-t-vRV9IN_R9XempE80yv9V4FKX6AGYWvz6CTMsPhoqSCgD6vo8f/s1600/BlogTour_BannerH_FD_1+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWLruNeeF-xW1SYU3vM2utr9iVPPREcFIKlLA8Q_e8qF3UQYFWT4Ol1J3n0yWy3PVtQOiToj3ipdUESF4irYWCBVp-t-vRV9IN_R9XempE80yv9V4FKX6AGYWvz6CTMsPhoqSCgD6vo8f/s640/BlogTour_BannerH_FD_1+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Hello Fellow Readers!</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>oday I have the pleasure of reviewing <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">‘The Many Lives of Fitzwilliam Darcy' By Beau North & Brooke West, </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Including a book Giveaway!</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I would like to thank<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">Claudine</span></span><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: x-large;"> </span>at <span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://justjane1813.com/" target="_blank">Just Jane 1813</a>,</span> for her part in bringing this blog tour to fruition and to <span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">Beau and Brooke</span> for writing such a fun read and giving readers the opportunity to win a copy. Plus links to 'The Many Faces of Fitzwilliam Darcy contest', with extra prizes to be won!</span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Synopsis ~</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLf9E3PzebAyW9pHUltZdMeQxsQU67vTWAsbW3J2YcgOCxQohfR2M3IgrVKHrV50bhi95o11Fazr3GGGT3Oh_2ASPWG0qKZlbCSmIxNFwcUKW4Z3INUYa5gVrjbfI2YFjjoiAouyYmU6iA/s1600/FitzwilliamDarcy_FrontCoverPrint+%25282%2529+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLf9E3PzebAyW9pHUltZdMeQxsQU67vTWAsbW3J2YcgOCxQohfR2M3IgrVKHrV50bhi95o11Fazr3GGGT3Oh_2ASPWG0qKZlbCSmIxNFwcUKW4Z3INUYa5gVrjbfI2YFjjoiAouyYmU6iA/s400/FitzwilliamDarcy_FrontCoverPrint+%25282%2529+%25281%2529.jpg" width="263" /></a><i><span lang="EN-US">“He
could no longer claim to be Fitzwilliam Darcy of Derbyshire, brother to
Georgiana, master of Pemberley. In that moment, he was but a man. A man filled
with more frustration than most souls could bear. A man torn asunder by his
desperation, his fruitless dreams and desires.”</span></i><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">After Elizabeth Bennet rejects his marriage
proposal, Fitzwilliam Darcy finds himself in the most unusual of circumstances.
At first believing the extraordinary turn of events has granted him an
inexplicable boon, he is eager to put the humiliating proposal behind him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">He soon discovers that he is trapped in the
same waking dream with no end in sight and no possible escape. All that he
holds dear—his name, his home, his love—remains ever out of reach. How will he
find his way back to his normal life? Will one mistake haunt the rest of his
days? It will take all of his fortitude to weather the storms of his strange
new fate, and all of his courage to grasp the promise of his future. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Review ~</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">What a fun read! </span>I cannot begin, to tell you how much I
enjoyed this story. The story begins at the Netherfield ball and swiftly follows
Darcy from London to Kent, where the story becomes a ‘what if’. Although Pride & Prejudice fans
will know the parts until the 'what if', the scenes and conversations until then, are different from canon, which is always better than a standard repeat. Most importantly, some of you will be pleased to hear, the book is written from Darcy’s perspective, so we get to follow him
everywhere!!!.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>By
page four of my Kindle, I was already highlighting passages</b></span>. The cattiness of Miss
Bingley, the humour of the Colonel and the slow but gentle reminder that Mr Darcy,
as much as we love him, is a snob, all had me laughing. At this point I had
planned to put the book down and get on with my housework, as some of you know
from experience, when you read a good JAFF there is no “putting the book down”.
Justifying that I was a fast reader and needing some fresh air, I took my
kindle outside saying to myself "I’ll just read one more chapter". Do I need to
tell you, I finished the book in the garden? I thought not. Welcome to Groundhog day Mr
Darcy style and not just any day, but the day after his disastrous proposal to
Elizabeth, I guess Mr Darcy won’t be departing Kent as swiftly as he thought
lol!<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">“Excellent! I shall join you if you want for company.” </span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">“On my account, I suppose?” Darcy asked with a lazy grin. </span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Fitzwilliam dismissed him with a wave. “Oh come now, Darcy, you love paying my way. It keeps the distinction of rank preserved.” </span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">“From Her Ladyship’s lips to your ears it would seem,” Darcy said with a chuckle. </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"> - B.North & B.West</span></div>
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I liked that Darcy was able to rationale, what was happening
to him, was it real or not real? What could he alter or not alter, it all
felt very believable, which is what you want with concepts such as these, you
want the reader to buy into the impossible. I myself, was planning alongside
Darcy as to what he could do to work this out and I loved that every part of
the book was working towards, not just D&E having their HEA, but Anne, Jane,
the Colonel and Bingley also. Ultimately though, it was the humour and wit, that stood out for
me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Watching someone going through the same day and what it could do to them had me laughing and crying, especially because it was Mr Darcy and the day after Huntsford. In particular, Darcy
went through a school boy phase, being immature and playing pranks, which was
hilarious at times. For example, Darcy hid Lady Catherine’s best silverware,
sending the Butler a note. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">“Mr. Turnbull read the note again: If you wish to give fools something to eat, you shall find your tools amongst treacherous sweet."</span> <span style="color: #0b5394;">- B.North & B.West</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>After reading this particular passage, I laughed; slowly letting it sink in, </b></span> I laughed some more, by the time I had grasped the full weight
of what he had done,<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b> <span style="color: #3d85c6;">I was crying in hysterics</span><span style="color: #0b5394;">.</span></b></span> I literally, could not, stop laughing
and I do believe the neighbours must have wondered, what I was laughing at so
loudly, however the more I thought about how I would explain it to them the
more I laughed. I mean really, if I told them what Darcy had done, do you think
they would be in the same hysterics? I think not, but isn’t that the beauty of JAFF and
the special connection Janeites have with it? We know the butlers going to
be in a lot of trouble, the wrath of Lady Catherine, that Darcy would
never deliberately make a member of staff suffer at his expense, it is so out
of character, which is what makes it all the funnier. As we imagine, the implacably dressed, stoic faced Mr Darcy, gathering all the silverware and sitting at a writing desk, looking every
inch the Master of Pemberley, writing 'that note' to Lady Catherine’s butler. Indeed,
I do not believe my neighbours would understand with as much insight, because let’s be honest you don’t
bump into Janeites every day or lovers of JAFF for that matter, yet the exclusivity of it, is
exciting, something to feel almost proud of, that you're part of something that
other people know little about, like you’re in on the 'inside joke' or the greatest secret.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">Great JAFF is written by true Janeites</span>, not only do you feel connected with the story but with the authors' love of all things Austen, I
felt the respect and admiration they had for Pride & Prejudice. I enjoyed, that the
Colonel was central, as was Anne, the relationship between Darcy and his valet,
Lady Catherine’s haughtiness, Mrs Gardiner, Jane and Charlotte! </div>
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The way in
which the Colonel could read Darcy, always good news for the reader, because
we know Darcy won’t get away, without some kind of confession to the Colonel,
even if he is not aware that he has made one lol! And I always enjoy the part of the story
when Darcy is attending church in Kent, it’s funny that these scenes feel so
familiar, yet they are not in canon. As JAFF has evolved, new scenes have
emerged that we are all so familiar with, that they feel like they were, in
canon. I enjoyed that Elizabeth’s reactions were realistic and I thought the
authors got that spot on, especially considering Darcy knew it was the same day over and Elizabeth did not. At times, I do believe Darcy took risks, considering the
day may not have reset, however taking into account how long it went on, I even believed, that it may never end!</div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">"Peace, Sister. What has that poor instrument ever done to deserve such treatment?”</span><div>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Georgiana looked up at him, her mouth compressed in a grim line. “I must prepare myself for battle,” she said, her fingers not pausing for an instant.</span><div>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">“Battle? Who do you imagine would be so foolish to attack you in your own home?”</span><div>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">“It is not...Oh, Will.” She threw her hands up, the sound of the keys still lightly vibrating in the air. “Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst. I have never found their company to be congenial.” ~ B.North & B.West</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> I could not have asked for a better ending, I enjoyed every
minute of it!</span></b> High praise you say, indeed it is, yet, it cannot be helped, I love JA and JAFF, but only if it is good, therefore from one JAFF lover
to another I recommend that you read this book and for those of
you new to JA or JAFF, it’s an opportunity to see the wonderful talent that JA
has inspired in so many people. If you want a story that will have you laughing
and captivated, then you can’t go wrong with </div>
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<b style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "edwardian script itc"; font-size: 26pt;">The Many Lives Of Fitzwilliam Darcy !</span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3xbbWdCyH3oQkB4pHRR25GkKT8UKaFWN69J5bR80HCZ-yThDBXbNPDk72m3s5_oPiR9KXwfpLLMNYdYy3q_fn-jUYKPZEFRVx2otfafQt65WlewTOwlJ5Yc_GvHzPMx1qYTN-C1Srrfo/s1600/heart+rating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3xbbWdCyH3oQkB4pHRR25GkKT8UKaFWN69J5bR80HCZ-yThDBXbNPDk72m3s5_oPiR9KXwfpLLMNYdYy3q_fn-jUYKPZEFRVx2otfafQt65WlewTOwlJ5Yc_GvHzPMx1qYTN-C1Srrfo/s640/heart+rating.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This book is worthy of 5 hearts ~ Mr Darcy!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitPXrvM3TzFiwC88I7ttZq4kVoKN_puEmYF3SCjsgX8296_LqngZWcqIDSZU4amj9NhUGQEIR2MrZsfXtiq3zoScUJEJ735UqFTlHq_8V3pvMlXZ55BDt8WtButde0_B4YctVKsTmPoPZt/s1600/giveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitPXrvM3TzFiwC88I7ttZq4kVoKN_puEmYF3SCjsgX8296_LqngZWcqIDSZU4amj9NhUGQEIR2MrZsfXtiq3zoScUJEJ735UqFTlHq_8V3pvMlXZ55BDt8WtButde0_B4YctVKsTmPoPZt/s320/giveaway.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "edwardian script itc"; font-size: 26pt;">The Many Lives Of Fitzwilliam Darcy Giveaway!</span></b></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: x-large; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Beau and Brooke are giving away 8 copies of their book, which includes 4 ebooks and 4 paperback copies. To win a paperback
copy, the winners must have a U.S. mailing address. </span></b></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: large;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span lang="EN-US"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: x-large; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Please enter using the Rafflecopter link below.</span></b></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b></span>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">“</span></span></b><b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">The
Many Faces of Fitzwilliam Darcy” </span></span></b><b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Giveaway Contest</span></span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2EdBk2-WvBlFdXK5clX7yhQOv1_V2yQ_qT8GVGIK0YzEgwr2yuMv2TA2tsEnmYImmCSRqCKPiJWw-f8wX5zUnnzJM0kBWADHuwjp-W2AIQozQbSSRTneVF0sTeb4a5RE8KsyurFWUgG6T/s1600/coll+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2EdBk2-WvBlFdXK5clX7yhQOv1_V2yQ_qT8GVGIK0YzEgwr2yuMv2TA2tsEnmYImmCSRqCKPiJWw-f8wX5zUnnzJM0kBWADHuwjp-W2AIQozQbSSRTneVF0sTeb4a5RE8KsyurFWUgG6T/s640/coll+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Richard Maddon Matt Bomer Eduardo Verastegui<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</tbody></table>
<span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US">To vote for your favorite image of Fitzwilliam Darcy from the images shown above, go to <a href="https://goo.gl/forms/C7XkGTO8WmQuSGVs1">The Many Faces of Fitzwilliam Darcy Contest Link</a>. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Libre Baskerville", serif;">The winning image and the winner will be announced on October 20, 2016, at our last blog stop, <i>So Little Time… So Much to Read</i>.</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Libre Baskerville", serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Libre Baskerville", serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-US"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Brush Script MT";"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: 22pt;">Blog Tour Schedule</span> </span></span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">October
8/ </span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://thesecretunderstandingofthehearts.blogspot.it/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Garamond",serif; mso-themecolor: text1;">My Jane Austen Book Club</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">/Launch Post & Giveaway<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">October
9/ </span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://justjane1813.com/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Garamond",serif; mso-themecolor: text1;">Just Jane 1813</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">/Interview with Beau and Brooke</span></b><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">October
10/ </span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpress.com/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Garamond",serif; mso-themecolor: text1;">Pemberley to Milton</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">/Book Review & Giveaway<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">October
11/ </span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.madamegilflurt.com/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Garamond",serif; mso-themecolor: text1;">A Covent Garden Madame Gilflurt's Guide to
Life</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">/Guest
Post<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">October
12/ </span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://austenesquereviews.com/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Garamond",serif; mso-themecolor: text1;">Austenesque Reviews</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">/ Excerpt & Giveaway<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">October
13/ </span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://margiesmustreads.com/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Garamond",serif; mso-themecolor: text1;">Margie's Must Reads</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">/ Book Review & Giveaway<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">October
14/ </span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://babblingsofabookworm.blogspot.co.uk/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Garamond",serif; mso-themecolor: text1;">Babblings of a Bookworm</span></b></a></span><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">/</span></i></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"> Book Review & Giveaway<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">October
15/ </span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://calicocritic.blogspot.com/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Garamond",serif; mso-themecolor: text1;">The Calico Critic</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">/Excerpt & Giveaway <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">October
16</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">/<b> </b></span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://obsessedwithmrdarcy.wordpress.com/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Garamond",serif; mso-themecolor: text1;">Obsessed with Mr. Darcy</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">/</span><span lang="EN-US"> </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">Guest
Post <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">October
17/ </span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://diaryofaneccentric.wordpress.com/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Garamond",serif; mso-themecolor: text1;">Diary of an Eccentric</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">/Book Review & Giveaway<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">October
18/ </span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://tamaraausten77.blogspot.com/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Garamond",serif; mso-themecolor: text1;">My Kids Led Me Back to Pride and Prejudice</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">/ Book Review & Giveaway<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">October
19/ </span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://moreagreeablyengaged.blogspot.com/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Garamond",serif; mso-themecolor: text1;">More Agreeably Engaged</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">/ <i>Fitzwilliam </i>Vignette
<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">October
20/ </span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://candy-m.blogspot.com/"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Garamond",serif; mso-themecolor: text1;">So Little Time... So Much to Read</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">/ Excerpt & Giveaway<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US">Beau North<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Beau North is the author of <i>Longbourn’s Songbird</i> and a contributor
to the anthology <i>Then Comes Winter.</i>
Beau is a native southerner who now calls Portland, Oregon home with her
husband and two cats. She attended the University of South Carolina where she
began a lifelong obsession with Literature. In her spare time, Beau is the
brains behind <i>Rhymes With Nerdy, </i>a
pop culture podcast and website, and a contributor at the San Francisco Book
Review. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Facebook:<a href="https://www.facebook.com/BeauNorthWrites/"> Beau North Writes</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Instagram:Miznorth<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Twitter:
@BeauNorth<span class="MsoHyperlink"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Newsletter:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://tinyletter.com/BeauNorth" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">tinyletter.com/BeauNorth</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Podcasts: </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://rhymeswithnerdy.com/"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">http://rhymeswithnerdy.com/</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Blog: </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://beaunorthwrites.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">beaunorthwrites.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (coming soon)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Goodreads: </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14004186.Beau_North"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Goodreads Author Page: Beau North</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Amazon: </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Beau-North/e/B0178OS9K8/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1">Amazon
Author Page: Beau North</a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Brooke West<span class="MsoHyperlink"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"> </span>Brooke West is a contributing author to the
anthology <i>Then Comes Winter</i>. Brooke
has a naturally creative soul that pulls her into myriad artistic
endeavors. While writing fiction always
has been her life's passion, Brooke also finds joy in silversmithing,
sculpting, and costuming. Between projects, she runs and practices yoga. She lives in South Carolina with her fiancé,
son, and three cats. </div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheWordyWest/"> Brooke West<o:p></o:p></a></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"> @WordyWest and </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">@BrookeWest<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Goodreads: </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15083253.Brooke_West"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Goodreads Author Page: Brooke West</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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I was given an ARC for my honest opinion.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08304167494997715591noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490719723329221506.post-7286963577655251252016-08-24T05:02:00.001-07:002016-08-24T05:10:26.948-07:00Second Impressions by Amy George ~ Blog Tour ~ Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">Hello fellow Readers! </span>Today as part of the Second Impressions Blog tour, I will be reviewing<span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;"> Amy George's </span>Novella, <span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">'Second Impressions'!</span> Kindly brought to you by Jakki at <b><a href="http://leatherboundreviews.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Leatherbound reviews</a> </b> in conjunction with <b><a href="http://merytonpress.com/" target="_blank"> Meryton Press</a>.</b></span><br />
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">Book
Blurb:</span></u><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">Once, Fitzwilliam Darcy
and Elizabeth Bennet were foes, then tenuous friends. After Elizabeth discovers
Darcy is engaged to another woman, she flees to Boston to seek solace with her
cousin, the brash and worldly Emeline Poston.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">When
she returns to England after years spent abroad, Elizabeth must face the man
who shattered her heart, and she is shocked to find the proud man she once knew
drastically altered. Does she have the courage to seek out the man with whom
she fell in love—whatever the cost?</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">Fitzwilliam
Darcy has spent his days regretting what might have been and his nights being
tormented by the decisions he has made. His life in tatters, he can barely face
the once-respectable man in his mirror or the baby girl in Pemberley’s nursery.
Now that Elizabeth has returned, will he atone for his mistakes and win her
heart for good?</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>I've always held firm that I'm no JA purist</b></span> (also a little hard if you love a variety of JAFF), however I do have principles and am clear about what I enjoy when it comes to JAFF. This book changed that, which is a good thing, because as JAFF grows and expands, we must make room for a variety of author styles.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>What I liked about this book was the authors personality.</b> It's the type of story you can imagine a group of Janeites <span style="color: #222222;">putting together one girly evening. One has the outrageous ideas, one jots it all down, one insists their speech is a little too modern and helps by rephrasing in a more regency manner, another suggests that if a character was created similar to Martha Levinson, Cora's mother from Downton Abbey, then they could get away with some of the lack of propriety and the quiet one in the group, is silently sipping their tea (wine) thinking to herself, "I'm so sending this to Meryton Press in the morning,</span><span style="color: #222222;"> the girls will kill me, but with a little tweaking, it will be worth it!"</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #660000;">“You have never before used your rank against me. That was clearly the last tactic in your arsenal, Madam Wellington.” “Hush. If Em hears you mention Wellington, we will be forced to endure another tirade on the Corsican Imp and the Brave Duke.” Elizabeth smiled. “There is no need for concern. Emeline and Charles went out riding early this morning.” “Ah, yes,” said Jane. “Our dear cousin has abducted my defenseless husband. It appears Charles is quite intrigued by our brash American.” - Amy George</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>As a short read I could see something like this cheering me up on the way to work,</b> something that would make me laugh despite being annoyed that <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null">at 7:00am</a>, on London Underground, there are so many people who did not wash this morning, or that i'm now squashed against one of said persons. But this morning you have your Kindle and not only do you enjoy the journey, you also pass your stop! Not even the suitcase of gentleman on his way to Heathrow, that keeps bashing me in my shin can distract me from purpose, I admit, the story did keep me engaged.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>There were so many times in this book that I was saying, "oh no! I've got a feeling this is what's going to happen, but surely not?"</b> Followed by "Oh wow, I stand corrected, I can't believe she just wrote that" and then would proceed to burst out laughing for the next five minutes (yes I know annoying for the people on the train!). Or I would be thinking, wouldn't it be funny or good if this happened, just for the fun of it and although i'm not being serious, the author would read my mind and that is what, I would get. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As Janeite's we all probably daydream about possible JAFFs that could be written, sometimes they're far fetched, or just for a bit of amusement and probably would not see, the light of day, unless you had the time to write them. However JAFF is written by fans of Austen and we must remember, many are not well established authors and would just love to share their re-imagining with you and luckily for us, they do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #660000;">"The music drifted through the air as Emeline caught sight of Elizabeth dancing with a lanky, red-haired youth and wondered where Darcy was to be found. Surely, that emaciated, pale boy was not the love from whom Elizabeth had run to Boston to evade. “Miss Poston, if you are going to dance with me then dance with me.” “I beg your pardon, Jack. Were you saying something?” Emeline smiled smugly as she turned her face back to his. “You are entirely too familiar in your address, Miss Poston,” he scolded. “Am I? Pity. I could swear you wanted to be familiar.” John felt his pulse race at her words. They were the truth," - Amy George.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><b>The story is a page turner and I liked how she made the characters slightly different in personality but were still likeable.</b> I always enjoy a story that will make me laugh and keep my interest. Emeline, Jane and Jack (yes Jack! No Colonel, or Wickham for that matter, but a new hero with a likeable character) were my favourite characters surprisingly, despite my attention usually being focused on Darcy and Elizabeth. It had a good plot, however I had two hangups, firstly the book does not make it clear how the 'what if' has altered, I think it was intentional for the mystery, but it made for frustrating reading at times, because you're thinking, why are you being like that Elizabeth? Considering all that has passed, but there is much Elizabeth does not know, but it wouldn't have made any difference to the story if it had been explained at the beginning. Secondly the coming together of Darcy and Elizabeth was rushed and as a result did not flow as nicely as it could have and was a little unclear. However I believe in Novellas sometimes it is difficult to portray so much, in such little time. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Overall it was a fun read, with some lovely heart warming scenes, to follies and mishaps the next. I liked the freshness of the story and the allowance that was to be had, by having an American in the story, it gave the story a more modern feel. The more JAFF authors there are, the more JAFF I get to read, despite the minor flaws, I do believe this author has the potential to write another intriguing storyline. I therefore look forward to another fun and lighthearted read.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This book is worthy of 3 & half Hearts - The Colonel & Mr Bingley</td></tr>
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Bio:</span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Amy
George is a middle-aged woman who hates her "old lady/grown-up" car
and refuses to listen to its radio at a reasonable volume, especially when the
Beastie Boys or the Violent Femmes are playing. She lives in a town in the
middle of the country where the county fair is one of the biggest social events
of the season and everything is fried. Her household consists of a dog, a cat,
a man, a hermit, and stubborn soap scum.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">She has been writing since she was a child
and was a frequent contributor to the Hyacinth Gardens, a popular but defunct
JAFF site<span style="color: #40583c;">.</span><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;">Twitter:
</span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://twitter.com/authoramygeorge"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;">https://twitter.com/authoramygeorge</span></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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</span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://amygeorge.merytonpress.com/"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;">http://amygeorge.merytonpress.com</span></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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</span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/authoramygeorge/?fref=ts"><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;">ht</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;">tps://www.facebook.com/authoramygeorge/?fref=ts</span></a></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Second </span></i></b><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Impressions</span></i></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> Blog Tour Schedule:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">8/15: Review at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://margiesmustreads.com/"><span style="color: #1652ca; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Margie’s Must Reads</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">8/16: Excerpt & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://romancenovelgiveaways.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #1652ca; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Romance Novel Giveaway</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">8/17: Guest Post & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://thesecretunderstandingofthehearts.blogspot.it/"><span style="color: #1652ca; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">My Jane Austen Book Club</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">8/18: Guest Post & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.laurakenyon.com/"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Skipping Midnight</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">8/19: Review at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://tomorrowisanotherday.altervista.org/"><span style="color: #1652ca; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Tomorrow is Another Day</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">8/20: Review at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://lizjosette.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #1652ca; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Liz’s Reading Life</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">8/22: Excerpt & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://moreagreeablyengaged.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #1652ca; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">More Agreeably Engaged</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">8/23: Review at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://us-mg5.mail.yahoo.com/neo/halfagonyhalfhopelove.blogspot.com"><span style="color: #1652ca; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Half Agony, Half Hope</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">8/23: Excerpt & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://us-mg5.mail.yahoo.com/neo/candy-m.blogspot.com"><span style="color: #1652ca; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">So Little Time…</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">8/24: Review at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://tamaraausten77.blogspot.co.uk/"><span style="color: #1652ca; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">My Kids Led Me Back to Pride and Prejudice</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">8/25: Guest Post & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #1652ca; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">From Pemberley to Milton</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">8/26: Review at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://diaryofaneccentric.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #1652ca; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Diary of an Eccentric</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">8/27: Review at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://us-mg5.mail.yahoo.com/neo/Justjane1813.com"><span style="color: #1652ca; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Just Jane 1813</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">8/28: Author Interview & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #1652ca; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><a href="http://babblingsofabookworm.blogspot.co.uk/">Babblings of a Bookworm</a></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #660000;">I was given an ARC for my honest review</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #660000;">Apologies for the delayed post, but we had a power outage this morning = no internet! :( </span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08304167494997715591noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490719723329221506.post-21919675542415279772016-07-20T18:34:00.000-07:002016-07-23T11:45:15.129-07:00'Jane Austen Speaks' by Maria Emilia De Medeiros ~Excerpt & Givewaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3VpLuUfB0PiMiwiZX_CSN12FzpM5C7BqWNqnNY_rSel9GzVWNscV5egwqOIrC6vh725x4Us2Jq0Ryn_QJPpV95iz14UMgi-xxorN_M17nuQBb__vKjniGYYQRzPEvDViaeKHEIbYPUPnI/s1600/JAS+Blog+Tour+Graphic+2+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3VpLuUfB0PiMiwiZX_CSN12FzpM5C7BqWNqnNY_rSel9GzVWNscV5egwqOIrC6vh725x4Us2Jq0Ryn_QJPpV95iz14UMgi-xxorN_M17nuQBb__vKjniGYYQRzPEvDViaeKHEIbYPUPnI/s320/JAS+Blog+Tour+Graphic+2+%25282%2529.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">Hello Fellow Readers,</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Today</b></span> I have the pleasure, of welcoming<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"> <b>Maria Emilia De Medeiros.</b></span><b> </b><br />
Author of <span style="font-size: x-large;">'</span><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Jane Austen Speaks'</span>,</b><span style="color: #134f5c;"><b> 'About Life, the Modern World, & Heavenly Pursuits'.</b></span><br />
<br />
As always, I enjoy the opportunity to showcase new JAFF authors and I hope you will all make Maria Emilia feel welcome. After reading the excerpt<b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 17.12px;">“My Dinner Parties in Heaven” </span></span></b>I had some fun imagining who I would invite, I conclude, I would need to host several, including literary greats and music legends.<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><b>Many thanks</b></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><b>for inviting me to your blog
today, Tamara! I am most humbled and
honored to share about my recently released book, <i>Jane Austen Speaks About her Life, the Modern World, & Heavenly
Pursuits, </i>with your readers today. </b></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This book is my own lighthearted attempt
to allow Miss Austen to voice what <b><i>might</i></b><i> </i>have been her “own” opinions on modern day matters, based on a
knowledge of her life, work, society, and the prevailing social morés inherent
in Western culture of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries with
which she was raised. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In addition to Miss Austen’s wide-ranging
reflections upon her life, novels, and the modern world, a section of the book
is devoted to food and social visits, featuring a number of heavenly “guests”
as well as recipes for your use and enjoyment.
You can plan your very own Jane Austen dinner party, too! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I have often tried to imagine what a real
dinner party would have been like in a lovely English home during the late
eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries in which Jane Austen lived. I know that there are historical reenactors
who attempt to bring these to life again in our modern era. Having researched food history and social
customs of the time period myself, I know that it is possible to recreate such
an event in a most charming manner.
However, we will never <i>really </i>know
what such an event was like for those in attendance, because we are not able to
travel back in time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Having read Jane Austen’s letters as well
as her novels, I know that the great lady novelist from Hampshire attended her
share of fancy dinner parties as an invited guest of wealthy friends. Due to her own family’s limited
circumstances, it is doubtful that Miss Austen’s parents would have been able
to host such a grand event. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">These thoughts led me to wonder, “If Jane
Austen could throw the grandest dinner party she could wish for, what would it
be like? And most importantly, who would
be privileged enough to be on her guest list?”
It was tremendously diverting, Dear Readers, to imagine Jane’s heavenly
dinner party. Knowing her intelligent,
open-minded spirit, I believe many noteworthy figures from all walks of life,
who lived before, during, and after her own life on earth, would have been in
attendance for some good food and excellent conversation! In my book <i>Jane Austen Speaks, </i>I have included what I have imagined one of her
guest lists would have been like. Perhaps
you would like to try your own hand at imagining who would receive one of Miss
Austen’s invitations, written in the finest paper in her best hand, of course!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Here is an excerpt from “My Dinner Parties
in Heaven” from </span><i style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Jane Austen Speaks About
Life, the Modern World, & Heavenly Pursuits. </i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I do hope you will enjoy reading it as
much as I enjoyed writing it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Excerpt</b></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">I
must confess that my dinner parties in Heaven are much more casual affairs than
the proper ones I attended many times during my lifetime on Earth. On the Other Side, there are no more concerns
whether or not the correct number of gentlemen will be in attendance in proportion
to the number of ladies, no such thing as proper procession of rank when dinner
is announced, and no more worries about who will or will not be impressed by
the grandness of the occasion. In truth,
Society and its many dictates no longer exist as they do on Earth, Dear
Readers. Generally, I like to invite a
great many interesting souls who lived at many different time periods on Earth,
and who will quite simply enjoy one another’s company in addition to
stimulating conversation. Good wine,
good food, and some pleasant music always help to improve the ambiance most
agreeably, to be sure.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Besides
family and friends who were dear to me during my Earthly life, I am wont to
invite souls who took many divergent paths during their lives on Earth. I am certain to enjoy a large group of
literati, scientists, inventors, artists, musicians, political statesmen, and
activists to ensure lively and diverting conversation. It is a delight to be entertained by Herr
Mozart or Beethoven on the pianoforte and perhaps hear an aria or two sung by
Miss Jenny Lind.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">However,
it is generally true that at some point, my brothers Henry and James as well as
my father—all Anglican clergymen, to be sure—will end up in a heated debate
with Mr. Darwin regarding his theories of natural selection, race, and
evolution. (They simply cannot seem to
get these topics sorted for themselves!) Furthermore, my brothers Frank and
Charles Austen, together with Mr. Churchill, will invariably end up in a corner
trading war stories and extolling the glories of the British fleet. When the writers and poets begin to quote
from their literary works, and dear Mr. Robbie Burns begins to sing “My Love Is
Like a Red, Red Rose,” I know that the evening’s festivities have come to a
most proper end. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_yNQazYJfYI-ZnPZL1erK6ncBrfqqol5D1A68woO8gedf4Eja0KEvlKzqFD5wEJvMVTkQPdfK7RqfUgUuM9Z8VDWn6_yroYhlliGRDgN6zFC8rWW1Fard62MzmzFhhYlpE0P1VftmebTP/s1600/Victorian+fancy+teapot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_yNQazYJfYI-ZnPZL1erK6ncBrfqqol5D1A68woO8gedf4Eja0KEvlKzqFD5wEJvMVTkQPdfK7RqfUgUuM9Z8VDWn6_yroYhlliGRDgN6zFC8rWW1Fard62MzmzFhhYlpE0P1VftmebTP/s1600/Victorian+fancy+teapot.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 107%;">Please enter your comments below to be
entered in the giveaway for an eBook copy! </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
I look forward to hearing from you. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Once again, I would
like to thank the lovely Tamara for so graciously inviting me today so that I
might talk about </span><i style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Jane Austen Speaks About
Life, the Modern World, & Heavenly Pursuits. </i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">It has been so delightful to be your
guest today!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 107%;">Thank you for sharing with us today and for the generous blog tour giveaway! </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 107%;">Readers please comment below and the winner will be announced on 29th August 2016! Giveaway open Internationally.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 107%;"><b><u>Blog Tour Schedule ~ 6th -28th July</u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&q=http://thesecretunderstandingofthehearts.blogspot.it/2016/07/blog-tour-giveaway-jane-austen-speaks.html&source=gmail&ust=1469148618778000&usg=AFQjCNGqEMlMJqi_7QHzcIVBhn43dk6alg" href="http://thesecretunderstandingofthehearts.blogspot.it/2016/07/blog-tour-giveaway-jane-austen-speaks.html" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" target="_blank">My Jane Austen Book Club</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">: </span><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">July 6</span></b></span><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&q=https://laughingwithlizzie.blogspot.com/2016/07/jane-austen-speaks-by-maria-emilia-de.html?showComment%3D1467997407486%23c722710076152458974&source=gmail&ust=1469148618778000&usg=AFQjCNFRrQBqo3BT4qnDApcTD479Oru1Hw" href="https://laughingwithlizzie.blogspot.com/2016/07/jane-austen-speaks-by-maria-emilia-de.html?showComment=1467997407486#c722710076152458974" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Laughing with Lizzie</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">: </span><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">July 8</span></b></span><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&q=https://obsessedwithmrdarcy.wordpress.com/&source=gmail&ust=1469148618778000&usg=AFQjCNGoLzmJJSiRi78BHhOircszWypc9A" href="https://obsessedwithmrdarcy.wordpress.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Obsessed with Mr. Darcy</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">: </span><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">July 12</span></b></span><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&q=http://candy-m.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1469148618778000&usg=AFQjCNHtIERupAKD0j1uCFPZ57lylyxfIA" href="http://candy-m.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" target="_blank">So Little Time</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">...: </span><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">July 14</span></b></span><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&q=http://moreagreeablyengaged.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1469148618778000&usg=AFQjCNF7GTG6tw2uS5-RFg960obGZIjgTg" href="http://moreagreeablyengaged.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" target="_blank">More Agreeably Engaged</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">: </span><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">July 19</span></b></span><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&q=http://tamaraausten77.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1469148618778000&usg=AFQjCNHmJk4XRNQ6euv27ntFzoOIJuNlWw" href="http://tamaraausten77.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" target="_blank">My Kids Led Me Back to Pride and Prejudice</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">: </span><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">July 21</span></b></span><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /></span></b><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&q=http://babblingsofabookworm.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1469148618778000&usg=AFQjCNGKQyUIBVVwsy6GmDO0qWYTR045rw" href="http://babblingsofabookworm.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Babblings of a Bookworm</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">: </span><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">July 25</span></b></span><br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&q=http://www.darcyholicdiversions.com/&source=gmail&ust=1469148618778000&usg=AFQjCNEQ0t_duz6_vHy0U9B5gsjLbe6n9A" href="http://www.darcyholicdiversions.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Darcyholic Diversions</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">: </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>July 28</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Each stop on the Blog Tour, generously features a giveaway, of an e-book copy of the book!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7n4fNAq4cDGMIXejLn-Sw35L1joTEX232Cq-jUC8eXKyjNMKREEbekAs2VBl8YC0-7yQVu8OOfWlneBjGVk2oiox3C0ukeABMQkC6qReH9Jy0RJ6-8-Dw-JtGsm3QxN5bZPOniCWJHvG/s1600/JAS+Cover+PDF+from+Ille.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7n4fNAq4cDGMIXejLn-Sw35L1joTEX232Cq-jUC8eXKyjNMKREEbekAs2VBl8YC0-7yQVu8OOfWlneBjGVk2oiox3C0ukeABMQkC6qReH9Jy0RJ6-8-Dw-JtGsm3QxN5bZPOniCWJHvG/s320/JAS+Cover+PDF+from+Ille.jpg" width="212" /></span></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">Book Blurb:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">In JANE AUSTEN SPEAKS, author Maria Emilia
de Medeiros “channels” the great Jane Austen from her heavenly home and allows
her the opportunity to speak her mind about the modern world nearly two
centuries after her passing. Readers will gain a healthy dose of wise counsel
and witty advice for leading a sensible, well-mannered twenty-first century
life. Jane Austen’s heavenly exploits (not to mention her recipes) will both
entertain and delight you. At times serious, drily humorous, or even a bit
naughty, JANE AUSTEN SPEAKS is a necessary addition to every Janeite’s library.
Dear Readers, if you have ever asked yourself, “What would Jane Austen think?”
you have indeed come to the right place.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Buy Links:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Jane-Austen-Speaks-Heavenly-Pursuits/dp/0692639950/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1466366157&sr=1-1&keywords=jane+austen+speaks</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Jane-Austen-Speaks-Heavenly-Pursuits/dp/0692639950/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1466366192&sr=1-1&keywords=jane+austen+speaks</span></span><br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08304167494997715591noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490719723329221506.post-5812682294821773272016-07-14T17:10:00.000-07:002016-07-14T17:13:31.975-07:00Northern Rain by Nicole Clarkston ~ Excerpt!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7d1hgBcySnk66cF2kAJVXPAZs_WSAo2HpuV8t7GXeYahOYWgvl4B26pEK3Hxk5n63lI5nwPebrpvVHD2c9jIChYINua5eW3LPvlGBP0XsllOhNaTEKgUN3DqijtNOv5bkTJ1vrLndw9Fw/s1600/NR+Blog+Tour+Banner+HorizC+SM+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7d1hgBcySnk66cF2kAJVXPAZs_WSAo2HpuV8t7GXeYahOYWgvl4B26pEK3Hxk5n63lI5nwPebrpvVHD2c9jIChYINua5eW3LPvlGBP0XsllOhNaTEKgUN3DqijtNOv5bkTJ1vrLndw9Fw/s640/NR+Blog+Tour+Banner+HorizC+SM+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">Hello Fellow Readers,</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">As promised, I have an excerpt of Northern Rain, kindly shared by author, Nicole Clarkston.</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">Enjoy reading, Nicole's playful Mr Thornton!</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-size: xx-large;"><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-size: xx-large;">~Northern Rain Excerpt~</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZmA-gD5q7QcBGBAp1f3qjowpcJ4Am3dD1Tl8X-OSSY39CtVryD83N5MSF5eIz2OdBbM9DDFeM5Yj34PVxW2OWKIfc0dOp7QRHAQlb3GP3kdSjT2veELerbCAMAkyoTdMzDYJywh2S4LnZ/s1600/NR+Final+FC4+061916+nbld+SM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZmA-gD5q7QcBGBAp1f3qjowpcJ4Am3dD1Tl8X-OSSY39CtVryD83N5MSF5eIz2OdBbM9DDFeM5Yj34PVxW2OWKIfc0dOp7QRHAQlb3GP3kdSjT2veELerbCAMAkyoTdMzDYJywh2S4LnZ/s400/NR+Final+FC4+061916+nbld+SM.jpg" width="266" /></a><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">“Well, Miss Hale,”</span></b> Donaldson tugged the spectacles from his face and began
to </div>
put them away. “It is a good thing you sent for me.”<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Margaret’s eyes darted to Thornton, just behind the doctor, hoping his more
familiar face might yield some clues about the doctor’s findings. “My father will
recover, will he not?” </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
“In a manner of speaking, Miss Hale. He has been growing steadily more frail
of late, has he not? Short of breath and confused, I shouldn’t wonder.” </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
“Yes, that is true,” she admitted. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
“I thought as much. I believe his heart is weak. The blood is not traveling well
to his head or his lungs, Miss Hale. I suspect that, combined with his recent
emotional distress, could account for the delusions you say he experiences from
time to time. I do not have a cure, I am sorry to say, but I have left a compound
which should help. I have seen it prolong lives some years. Without it,” he
admonished, “he would not be with us by the summer, so take care that he
receives the correct dosage every day.” </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;"><b>She nodded vigourously.</b></span> “I will see to it myself, Doctor!” </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
“There’s a good lass, I knew you would.” The doctor smiled kindly. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
“Is there anything else I can do for him?” she asked anxiously.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
“Oh, yes, keep him well rested. Light walks once or twice a week should not
trouble him, but no more, Miss Hale. He should wait a couple of weeks, at least,
before resuming his public lectures. Also, some of that excellent bone broth your
woman Dixon makes might do wonders for his blood.”
Margaret smiled. “Dixon will be pleased to hear it. Thank you, Doctor.” She
bent her head to peer into a purse she had already collected. “How much….” </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
“Oh, no, please! It is nothing, Miss Hale,” Donaldson waved his hands as he
slid into his coat.
Margaret shot a suspicious gaze to Thornton, but he shook his head
innocently. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
“Think of it,” Donaldson insisted, “as my way of honouring your late mother.
I could do so little for her, and it pleases me that I can do something for your
father. Take care of him, Miss Hale. I will return next week to check in on him.”
Donaldson collected his hat and saw himself out. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: x-large;"><b>“Well!” </b></span>she huffed in surprise at his departure. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglJXU60dGN2rOjspvDXynG0SMY0oz-IrCcTObPeNyZBuoYEIiQVyHvJogFLmMcrwZjoWHnYraGxbpw4qsVU2X0Ww0DwpJM79XNnHH3iICaENJbOsYfDzlxZ2Ha3O4WTG64SetEseWcEh0X/s1600/mr+thornton1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglJXU60dGN2rOjspvDXynG0SMY0oz-IrCcTObPeNyZBuoYEIiQVyHvJogFLmMcrwZjoWHnYraGxbpw4qsVU2X0Ww0DwpJM79XNnHH3iICaENJbOsYfDzlxZ2Ha3O4WTG64SetEseWcEh0X/s320/mr+thornton1.jpg" width="229" /></a>Thornton grinned. “That was always the way with Donaldson. Don’t worry,
Miss Hale, we will see to it that he is adequately recompensed for his trouble.” </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
She shook her head in wonder. “I do not like being indebted to anyone.” She
then turned her eyes up to him. “I find myself once again in your debt as well.” </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
“Not at all, Miss Hale. My motives were purely selfish. Your father is very dear
to me.” </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
“Of course.” A sceptical smile played at her mouth. “Thank you, Mr Thornton,
I could not have persuaded him to- what are you doing?”</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
“Taking off my coat,” he answered reasonably, draping that article over a chair
back. He began to unbutton the cuffs of his shirt sleeves to roll them up. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
She narrowed her eyes, mystified. “I can see that, but for what purpose?”
“Well, you do not expect me to wash up dressed like that, do you? Come, I see
that you have already cleaned up the mess that I was responsible for, so it is
only right that I should return the favour.” </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>“Wash up? </b></span>What are you- you cannot go into the kitchen!” she cried in
dismay, following his determined strides.
“You think I do not know my way around a kitchen?” he teased over his
shoulder. “I am a very good cook, Miss Hale, as long as you only care for
porridge.”</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
“Yes, but this is not your-” </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Thornton pushed the swinging door aside, cutting off her objection. “Now, let
me see- ah, yes, the kettle, I remember,” he muttered to himself, rather ignoring
Margaret’s affronted pleas. He lifted the heavy kettle and poured the hot water
into a basin. “You must dry, Miss Hale, for I do not know where everything goes
once it is clean.” </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
“Mr Thornton, this is quite out of line!” Margaret cried. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
He made a face into his basin as he reached for the cake of soap. “‘Mr
Thornton’ sounds so formal for a kitchen. I have taken off my coat! You must
call me John.” </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">“Mr Thornton,” </span></b>she repeated in baffled annoyance, “let us be done with this
foolishness! I cannot allow you to work in my house like-” </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
“Like you do?” he shot over his shoulder with a probing gaze. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The words died in her throat. Her face went ashen. “How did you know?” she
whispered in abject mortification. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
He turned and crossed the room in one long stride. He took her hand in both
of his own and spread her palm before her face. “Here,” he murmured gently,
touching his fingers over the hardened ridges of her hand. “And here,” he turned
her hand over, brushing across the firm muscle above her thumb.
Margaret snatched her hand back and stared at the offending appendage in
betrayal and angst. She swallowed her hurt and snapped, “I might say it is most
ungentlemanly of you to mention it!” </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
He sighed, smiling, and took her hand back. “I do not think the less of you,
you must understand. On the contrary, it shows your true character. It proves
you are not afraid to do what must be done. This,” he squeezed her hand gently,
testing her strength, “is a badge of honour. It is evidence of your courage and
your fortitude. You have learned resourcefulness and your own ability, and the
value of honest labour. Not one in a hundred ladies will ever discover what you
already know, Miss Hale.” </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZx9K0CqmBbl-HMoC00vExspFso0mq64GLYEAkqhNCzYaZCdeZ3rLLSE9DrwRUGcAxIm7Ku3zOULUjaqWlb2DuuPFdFAX9fDgFNqxtzMIgayTxCEnfYDNCf7KeEy-fUlZUqrKKpwg6ghjd/s1600/mr+thornton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZx9K0CqmBbl-HMoC00vExspFso0mq64GLYEAkqhNCzYaZCdeZ3rLLSE9DrwRUGcAxIm7Ku3zOULUjaqWlb2DuuPFdFAX9fDgFNqxtzMIgayTxCEnfYDNCf7KeEy-fUlZUqrKKpwg6ghjd/s320/mr+thornton.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: x-large;"><b>“I…” the word came out garbled.</b></span> His fingers, tracing so intimately over the
lines of her palm, wrought havoc with her ability to speak. Gamely she tried
again. “I only help. It is nothing so very remarkable,” she mumbled. For a second
she thought of reclaiming her hand, but his touch was… distractingly pleasant. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
“That is your natural modesty speaking. I think I know exactly how much you
do. You are the glue which holds this household together.” He gazed long into
her eyes, searching to discover if she believed his words. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Margaret gazed back in stunned silence. She tugged softly and he allowed her
hand to slip from his grasp. She brushed it self-consciously over her skirts,
recollecting that she had earlier donned one of her nicer dresses. She ought not
to ruin this one. Her brow furrowed in thought, she turned from him to pluck an
apron down from its hook. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Looping it over her head, she reached behind herself to tie it, but her nervous
fingers fumbled. Without a word, Thornton stepped behind her and, taking the
ties from her hands, knotted them himself. Her breath came quick and ragged
as a pit of awareness tingled through her core. She turned again to look curiously
up at him for a moment. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>“The china is not going to wash itself,”</b></span> he winked with a sly smile. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
She let out a small laugh, relenting. “Very well, Mr Thornton. I would welcome
your help.” </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
“John, or I will not help you,” he grinned recklessly. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Margaret blushed deeply, fighting a smile. “John, then.” - <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;"><b>Nicole Clarkston</b></span></div>
<br />
<u><br /></u>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: x-large;"><u>Northern
Rain</u></span></span></i></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: x-large;"><u>
Blog Tour Schedule </u></span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">7/8-9:
Launch Vignette, Excerpt & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://flyhigh-by-learnonline.blogspot.it/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Fly High</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">7/
10: Guest Post & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://babblingsofabookworm.blogspot.co.uk/"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Babblings of a Bookworm</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">7/11:
Guest Post, Excerpt & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://tamaraausten77.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">My Kids Led Me Back to Pride &
Prejudice</span></a></span><u><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">7/12:
Author Interview at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.morethanthornton.com/"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">More Than Thornton</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">7/14:
Review & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://justjane1813.com/"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Just Jane 1813</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">7/16:
Excerpt & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://halfagonyhalfhopelove.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Half Agony, Half Hope</span></a></span><u><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">7/17:
Vignette & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://laughingwithlizzie.blogspot.co.uk/"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Laughing With Lizzie</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">7/18:
Author/Character Interview & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpress.com/"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">From Pemberley to Milton</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">7/19:
Guest Post, Excerpt & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://candy-m.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">So little time…</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">7/20:
Vignette & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.rosefairbanks.com/"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Stories from the Past</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">7/21:
Vignette & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://moreagreeablyengaged.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">More Agreeably Engaged</span></a></span><u><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">7/24:
Review, Excerpt & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://margiesmustreads.com/"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Margie’s Must Reads</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">7/26:
Guest Post & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.madamegilflurt.com/">A Covent Garden Gilflurt’s Guide to Life</a></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">9/10:
Review & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://calicocritic.blogspot.com/">The Calico Critic</a></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I hope you enjoy the rest of the blog tour!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08304167494997715591noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490719723329221506.post-33426400534280413152016-07-10T23:06:00.000-07:002016-07-10T23:06:13.473-07:00Northern Rain Blog Tour ~ Vignette & Giveaway! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /></div>
<span style="color: #7f6000;"><b><span style="font-family: "french script mt"; font-size: 36pt; line-height: 107%;">Hello
Fellow Readers!</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">T</span><span style="color: #274e13;">oday I have a delightful vignette, written by <span style="font-size: x-large;">Nicole Clarkson </span>author of 'Rumours & Recklessness', a P&P variation.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">'Northern Rain' </span>is a North & South Variation and the authors third book. </span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">Today, as part of the blog tour, Nicole gives us a wonderful glimpse, into what </span><span style="color: #274e13;">happens, <span style="font-size: x-large;">when Mrs Darcy meets John Thornton! </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="color: #274e13;">(</span><b>Pop by on the 15th July for an excerpt from 'Northern Rain'</b><span style="color: #274e13;">.)</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I offer no justification for the following frivolity, other than I wrote it purely for my own amusement. </span>- Nicole Clarkson</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "french script mt"; font-size: 48.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Timely
Advice</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 48.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: x-large;">~~~~~</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>“J</b></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">ohn</span>,</b> I received a note yesterday that some very old
acquaintances wish to call this morning.” Mrs Thornton’s distress shone plainly
in the lines about her mouth and the deepening furrow between her eyes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">“Why
should that seem to trouble you, Mother? I am glad that you have yet the
comfort of callers, even with things standing as they are for us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">“It is
precisely that which worries me, John. I have not seen these ladies in many
years, and just now, as you have determined to give up the mill, seems hardly
the time to renew the acquaintance. I should rather have told them I was
indisposed, but the notice was too short. I am surprised that they should call
so abruptly!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">“They
cannot be disagreeable, can they?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: x-large;"><b>Mrs
Thornton’s teeth set.</b> </span>“They are gentry,” she almost spat. “I only ever had a
passing familiarity with them as it is, but their husbands found some business
in Milton, and these ladies seem of a peculiar enough sort to travel with them.
I think perhaps they cannot know of our affairs, or they should not have sent
by their note. I never knew any such ladies to trouble themselves….” She left
hanging the unspoken phrase “with a failed manufacturing family.” She did not
need to utter what was so plainly written across her face.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">Her
son set aside the pen with which he had been madly scribbling in his ledger.
“Mother, if they unsettle you, you need not feel obliged to receive them. What
care have we for some bare acquaintance that you shall probably never have
cause to see again?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">Mrs
Thornton blew out a frustrated huff. “I should do precisely that, but Mrs
Bingley was ever kind to me. I cannot send her away.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">John’s
ears pricked up. </span>“Bingley?</b></span> Would that be the wife of a Mr Charles Bingley, of
Northrup Woolen Mills?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">“The
very one. You might remember her, John. Your father used to do a deal of
business with them, and they had us to picnic days once or twice when you were
a boy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">“I
remember. Father owed him over two hundred pounds. I settled the debt with Mr
Bingley’s agent, however, as the Bingleys were on the Continent for several
years. I wonder, Mother, why you refer to them as gentry? They are nothing of
the kind, as I recall.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">“Mrs
Bingley was a gentleman farmer’s daughter, but her sister- the other lady-
married a very well-to-do land owner indeed. They are quite of the proudest
class of people.” She scowled, pouting a little at such an admission of the
other woman’s superior status.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">John’s
brow furrowed. “Oh, yes, I remember. Darcy, wasn’t it? I was very young…
Mother, what on earth are such elderly ladies doing traveling about on business
tours? Why, they must be well into their sixties or better! They cannot find
such travels to be very agreeable.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Mrs
Thornton snorted.</b></span><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: x-large;"> </span>“If it were only Mrs Bingley, I might be inclined to agree
with you. I have no doubt, however, that it is truly Mrs Darcy who insisted
upon them both traveling. She has not been known to remain quietly at home
under <i>any</i> circumstances.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">John
chuckled lightly. “Perhaps their visit is well-timed, Mother. I think you could
do with a pleasant morning, and it sounds as though these little old ladies
might be quite entertaining for you. Perhaps I might make an excuse to pay my
respects.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">Mrs
Thornton shot him a warning glare. “Do not repeat that phrase in their hearing!
Mrs Darcy would have you for breakfast.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">The
august visitors came duly at their requested time. Mrs Bingley was everything
that Hannah remembered her to be from all of those years ago. Polite nearly to
a fault, with silver hair, guileless blue eyes, and apple cheeks, even one as
reserved as Hannah Thornton could not help but warm to her. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: x-large;">Mrs Darcy, too, had
changed but little.</span> </b>Hannah observed the younger of the two sisters with an
arched brow. She was crowned with bold salt-and-pepper locks, and her dark eyes
still flashed with merriment at every turn. How such a candid, frolicsome woman
had survived with her respectability intact in London society, Hannah could not
fathom. She could only surmise that Mrs Darcy had been abetted by her husband’s
rather substantial consequence and her own capricious wit. Hannah eyed her
dubiously. One never knew what the spritely old bird might say next!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">Mrs
Thornton kept politely to the weather, assisted by Mrs Bingley, but Mrs Darcy
at last looked her directly in the eye. “Mrs Thornton, we hear much of Milton’s
recent hardships. I believe my husband is even now speaking to one of your
local bankers, regarding some investments he had here which have turned out
poorly. How do you and Mr Thornton stand?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">Mrs
Thornton gasped in utter shock. Apparently, Mrs Darcy’s advancing age and
naturally outspoken personality had manifested themselves in quite improper
freedoms. She fumbled, completely at a loss for a demure response. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>“Lizzy!”</b></span>
whispered Mrs Bingley in sympathetic horror.</span> Mrs Darcy only flicked a cool
glance at her sister.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">No
further comment was made, because it was then that John knocked respectfully at
the door of the room. “I hope I am not interrupting?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">Spry
little Mrs Darcy was the first to her feet. “John Thornton, how you have grown!
I declare, you must have been still in short pants when I saw you last!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">John
coloured and reached uncomfortably to straighten his cravat. “It has been a
long time, Mrs Darcy,” he agreed. “Mrs Bingley, I hope you and your husband are
well.” Mrs Bingley answered in the affirmative. John’s eyes shifted between the
two ladies in unspoken curiosity for a long, awkward moment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">“May I
ask what troubles you, young man?” queried Mrs Darcy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">John started
and cleared his throat. “It is nothing… only… you both remind me of someone,
that is all. It is your manner of speaking, I think. Forgive my rudeness. I
only wished to welcome you both to Milton.” He darted an uncomfortable look to
his mother. “Please excuse me, Mrs Darcy, Mrs Bingley.” Straightening his
jacket as though he were beginning to sweat, John made a hasty retreat from the
domain of femininity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Mrs
Darcy</b></span> turned a penetrating gaze on Hannah. “Rather singular, I declare. Mrs
Thornton, your son has grown to a fine man. I am sorry to see that things are
not well with your mill.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">Hannah
Thornton’s eyes blazed. She retorted as indignantly as she dared, “By what
means do you reach such a conclusion, Mrs Darcy?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">The
elderly mischief-maker twinkled a knowing look back to her. “I have gazed into
eyes very like your son’s these forty-two years, Mrs Thornton- whenever Mr
Darcy is troubled, or he believes me to be vexed with him. Tell me, who is the
young lady who broke your son’s heart?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">“<i>Lizzy!</i>” hissed her scandalized sister. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: x-large;"><b>Hannah
nearly gagged on the tea</b> </span>which she had forgotten to swallow. She coughed,
requiring a napkin. Mrs Bingley was quite literally hanging her head in shame,
her little gloved hand shielding her face. <i>One
would expect</i>, Hannah thought testily, <i>that
Mrs Bingley would be used to her sister’s tart comments by now! </i>She sputtered
unhappily and tried to contrive a way to avoid the woman’s blunt line of
questioning, but it seemed that she had more than met her match. Elizabeth
Darcy was not to be gainsaid. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">“She
was from Hertfordshire, I take it?” prodded the little busybody.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">Stunned,
Hannah only shook her head numbly. “Hampshire.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">“Ah.
And a gentlewoman, of course. Your son has quite a discerning eye, Mrs
Thornton, and I should not wonder that she felt her family circumstance to be
above his own?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">The
blood drained from the loyal mother’s face. “Mrs Darcy,” she whispered in ghastly
awe, “how did you hear of my son’s affairs?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;"><b>Mrs
Darcy laughed,</b></span> the bubbling, joyful laugh of a girl. “You might be surprised to
discover what I know of matters such as your son faces! I have been in a
similar position, Mrs Thornton, and it shows plainly that he is in great need
of encouragement. Now, please do not fear- I know I am a frank old woman and I
have no business to pry, but I think I like your son. How might I be of help?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">Hannah
was shaking her head. “I would implore you- do not try to encourage him, Mrs
Darcy. It is the last thing he wants! What he must do tomorrow….” Instantly,
she regretted that last plea. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">Mrs
Darcy’s eyes brightened. “Ah, does he have an excuse to see her again?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">Hannah
clenched her teeth. “He intends to give up the lease on Marlborough Mills, and
the property has recently passed into her name. She is quite an heiress now… please,
Mrs Darcy, I must implore you to say nothing to make this more difficult for my
son!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">The
woman’s face softened in understanding. “Of course not, Mrs Thornton. I bore
six children of my own, and I know a mother’s cares. Dear me, my oldest
granddaughter is to wed next month!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">Hannah
was still pale and trembling. “Mrs Darcy, I must insist that my son be left
alone so that he may at last put it all behind him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">A
crafty twinkle appeared in that pert old face. “<i>Lizzy</i>,” warned Mrs Bingley under her breath. The stern utterance
went entirely unheeded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>“Mrs
Thornton,”</b></span> Mrs Darcy smiled sweetly. “I fancy that I may be able to offer some
assistance with Marlborough Mills. My husband has provided me with so much pin
money over the years that I have never touched, and I have been thinking
recently of investing it, do you see. I know it is most irregular, but would
you mind terribly if I inquired of Mr Thornton what possibilities there might
be?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">Hannah
narrowed her eyes. Mrs Darcy gazed back at her with perfect innocence. “Sarah,”
she summoned reluctantly. The maid promptly appeared. “Please show Mrs Darcy to
my son’s study,” she instructed. The pair departed, and Hannah nearly gasped
aloud in consternation and dread until she remembered that silent Mrs Bingley
still remained, sedately stirring her tea.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">“She
has no intentions of speaking about business matters, Mrs Thornton,” whispered
the wise eldest sister.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">Hannah
tried not to bite her own lip in two. “I know, Mrs Bingley.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: x-large;"><b>J</b></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: x-large;"><b>ohn
looked up swiftly</b> </span>from the business letter he had been writing when the door to
his study opened without ceremony. “They have gone alrea- Oh! Mrs Darcy!” he
shot to his feet. “Do forgive me, I expected my mother.” He surveyed her in
some confusion as she strode boldly into his study, her eyes briefly grazing
the bookshelves. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">“What
is her name, young man?” The fine lady’s eyebrows quirked playfully as she
approached, a roguish smile playing at her mouth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">He
gaped. “Mrs Darcy? I do not understand.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">She
came near and brazenly tapped a knowing finger on his chest. “The young lady I
put you in mind of. She is quite lovely, I expect?” she batted her lashes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">“What…
Mrs Darcy!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">“Did
her father desire for her to marry better? What was the objection?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">John
blanched, his mouth opening and closing helplessly. Mrs Darcy tilted him a
patient smile, waiting expectantly. “Her… her father was my friend,” he managed
at last.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;"><b>Her
brows arched.</b></span> “Was? Oh, dear. Has she other family?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">He
sighed. “That is something of a quandary, Mrs Darcy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">“Oh!”
she clapped her hands together. “You are in her confidence in some matter!
Better and better, young man. I expect you were able to offer some assistance?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">John
narrowed his eyes. “Mrs Darcy, may I ask the nature of your interest in my
affairs?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">A sage
grin lit her merry, lined face. “Mr Thornton, do you think Mr Darcy suffered no
difficulties in proposing to me?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">He
gulped, sensing himself on dangerous ground. “I cannot imagine any gentleman not
surmounting whatever obstacles he was required to face,” he mumbled gallantly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">She
laughed heartily. “Clever boy! It is a pity that William was not so chivalrous
to begin with. If you only heard how pompous he was! Oh, how I despised him
after that!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">His
face fell in shock. “You… you refused Mr Darcy, Madam?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>“With
a vengeance,</b> </span>young man. The caprices of fortune, and a hearty measure of
humility on both of our parts wrought a most agreeable change in the end. I
would counsel you, Mr Thornton, if you love this woman, do not give up hope so
easily.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">“Mrs
Darcy,” his voice cracked, “with all due respect, matters between us are quite
irreparable. After tomorrow, I shall never see her again, and I think she would
be glad of it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">“Tell
me, Mr Thornton, what was the last word you had of her?” she tilted her head,
those dark eyes sparkling as irrepressibly as they had when she had been a
girl.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">He
swallowed, his hands trembling. “She left Milton when her father died. She sent
me one of his books by her maid- that was the last direct contact I had with
her.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">Those
brows lifted again. “And did she include a note? May I see it?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">Like a
dutiful schoolboy, and still suffering in some dismay at the lady’s casual
intrusion into his affairs, he retrieved the note- which somehow she knew that
he would have preserved all of these months. Mrs Darcy scanned it quickly, and
a cunning smile grew on her face. She held the note aloft as a victory flag.
“The woman loves you, young man!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">His
chest seized. “Mrs Darcy, you cannot-”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: x-large;"><b>“Hush!”</b></span>
she held up a commanding finger. Once she had his full astonished attention,
she read the note again, as if to confirm it for herself. Satisfied, she looked
up with a firm nod. “If she had hated you, Mr Thornton, she would not have
applied so much effort at indifference. Why, one can practically read a novel
between those lines! A woman who dislikes a gentleman does not include a note
at all, even if the gift is one of duty. Was Plato a particular favourite of
her father’s?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">He
nodded, breathless. “Yes,” he wheezed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">“Ah.
There you have it. You must try again, Mr Thornton, and this time, try to keep
your pride out of the room when you propose.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">Stars
were dancing before his dazed eyes. “Mrs Darcy!” he objected, “My business will
primarily be with her attorney. I shall scarcely even have an opportunity to
see her!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">She
peered at him with her sharp gaze. “Then you must <i>make</i> one, Mr Thornton, and if she asks you to wait an hour, stay
for two. It might seem presumptuous to take a ring with you, but you must offer
a flower or something- it sounds as though an apology might also go a long way
to smooth matters.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;"><b>“I
doubt,”</b></span> he murmured softly, “that she will be willing to hear me, Mrs Darcy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">Mrs
Darcy canted her head to the side, and for a moment, he could picture the
impish southern country girl who had long ago captured the imposing and
prestigious northern gentleman. She studied him gravely, then pursed her lips
in decision. “Yes, she will. A man such as yourself does not give his heart
away lightly, nor in vain. I have some experience in these matters. Do not lose
sight of the treasure you seek, nor let yourself be drawn off on futile
disagreements. Discover the meaning of grace, for it covers a multitude of
wrongs, young man.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">“I am
not practiced in expressing words of love,” he sighed. “My one attempt met with
such scorn, that I dare not try again.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>“Dear
me,</b></span> you are a good deal too much like my husband! Forget the poetry, for I have
always found it to kill young love stone dead. Speak simple truth in humility,
young man, and that will be sufficient.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">He
began to blink rapidly, imagining perhaps a dozen different possible outcomes
to such a vulnerable display from him. “What am I to do if words fail me?” he
rasped.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">That
sparkling face grinned mischievously up to him. “I am an impatient old woman,
Mr Thornton, and therefore perhaps my advice is not as proper as it once was.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">He
lifted a brow, curious. “What do you recommend?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">“Just
kiss the girl, young man. And do send me a wedding invitation, for I should
dearly love to meet her.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: x-large;"><b>Thank you Nicole,</b></span> for delighting us with your frivolities, they are most welcome!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;"> I would also like to thank </span><b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Janet </span><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">at <span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://moreagreeablyengaged.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">More Agreeably Engaged</a></span> </span></b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">for helping to bring this this blog tour to fruition.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: "garamond" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSLB_YWWDN19Wn_QJ3LwirikRuRVXuSkr5Bna07G8WBGvOPkDA3YLnreVCZTCEYEbp_PifJ9fNehVfyZLGMdQVN6qNGieccbJe0ZTG4qrnq52ng_Mp3WysWEkMbrg7QhIW7xzQ_CgozbyT/s1600/giveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #7f6000;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSLB_YWWDN19Wn_QJ3LwirikRuRVXuSkr5Bna07G8WBGvOPkDA3YLnreVCZTCEYEbp_PifJ9fNehVfyZLGMdQVN6qNGieccbJe0ZTG4qrnq52ng_Mp3WysWEkMbrg7QhIW7xzQ_CgozbyT/s200/giveaway.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: x-large;"><u>Giveaway Time!</u> </span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Nicole will give away 4 eBooks and 4 Paperbacks of </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>Northern Rain</b></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><b>.</b> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">She is also giving away 2 audiobooks of </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>Rumours and Recklessness</b></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">, a P&P variation, and 2 audiobooks of </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>No Such Thing as Luck</b></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><b>,</b> her first N&S variation.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="0ca86b9b0" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0ca86b9b0/" id="rcwidget_yf903oou" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gi0rkae9VJrE7hKPap-ul9HJiTm3e4JYNfx6x4E50etpdDkzgYQUMzJKfWVTIG2jAAn5zLWmD61FljDsvssqyuaXbj44T67ldP2W8HBiBNoskXQMwITQk1quBFiqHFT4SfzQH5e_tjAa/s1600/NR+Final+FC4+061916+nbld+SM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gi0rkae9VJrE7hKPap-ul9HJiTm3e4JYNfx6x4E50etpdDkzgYQUMzJKfWVTIG2jAAn5zLWmD61FljDsvssqyuaXbj44T67ldP2W8HBiBNoskXQMwITQk1quBFiqHFT4SfzQH5e_tjAa/s320/NR+Final+FC4+061916+nbld+SM.jpg" width="213" /><span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Book
Blurb:</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">There is nothing like a long walk in the rain to guarantee a little
privacy… unless the last person you wish to encounter happens also to be in
search of solitude. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">John Thornton is a man of heavy responsibilities who has many things
on his mind, but the most troublesome of them all is Margaret Hale. She wants
nothing to do with him, and he wishes he could feel the same. When a moment of
vulnerability allows her a glimpse into his heart, she begins to see him very
differently. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">Is something so simple as friendship even possible after all that
has passed between them? Thornton has every good reason to move on, not the
least of which is the lovely Genevieve Hamilton and her wealthy father. Will
Thornton act according to duty and accept an opportunity to save his mill, or
will he take a chance on love, hoping to change Margaret’s mind?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Stop By on the 15th July for an excerpt of 'Northern Rain'!</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<u><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Northern
Rain</span></i></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
Blog Tour Schedule </span></b></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">7/8-9:
Launch Vignette, Excerpt & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://flyhigh-by-learnonline.blogspot.it/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Fly High</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">7/
10: Guest Post & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://babblingsofabookworm.blogspot.co.uk/"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Babblings of a Bookworm</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">7/11:
Guest Post, Excerpt & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://tamaraausten77.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">My Kids Led Me Back to Pride &
Prejudice</span></a></span><u><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">7/12:
Author Interview at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.morethanthornton.com/"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">More Than Thornton</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">7/14:
Review & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://justjane1813.com/"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Just Jane 1813</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">7/16:
Excerpt & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://halfagonyhalfhopelove.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Half Agony, Half Hope</span></a></span><u><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">7/17:
Vignette & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://laughingwithlizzie.blogspot.co.uk/"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Laughing With Lizzie</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">7/18:
Author/Character Interview & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpress.com/"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">From Pemberley to Milton</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">7/19:
Guest Post, Excerpt & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://candy-m.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">So little time…</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">7/20:
Vignette & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.rosefairbanks.com/"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Stories from the Past</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">7/21:
Vignette & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://moreagreeablyengaged.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">More Agreeably Engaged</span></a></span><u><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">7/24:
Review, Excerpt & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://margiesmustreads.com/"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Margie’s Must Reads</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">7/26:
Guest Post & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.madamegilflurt.com/"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">A Covent Garden Gilflurt’s Guide to Life</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">9/10: Review &
Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://calicocritic.blogspot.com/">The Calico Critic</a></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: "bookman old style" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Good Luck in the Giveaway! </b></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08304167494997715591noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490719723329221506.post-34325787309541987802016-06-21T23:48:00.000-07:002016-06-21T23:48:46.686-07:00'The Coming Of Age Of Elizabeth Bennet' By Caitlin Williams Blog Tour ~ Excerpt & Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCTkxmMAgMz01jfAyzZhLnnTCgmlECzX0uAVMqCts2rZ8J27JjuFFF17o1rkbAsdhdOcZq4M96rz4fMTpciWVsJVMOWDGNfLxQzw5qb7y6xcOykYTl2wZ6pZnmxyIwdZ_H20P7pmOh2Asb/s1600/IMG_1147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCTkxmMAgMz01jfAyzZhLnnTCgmlECzX0uAVMqCts2rZ8J27JjuFFF17o1rkbAsdhdOcZq4M96rz4fMTpciWVsJVMOWDGNfLxQzw5qb7y6xcOykYTl2wZ6pZnmxyIwdZ_H20P7pmOh2Asb/s640/IMG_1147.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Hello
Fellow Readers!</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>oday
I have an excerpt of<span style="font-size: x-large;"> <span style="color: #7f6000;">‘The Coming Of Age Of Elizabeth Bennet' By Caitlin
Williams. </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I
would like to thank <span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: x-large;">Claudine </span>at <span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://justjane1813.com/" target="_blank">Just Jane 1813</a>,</span> for her instrumental part in bringing this blog tour to fruition and to <span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: x-large;">Caitlin</span> for providing an excerpt
that had me buying the book straight after!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "edwardian script itc"; font-size: 26.0pt;">The Coming Of Age Of Elizabeth Bennet Blog Tour </span></b></span></div>
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<b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "big caslon medium";">A coming-of-age story told in four
volumes between Austen’s infamous couple; savor the story of the prideful man
and the girl prejudiced against him, as they meet much earlier in this
rethinking of Jane Austen’s masterpiece, Pride & Prejudice. Could this ‘disobedient
little hellion’ one day become mistress of Pemberley and the keeper of his
heart? <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "big caslon medium";">Caitlin
Williams, author of the highly-praised book, <b><i>Ardently,</i></b> tours the
blogosphere from June 13- June 26,
2016 to share her newest release, <b><i>The Coming Of Age Of Elizabeth Bennet</i></b>.
Fourteen book bloggers, specializing in Austenesque fiction and romance stories,
will share excerpts, guest posts, an exclusive interview with the author and
book reviews from this highly awaited Austen-inspired novel. <b><i>Eight
ebooks are also being included in our giveaways and entry is available to
anyone who participates in this blog tour.</i></b></span><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "big caslon medium"; font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "edwardian script itc"; font-size: 36.0pt;"><span style="color: #7f6000;">Excerpt</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: x-large;">Elizabeth</span> had felt almost normal, as
if she had slept her cold off when she had woken that morning, but by the time
they reached their destination, she began to shake and shiver again and had
never been so glad to quit her mount. She only wanted to sit and recover, but
supposed she would not get any peace until she appeased Mr Darcy by standing in
awe of the view they had come so far to see, if only for a few moments. So she
climbed the tor, looked out and although now felt very bad indeed, was able to
admire it. The rough, rugged landscape of Derbyshire was laid out before her
for miles ahead and it was a beautiful spot. She was the first to turn away
though and her heavy legs stumbled down towards the picnic spot where she
almost fell upon the rug. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-large;">The</span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-large;">
refreshments</span> did something to revive her, though she was quieter than usual,
and let the conversation flow over her head, but her attention was required
when Georgiana began to speak directly to her. “We are right in the middle of
the country now, Elizabeth. You could not be further from either coast. You
must take Elizabeth to the coast one day, Brother, when you return, for she has
still never seen the sea.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: x-large;">Mr
Darcy </span>got to his feet without a reply and wandered away and Elizabeth wrinkled
her nose in disgust at his rudeness. She had no illusions or hopes as to his
ever taking her anywhere, let alone on a trip that would give her so much
pleasure, but he might have at least given Georgiana a polite reply. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-large;">The
Colonel</span> smiled too brightly, “and Darcy will soon see far more of the sea than
he could ever have hoped for. I confess after my last voyage home, I have no
longing to go aboard a ship, or near any vast expanse of water, for a good long
time.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I
am guessing you were always bound for the Army, Colonel?” asked Miss Temple.
“The Navy would not have suited you then?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“<span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: x-large;">You
assume correctly.</span> All that salty air and strong wind, it cuts a man’s youth and
vigour most horribly; a sailor grows old sooner than any other man,” the
Colonel said jovially and patted his cheeks. “I am plain enough looking as it
is - a sea-faring life would have been the death of all my romantic hopes.
Imagine me all knocked about and exposed to every climate. I would not be fit
to be seen. Dreadful profession, I can’t think why any man would choose it,
lest he was a complete fool.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-large;">Silence</span><span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-large;">
</span>reigned and the smile fell from the Colonel’s face as he looked about in
confusion at the pained faces of the three ladies. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Elizabeth
spoke, hardly knowing what she said, something about both the Navy and Army
having everything in its favour. “Heroism, travel, bustle, fashion, soldiers
and sailors would always be acceptable to me; nobody can wonder that men chose
to be soldiers and sailors.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: x-large;">Miss
Temple</span> rushed away as Elizabeth was still speaking, but in a different
direction to the one Mr Darcy had taken. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Miss
Temple was once betrothed to a young man of the Navy who died at sea,”
Elizabeth explained to the Colonel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">His
face crumpled and saw he might have cursed himself had she and Georgiana not been
present. “Shall I go after her, do you think? Is it my business to? Should I
apologise?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“She
is the sweetest soul in the world, Colonel, and will not be cross with you,”
Elizabeth told him, “but I do always think there is everything to be gained,
and never anything to be lost by the issuing of a genuine apology.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He
got very slowly to his feet and limped away. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-large;">Nor
he or Miss Temple</span><span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-large;"> </span>came back for quite a while. For so long in fact that
Elizabeth began to wonder whether all was well and was concerned something had
happened to them. Mr Darcy returned in the meantime and kicked at the dirt for
a while and then began to speak of returning home. Elizabeth observed that he
was a man who lacked the ability to be idle. He could not sit in the same
position for long; his mind was constantly active, always wondering what to do
next. She felt weary just watching him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: x-large;">The
servants</span> packed up and made them ready for the off. When Miss Temple and the
Colonel did appear, the Colonel gallantly handed the governess into the
carriage and then looked around at Elizabeth. “Why do you not ride back in the
carriage too? You look dreadfully pale, you are sickening for something I am
sure of it.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Stop
fussing, Richard. She’s a country girl, very hardy. You’ll come and ride alongside
me, Elizabeth, there are some views I would point out to you,” Mr Darcy said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Colonel looked at her as if he were waiting for her to protest. Why she didn’t,
she could not actually say, but she supposed she just wanted to get back to
Pemberley as quickly as possible, where she might ring for a mug of chocolate,
find a shawl and doze in the library. Robert helped her into the saddle and
they set off. It was just the three of them and two grooms trailing behind.
Georgiana, having been allowed the luxury of choice, had opted for the carriage
for the journey back. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-large;">She
and Mr Darcy</span> rode mostly in silence, side-by-side, for long stretches at a
time, the Colonel going on ahead. Mr Darcy would point something out
occasionally and she would take notice of it and nod her head, but she had not
the energy to answer him. He looked crosser with each passing minute and with
each mile she grew more fatigued and light headed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Colonel came back to them after a while and she heard him speak to Mr Darcy,
saying something about stopping, letting the carriage catch them up. Her name
was mentioned and then there was the sound of Mr Darcy’s baritone, shouting to
her. “Have control over the reins, Elizabeth, that horse may take you anywhere
it pleases,” and then there was nothing, it was all darkness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: x-large;"><b>Thank you for sharing the excerpt, it ended with me shouting 'no, no, no! I must know what happens' and purchasing the book post-haste!</b></span></span><br />
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "edwardian script itc"; font-size: 28.0pt;">Book
Description<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjR1xUwB3wgTnZrh_upDUtwG-_GIz_GI0oSnToQH2nDjMAKhJKEYSgbZqnTZs8G5UgC7rRq_fRTAbr7LeX3UVpJOsSHi3aiE3JJbqorPNDMKU2HmNq4jfyoMjyD9bjwP0_low4DGseepKf/s1600/IMG_0888+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjR1xUwB3wgTnZrh_upDUtwG-_GIz_GI0oSnToQH2nDjMAKhJKEYSgbZqnTZs8G5UgC7rRq_fRTAbr7LeX3UVpJOsSHi3aiE3JJbqorPNDMKU2HmNq4jfyoMjyD9bjwP0_low4DGseepKf/s400/IMG_0888+2.JPG" width="251" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">The
very worst has happened. Mr Bennet has died, leaving his wife and five young
daughters bereft. The family estate, Longbourn, is now lost, entailed away and
fifteen-year-old Elizabeth Bennet is to go two hundred miles away to live with
strangers. George Darcy, repaying a debt of gratitude, has offered to take her
to Pemberley, to live under the mantle of his care and be raised alongside his
own daughter, Georgiana.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">But on
the day she is to leave Longbourn forever, young Elizabeth, grieving and
confused, runs off into the Hertfordshire countryside. Fitzwilliam Darcy gives
chase, telling his father he will have her back in an hour or two. Luck and
fate, however, are not on his side and capturing Elizabeth Bennet turns out not
only to be more difficult than he could ever have imagined, but events conspire
to turn her little adventure into his worst nightmare.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">The
prideful man and the girl prejudiced against him, meet much earlier in this
rethinking of Jane Austen’s masterpiece. Elizabeth grows up under the
ever-watchful eye of Mr Darcy, from fifteen to twenty-one. She errs and falters, there are stumbles and
trips, but could this ‘<i>disobedient little
hellion’</i> one day become mistress of Pemberley and the keeper of his heart?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "edwardian script itc"; font-size: 48.0pt;">Rafflecopter<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="b1ddd4551" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b1ddd4551/" id="rcwidget_d3h712vt" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>
<br />
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "edwardian script itc"; font-size: 36.0pt;">Blog
Tour Schedule</span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">June 13/ </span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://thesecretunderstandingofthehearts.blogspot.it/"><b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">My
Jane Austen Book Club</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">/Launch Post/“<i>Happy Birthday Fanny Burney & The Coming
Of Age Of Elizabeth Bennet”</i> & Giveaway<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">June 14/ </span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://candy-m.blogspot.com/"><b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">So Little Time...</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">
/ Book Excerpt & Giveaway<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">June 15/ </span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://justjane1813.com/"><b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">Just Jane 1813</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">/An
Exclusive Interview with Caitlin Williams<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">June 16/ </span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpress.com/"><b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">Pemberley to Milton</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">/Book
Review & Giveaway<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">June 17/ </span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://margiesmustreads.com/"><b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">Margie's Must Reads</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">/
Book Excerpt & Giveaway<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">June 18/ </span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://calicocritic.blogspot.com/"><b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">The Calico Critic</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">/Book
Review & Giveaway<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">June 19/ </span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://babblingsofabookworm.blogspot.co.uk/"><b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">Babblings of a Bookworm</span></b></a></span><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">/“The Education of a Young
Lady”</span></i></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;"> Guest Post & Giveaway<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">June 20/ </span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://halfagonyhalfhopelove.blogspot.com/"><b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">Half Agony, Half Hope</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">/Book
Review<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">June 21/ </span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://moreagreeablyengaged.blogspot.com/"><b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">More Agreeably Engaged</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">/
Book Review & Giveaway<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">June 22/ </span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://tamaraausten77.blogspot.co.uk/"><b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">My Kids Led Me Back to Pride
and Prejudice</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;"> /Book Excerpt & Giveaway<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">June 23/ </span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://lizjosette.blogspot.com/"><b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">Liz's Reading Life</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">
/ <i>“A Nod and A Wink to Austen”</i> Guest
Post & Giveaway<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">June 24/ </span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://diaryofaneccentric.wordpress.com/"><b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">Diary of an Eccentric</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">/Book
Review<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">June 25/ </span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://laughingwithlizzie.blogspot.com/"><b><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">Laughing With Lizzie</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">/
<i>“The Young Master” </i>Guest Post &
Giveaway<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">June 26/ </span></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.madamegilflurt.com/"><b><span style="background: white; font-family: "garamond" , serif;">A Covent Garden
Gilflurt’s Guide to Life</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "garamond" , serif;">/ <i>“A Most Scandalous”</i>
Guest Post</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/caitlin.williams.3348390?fref=ts"><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">Facebook: Caitlin Williams</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14675786.Caitlin_Williams"><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">Goodreads Author Page: Caitlin Williams</span></a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/12482155-the-coming-of-age-of-elizabeth-bennet"><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;">Goodreads Blog Page: Caitlin Williams</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08304167494997715591noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490719723329221506.post-33422963027962091312016-06-10T22:55:00.005-07:002016-06-11T09:35:29.200-07:00'The Elizabeth Papers' Blog Tour ~ by Jenetta James ~ Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJ31gRrVo_sC12V2Gl-vazZQMsLdJhsuk4nx1eVgOO6mc3IiCuJwKuQFEcvBTZmVmgNq1ZoSz13YBUERGGL2mwqHu9l8S1W-9dsQeJImP1fYFmsq5r75zOo98-HtTd6GMXbBr-XhFZBVt/s1600/TEPhorizontalbanner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJ31gRrVo_sC12V2Gl-vazZQMsLdJhsuk4nx1eVgOO6mc3IiCuJwKuQFEcvBTZmVmgNq1ZoSz13YBUERGGL2mwqHu9l8S1W-9dsQeJImP1fYFmsq5r75zOo98-HtTd6GMXbBr-XhFZBVt/s640/TEPhorizontalbanner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">Hello fellow readers, </span>Today I have the pleasure of reviewing<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"> <b>'The Elizabeth Papers' by Jenetta James</b> </span>as part of the blog Tour! Kindly brought to you by <b><a href="http://leatherboundreviews.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Leatherbound reviews</a> </b> in conjunction with <b><a href="http://merytonpress.com/" target="_blank"> Meryton Press</a>.</b><br />
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When I found out Jenetta was releasing another novel, I was
excited! In reviewing her first novel ‘Suddenly Mrs Darcy’ what stood out, was Jenetta’s
succinct style of writing, as she has a way of telling the pertinent facts
without the lengthy detail. I never tired of her no-nonsense Mr Darcy, a man of
very little words, and his confessions of love, were melt worthy. <o:p></o:p></div>
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To my delight this book was no exception, Darcy’s character
is very similar to what I imagine it to be following canon, ‘in essentials, I
believe, he is very much what he ever was’.<span style="color: #134f5c;"> ~ </span><o:p></o:p><span style="color: #134f5c;">Jane Austen, Pride & Prejudice</span></div>
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<b> <span style="font-size: x-large;">Book Blurb ~</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXk2rkL_qMmFCg4isRvqFuysmu2v7ninsSumsnHy0ksTnPK05AQWUduC-SmpqoubI8wF15cLep5I6cL6VywZunEUUGh3ffZ_6veWnAVi6c78OfI0Cr744-VcPFvNxTdUi_G0-drqJ6vg7i/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXk2rkL_qMmFCg4isRvqFuysmu2v7ninsSumsnHy0ksTnPK05AQWUduC-SmpqoubI8wF15cLep5I6cL6VywZunEUUGh3ffZ_6veWnAVi6c78OfI0Cr744-VcPFvNxTdUi_G0-drqJ6vg7i/s400/FullSizeRender+%25281%2529.jpg" width="265" /></a><span lang="EN-US">Charlie
Haywood is a London-based private investigator who has made his own fortune—on
his own </span>terms. Charming, cynical, and promiscuous, he never expected to be
attracted to Evie Pemberton, an emerging and independent-minded artist living
with the aftermath of tragedy. But when he is hired to investigate her claims
to a one hundred and fifty year old trust belonging to the eminent Darcy
family, he is captivated. Together
they become entwined in a tale of love, loss, and mystery tracing back to the
grand estate of Pemberley, home to Evie’s nineteenth century ancestors,
Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy.</div>
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<span lang="EN-US">How
could Evie know that in 1817 Elizabeth Darcy began a secret journal? What
started as an account of a blissful life came to reflect a growing unease. Was
the Darcy marriage perfect or was there betrayal and deception at its heart? </span>Can
Evie and Charlie unearth the truth in the letters of Fitzwilliam Darcy or
within the walls of present-day Pemberley? What are the elusive Elizabeth
papers and why did Elizabeth herself want them destroyed?</div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">Many</span></b> of you know that I prefer Regency JAFF over Modern. However,
this book had a good balance of Modern vs Regency to keep me happy. One thing I like about moderns is working out who's who and I had a lot of fun deciphering
who I thought the modern characters in this story represented. Some were obvious, some not so, fortunately for me, the
modern Colonel was easy to identify. His red trousers confirming my suspicions and
making me laugh out loud, considering he was attending the Theatre! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The modern part</b> of the story felt like a mystery novel,
with the search for Elizabeth’s papers becoming a mystery to unravel. Equally the Regency parts had a mystery to uncover, but in a different way. The blurb reads <b><span style="color: #134f5c;">“What started as an account of a blissful
life came to reflect a growing unease. Was the Darcy marriage perfect or was
there betrayal and deception at its heart?”</span></b> Any true Janiete, who believes they
know JA’s Darcy and Elizabeth, know that, betrayal and deception, could never occur between Darcy and Elizabeth in marriage. Therefore the reader feels safe in that knowledge and knows that, whatever happened in the marriage, it cannot be that bad. However, through reading Elizabeth’s papers,
we are led on, a sometimes dark, ambiguous and angst filled path and the real mystery lies, in where this <span style="color: #134f5c;"><b>growing unease</b></span> will lead. Jenetta seems to create a different type of angst in her
novels, it is an angst from a place very deep and personal in the Darcy
marriage. At times I felt melancholy and despair, reading of Elizabeth's anguish. When we recall the following passage...</div>
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“<span style="color: #134f5c;">She longed to know what at that moment was passing in his
mind; in what manner he thought of her, and whether, in defiance of every
thing, she was still dear to him. Perhaps he had been civil only because he
felt himself at ease; yet there had been that in his voice which was not like
ease. Whether he had felt more of pain or of pleasure in seeing her, she could
not tell” ~ </span><o:p></o:p><span style="color: #134f5c;">Jane
Austen, Pride & Prejudice</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">It is therefore easy to see, </span></b>how an author could make you believe Elizabeth
might doubt Darcy’s love for her, even
though your shouting at book ‘Never, never in a million years, never!’. However watching the unease
grow within the story, has you drawn in, you trust the author will do right by Elizabeth and Darcy and uphold the principles of Pride and
Prejudice. <b>Yet </b>they have you on the edge, constantly thinking they are about to derail the Darcy
marriage! And the next thing you know you’re holding your breath, with a turn
of the page, or swipe of the Kindle.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXbU0v2xTKfscifWczf5QYFP3iNnM6hqn7ASAPNdiJLUPe-BPFqUORnKn80c4gCq-9yGLvYTdtbbewAClijxfUnw8myEOh4UkDhEfFARVHoR88nYyBZHzcYW_g-FFqiydBuDoHeJ7jCHXn/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXbU0v2xTKfscifWczf5QYFP3iNnM6hqn7ASAPNdiJLUPe-BPFqUORnKn80c4gCq-9yGLvYTdtbbewAClijxfUnw8myEOh4UkDhEfFARVHoR88nYyBZHzcYW_g-FFqiydBuDoHeJ7jCHXn/s640/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="313" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Although I like Darcy’s stoic personality</span></b> in this, I would have
liked more from Darcy’s point of view, however this is not a criticism, but a request for the next novel, pretty please. As I believe, Jenetta writing Darcy's POV, could be special. I did not connect with the modern characters as
much as I did the Regency, but I did enjoy following Charlie and Evie's adventure and seeing where it led. At times, some of the scenes did not feel authentic, in regards to describing the atmosphere of London,
however some scenes were spot on. particularly the theatre. I could relate to the little descriptions that made Charlie stand out as a true gentleman. For instance, pre ordering drinks ready for the intermission, in order to cater and anticipate Evie's every need, is definitely a Darcy
trait and believe me, getting drinks in the intermission, is a mission in its self!<br />
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;">When Charlie and Evie</span></b> go in search of Elizabeth’s papers
at Pemberley, they start to think of places that would have been left undisturbed for over 150 years. <b><span style="color: #990000;">I wrote this review from the Rutland Arms in Bakewell,</span></b> where Jane Austen stayed in 1811. Therefore it inspired me to kept an eye open for any such
indications, that Jane Austen could have left something at the Rutland Arms! I certainly recommend, fellow readers read this book and untangle the mystery, that is<span style="color: #990000;"> 'The Elizabeth Papers'. </span><br />
Darcy’s one liners and simple declarations of
love and admiration, often left me bookmarking the page, so that I could
re-read the passage again, at my leisure. Elizabeth's papers, were emotional and touching and at times brought tears to my eyes. Darcy and Elizabeth's story of marriage, is captivating and certainly reason alone, to read this book! Congratulations Jenetta, on another wonderful story.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKHZpDl7AKv1V29NljZ7QZyShfdZlJ-daVFf9YKjL0yMQcijZM_KG6TjiWv4TMGtaulbT2f7wcHVyZ3MBcBNymtWvNRpBsJeO9vevDNeaoYiF39gFAImhi3-7VWld6FgK7KqKqPZ7sBIJl/s1600/heart+rating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKHZpDl7AKv1V29NljZ7QZyShfdZlJ-daVFf9YKjL0yMQcijZM_KG6TjiWv4TMGtaulbT2f7wcHVyZ3MBcBNymtWvNRpBsJeO9vevDNeaoYiF39gFAImhi3-7VWld6FgK7KqKqPZ7sBIJl/s640/heart+rating.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">This book is worthy of 4 & half Hearts ~ Mr Bingley & Mr Darcy!</td></tr>
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<b style="color: #990000; font-size: xx-large;"><i><span lang="EN-US">~The Elizabeth
Papers</span></i></b><b style="color: #990000; font-size: xx-large;"><span lang="EN-US"> Blog Tour Schedule~</span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">5/30:
Guest Post & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://thesecretunderstandingofthehearts.blogspot.it/">My Jane Austen Book Club</a></span><span lang="EN-US"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">5/31:
Excerpt & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://romancenovelgiveaways.blogspot.com/">Romance Novel Giveaways</a></span><span lang="EN-US"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">6/1:
Review at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://tomorrowisanotherday.altervista.org/">Tomorrow is Another Day</a></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">6/1: Guest
Post & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://lizjosette.blogspot.com/">Liz’s
Reading Life</a></span><span lang="EN-US"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">6/2:
Review at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpress.com/">From Pemberley to Milton</a></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">6/3:
Guest Post at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://moonlightreader.com/">Moonlight Reader</a></span><span lang="EN-US"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">6/4:
Review at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://babblingsofabookworm.blogspot.co.uk/">Babblings of a Bookworm</a></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">6/5:
Review at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="file:///C:/Users/tamara/Downloads/Justjane1813.com">Just Jane 1813</a></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">6/6:
Guest Post & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.austenesquereviews.com/">Austenesque Reviews</a></span><span lang="EN-US"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">6/7:
Excerpt & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://candy-m.blogspot.com/">So
Little Time…</a></span><span lang="EN-US"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">6/8:
Character Interview at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://moreagreeablyengaged.blogspot.com/">More Agreeably Engaged</a></span><span lang="EN-US"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">6/9:
Author Interview at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://savvyverseandwit.com/">Savvy
Verse & Wit</a></span><span lang="EN-US"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">6/10:
Review at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://diaryofaneccentric.wordpress.com/">Diary of an Eccentric</a></span><span lang="EN-US"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">6/10:
Excerpt & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.laurakenyon.com/">Skipping
Midnight</a></span><span lang="EN-US">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">6/11:
Review at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://tamaraausten77.blogspot.co.uk/">My Kids Led Me Back to Pride and
Prejudice</a></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">6/12:
Review at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://margiesmustreads.com/">Margie’s Must Reads</a></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">6/13: Excerpt & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.bestsellersandbeststellars.com/">Best Sellers and Best Stellars</a></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">I was given an ARC copy of this book for my honest review.</span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;">As always I delight in hearing your thoughts! </span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08304167494997715591noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490719723329221506.post-45588955998334102022016-05-13T23:34:00.000-07:002016-05-13T23:34:16.206-07:00“Fine Stout Love” Blog Tour by Author Renée Beyea ~ Exceprt & Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWH0We6jKj4lL0S4GbGk8_5urrbbmJBK5Kdjan4TQaxgadFlJWhmeU7mkHMxyI4eN4Uy_SIA7XId1NOE_Efh0BF3HC1BPOQDK25zzLMxoM6BIEcngGpgUVRrprp0MFolKsNbsFkVYG3muV/s1600/FSL+Blog+Tour+Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWH0We6jKj4lL0S4GbGk8_5urrbbmJBK5Kdjan4TQaxgadFlJWhmeU7mkHMxyI4eN4Uy_SIA7XId1NOE_Efh0BF3HC1BPOQDK25zzLMxoM6BIEcngGpgUVRrprp0MFolKsNbsFkVYG3muV/s640/FSL+Blog+Tour+Banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">Hello fellow readers!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Another</span> self published author, another collection of short stories and another edition to the ever growing list, of Jane Austen Fan Fiction literature! Therefore I am delighted to welcome <span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Ren</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">é</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">e Beyea,</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> author of </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> 'A Fine Stout Love and other stories'. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">I would also like to thank Jakki at</span></span> <a href="http://leatherboundreviews.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Leatherbound reviews</a> for her participation in organising another great Blog Tour, for us all to enjoy!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96v9yLVts0Jer8GJBLYul7ktyPuwsTHSp0331Z91G8QNXpX_kzRmbAdpi1pppK6LS8-VaQvI3-wLfKAz4S4MbDbotDYvlybBkr5TaJzHg7dxevQ-jdDTxyUfW3HgcAsqLj7cRVT9Sb43M/s1600/AFSL+flat.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96v9yLVts0Jer8GJBLYul7ktyPuwsTHSp0331Z91G8QNXpX_kzRmbAdpi1pppK6LS8-VaQvI3-wLfKAz4S4MbDbotDYvlybBkr5TaJzHg7dxevQ-jdDTxyUfW3HgcAsqLj7cRVT9Sb43M/s200/AFSL+flat.png" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">Thank
you,</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Tamara, for hosting me at My Kids Led Me Back to Pride and Prejudice and participating
in the blog tour for <i>A Fine Stout Love
and Other Stories</i>. Each excerpt stop on the tour features an excerpt from a
different story. Today’s comes from “Eden Unashamed,” the fifth and final story
in the collection. Blending both comedy and substance, this tale recounts the
misadventures and impact of Darcy’s love poem for his betrothed as it passes
through the hands of every Bennet prior to reaching Elizabeth. Although the
overall story is narrated by Darcy, this particular scene is told from Kitty’s
point of view. Enjoy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Mrs.
Bennet</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> wrapped the satin ribbon over the crown of the bonnet. Holding it with
one hand on each side of the brim, she straightened her arms and twisted the
bonnet first one way and then the other, examining it from each angle. “Yes, I
think that will do very nicely.” Her eyes roved the table for a moment. “Kitty,
my sewing basket, please. We will just tack this down.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Kitty</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">
sighed and retrieved the basket from its usual post next to her mother’s
armchair. With Mary at her books, Kitty was left to occupy their mother. The
presence of her eldest sisters to interrupt the incessant soliloquies would
have made it more bearable, but the gentlemen had arrived before Mamma came
down. Both seemed excessively desirous of a private audience with their
intended and swept Jane and Elizabeth from the room to gad about the shrubbery.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Kitty
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">longed for some excitement and was sure to find it, if only her parents would
allow her to accept her newlywed sister’s invitation. But her father became
positively churlish if she dared to mention visiting Mrs. Lydia Wickham in
Newcastle. Taking her place as the youngest in the household was not fulfilling
Kitty’s expectations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
cleared a space on the table, lifted the basket lid, and began rummaging
through the disarray.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">But
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">what was this? Kitty withdrew and opened what appeared to be a folded blank
paper. The half-sheet was extravagant when a quarter would have done for so few
words. She started reading and gasped. A hand flew to her mouth, but her eyes
flew even faster across the lines.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Oh
my,” she tittered, “oh my!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“What?”
asked her mother, snatching the paper from her hands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I
cannot imagine that it was for you to read,” Kitty said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“What
can you mean? It was in my sewing basket. Of course it is for me.” Mrs. Bennet extended
the paper in the same manner as she had the bonnet and squinted. “My, but the
hand is rather small. Fetch my spectacles, dear.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Kitty
did so with reluctance and then attempted to read over her mother’s shoulder
while Mrs. Bennet adjusted the glasses on her nose. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">“Oh,
goodness,”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Mrs. Bennet said. “Oh, that sly man! Why…” She waved the paper to
cool her cheeks, which were ruddy with a deepening flush. “Why, I cannot think
when your father last left me a love note.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Surely
you do not think it is from father?” Kitty could not imagine her father having
ever written love letters to her mother.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Well,
of course I do. Who else would it be from? Shame on you, to think some other
man would be leaving me love notes in my basket.” She waggled a finger.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“But
the writing is not Papa’s.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“That
does not signify. He is so fond of a joke, I daresay he had someone copy it out
for him. Lizzy might have done it. She is that clever with a pen, although I
cannot quite approve, considering.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">“Really,</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">
Mamma, do you not think it might be from either Mr. Bingley or Mr. Darcy?”
Kitty would have read it again, if her mother were not brandishing it like an
errant lace tucker.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“And
why would either of them be leaving me verses in my basket? Sometimes I think
your father is right. How can you be so silly?” She reread the poem, shifting
about to keep it from Kitty’s eyes, and pressed it to her bosom with one hand
while fanning her face with the other. “Oh, oh, but my heart is all atremble. I
am feeling quite dizzy. My salts, my salts, Kitty, in my reticule.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Kitty
departed on the errand in resignation, rolling her eyes as she left the room.
If her mother would wear a pocket or an apron as did Mary that she might have
her books about her, then her mother might have her salts at hand whenever she
wished, instead of inconveniencing daughters and servants. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Although,</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">
in this instance Kitty could hardly blame her mother for a nervous attack. The
verses were rather… she searched for an accurate word and dissolved in giggles.
Well, excessively romantic to be sure. The idea that her father, who preferred
to tease and trifle with his wife, would have made the effort to compose them,
let alone had the inclination, was not only incredible but vaguely repellent.
This required another reading.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">Oh, yes please Kitty, another reading! I need to know what was written and by who, the pros and cons of an excerpt! </span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">Thank you </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Ren</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">é</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">e, I always enjoy reading excerpts & getting a small glimpse into a book I have not read.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Good Luck in the Giveaway everyone!</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="721c271532" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/721c271532/" id="rcwidget_orgq0y07" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>
<br />
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="ASubheadLevel1">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc443167687"><b><span lang="EN-US">BOOK
BLURB</span></b></a><b><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4fBR0F6hxXR5gOjFM3jx2zlB0_4g4d5IVREn62kdQnbiVG4DRNzdYrHZSCSWok-UkYjjXBEaSQYjrZKOiOYl_mw3bjEBlJfSYilEzi4HPEi1_x53y7Ddheb_e6jIZdkqtpGbpD5u4LAOT/s1600/A-Fine-Stout-Love+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4fBR0F6hxXR5gOjFM3jx2zlB0_4g4d5IVREn62kdQnbiVG4DRNzdYrHZSCSWok-UkYjjXBEaSQYjrZKOiOYl_mw3bjEBlJfSYilEzi4HPEi1_x53y7Ddheb_e6jIZdkqtpGbpD5u4LAOT/s320/A-Fine-Stout-Love+cover.jpg" width="202" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Discover
what happens when Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy meet fancy and fantasy
in this novella-length ensemble of Regency stories. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">- What if two inexplicable trails of words led to the
Meryton churchyard on the same blustery morning? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">- What if Darcy stumbled across suggestive lines of
verse following Elizabeth’s stay at Netherfield?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">- What if a rumored engagement so thoroughly shocked
Lady Catherine that she could not interfere?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">- What if Elizabeth learned the last man she would
ever marry was the only man she could marry?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">- What if every Bennet family member read the love
poem Darcy intended only for his bride? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">With all
the intimacy and lyricism of a chamber concert, these five whimsical shorts
will inspire the heart, prompt a smile, and entice readers to many happy
returns.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="BodyNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0cm;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="BodyNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">5/2:
Excerpt & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://frompemberleytomilton.wordpress.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">From Milton to Pemberley</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="left" class="BodyNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">5/3:
Guest Post & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://candy-m.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">So Little Time…</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="left" class="BodyNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">5/4:
Excerpt & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="file:///C:/Users/tamara/Downloads/halfagonyhalfhopelove.blogspot.com"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Half Agony, Half Hope</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="left" class="BodyNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">5/5:
Review & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://calicocritic.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Calico Critic</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="left" class="BodyNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">5/6:
Guest Post & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.austenesquereviews.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Austenesque Reviews</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="left" class="BodyNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">5/7:
Guest Post & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://babblingsofabookworm.blogspot.co.uk/"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Babblings of a Bookworm</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="left" class="BodyNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">5/8:
Review & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.delightedreader.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Delighted Reader</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="left" class="BodyNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">5/9:
Review & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.austenesquereviews.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Austenesque Reviews</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="left" class="BodyNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">5/10:
Interview & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://savvyverseandwit.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Savvy Verse and Wit</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="left" class="BodyNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">5/11:
Review & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://diaryofaneccentric.wordpress.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Diary of an Eccentric</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="left" class="BodyNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">5/12:
Review & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://justjane1813.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Just
Jane 1813</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="left" class="BodyNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">5/12:
Excerpt & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://laughingwithlizzie.blogspot.co.uk/"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Laughing with Lizzie</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="left" class="BodyNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">5/13:
Review & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://books-forlife.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="left" class="BodyNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">5/14:
Excerpt & Giveaway at M</span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://tamaraausten77.blogspot.co.uk/"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">y Kids Led Me Back to Pride and Prejudice</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="left" class="BodyNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">5/15:
Excerpt & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.bestsellersandbeststellars.com/">Best Sellers and Best Stellars</a></span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="BodyNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0cm;">5/16: Review
& Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US" style="text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://margiesmustreads.com/">Margie’s Must Reads</a></span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="BodyNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="text-indent: 0cm;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="left" class="BodyNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">As always I delight in hearing your thoughts!</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08304167494997715591noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490719723329221506.post-53749915596326814852016-05-07T20:30:00.000-07:002016-05-07T20:30:58.356-07:00'Side By Side, Apart' by Ann Galvia ~ Guest post & Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYuzDHwn2ACYeexvv7rNucfNQO3X7S_wHV2eqGASlEy9U6gmcaGJwpXbdF2XzszxiG9BxVFf6dUdGN6Mc_L7DrWB6uFnetrNBdWug2rLOpRiTJm3j6V6aPYwgE_rf_dBDkL8hJJPIh9UAZ/s1600/sbsabhhorizontalbanner+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYuzDHwn2ACYeexvv7rNucfNQO3X7S_wHV2eqGASlEy9U6gmcaGJwpXbdF2XzszxiG9BxVFf6dUdGN6Mc_L7DrWB6uFnetrNBdWug2rLOpRiTJm3j6V6aPYwgE_rf_dBDkL8hJJPIh9UAZ/s640/sbsabhhorizontalbanner+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">Hello fellow readers,</span><br />
Today I am delighted to welcome <b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;">Ann Galvia</span></span></b> Author of <span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;">'Side by Side, Apart'</span> for a Guest Post & Giveaway!<br />
<br />
As part of the 'Side By Side, Apart' Blog Tour, kindly brought to you by <a href="http://leatherboundreviews.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Leatherbound reviews</a> and <a href="http://merytonpress.com/" target="_blank"> Meryton Press</a>.<br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">Welcome Ann!</span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">Side by Side with Mansfield Park</span></span></i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Hi, everyone! </span>Today, Tamara has let me
take over her blog, where I am continuing my series about how Jane Austen’s
other novels shaped my <i>Pride and
Prejudice</i> story, <i>Side by Side, Apart</i>.
It is my first book. Please allow me this little indulgence to talk and talk
and talk about it.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: x-large; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;">No? Okay, let’s talk about how we all
love Mr. Darcy!</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDdhBIGquTxX3Un7Av22Uffer1FAuxpm1r9Fq7Y8-4LodXqiQjVP0m0M-0JOafTd3XAgJf4NoJVUXznEyEm8SH5lxYQTZfOzBQe8Ne5Wc9Y5qrKsUP80GINmO7FdDJMXP_HAHTSIw8OiKb/s1600/d%2526e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDdhBIGquTxX3Un7Av22Uffer1FAuxpm1r9Fq7Y8-4LodXqiQjVP0m0M-0JOafTd3XAgJf4NoJVUXznEyEm8SH5lxYQTZfOzBQe8Ne5Wc9Y5qrKsUP80GINmO7FdDJMXP_HAHTSIw8OiKb/s400/d%2526e.jpg" width="230" /></a><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif;">Especially Elizabeth. Except when it is </span><i style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">except</i><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif;"> Elizabeth Bennet. She, um, she
has some bad </span></div>
judgement, sometimes? Certainly where Mr. Darcy is concerned! She
has been known to be blind, partial, prejudiced and absurd.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">So,</span> when an author decides they want
to...oh, I don’t know...lock Lizzy up at Pemberley inexplicably married to and
pregnant by Mr. Darcy, for her peace of mind, if nothing else, there needs to
be something big to immediately prove to her that Darcy is a good guy. A man
she can trust with her well-being and the well-being of her child(ren.)</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;">And that something big turned out to be a
nine-year-old girl named Julia Wickham. Part Fanny Price, part Jane Bennet,
Julia is the second child and oldest daughter of George and Lydia Wickham. She
lives at Pemberley, where she is being raised by her aunt and uncle. The Darcys
have sponsored her older brother, Edmund, in his career with the Navy. If these
names and situations sound familiar, it’s because they come straight out of <i>Mansfield Park</i>. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE9Pmfy-Wp1SI1j5kZtxEguo5KnqeN2NOSzLXKdNC0camyWK5GpZWn8sSqMQFGahYpHjZ_W66yy4NMqp_qiLxT1FIoK_SPQE2VTBhwKf11s8EH6W5PK5kCcXD7_M925OZ8TnbX-hL7s_I8/s1600/220px-MansfieldParkTitlePage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE9Pmfy-Wp1SI1j5kZtxEguo5KnqeN2NOSzLXKdNC0camyWK5GpZWn8sSqMQFGahYpHjZ_W66yy4NMqp_qiLxT1FIoK_SPQE2VTBhwKf11s8EH6W5PK5kCcXD7_M925OZ8TnbX-hL7s_I8/s320/220px-MansfieldParkTitlePage.jpg" width="179" /></a><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">I knew</span> from the beginning that children
were going to be a central part of <i>Side
by Side, Apart</i>. Jane Austen’s novels tend to focus on young women out in
society, but by 1825, the Darcys have left the marriage mart behind and moved
on to parenthood. More than her other novels, <i>Mansfield Park</i> gives us a complete picture of a family. It’s a dark
novel, dealing with abuse, neglect and young adults who time and time again
prove themselves to be selfish, short sighted and destructive. <i>Side by Side, Apart</i> is nothing like
that. But when I began to consider a 19th century house full of children, <i>Mansfield Park</i> was my starting point.
The passages that dealt with Sir Thomas’ behavior when the children were young
were especially on my mind. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">Growing up,</span> it always bothered me that my
mother treated my behavior like it was a reflection on her. I was an
individual, making my own choices! As an adult, I can see where she had a
point: how children are taught to be behave, how they are educated, what values
are instilled in them--those things reflect the character of the parent. One of
the ways--possibly even the primary way--Elizabeth comes to understand Darcy’s
character in <i>Side by Side, Apart</i> is
through his children. How do they behave? What has he taught them? Who <i>are</i> they, as individuals capable of
making their own choices, and what do their personalities show her about their
parents?</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: x-large; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;">And what can Julia, the poor relation,
the daughter of Darcy’s enemy, illustrate about him?</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">Darcy </span>does not allow anyone to question
Julia’s worth or her place in the family. She is an equal. She receives the
same education as the other children. Her clothes and toys are just as good.
Darcy hopes to see her make a great match when she’s grown up, but if she
doesn’t choose to marry, that is fine, too. If she would rather change her name
and be a Darcy of Pemberley instead of becoming the mistress of another home,
it is already settled that she may do that. She is not Darcy and Elizabeth’s
child by blood. She is their child in their hearts and that is all she needs to
be.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;">When Elizabeth wakes up, scared and
confused and desperately needing to know that she and her children are in the
care of a man they can trust, Julia proves that they are. Through the values
she has been taught, the behavior she demonstrates and the love and respect she
is given, Julia illustrates Darcy’s worthy character.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCS7-IjEIULbv7OvpWgtrMR02BYdoZD06mtq9puKlECMktqawcmIio_ySXWXRf90G4rtLk5vOYoJ06E_QW88ihDKge0t17e6NsYVNEbvYefEKpbCMDNP7wTcot0VfQqPvMD3P89EoUofK/s1600/tom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCS7-IjEIULbv7OvpWgtrMR02BYdoZD06mtq9puKlECMktqawcmIio_ySXWXRf90G4rtLk5vOYoJ06E_QW88ihDKge0t17e6NsYVNEbvYefEKpbCMDNP7wTcot0VfQqPvMD3P89EoUofK/s400/tom.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<o:p> </o:p><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: x-large;">In short, he’s no Sir Thomas.</span></div>
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<o:p> </o:p><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif;">The </span><i style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Side
by Side, Apart</i><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif;"> blog tour continues until May 16th with excerpts, reviews,
an interview and more guest posts! And don’t forget those eight chances to win
a copy of the book! I’ll be continuing this series on how all of Austen’s
completed novels influenced my </span><i style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Pride and
Prejudice</i><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif;"> story as the tour continues. I hope to see you there!</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">If the purpose of a Guest Post is to entice and capture the readers' attention, then this is a fine example! Thank you Ann, I look forward to reading this one! Good luck in the Giveaway everyone!</span><br />
<br />
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="721c271535" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/721c271535/" id="rcwidget_q79k2mnf" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>
<br />
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<b><span lang="EN-US">Book
Blurb:</span></b><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjV22dHGb_k15mBkriZsQ2PLR1rOfqZnCNmJVB5AY7CDTXZhG13JhawElsbnd-8gOtmJicrCXoZpZT3O_aZLqA18TIT5gAtS-4fow6bKBMFD66n-u6PADKfxHFXWwemys37WuZqHzh5Tw/s1600/sbsafrontcover.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjV22dHGb_k15mBkriZsQ2PLR1rOfqZnCNmJVB5AY7CDTXZhG13JhawElsbnd-8gOtmJicrCXoZpZT3O_aZLqA18TIT5gAtS-4fow6bKBMFD66n-u6PADKfxHFXWwemys37WuZqHzh5Tw/s320/sbsafrontcover.png" width="320" /></a><span lang="EN-US">“You
see what a strange circumstance it is,” she said, feeling some fleeting relief.
“You know our acquaintance has not been easy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Elizabeth
Bennet—stubborn, quick to judge but slow to revise her opinions, and entirely
prejudiced against the man who had just proposed marriage at Hunsford—awakens
to learn she has been in an accident. Bedridden in an unfamiliar house, she
learns eleven years have passed since the last moment she can remember.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">She
finds herself a married woman, the mother of four, and pregnant yet again. Her
children are strangers, and most mystifying of all, Fitzwilliam Darcy is her
husband! How could she have married a man she loathes?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US">Confined
to the house by her injury, Mr. Darcy’s company is inescapable. But is just
being side by side enough to overcome their differences? What happens when
Darcy, improved in manners and happily married to Mrs. Elizabeth Darcy, is
faced with an obstinate, bewildered Miss Elizabeth Bennet?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US">Side by Side, Apart</span></i></b><b><span lang="EN-US"> by Ann Galvia<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #274e13;">Blog Tour
Schedule</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">5/2:
Guest Post & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://thesecretunderstandingofthehearts.blogspot.com/">My Jane Austen Book Club</a></span><span lang="EN-US"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">5/3:
Review at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="file:///C:/Users/tamara/Downloads/halfagonyhalfhopelove.blogspot.com">Half Agony, Half Hope</a></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">5/4:
Excerpt & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="file:///C:/Users/tamara/Downloads/romancenovelgiveaways.blogspot.com">Romance Novel Giveaways</a></span><span lang="EN-US"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">5/5:
Author Interview & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.laurakenyon.com/">Skipping
Midnight</a></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">5/6:
Review at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="file:///C:/Users/tamara/Downloads/Justjane1813.com">Just Jane 1813</a></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">5/8:
Guest Post & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://tamaraausten77.blogspot.co.uk/">My Kids Led Me Back to Pride and Prejudice</a></span><span lang="EN-US"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">5/9:
Review at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://diaryofaneccentric.wordpress.com/">Diary of an Eccentric</a></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">5/10:
Guest Post & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://moreagreeablyengaged.blogspot.com/">More Agreeably Engaged</a></span><span lang="EN-US"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">5/11:
Excerpt & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.bestsellersandbeststellars.com/">Best Sellers and Best Stellars</a></span><span lang="EN-US"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">5/12:
Guest Post & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpress.com/">From Pemberley to Milton</a></span><span lang="EN-US"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">5/13:
Review at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://margiesmustreads.com/">Margie’s Must Reads</a></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">5/14:
Excerpt & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://lizjosette.blogspot.com/">Liz’s
Reading Life</a></span><span lang="EN-US"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">5/15:
Review at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://babblingsofabookworm.blogspot.co.uk/">Babblings of a Bookworm</a></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">5/16:
Excerpt & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://candy-m.blogspot.com/">So
Little Time…</a></span><span lang="EN-US"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08304167494997715591noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490719723329221506.post-2207949298417493352016-05-02T23:06:00.000-07:002016-05-02T23:06:59.485-07:00'The Trouble To Check Her' Virtual Book Tour ~ Guest post by Maria Grace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcaeYQ8Z-He7uq5OxD4-CDPkYwUZP8B31CqS5fB7tyRCqEq1d8ECqfswacpDjIKCRb-FgIJRji2gXrsvUSjoHwX2-2R7sCEBjXS6u-RmR0gzr0uED75BHGKkyRdaZFvCMCaUwQWG8BN2c1/s1600/TTtCH+tour+banner+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcaeYQ8Z-He7uq5OxD4-CDPkYwUZP8B31CqS5fB7tyRCqEq1d8ECqfswacpDjIKCRb-FgIJRji2gXrsvUSjoHwX2-2R7sCEBjXS6u-RmR0gzr0uED75BHGKkyRdaZFvCMCaUwQWG8BN2c1/s640/TTtCH+tour+banner+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">Hello fellow readers</span>, today I have a guest post by<span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;"> Maria Grace, </span>as part of <span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">'The Trouble To Check Her' </span>Virtual Book Tour.<br />
I have no doubt, you will enjoy reading it as much as I did. I am always delighted to hear about the societal past times of Jane Austen's era.<br />
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Games Lydia Might Play</u></span> <span style="color: #660000;">By Maria Grace<o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
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<span lang="EN-US">Back in Jane Austen’s day, courtship and flirtation were very
different than they are today. Social restrictions meant that couples could
have very little contact with one another in company and none in private.
Parlor games provided one of the few outlets for acceptable interactions
between young people. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY0DIxfDxmfsyygjTGUsN2lbrrb5nTR-7yrCPHkr4RlcZt5pInS2wdkbnk5uyqgnYmj7cdhfkZ4AU_RL-X2ZsjojJV5JDmTXXN_9bgC8OfwEpmjDBMeuAQapxgjcUs_lqYAF_XN7Q8WmdF/s1600/9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY0DIxfDxmfsyygjTGUsN2lbrrb5nTR-7yrCPHkr4RlcZt5pInS2wdkbnk5uyqgnYmj7cdhfkZ4AU_RL-X2ZsjojJV5JDmTXXN_9bgC8OfwEpmjDBMeuAQapxgjcUs_lqYAF_XN7Q8WmdF/s1600/9.jpeg" /></a><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Rachel Revel</span>, spinster, published a book in 1825, <i>‘Winter Evening Pastimes or The Merry
Maker’s Companion</i>’ that offers guidelines for various amusements suitable
for genteel company in the drawing room.
Many of the games are somewhat familiar, though we often consider them
children’s games rather than adult pastimes. Even more interesting is the way
that normal, strict social conventions may be bent or even ignored for the sake
of the play.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Parlor games were played by all classes of society and
often involved overstepping the strict bounds of propriety. Losers often paid a
forfeit, which could be an elaborate penalty or dare, but more often were a
thinly disguised machination for getting a kiss. Often, forfeits were
accumulated all evening, until the hostess would ‘cry the forfeits’ and they
would all be redeemed. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US">Some games allow for the potential of physical touch that would earn
censure in other contexts. It is easy for me to see how a girl like Lydia
Bennet might have taken advantage of the opportunities afforded by some of
these games. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBdwEj1WzAGmW95tV5bDgWZQlniVvLIWv9NJa7BiKC50h1sEP5e6LFmKcG0FNiq50jVqBdQpmU1NGSj0IfWR2GX6NXvxU2fx08gY0anFV2OTH49WZncwEyVKuKobvW6FjsBkqUHnhLUb0m/s1600/16_collins_at_cards_Pride_and_Prejudice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBdwEj1WzAGmW95tV5bDgWZQlniVvLIWv9NJa7BiKC50h1sEP5e6LFmKcG0FNiq50jVqBdQpmU1NGSj0IfWR2GX6NXvxU2fx08gY0anFV2OTH49WZncwEyVKuKobvW6FjsBkqUHnhLUb0m/s400/16_collins_at_cards_Pride_and_Prejudice.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a><span lang="EN-US">For example, consider <span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;"><b>Buffy Gruffy</b>:</span> One player, with a
blindfold over the eyes, stands in the middle of the room. The others arrange
their chairs in a circle and silently trade places. Someone claps to start the
game. The blindfolded person passes around the chairs and stops in front of
one. The player may use his knees to determine if someone is sitting in that
chair, physical contact generally not permitted in polite social contexts,
especially between gentlemen and ladies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The blindfolded player begins questioning
the seated player who answers while disguising their voice as much as possible.
Here is an excellent opportunity for an individual to mock someone they do not
like all under the guise of polite hilarity. After three answers, the
blindfolded player must guess who they have questions. If they are correct, the
seated player takes the blindfold and play begins anew. Else, the blindfolded player moves on to
question another.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Others games open the possibility for
people to say things most shocking. I can easily imagine a group of young
ladies or young men conspiring together to cause their friends to say very
surprising things in the course of this game.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">CROSS
QUESTIONS AND CROOKED ANSWERS: </span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Players are seated
in a circle. The starting player asks his right-hand neighbor a question, as
for example, “What is the use of a cat?" The person interrogated might
answer, “To kill the rat, that ate the malt, that lay in the house that Jack
built,” or some other similar and somewhat ridiculous response. The player who
has answered then turns to their neighbor and asks their own question, perhaps “What is the use of a looking-glass?” to which
the answer might be “To reflect our perfect likeness.” </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The play continues
around the circle with each player recalling the question they have asked and
the answer they have given for at the end each player will recite the question
asked of me was_______________ and the answer is of course______________. In this case, they would say “The question
asked of me was what is the use of a cat, and the answer is of course to
reflect our perfect likeness.” If any player cannot recite their question and
answer correctly, they must pay a forfeit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Other word games offer the opportunity to
ask questions of someone of the opposite sex that might not be otherwise
asked. Humor may easily be a front for
something more serious.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">SHORT
ANSWERS:</span></span></b><span lang="EN-US"> </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The players are seated in a circle, with a
lady and gentleman alternately. A lady commences the game by asking her
right-hand neighbor a question, to which he replies with a single syllable
words. Longer words will exact a penalty, one for each additional syllable. He
then turns to the next lady with a question to be answered with a single
syllable. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5eSmUVpVYUshXYYXXXAtwpVD1A9QLIaFdx6A3unHxnnw7PTZJuEY0W118aL50adgovXltpa0P0sMS-CQHh17TNhxEZaBfcZY7Eyen5Guk3JTHNpbPscYc9YvlIj1PfUQ8shtbZR5aCkyY/s1600/08_playing_cards_at_Netherfield_Pride_and_Prejudice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5eSmUVpVYUshXYYXXXAtwpVD1A9QLIaFdx6A3unHxnnw7PTZJuEY0W118aL50adgovXltpa0P0sMS-CQHh17TNhxEZaBfcZY7Eyen5Guk3JTHNpbPscYc9YvlIj1PfUQ8shtbZR5aCkyY/s320/08_playing_cards_at_Netherfield_Pride_and_Prejudice.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><span lang="EN-US">The questions may be mundane as in: Pray,
Sir, permit me to ask if you love dancing? Or unique as in: Pray, Madam, what
wood do you think the best for making thumb-screws? The challenge comes in that
neither question NOR answer may be repeated. Any player who repeats a question
or answer incurs a forfeit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Musical magic provides, with the assistance
of one’s friends, the perfect opportunity to flirt openly under the cover of
being a good sport. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;"><b><span lang="EN-US">MUSICAL
MAGIC:</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> </span></span></div>
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One, of the party is made to quit the room
until the rest determined what task he will be required to perform. The task
can be as simple as snuffing a candle, for a novice player, or as complex as
kneeling before another player, removing their ring and placing it on the
finger of the other player, for an experienced player. The player is guided in
divining his task by the playing of music from soft or loud. When the player is close to the object or
action he must do next, the music becomes louder until it stops when he has
gotten it right. The further away the
player the softer the music. If the player in despair, gives up a forfeit must
be paid and another player takes his place.</div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The aviary provides even greater latitude,
allowing the players to confide a secret to another, openly and in public. Oh, so many opportunities for collusion among
willing parties to allow improper behavior to occur.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOyO2eWz648SX8QKUgg86V0kj-FpuoSEB4im6MGvlHCvKB-zZJtocspnejYN-JuhyW1WLosRWb_u8-1oU4vxiFWxTSVnthSmfQ8UJa-3ETpA6NLjwpurs_c14n6SNVO08Kf2GvJP8RdY7z/s1600/lydia-preview-600x350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOyO2eWz648SX8QKUgg86V0kj-FpuoSEB4im6MGvlHCvKB-zZJtocspnejYN-JuhyW1WLosRWb_u8-1oU4vxiFWxTSVnthSmfQ8UJa-3ETpA6NLjwpurs_c14n6SNVO08Kf2GvJP8RdY7z/s400/lydia-preview-600x350.jpg" width="400" /></a><b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">THE
AVIARY:</span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The person who leads this game (the birdman)
should have a very good memory to </span>avoid blunders or a piece of paper and pencil
to keep track of all the birds in the aviary.</div>
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All of the players select a bird
to be in the aviary and whispers their choice to the birdman. The birdman then instructs: Ladies and
gentlemen, my aviary is complete, and I will thank you now to inform me to
which of these you give the preference, or which are objects of your dislike. </div>
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The birdman then asks each player three questions: To which of my birds you will give your heart?
To which you will confide your secret? From which will you pluck a feather?</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<span lang="EN-US">The player will answer for example: I give
my heart to the goldfinch; my secret to the parrot; and pluck a feather from
the crow. The birdman notes down these answers. Should the player select a bird
not on the list, he must pay a forfeit and select another until the answers are
complete. Once all the players have responded the birdman reveals the identity
of each bird. Then each player kneels
to the bird to whom he has given his heart; discloses something in confidence
to the bird chosen for the secret; and the person from whom a feather was
plucked pays a forfeit. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">I must admit, after reading these, and many
others of the games included in this book, I was quite surprised at how close
to the line of impropriety many of these games might be. It is not difficult to
imagine young people conspiring together to make these games work to their
advantage in games of flirtation and matchmaking. I wonder how many hearts were
won and lost in the mists of these popular winter pastimes.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">At the start of my latest book, Lydia would
certainly have enjoyed any and all of these games. But is her character truly
fixed at the most determined flirt that ever made her family ridiculous?
Perhaps not when Mr. Darcy takes … <b><i>The Trouble to Check Her.<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Thank you for sharing Maria</span> and congratulations on your new book. I always delight in hearing about the customs and proprieties of the Regency era!</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span>
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<b><span lang="EN-US">Lydia Bennet
faces the music…</span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Running off with Mr. Wickham was a great joke—until everything
turned arsey-varsey. That spoilsport Mr.
Darcy caught them and packed Lydia off to a hideous boarding school for girls
who had lost their virtue.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">It would improve her character, he said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Ridiculous, she said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Mrs. Drummond, the school’s headmistress, has shocking expectations
for the girls. They must share rooms, do chores, attend lessons, and engage in
charitable work, no matter how well born they might be. She even forces them to
wear mobcaps! Refusal could lead to finding themselves at the receiving end of
Mrs. Drummond's cane—if they were lucky. The unlucky ones could be dismissed
and found a position … as a menial servant.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US">Everything and everyone at the school is uniformly horrid. Lydia
hates them all, except possibly the music master, Mr. Amberson, who seems to
have the oddest ideas about her. He might just understand her better than she
understands herself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US">Can she find a way to live up to his strange expectations, or will
she spend the rest of her life as a scullery maid?</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;">You can follow Maria Grace</span> on Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/WriteMariaGrace">https://twitter.com/WriteMariaGrace</a>
, @writeMariaGrace) and like (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Maria-Grace/142931065811118?ref=hl">https://www.facebook.com/pages/Maria-Grace/142931065811118?ref=hl</a>)
or friend her (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMariaGrace">https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMariaGrace</a>)
on Facebook. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08304167494997715591noreply@blogger.com7London, UK51.5073509 -0.1277582999999822351.1912379 -0.77320529999998222 51.8234639 0.51768870000001777tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490719723329221506.post-68435246016534845432016-04-28T23:08:00.000-07:002016-04-28T23:08:07.150-07:00'Sufficient Encouragement' Blog tour ~ Guest post by Rose Fairbanks <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrL4XasLRu2d6AfZF90UE_8Ha0zhkeFD1WYigem7ovjm7hLPxO730TBPWqtLZjU11nxlsjYpFtLFXsOw4deUhJpkuLIbKJDh7_xbn4mKr58TdjrlhEmLqfGmmfvEwtTnvrKef2urGUq6aq/s1600/SE+blog+tour+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrL4XasLRu2d6AfZF90UE_8Ha0zhkeFD1WYigem7ovjm7hLPxO730TBPWqtLZjU11nxlsjYpFtLFXsOw4deUhJpkuLIbKJDh7_xbn4mKr58TdjrlhEmLqfGmmfvEwtTnvrKef2urGUq6aq/s640/SE+blog+tour+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hello fellow readers, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span><span style="font-size: large;">oday I am delighted to welcome</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <span style="color: #0b5394;">'</span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Sufficient Encouragement'</span> </span><span style="font-size: large;">author,</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <span style="color: #0b5394;">Rose Fairbanks</span> </span><span style="font-size: large;">to my blog. If, like me, you delight in talking about Pride & Prejudice and JAFF, then you'll enjoy reading Rose's guest post, I know I certainly did!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232; font-size: x-large;">Hello Rose and welcome!</span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">Thanks for having me!</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #f1c232; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">Guys</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">
vs. </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">Girls </span><span style="font-size: large;">by Rose Fairbanks</span></span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifccsHOAIGBOvKQmb8c8cpxqrFKTqCDA436_rfmj9cvKS9Gs4gYHEHYCuTaaawWjaCGmZMa0wIVhMAJ0oJ6Ml4Qru8q9eKkG6bcdlZlXv8BBV5IUqunp7RTuS7lBDcbd4S6Kz1EoS1m6zl/s1600/littlewomenbook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifccsHOAIGBOvKQmb8c8cpxqrFKTqCDA436_rfmj9cvKS9Gs4gYHEHYCuTaaawWjaCGmZMa0wIVhMAJ0oJ6Ml4Qru8q9eKkG6bcdlZlXv8BBV5IUqunp7RTuS7lBDcbd4S6Kz1EoS1m6zl/s400/littlewomenbook.jpg" width="235" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #990000;">In another guest post on this blog tour, I discussed my
recent trip to Washington DC to meet fellow JAFF authors Zoe Burton, Cat
Gardiner, Pamela Lynne and Victoria Kincaid. While there we were invited to a
JASNA panel to discuss JAFF. One of the readers there asked me privately, do I
write more out of love for the guys or the girls? As a reader, she confessed to
reading for the men. We all love to drool over Darcy! As a writer, however, I admit
that what I love about <i>Pride and
Prejudice</i> is the women.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Before reading <i>Pride
and Prejudice</i>, my literary love was <i>Little
Women</i>. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">So, I was familiar with nineteenth century prose about a house full
of women. I continued to reread </span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Little
Women</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> and its sequels even in high school. The librarian recommended </span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Pride and Prejudice</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> to me as a story
about five sisters. I never tried it out. I had four sisters. Why did I need
five?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXfq18ksXGZ_jiO-qGPFC3NBiYjLRmsHisKetzh2z151ur5uhuKFQL7EenkNn_aRFcG1TKuCnuWfHt5nQzsWvqx0Qn-Kts4YBpBwKG60lZgb5HwtG8iZrk_WBJmumjzhd_v8VeOorGAAZe/s1600/P%2526Pcover.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXfq18ksXGZ_jiO-qGPFC3NBiYjLRmsHisKetzh2z151ur5uhuKFQL7EenkNn_aRFcG1TKuCnuWfHt5nQzsWvqx0Qn-Kts4YBpBwKG60lZgb5HwtG8iZrk_WBJmumjzhd_v8VeOorGAAZe/s400/P%2526Pcover.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="258" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #38761d;">My final year in high school, <i>Pride and Prejduice</i> was required reading, and I instantly found
myself in love with Austen’s humor and wit that Alcott did not have. I also
liked that P&P was about adults and was not child/young adult oriented.
However, I did think there were many similarities between the books and viewed
P&P as more of a “coming of age” story. So, I was blind sided when Darcy
actually proposed.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">P&P became my favorite book, and I reread it several
times a year. I didn’t find JAFF until 2013, and I have to say, I’ve been a bit
amazed at how much it’s entered the common psyche as not just a love story, but
the most <i>romantic</i> love story. That
being said, I absolutely love what JAFF has done in that department. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #990000;">Another thing JAFF has done for the story of P&P is to write
from Darcy’s point of view. We often get to see him interact with other men,
follow him to various clubs and manly activities of the era. All of it is
wonderful as we want to read about a man that is young, vital and well to do.
He’s a bit of Prince Charming to us while we read next to laundry that needs
folding, dishes that need washing or are pinned down by a sleeping toddler. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJf_Wh41gVIfufyHECM6Bl_jeUOQJKvHo4MjJcBIO2aipyoo__1OJDn_Wgau4epTfEMFNK5CGp46hSCYT0L67O70_anybm6hLjCK2ja2dlwe4PAajfz53fgUFTNKomu9rqHNW4hEdSiCK9/s1600/tailor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJf_Wh41gVIfufyHECM6Bl_jeUOQJKvHo4MjJcBIO2aipyoo__1OJDn_Wgau4epTfEMFNK5CGp46hSCYT0L67O70_anybm6hLjCK2ja2dlwe4PAajfz53fgUFTNKomu9rqHNW4hEdSiCK9/s400/tailor.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But, is it really about the man, then? Aren’t we actually
writing for women then? Even the male authors in the genre seem to meet this
expectation. Not that a man can’t enjoy P&P or JAFF, but we do know the majority
of the market is women. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #38761d;">I would say Austen wrote for the female audience as well.
It’s just our needs in a book have shifted. Elizabeth Bennet desired a man that
valued her independence and personality, not just her beauty or what she could
financially do for him. Our modern day Elizabeths want a man that can let us
have our independence but also take over some of our needs. And if we’re
talking about the ultimate fantasy, he should look hot in a cravat doing it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHAQR-ewvObNMGED3IzzqssyALPakZqTmkaUWsP1nOC8nFIFgdqEIQR0EZdPSW8qY1AU2n0efXUC8x9Ns8ftSaOZ26G_WwFRMGBBlTWJIwbM4Tg1U7cyhNeCo9-7YwvIhC8NqX216KOBV6/s1600/bennet+sister.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHAQR-ewvObNMGED3IzzqssyALPakZqTmkaUWsP1nOC8nFIFgdqEIQR0EZdPSW8qY1AU2n0efXUC8x9Ns8ftSaOZ26G_WwFRMGBBlTWJIwbM4Tg1U7cyhNeCo9-7YwvIhC8NqX216KOBV6/s400/bennet+sister.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But, there’s still that non-male component to <i>Pride and Prejudice</i> that needs to be
filled. Women of the 21<sup>st</sup> century still spend a lot of time with
other women. So, I think my valuing the female characters and their
relationships over the male characters remains valid. Twist P&P up however
you want, but even moderns and futuristic tellings give Elizabeth a female best
friend or two.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #990000;">And more than all this, what I love the most about P&P
is Elizabeth’s evolution. I was right at 17 to think of it as a coming of age
story. It is. Elizabeth learns the world is not what she thought it was. And
that part remains true in every P&P retelling as well. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So, while I agree that I love the romance we’ve added to
Austen in JAFF, I also love that we’ve kept the female interests alive. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I tried to hit all the bases in <i>Sufficient Encouragement</i>. It’s got lovely romantic moments,
Darcy-centric scenes and Elizabeth getting support from female friends.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">Now, I’m asking the readers. Do you read Austenesque
stories for the guys or the girls?</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #990000;">Thank you Rose, your question gave me much to deliberate on. If I may be so bold, as to answer your question first, I would say, I read for both Darcy and Elizabeth, although I feel I read more for Darcy, so I think my answer would be a guy. <span style="font-size: x-large;">However</span>, I would only read, if Elizabeth was in it. It is also important, for me to know what Elizabeth is thinking and feeling. I can live without knowing what Darcy is thinking, but not, without knowing Elizabeth's thoughts on the matter, therefore my answer would be girls.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 107%;"><b>Thank you Rose, it was a pleasure to have you here again, good luck with the Love Blooms Series.</b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">You
can connect with Rose on</span> </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Rose-Fairbanks-Author-538834066185913/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Facebook</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">, </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://twitter.com/Rose_Fairbanks"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Twitter</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">, </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/thefairbanksros/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Pinterest</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">, and her blog: </span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://rosefairbanks.com/">http://rosefairbanks.com</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><u>Sufficient Encouragement Blog
Tour Schedule</u></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHAjbUEG-xvUPR8QxXTg19bbJzvmqZjFZpF6yt3G-xzXA8ua20QIjgRJ0DrXclrFt7RCchMc5ne1_VSRWlrOoSFfLXeAPFTwwoUbK4awsKLmXKXWCTqoMgLZ0mBiG1onesoxWlVRvuLkI/s1600/SE+final+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHAjbUEG-xvUPR8QxXTg19bbJzvmqZjFZpF6yt3G-xzXA8ua20QIjgRJ0DrXclrFt7RCchMc5ne1_VSRWlrOoSFfLXeAPFTwwoUbK4awsKLmXKXWCTqoMgLZ0mBiG1onesoxWlVRvuLkI/s400/SE+final+4.jpg" width="266" /></a></u></b></div>
<br />
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 1.05pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">4/16:
Excerpt & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://rosefairbanks.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Stories
from the Past</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 1.05pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">4/17:
Excerpt at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://thesecretunderstandingofthehearts.blogspot.it/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">My Jane Austen Book Club</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 1.05pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">4/18:
Excerpt & Review at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.theardentreader.net/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The
Ardent Reader</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 1.05pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">4/19:
Excerpt & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://diaryofaneccentric.wordpress.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Diary
of an Eccentric</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 1.05pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">4/20:
Interview & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://austenesquereviews.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Austenesque
Reviews</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 1.05pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">4/21:
Review at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.halfagonyhalfhopelove.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Half Agony, Half Hope</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 1.05pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">4/22:
Guest Post at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://babblingsofabookworm.blogspot.co.uk/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Babblings of a Bookworm</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 1.05pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">4/25:
Review at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://justjane1813.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Just Jane 1813</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 1.05pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">4/26:
Guest Post at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://moreagreeablyengaged.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">More
Agreeably Engaged</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 1.05pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">4/28:
Guest Post & Review at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpress.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">From Pemberley to Milton</span></a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 1.05pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">4/29:
Guest post at </span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://tamaraausten77.blogspot.com/">My
Kids Led Me Back to Pride and Prejudice</a></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 107%;">Book
Synopsis</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We are all fools in love…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Some say a lady’s imagination is very rapid. Such is the
case when Elizabeth Bennet overhears that Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy admires her
eyes. She thinks nothing for herself, but immediately considers her dearest
sister’s growing attachment to Mr. Darcy’s friend. If Elizabeth spurns such a
wealthy—and proud—gentleman, he might do everything in his power to separate
his friend from her sister.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Raised in a world of expectations and pedigree, Darcy knows
Elizabeth Bennet can offer him nothing of material value. As his attraction for
her grows, he becomes increasingly convinced his feelings are nonsensical.
Still, he might forsake it all if only he had true encouragement. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Misunderstandings lead to betrayals, and the couple soon
learns falling in love takes courage but staying in love requires forgiveness.
Traversing from the groves of Hertfordshire to the drawing rooms of London to
the complexity and danger of Luddite revolts in Yorkshire, <i>Sufficient Encouragement</i> follows Darcy and Elizabeth’s journey of
love and forgiveness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">*This story contains a scene of nonexplicit sexual
violence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">About
the When Love Blooms Series</span></u><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">“Love
is like a flower, for it is well worth the toil to cultivate it.” She shrugged
her shoulders, “Love is beautiful.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Take a stroll in the garden of love and enjoy the unique
blooms of the intersecting lives of the Bennet, Darcy, Fitzwilliam, de Bourgh
and Bingley families. <i>Sufficient
Encouragement </i>follows Darcy and Elizabeth as they fight to save their love
from an unexpected frost while Jane and Bingley’s love grows strong roots. The
companion story, <i>Renewed Hope</i>, adds
depth to the bouquet with the love stories of Darcy’s cousins and Miss Bingley.
The third book in the series, <i>Extraordinary
Devotion</i>, follows Darcy and Elizabeth’s marriage while their younger
sisters experience a London Season.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">As always readers, please feel free to share your thoughts on Rose's guest post, Guys vs Girls.</span><span style="line-height: 107%;"> </span></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08304167494997715591noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490719723329221506.post-67109306002766523042016-04-01T23:59:00.000-07:002016-04-07T05:21:24.381-07:00How to Mend a Broken Heart Blog Tour By L.S. Parsons - Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNdOy6l_ktPku0Oi8XKT1Su_vYtnvIn1uoF3gOMkS1eG33IFzhZ9OSbOkNI_yZOR0VhWFxZwEMs2Q97Mg7yb9gCc4kba4gB8096npQWPJC07mPWjh5yyflVOwH9XvL2NsX60Pkzh11nVMT/s1600/htmabhhorizontalbanner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNdOy6l_ktPku0Oi8XKT1Su_vYtnvIn1uoF3gOMkS1eG33IFzhZ9OSbOkNI_yZOR0VhWFxZwEMs2Q97Mg7yb9gCc4kba4gB8096npQWPJC07mPWjh5yyflVOwH9XvL2NsX60Pkzh11nVMT/s400/htmabhhorizontalbanner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">Hello fellow readers!</span> Today I have the pleasure of reviewing<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"> 'How to Mend a Broken Heart' by L.S. Parsons </span>as part of the blog Tour! I am always delighted to get a chance to read a new author's work and would like to thank L.S. Parsons, <a href="http://leatherboundreviews.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Leatherbound reviews</a> and <a href="http://merytonpress.com/" target="_blank"> Meryton Press</a> for the opportunity to review 'How to Mend a Broken Heart'<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Book Blurb:</b></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxuFAqQtRwkY4NiUOK9foKLQJcNV7kIX7rvYRU4s6gXRMqsKKfIs5pAGLxx4ObIPCA9-6R2msn3iIFy80LYDSvi882pNQp_qoV7lFdjl8NNovX2utm_8CrMgsFsdS7Ddjkd5_PKGcQ76P7/s1600/htmabhCOVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxuFAqQtRwkY4NiUOK9foKLQJcNV7kIX7rvYRU4s6gXRMqsKKfIs5pAGLxx4ObIPCA9-6R2msn3iIFy80LYDSvi882pNQp_qoV7lFdjl8NNovX2utm_8CrMgsFsdS7Ddjkd5_PKGcQ76P7/s400/htmabhCOVER.jpg" width="263" /></a><br />
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<span lang="EN-US">Three
years after Mr. Darcy’s disastrous marriage proposal to Elizabeth Bennet, they
meet again. Due to an unexpected twist of fate, Elizabeth finds herself a guest
in the home of the Mr. Darcy’s aunt, the Dowager Lady Matlock. Long believing
Elizabeth lost to him, Darcy has recently proposed marriage to an old flame,
the widow of his friend. Now newly engaged Darcy encounters Elizabeth again and
realizes she still owns his heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Although
bound by honour to another, Darcy sets out to improve Elizabeth’s opinion of
him. Tension mounts between Darcy and Elizabeth in that pursuit, and Darcy’s
betrothed begins to see Elizabeth as a threat to her upcoming marriage. How
will Darcy and Elizabeth ever reach their happily ever after? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="color: #660000;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Book Review</u></span></i></b><br />
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I have not read a JAFF like this in a while, you know, the
roller coaster of a story, that has you simultaneously laughing, vexed,
opinionated and sighing, throughout. <o:p></o:p></div>
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After her father dies, Elizabeth becomes like a companion,
to her cousin, Lady Webberley. Upon her death, Elizabeth is bequeathed with a generous
sum of money, however with a small stipulation, Elizabeth must spend a season
in town. Elizabeth’s charm and wit, will no doubt stand her in good stead for the
task ahead. However, residing at Crandall House, with the Dowager Lady Matlock,
the cousin of Lady Webberley, may prove a little difficult. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">“Well, at least with the general, she would not feel the
apprehension that accompanied the thought of seeing Mr. Darcy again. She could
only hope Mr. Darcy had moved on with his life and had little enthusiasm to
rekindle their acquaintance.” - L.S. Parsons<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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After reading that passage from Elizabeth, I was crying with
tears, oh dear, I was going to enjoy seeing how this panned out, furthermore, Darcy,
had just recently become engaged, to a Lady Wagstaff.<br />
As a result of
loneliness, Darcy makes a hasty decision, as he soon, comes to see for himself, Lady Wagstaff is not all that she appears to be. Although even if she was Mary
Poppins, I believe, it still would not change, Darcy’s feeling for Elizabeth and of
course, I know that I am right in that estimation. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;">“Elizabeth was even more tempting than she had been three
years ago. Her beauty grew daily. Her mind constantly searched for improvement.
Her wit was razor sharp, but her teasing was in a kind and caring way. Her
compassion knew no limits. And her body…her body. Darcy sighed deeply. It could
raise a dead man. Of that, he had daily proof.” - L.S. Parsons<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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With many twists and turns, I believe this story will
certainly keep you on, the edge of your chaise, each character is told from
their point of view, which is something I do like, although sometimes
throughout the story, I was thinking “I really, do not to wish, to hear what
you have to say, because right now, I am only interested, in hearing two
people’s thoughts on the matter and that would be, D&E! <span style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><br /></span></div>
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Lady Matlock was a force to be reckoned with and I did enjoy
getting to know her, Bingley’s good nature, always brings a smile to my face and
Georgina is a dear sweet, little thing. Her feelings for a certain gentleman
and her journey to womanhood were described well. I could see how she could
fall for someone, when the customs of courting and the short duration in which
it can take, could leave a woman, not really knowing a gentleman or what her true feelings were, before they were wed. As for the Colonel, or General in this case, well
what can I say, he brings a smile to my face. Dependable, loyal, trustworthy
and always, has me laughing, in a most unladylike manner!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">“Your services as a chaperone are not very dependable,
General,” Elizabeth jested. “It is the reason they are in such demand,” the
general replied with a wink before turning and leaving the study.” - L.S.
Parsons</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Although the story is a non-canon variation of Jane Austen’s
Pride and Prejudice and is intended for mature readers. I personally struggled
with what I felt, were modern day proprieties, intermingled with Regency ones.
I am quite happy to see a different take on P&P characters, but they must
keep their integrity to a certain extent. It also did not fully mitigate for
some of their actions, which made it hard for me to fully engage. I was also a little
disappointed with the Epilogue, especially, in regards to the General, but I do acknowledge, that we all have different perceptions, of happily ever after. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;">“By tomorrow morning, the drawing rooms of London will be
buzzing. Everyone thinks women are the biggest gossips. They are not; they are
just the purveyors. We men have clubs for it. Enjoy yourselves!”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">However, with Wickham getting his just desserts and me
wanting to jump in the book to physically remove Mr Collin’s person, from St
James’s Court, I believe this book has the right ingredients to keep you entertained, with page turning action, the order of the day.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKHZpDl7AKv1V29NljZ7QZyShfdZlJ-daVFf9YKjL0yMQcijZM_KG6TjiWv4TMGtaulbT2f7wcHVyZ3MBcBNymtWvNRpBsJeO9vevDNeaoYiF39gFAImhi3-7VWld6FgK7KqKqPZ7sBIJl/s1600/heart+rating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKHZpDl7AKv1V29NljZ7QZyShfdZlJ-daVFf9YKjL0yMQcijZM_KG6TjiWv4TMGtaulbT2f7wcHVyZ3MBcBNymtWvNRpBsJeO9vevDNeaoYiF39gFAImhi3-7VWld6FgK7KqKqPZ7sBIJl/s640/heart+rating.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This book is worthy of 4 hearts ~ Mr Bingley!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><i><span lang="EN-US">How to Mend a Broken Heart </span></i><span lang="EN-US">Blog Tour Schedule<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">3/21: Guest Post & Giveaway at <a href="http://thesecretunderstandingofthehearts.blogspot.it/"><span style="color: #1652ca; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">My Jane Austen Book
Club</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US">
</span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">3/22: Excerpt & Giveaway at <a href="http://romancenovelgiveaways.blogspot.com/">Romance Novel Giveaways</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">3/23: Review at </span><u><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1652ca; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">Margie’s Must Reads</span></u><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">3/24: </span><span lang="EN-US">Excerpt & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.bestsellersandbeststellars.com/"><span style="color: #1652ca; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">Best Sellers and
Best Stellars</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US"> </span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">3/25: Guest Post & Giveaway at <a href="http://www.laurakenyon.com/">Skipping Midnight</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">3/26: Review at <a href="http://frompemberleytomilton.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #1652ca; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">From Milton to Pemberley</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">3/26: Excerpt & Giveaway at <a href="http://lizjosette.blogspot.com/">Liz’s Reading Life</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">3/27: Guest Post & Giveaway </span><span lang="EN-US">at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://babblingsofabookworm.blogspot.co.uk/"><span style="color: #1652ca; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">Babblings of A
Bookworm</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US">
</span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">3/28: Excerpt & </span><span lang="EN-US">Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://moreagreeablyengaged.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #1652ca; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">More Agreeably
Engaged</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US">
</span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">3/29: </span><span lang="EN-US">Review at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://us-mg5.mail.yahoo.com/neo/halfagonyhalfhopelove.blogspot.com"><span style="color: #1652ca; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">Half Agony, Half
Hope</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US">
</span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">3/30: </span><span lang="EN-US">Review at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://us-mg5.mail.yahoo.com/neo/Justjane1813.com"><span style="color: #1652ca; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">Just Jane 1813</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">3/31: </span><span lang="EN-US">Guest Post & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://candy-m.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #1652ca; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">So Little Time…</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US"> </span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">4/1: </span><span lang="EN-US">Guest Post & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.austenesquereviews.com/"><span style="color: #1652ca; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Austenesque Reviews</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">4/1:
Review at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://tomorrowisanotherday.altervista.org/">Tomorrow is Another Day</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">4/2: Review at <a href="http://tamaraausten77.blogspot.co.uk/"><span style="color: #1652ca; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">My Kids Led Me Back to Pride and Prejudice</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">4/3: Excerpt & Giveaway at <a href="http://jensjewels.typepad.com/blog/">Jennifer Vido</a></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">4/4: </span><span lang="EN-US">Review at </span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #1652ca; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://diaryofaneccentric.wordpress.com/">Diary of an Eccentric</a></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdL-eM8lrjo1NJUjra3HmcxMGspOmINh858I1LH7W5Kng5NHj5EjW3zxVtslfQ2vjgR5vb57FXd_vZXfqZzbAGRyXN5cWebGpF5aIKKxYFMxwdlFHRkdBsCVZYgaxb_Jq3aQ4_ne2MXbS7/s1600/mr+collins+warning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdL-eM8lrjo1NJUjra3HmcxMGspOmINh858I1LH7W5Kng5NHj5EjW3zxVtslfQ2vjgR5vb57FXd_vZXfqZzbAGRyXN5cWebGpF5aIKKxYFMxwdlFHRkdBsCVZYgaxb_Jq3aQ4_ne2MXbS7/s1600/mr+collins+warning.jpg" /></a></div>
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I was given an ARC copy of this book for my honest review.</div>
<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08304167494997715591noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490719723329221506.post-62509123905832927282016-03-17T00:35:00.000-07:002016-03-17T00:35:58.669-07:00'A Searing Acquaintance' by J.L.Ashton Blog tour - Guest post<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJdV0hlA5u3rvj9KDQsI5dwtjMscNyysRzPYnp8ce6GoNPBFP12_cN7dNfyXkqlAOlqhUqWha2qMv48oxy2N62flri1BfmNVjeRjywzVGqJLdwN4MzYRUuP_ayUuuErAnTzvvGL7By8U1D/s1600/asahorizontalbanner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJdV0hlA5u3rvj9KDQsI5dwtjMscNyysRzPYnp8ce6GoNPBFP12_cN7dNfyXkqlAOlqhUqWha2qMv48oxy2N62flri1BfmNVjeRjywzVGqJLdwN4MzYRUuP_ayUuuErAnTzvvGL7By8U1D/s640/asahorizontalbanner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 27.3778px;"><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">Hello</span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 17.6px;"> fellow readers, </span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 27.3778px;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 17.6px;">today I have the pleasure of hosting </span><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">J.L.Ashton, author of 'A Searing Acquaintance'.</span></i></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 17.6px; font-style: italic; line-height: 27.3778px;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: x-large; font-style: italic; line-height: 27.3778px;">Welcome,</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 17.6px; font-style: italic; line-height: 27.3778px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 17.6px; font-style: italic; line-height: 27.3778px;">and thank you for stopping by. I am most delighted, with the 'subject' of today's post. Therefore, I will detain you no longer and hand you over to the lovely J.L.Ashton.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 17.6px; font-style: italic; line-height: 27.3778px;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnmcCo-kXTMWRooymez6Bm4_h2kmfaFUOdS8HhjqRf_axyZmdeka7zE9b6gnllFDN2bKQENSuoLfIrQebZIE3tsTL4l7fVvFlepeOiGP9XR_AKtuC2jgpRrIXi_f2jEKoqKCbYdPijPOb/s1600/fitz+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnmcCo-kXTMWRooymez6Bm4_h2kmfaFUOdS8HhjqRf_axyZmdeka7zE9b6gnllFDN2bKQENSuoLfIrQebZIE3tsTL4l7fVvFlepeOiGP9XR_AKtuC2jgpRrIXi_f2jEKoqKCbYdPijPOb/s640/fitz+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><u><br /></u></span></b>
<b><span lang="EN-US"><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">The
Colonel Tells All</span></u><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><span lang="EN-US"><u><br /></u></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">When I was given the honor to do a guest
post here, I realized that as much as I have to say about <i>Pride and Prejudice</i> and Jane Austen, there is always a character,
especially the beloved, teasing gossip, Colonel Fitzwilliam, who has a lot to
say.</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"> In canon, he says little but his words have impact. In <i>A Searing Acquaintance, </i>he says a lot
more and as usual, makes things messier between Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth
Bennet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">My modern Richard Fitzwilliam is a
diplomatic attaché at the UN, but he doesn’t always mince words when he’s
talking to his cousin about his personal life. So, without further ado (he’s a
rather impatient man), here’s Richard’s take on my modern Darcy and Elizabeth
and the romance he finds both sweet and frustrating.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><b>Hello darlings,</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Call me the Best Looking Plot Device who
never gets any well-deserved appreciation. In <i>Pride and Prejudice,</i> I play a thankless role but I like to consider
myself as the Dear Abby (and the moral conscience) of <i>A Searing Acquaintance</i>. My younger cousin lives like a monk, is clueless
about women, and when he finally meets “the one,” he has his head in the sand
and needs me to set him straight. It’s a simple formula:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Make
him jealous: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; line-height: 150%;">“Ah, opening day. How was it?” Darcy leaned over and scratched Coco’s
ears.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; line-height: 150%;">“You mean who was it? You already how it was—the Yankees won eight to
three. But who it was—that was Elizabeth Bennet. The one at Annabella’s
fiasco.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; line-height: 150%;">Darcy froze as Rich’s words slowly sank in. How? Her? Him? He sat up
and stared at the sails on the miniature sailboats whipping around the pond.
“How did that come about?” he asked in a flat voice.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; line-height: 150%;">“She’s a Yankees fan. Never had good seats before and was thrilled to
sit in the box.” He glanced at Darcy. “You never told her we have a suite?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; line-height: 150%;">Squeezing his eyes shut, Darcy let out a breath. “I don’t know her
well enough to have had that conversation.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; line-height: 150%;">“Really? That’s not the impression I had. She seemed to know you
pretty well. She’s met Coco and knew Georgie named her.” He looked carefully at
Darcy. “But does she—?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; line-height: 150%;">“Are you going to see her again?” Darcy missed Rich’s expression shift
from confusion to amused incredulity.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; line-height: 107%;">“Tragically, no. I believe she found me
dashing and brilliant and a helluva fun guy, but I’m not the man of her dreams.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Make
it clear he’s thick-headed. Dispense useful advice:</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; line-height: 150%;">Darcy laid his head back against the chair. “I’m an idiot. I thought
she knew—that she felt the same kind of connection between us. I couldn’t have
been more wrong.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; line-height: 150%;">“It couldn’t have been as one-sided as you think. There’s a thin line
between love and hate.” Rich threw up his hands defensively. “Hey, that’s from
Motown not Moldavia.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; line-height: 150%;">Darcy shook his head. “You are incorrigible. How did your mother not
return you to the cabbage patch?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">And
finally, build up his ego by appearing more pathetic than he does:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; line-height: 150%;">“Your parents will be happy to spend some time with you, but don’t ask
me to put Elizabeth through the Spanish Inquisition.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; line-height: 150%;">“Hey!”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; line-height: 150%;">“You know your mother, Rich.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; line-height: 150%;">“I know. It’s fine. You deserve time alone with her. If you two showed
up, I’d be the one getting the third degree anyway. ‘Where’s your beautiful
girlfriend, Richard?’” His chuckle sounded more like a sigh. “Thumb screws, the
rack, the iron maiden…they’re quite a pair, my parents.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; line-height: 150%;">“Will?” Darcy heard Elizabeth call his name. He turned and saw her
walking up the dune toward them.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; line-height: 150%;">“I’m outta here. Have fun. And Darcy, don’t let anyone else see her in
that bikini. Not everyone is a gentleman.” Rich smirked and went around the
corner to his car.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Yeah, he gets the girl. Has the beach house
and his business empire and his happily ever after. I have to say, it couldn’t
happen to a nicer guy. Unless it was me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 17.6px; font-style: italic; line-height: 27.3778px;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Anyway, just wait and see how the author
makes me the hero in her next book, <i>Mendacity
& Mourning.</i> Ignore the love story and the mushy bits and the really
bizarre characters and dark comedy…., just focus on my heroics, my clever wit
and my enormous mustache.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div>
<br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">Thank you J.L.Ashton, I always delight in hearing of the Colonel. His jovial, teasing character, always brings a smile to my face. Thank you for sharing your post with us today and good luck with 'A Searing Acquaintance'. I look forward to reading it!</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 17.6px; font-style: italic; line-height: 27.3778px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 27.3778px;">I would like to thank </span><a href="http://leatherboundreviews.blogspot.co.uk/" style="background-color: white; color: #dd8766; font-family: georgia, utopia, 'palatino linotype', palatino, serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 27.3778px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"> Leatherbound reviews</a><span style="color: black;">, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 27.3778px;"> </span><a href="http://merytonpress.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #dd8766; font-family: georgia, utopia, 'palatino linotype', palatino, serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 27.3778px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Meryton Press</a><span style="color: black;"> & J.L.Ashton, for another delightful Blog Tour.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"><b>Have fun on the rest of the blog tour!</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
3/7: Excerpt & Giveaway at <a href="http://thesecretunderstandingofthehearts.blogspot.it/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">My Jane Austen Book Club</a><u></u><u></u></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
3/8: Guest Post & Giveaway at <a href="http://candy-m.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">So Little Time…</a><u></u><u></u></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
3/9: Review at <a href="http://tomorrowisanotherday.altervista.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Tomorrow is Another Day</a><u></u><u></u></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
3/10: Author Interview & Giveaway at <a href="https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpress.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">From Pemberley to Milton</a><u></u><u></u></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
3/11: Character Interview & Giveaway at <a href="http://www.leatherboundreviews.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Leatherbound Reviews</a><u></u><u></u></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
3/12: Excerpt & Giveaway at <a href="http://babblingsofabookworm.blogspot.co.uk/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Babblings of A Bookworm</a><u></u><u></u></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
3/13: Review at <a href="http://lizjosette.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Liz’s Reading Life</a><u></u><u></u></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
3/14: Review at <a href="https://us-mg5.mail.yahoo.com/neo/halfagonyhalfhopelove.blogspot.com" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Half Agony, Half Hope</a><u></u><u></u></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
3/15: Review at <a href="http://margiesmustreads.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Margie’s Must Reads</a><u></u><u></u></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
3/16: Excerpt & Giveaway at <a href="http://www.bestsellersandbeststellars.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Best Sellers and Best Stellars</a><u></u><u></u></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
3/17: Guest Post at <a href="http://tamaraausten77.blogspot.co.uk/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">My Kids Led Me Back to Pride and Prejudice</a><u></u><u></u></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
3/18: Review at <a href="http://diaryofaneccentric.wordpress.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Diary of an Eccentric</a><u></u><u></u></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
3/19: Review at <a href="https://us-mg5.mail.yahoo.com/neo/Justjane1813.com" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Just Jane 1813</a><u></u><u></u></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
3/20: Excerpt & Giveaway at <a href="http://www.delightedreader.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Delighted Reader</a><u></u><u></u></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
3/21: Guest Post & Giveaway at <a href="http://www.austenesquereviews.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Austenesque Reviews</a><u></u><u></u></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
</div>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US"><u>Book
Blurb:</u></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_zxsBDxX5QdbdhJ7e6KTxAMoN8MZTlCg3hx5BnXTLfjW8B31Z2B_BqXvxcbvnq8SfMYxzmKuXKDaLne8c8IZxbXp22F80_36ybQ2_iFU4HJbZ5Igr_ByXJsT7fBXd2Wl0-EVs-GiVB-Yz/s1600/ASA+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_zxsBDxX5QdbdhJ7e6KTxAMoN8MZTlCg3hx5BnXTLfjW8B31Z2B_BqXvxcbvnq8SfMYxzmKuXKDaLne8c8IZxbXp22F80_36ybQ2_iFU4HJbZ5Igr_ByXJsT7fBXd2Wl0-EVs-GiVB-Yz/s640/ASA+cover.jpg" width="419" /></a></b></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> </span><i style="line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-US">“I don’t know why I ever thought we made sense.”</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN-US">Smart,
educated people are fools in love, especially when they’re mired in denial and
misunderstanding.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white;">In this modern spin on Jane Austen’s classic tale, Elizabeth
Bennet, a grad student with literary aspirations, has found her big career
break—and broken up with yet another forgettable boyfriend. While grateful for
the professional lifeline thrown by sports agent George Wickham, she is
intrigued by the man she calls Mr. Noir. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white;">Fitzwilliam Darcy, marked by tragedy, is a man accustomed to
living his life in the spotlight even as his heart dwells on the dark side of
loneliness. When he first meets Elizabeth, he thinks she looks like “a
bloody pumpkin,” but he soon sees so much more. She, however, can’t even </span><span lang="EN-US">decide what to call him. Mr. Noir? Nurse Darcy?
Sleazy British playboy? Ferdinand?</span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">“So, it’s Fitzwilliam, right? That’s an amazing
name, you know. Which came first—the name or the accent?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">He looked at her.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">“Oh, come on. It’s like the name of a
subdivision or a sofa at Pottery Barn. `Please note the extra firm cushions on
The Fitzwilliam.’”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white;">Can an accidental encounter that leads to shocking intimacy
change the course they’ve both set and bring them into love’s light?</span><span lang="EN-US"> Or will they stay mired in
cold words and angry misunderstandings, overshadowing the deep connection they
each feel? Getting beyond their own mistakes to find each other again is one
thing; they also have to heal the wounds of their pasts. Can they do that
together?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">As always, dear readers, I delight in hearing your thoughts!</span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08304167494997715591noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490719723329221506.post-3734425700363771632016-03-13T12:04:00.001-07:002016-03-13T12:05:43.281-07:00Darcy & Elizabeth:Timeless by Denise O'Hara - Giveaway winners!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ki6U4z9wisCSK61MyL7t8k0U9fUrkBmpM3Y3DTV-C0xDGF1js6nCBNRg9g_8DbqaqNdOE98j9rog_eOPWG8yiVk91b1J2Xyitn0UWHf9BB4vM0xmnEkFwVwF7I2ni_ZvbmjwxKgP32LI/s1600/time.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ki6U4z9wisCSK61MyL7t8k0U9fUrkBmpM3Y3DTV-C0xDGF1js6nCBNRg9g_8DbqaqNdOE98j9rog_eOPWG8yiVk91b1J2Xyitn0UWHf9BB4vM0xmnEkFwVwF7I2ni_ZvbmjwxKgP32LI/s400/time.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hello Dear Readers,</span><br />
<br />
Today I announce the winners, of the Darcy & Elizabeth: Timeless, Giveaway!<br />
<br />
I must apologise for the lengthy delay, but I had some technical difficulties posting.<br />
<br />
I would like to say thank you to <span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">Denise O'Hara</span>, for her very generous giveaway! The excerpt you shared Denise, certainly had everyone curious, as to what would happen next!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Therefore without further ado,</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5duHDjF5CPyghjSs_rAITUWP3BrDskBoDMzWkjlnVYD2kZgMCNqnQatetGhddlvvpsO_bPj5PIirgPk05c-FdXNE8-kOHtmEBZmH3TbUnIoX5ikAFc4Lc5bgu5e5nlCKLD_6eOv4t3aL/s1600/giveaway+winners.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5duHDjF5CPyghjSs_rAITUWP3BrDskBoDMzWkjlnVYD2kZgMCNqnQatetGhddlvvpsO_bPj5PIirgPk05c-FdXNE8-kOHtmEBZmH3TbUnIoX5ikAFc4Lc5bgu5e5nlCKLD_6eOv4t3aL/s320/giveaway+winners.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Congratulations!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Chiara Lanzi</span> & <span style="font-size: x-large;">Patty Edmisson,</span><br />
you have both won a copy of Darcy & Elizabeth: Timeless, by Denise O'Hara!<br />
You both have a choice, of either a paperback or e-book copy.<br />
Please contact me, using the 'contact me' link at the top of the page, along with the format you would like.<br />
Congratulations again, ladies!!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Thank you to everyone you took part and congratulations again ladies! </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"></span>
<i>(Winners picked using <a href="http://random.org/">Random.org</a>)</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08304167494997715591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490719723329221506.post-29841304407661099752016-03-03T05:20:00.001-08:002016-03-03T13:40:16.599-08:00Darcy and Elizabeth: Timeless by Denise O'Hara Excerpt & Giveaway!<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hello fellow readers!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexaaAbtH7PBh0n1WXlPNHzQ9Ve8O4TimoPqVyWKCN1-HFZhrN_qVkJULq4646XWz_PA_hcOkCxejZSt_QSCRNWmrZgY2W_U7arvImTwHVTDCc-NAdtSzdpZyFIHzrHaIk6b6wzHNE7ykC/s1600/time.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexaaAbtH7PBh0n1WXlPNHzQ9Ve8O4TimoPqVyWKCN1-HFZhrN_qVkJULq4646XWz_PA_hcOkCxejZSt_QSCRNWmrZgY2W_U7arvImTwHVTDCc-NAdtSzdpZyFIHzrHaIk6b6wzHNE7ykC/s640/time.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
As we forge forward into the world of self -publishing, many Jane Austen lovers have been given a platform with which to share. The many different scenarios they have re imagined for JA's beloved characters, is vastly expanding the genre of Jane Austen fan Fiction.<br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size: large;">Today I welcome Denise O'Hara. </span></span><br />
As a new author to me, I have yet to read her work, however I shall endeavour to remedy that in the near future.<br />
<br />
Today Denise is kindly sharing with us an excerpt of her new release <span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;">Darcy and Elizabeth: Timeless</span> </span>and offering two lucky winners a choice of either a digital or paperback copy!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Blurb ~ </span></b><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Darcy and Elizabeth: Timeless takes our couple from their meeting again at Pemberley all the way to the year 2012. When Elizabeth is with the Gardiners in Derbyshire, her letters from Jane are delayed by two additional days, giving her time to see a different side of Darcy. Those extra days set off a chain of events that changes the course of time, which leads to our couple finding themselves in the modern world. There's a definite scientific element to the book but it's meant to be scientifically believable, rather than sci-fi. What would our favorite couple be like if we could meet them today? How would they adapt to this new time? How did they even get here from where they started? </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Excerpt ~</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Elizabeth ran back to the sitting room in the Gardiner’s home, bursting through the door with all semblance of ladylike behavior forgotten. “It is Father,” she managed to gasp. “I believe he overheard us talking and has left to track down Wickham. I am afraid he will do something foolish!”<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Mr. Gardiner, Mr. Darcy, and Elizabeth were on the road in Darcy’s carriage within mere moments, Elizabeth praying they would reach the smallholding before her father or at least before he had time to act. A commotion heard from a dilapidated old barn as the carriage pulled up had them all racing in that direction and dashing inside, stopping dead as they took in the terrible scene before them.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Mr. Bennet was shouting at Wickham, who had backed into a corner of the barn. Behind him was a crying and hysterical Lydia, and in front of him, he held his military issue weapon, pointed at Mr. Bennet.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">“I know by your fine estate and clothing that you are simply concealing your wealth so as to prevent handing it over in dowries.”<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">“How dare you try to blackmail me with my own daughter’s virtue, you despicable blaggard!”<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">“I have already told you, if you want me to marry her, you have to pay me to do so,” Wickham was declaring coldly as they looked on, stunned by the events taking place. “Ah, I see we have more company,” he sneered, spotting them. “Perhaps the good and virtuous Mr. Darcy will lend you the funds; after all, it is no problem for him, since he has such large coffers to draw upon.”<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Darcy stepped slowly towards Mr. Bennet. “Gentlemen, please. We must all keep our senses. Wickham, please put that thing away before you cause even more damage than you already have.”<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">“Oh, no. You see, this,” he said while waving the pistol, “this gives me the upper hand again. No more negotiating now that the old man has decided to get involved in the business. I will not be forced into joining myself to this hostile family for a mere ten thousand pounds. The price has doubled. And I want it soon, or I leave and no one will ever marry or have anything to do with your virtuous daughter again. And believe me, I use the word virtuous loosely.” <u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Mr. Darcy looked from Wickham to the older gentleman and spoke quietly. “Perhaps it would be best if you return to the Gardiners, Mr. Bennet. As much as I respect you, I fear your entreaties will fall on deaf ears. Please allow me to act in your behalf and try to reason with him.”<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Mr. Bennet considered Darcy’s words, finally nodding his head in agreement. “Lydia, come with me.”<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">“No, Papa! I want to stay with my husband!” she cried.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">“Your husband?” asked her father. “Is this some kind of trick? Are you in fact already married?”<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Wickham laughed. “No, I assure you, we are not married. I believe she means she has been acting as my wife and so already considers me her husband. Is that not right, my dear?”<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">“Oh, yes, my love! We need only to have a rector pronounce us so. We are already husband and wife in every other way!” answered the foolish girl.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">On hearing these vulgar words come from his own child’s mouth and seeing the wicked smile cross Wickham’s face, Mr. Bennet rushed at Wickham. He reached forward to wrestle the gun from Wickham’s grasp. As he did so, the gun fired, the sound deafening in the small confines of the rickety old building. Everybody froze in shock, holding their breath. <u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Elizabeth turned to Darcy, her eyes pleading, one hand reaching out towards him. Confused by her expression and action, he nevertheless took a few steps in her direction and reached to take her hand, just as she collapsed to the ground at his feet.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">“Elizabeth!”<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">He dropped to his knees, rolling her over to gather her in his arms, and as he did so, everything made sense. A large crimson stain was rapidly spreading across the front of her dress around a hole in the material where the bullet had penetrated. He ripped the hole wider, revealing the terrible wound to her abdomen.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">“NO! Oh, Elizabeth, oh no!” he cried, gathering her closer to him.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Mr. Bennet released Wickham to rush to his daughter’s side. Wickham stood frozen in place, taking in the scene before him. On realizing what he had just done, he darted from the barn, his regard for Elizabeth less than his regard for himself. Lydia stood, her eyes wild, undecided where her loyalties lay. In the end, she chose Wickham, dashing after him.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">“Elizabeth, oh, my dear Lizzy, please do not leave me, I … I love you,” Darcy murmured as he held Elizabeth close, his tears mingling with the ruby red river that flowed from her body.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">“I love … you,” she managed to whisper, before her eyes closed and her body went limp in his arms.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Thank you for sharing with us Denise,</span><span style="font-size: large;"> that definitely appeared to be a pivotal moment in the book and I see Wickham is still up to his villainous ways, no surprises there I suppose!</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Giveaway Time!</u></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u><br /></u></span></b>
<span style="font-size: large;">For a chance to win either a digital or paperback copy of Darcy and Elizabeth: Timeless, just </span><span style="font-size: large;">say hello to Denise or</span><span style="font-size: large;"> leave a comment below, to be entered. Giveaway ends on</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">7th march 2016. Winners announced on the 13th March.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">International Giveaway.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Author Bio</u></span></b><br />
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Denise O'Hara is a Southern girl married to an Irish Californian. When the petite green eyed brunette met the man with big brown eyes and dimples, it was love at first sight. Twenty eight years later they're still having fun! They have two adult children and lots and lots of family nearby.<br />
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She has six sisters and her close bond with them certainly influenced her instant connection to Jane Austen's novels. She started writing JAFF February 28th of 2015. In her first three Life after the Wedding Series books she focused primarily on Jane Bingley. However, mirroring Denise's real life, Jane's sisters, especially Elizabeth Darcy, will always be an important part of her life. The Darcy's Host a Ball at Pemberley continued the former Bennet sister's story, with the Darcys and Bingleys celebrating anniversaries and their younger sisters finding love. A Few Good Men was the most recent installment in the Series, and part six will be out this summer. Denise has also written two Pride and Prejudice variations, Disdain and Deception and Yours Truly, Mr.Darcy. She currently has two other variations almost completed and the outline for the sequel to her newest release, Darcy and Elizabeth: Timeless.<br />
The next book will be Timeless Adventures.<br />
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<span style="color: #f1c232; font-size: x-large;">As always I delight in hearing your thoughts!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08304167494997715591noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490719723329221506.post-4867367248926766782016-02-21T23:00:00.000-08:002016-02-21T23:00:02.187-08:00'A little Whimsical in His Civilities' ~ Guest Post and Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 27.3778px;"><i><span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;">Hello</span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 17.6px;"> fellow readers, </span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 27.3778px;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 17.6px;">today I have the pleasure of hosting </span><span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;">J.Marie Croft, author of 'A little Whimsical in His Civilities'.</span></i></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 17.6px; font-style: italic; line-height: 27.3778px;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 17.6px; font-style: italic; line-height: 27.3778px;">Welcome </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 17.6px; font-style: italic; line-height: 27.3778px;">J.Marie Croft</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 17.6px; font-style: italic; line-height: 27.3778px;">, thank you for stopping by, to do a guest post and giveaway. </span>I have certainly enjoyed following the blog tour and considering I have little time, a novella sounds highly agreeable; especially in light of the fact, we get Darcy's POV!<br />
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;">First off, </span><span style="font-size: large;">thank you, Tamara, for so graciously allowing this visit. </span><span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;">Secondly,</span><span style="font-size: large;"> since this is the final stop on the Whimsical blog tour, I thank Jakki Leatherberry for arranging the schedule and the fifteen hostesses for their participation. </span><span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;">Last but not least,</span><span style="font-size: large;"> thanks to all who dropped by and commented on the excerpts, guest posts, and reviews.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;">Today </span>I’ll reveal a bit about myself and why the novella is told entirely from Mr. Darcy’s point of view. Why, you may ask, did I ever think I could write a story from his viewpoint? I’m not male, handsome, tall, wealthy, heroic, or fictional.<br />
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Back in 2011, when A Little Whimsical in His Civilities was posted online as a two-part short story, a reader left a comment ending with, “The way the author’s mind works to bring Darcy so alive is amazing.”<br />
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;">Amazing? Nah.</span> Imagining myself inside his head (reading Darcy like a book, if you will) wasn’t much of a stretch, really. There’s a great similarity in the turn of our minds, you see. Darcy and I have but one mind and one way of thinking. There is a most remarkable resemblance of character and ideas between us. We seem to have been designed for each other.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Elizabeth Bennet may beg to differ.</span><br />
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She might say he and I have unsocial, taciturn dispositions. We know Darcy is slow to reveal his emotions. Jane Austen told us so: “He was at the same time haughty, reserved, and fastidious ...”<br />
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I’m definitely reserved and, perhaps, a tad fastidious. Hopefully, I’m never haughty, but I am shy; and sometimes that comes across as aloof. Darcy, on the other hand isn’t shy. He’s filled to the gills with aplomb. I wish I had even half his assertiveness.<br />
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;">Call me what you will – reserved, shy, introverted – I’m as dull as dishwater in person. </span>I don’t have the talent which some people possess of conversing easily with those I’ve never seen before. I’d like to chit-chat with eloquence and fluency and come up with zingers on the spur of the moment, but what I should have said only occurs to me long after the fact.<br />
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;">Like Darcy, </span>I’m a private person, ill qualified to recommend myself to strangers. If I was more confident and sociable, book promotion would be much easier. Don’t get me wrong. I love writing guest posts. Coming up with hundreds of words is far easier than tweeting on Twitter in 140 characters or updating my Facebook status. And writing dialogue is infinitely easier than – heaven forfend! – speaking in public.<br />
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;">Because</span> there’s humour in my writing, readers who’ve never met me assume I’m the life of the party. Hah! <br />
The truth is quite the opposite, I assure you. Mingling at a party and socializing with people I’m not well acquainted with can be exhausting. Rather than whooping it up, I’d rather sit quietly, taking pleasure from a good book or from conversation with a good friend.<br />
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<b>Mrs. Bennet: I was rather surprised to see you at the Meryton assembly last night, Mrs. Croft.</b><br />
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<b>Me: An assembly? Oh! So, that’s why all those people were disturbing Mary and me while we were trying to read.</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjcyGHp0K2vQkLilOqt03Emk6HqumLBeNnc6JJZrnarbRoW8al2uPxQbBzWs5n7fDY9rlQXDiPkTwq3rY_MwIc8yZWYjTESANK7TnjMkhl1XFPL_-rq1EcGLq4Ni5GrPmbHplYmDzil5EI/s1600/Mary+and+me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjcyGHp0K2vQkLilOqt03Emk6HqumLBeNnc6JJZrnarbRoW8al2uPxQbBzWs5n7fDY9rlQXDiPkTwq3rY_MwIc8yZWYjTESANK7TnjMkhl1XFPL_-rq1EcGLq4Ni5GrPmbHplYmDzil5EI/s400/Mary+and+me.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;">Standing</span> about by himself in a stupid manner, occupied as he is with his own thoughts and feelings, Darcy is certainly no extrovert either.</div>
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<b>These two guys have rather differing definitions for extrovert.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvso1AFgWwGndLFN_PrBUVeZS7aZGjtf5c0Cgu9qaPQS1j3uE3N6Oo4Qd69pnN5XWzgQ4IKE_gS4jru7B1aMSIrCnHJgqJeV2B7F2qdGF0yIaN6KY9DDHy8BSPSNTffCf2yptjJDiAhGR/s1600/post2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvso1AFgWwGndLFN_PrBUVeZS7aZGjtf5c0Cgu9qaPQS1j3uE3N6Oo4Qd69pnN5XWzgQ4IKE_gS4jru7B1aMSIrCnHJgqJeV2B7F2qdGF0yIaN6KY9DDHy8BSPSNTffCf2yptjJDiAhGR/s640/post2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;">There’s</span> something else I just might share in common with Mr. Darcy. We both search for appropriate words. He studies too much for four syllable ones, and I'm a word nerd who enjoys vocabulary building.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">At Darcy’s insistence </span>– while we wrote A Little Whimsical in His Civilities – my lexicon was expanded to include acerbic adjectives and unmuzzled put-downs à la Shakespeare. I don’t know why I let Darcy dictate to me in such a way; but, I have to admit, his channelling The Bard’s contumely was diverting.</div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;">Of course,</span> gentleman that he is, Darcy only thinks abusive remarks in the novella. Privately, he may call the assembly’s master of ceremonies a roynish clown, a prating, pompous popinjay, a goatish coxcomb, or a paunchy puttock. But, publicly, he courteously addresses him as Sir William. Darcy is, after all, a member of Polite Society.</div>
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For good or for bad, I do think Fitzwilliam Darcy and I share a few personality traits.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #e69138;">Word-nerd fact:</span></b> The original sense of ‘trait’ was ‘stroke of the pen or pencil in a picture’. That meaning gave rise to the 18th century sense ‘a particular feature of mind or character’.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>So, if you were sketching Mr. Darcy’s character, would you depict him as an introvert?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Please don’t be shy. Let your opinion be known.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;">Thank you J.Marie Croft, for sharing your post with us. I am unsure how I would depict Darcy, as indeed you are correct, it all comes down to interpretation. I do admire his assertiveness, or arrogance, however you choose to interpret it lol!</span><br />
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Indeed fellow readers, let your opinion be known and share your thoughts with J.Marie Croft.<br />
For a chance to win a copy of 'A Little Whimsical in His Civilities', just enter the <b>Rafflecopter</b> Giveaway below.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 17.6px; font-style: italic; line-height: 27.3778px;">I would like to thank </span><a href="http://leatherboundreviews.blogspot.co.uk/" style="background-color: white; color: #dd8766; font-family: georgia, utopia, 'palatino linotype', palatino, serif; font-size: 17.6px; font-style: italic; line-height: 27.3778px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"> Leatherbound reviews</a>, <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 17.6px; font-style: italic; line-height: 27.3778px;"> </span><a href="http://merytonpress.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #dd8766; font-family: georgia, utopia, 'palatino linotype', palatino, serif; font-size: 17.6px; font-style: italic; line-height: 27.3778px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Meryton Press</a> & J.Marie Croft for another delightful Blog Tour. Good luck in the giveaway everyone!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> <u>Giveaway</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span>
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="721c271529" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/721c271529/" id="rcwidget_kv2a1d2o" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;"><b>It's not too late to catch up with the blog tour!</b></span><br />
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<b><span lang="EN-US">Blog
Tour Schedule:</span></b><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">2/8:
Excerpt & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://thesecretunderstandingofthehearts.blogspot.it/">My Jane Austen Book Club</a></span><span lang="EN-US"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">2/9:
Guest Post & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://moonlightreader.com/">Moonlight
Reader</a></span><span lang="EN-US">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">2/10:
Review at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://tomorrowisanotherday.altervista.org/">Tomorrow is Another Day</a></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">2/11:
Guest Post & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://candy-m.blogspot.com/">So
Little Time…</a></span><span lang="EN-US"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">2/12:
Excerpt at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://forloveofausten.blogspot.com/">My Love for Jane Austen</a></span><span lang="EN-US"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">2/13:
Excerpt & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://moreagreeablyengaged.blogspot.com/">More Agreeably Engaged</a></span><span lang="EN-US"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">2/14:
Guest Post & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://lizjosette.blogspot.com/">Liz’s
Reading Life</a></span><span lang="EN-US"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">2/15:
Guest Post & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpress.com/">From Pemberley to Milton</a></span><span lang="EN-US"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">2/16:
Review at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://justjane1813.com/">Just Jane 1813</a></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">2/17:
Review at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.halfagonyhalfhopelove.blogspot.com/">Half Agony, Half Hope</a></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">2/18:
Review at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://margiesmustreads.com/">Margie’s Must Reads</a></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">2/19:
Excerpt & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.bestsellersandbeststellars.com/">Best Sellers and Best Stellars</a></span><span lang="EN-US"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">2/20:
Guest Post & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://laurakenyonwriter.wordpress.com/">Skipping Midnight</a></span><span lang="EN-US"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">2/21:
Guest Post & Giveaway at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://babblingsofabookworm.blogspot.co.uk/">Babblings of a Bookworm</a></span><span lang="EN-US"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSw_Nu5ZJO-59C1kkcrQqVrNRTNa2y7RaR3f0BKiQfdrZmpVrVrAxH9D36nl0qCKOy41voaBOuyVrHh4uAVV0ZXtDQOObEzMed7sWXCGBpcDVDK3tME8hCEKpzPtkRiU38MW8RueAfF-To/s1600/Whimsical+cover_1667x2500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSw_Nu5ZJO-59C1kkcrQqVrNRTNa2y7RaR3f0BKiQfdrZmpVrVrAxH9D36nl0qCKOy41voaBOuyVrHh4uAVV0ZXtDQOObEzMed7sWXCGBpcDVDK3tME8hCEKpzPtkRiU38MW8RueAfF-To/s320/Whimsical+cover_1667x2500.jpg" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Purchase <i>A Little Whimsical in His Civilities</i> by J. Marie Croft<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AZT7F80?keywords=a%20little%20whimsical%20in%20his%20civilities&qid=1454543301&ref_=sr_1_1&s=books&sr=1-1"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Amazon</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-little-whimsical-in-his-civilities-j-marie-croft/1123338279?ean=9781681310046"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Barnes
& Noble</span></b></a></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>Blurb</u></b></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><b>Told
entirely from Fitzwilliam Darcy’s point of view, J. Marie Croft’s humorous
novella, <i>A Little Whimsical in His Civilities,</i> spans one moonlit,
autumnal night upon the gentleman’s return to Hertfordshire in pursuit of
Elizabeth Bennet.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><b>“We
take the turning which places us on Meryton’s main road, and—oh, gad! There it
is—the base-court building which passes for an assembly hall in this
godforsaken place. For me, the venue shall be either a heaven or a hell
tonight. My palms grow clammy, my gut churns, and I regret that second helping
of onion-laden vegetable pie forced on me before we left.”<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><b>Accompany
Darcy as he, intent on reversing the disastrous first impression he made there,
braves another Meryton assembly and seeks to win his heart’s desire.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;">Thanks for stopping by.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08304167494997715591noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6490719723329221506.post-42307245011889160442016-02-15T14:26:00.001-08:002016-02-15T14:29:33.613-08:00My Janeite Valentine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrwJufIUzFZCHS4telIHN66MdI_xbsfZ4p_J-iNxLbaVW9pq_tLG0inkQ54U7v4LYyPOAFGROO9q8zAEyqOZumQmuqmOznALmTLCa9yvqsePR-IYZSHGlQVTrURQqHG35gK5DTapa-duE/s1600/IMG_6061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrwJufIUzFZCHS4telIHN66MdI_xbsfZ4p_J-iNxLbaVW9pq_tLG0inkQ54U7v4LYyPOAFGROO9q8zAEyqOZumQmuqmOznALmTLCa9yvqsePR-IYZSHGlQVTrURQqHG35gK5DTapa-duE/s640/IMG_6061.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Hello Dear Readers,</span> </span>as always I love sharing what JA gifts I get with you.<br />
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As I was totally unaware that I would be getting this wonderful valentine surprise, I put together a quick post and kindly asked my husband where he purchased such delightful gifts!<br />
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From almost the beginning of my JA obsession my husband has graced me with some lovely gifts, that any Janeite would be glad to receive. In the past I have given JA suggestions for Christmas and therefore have not been as surprised when I have received them. However my husband continues to amaze me with his thoughtfulness, surprising me with JA gifts when I least expect it. Therefore you can imagine my surprise when I opened this on Valentine's day! Seriously I had no idea!!!<br />
Thank you, Happy Valentine!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEeaedNzf6EtqI-wSN9kc0dEDGckuormZVGOcqBdewdd6Yj8tnewG2jq_E04_8xbrQOlVQMRCKOWkrUzrP7ofKGi5yAxHBwqtl6LxI0rjvQ2KNejMaYa4ZRiZ-PJl2PyHcol1eM0T4pX3u/s1600/IMG_6050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEeaedNzf6EtqI-wSN9kc0dEDGckuormZVGOcqBdewdd6Yj8tnewG2jq_E04_8xbrQOlVQMRCKOWkrUzrP7ofKGi5yAxHBwqtl6LxI0rjvQ2KNejMaYa4ZRiZ-PJl2PyHcol1eM0T4pX3u/s400/IMG_6050.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #990000;">The Card,</span> </span>need I say more lol<br />
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This wonderful card along with everything you see is from the Jane Austen Gift Shop.<br />
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<a href="https://www.janeausten.co.uk/the-jane-austen-centre/giftshop/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">https://www.janeausten.co.uk/the-jane-austen-centre/giftshop</span></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvg2qUap7zJ-aJPdVKOe1vNQeFDB2j7sbGHn7XyjSEPu8lw9lBup5zI8y5VaYepYUdUuatBhClFI9ES9WpBaqdtiGG96_u-w2t-0qTosMT8liiB0Zres62hLB6YvNR33tRdUo6VzWZOWqV/s1600/IMG_6055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvg2qUap7zJ-aJPdVKOe1vNQeFDB2j7sbGHn7XyjSEPu8lw9lBup5zI8y5VaYepYUdUuatBhClFI9ES9WpBaqdtiGG96_u-w2t-0qTosMT8liiB0Zres62hLB6YvNR33tRdUo6VzWZOWqV/s320/IMG_6055.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">The Mug</span> - Although I do not drink tea or coffee, I look forward to a hot blackcurrant.<br />
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(back story because I know you're wondering, although I know many of you know the answer. My parents would not let me have tea or coffee due to the caffeine, when I was old enough to choose for my self I did not like the taste of either of them)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9E65ZpFvhGhuSS1GXZVctegkCg1fr-_Jr0X2HAsl1zZAvOkEtLWNtd-53vxBzKdkl1cw8Kg1W62x_5bwjs6HNiR7T-R3X3sny5C47s5uljq8a94gB2U7U3KcdTN_pppC_7b6ZYJTP15k/s1600/IMG_6057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9E65ZpFvhGhuSS1GXZVctegkCg1fr-_Jr0X2HAsl1zZAvOkEtLWNtd-53vxBzKdkl1cw8Kg1W62x_5bwjs6HNiR7T-R3X3sny5C47s5uljq8a94gB2U7U3KcdTN_pppC_7b6ZYJTP15k/s320/IMG_6057.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">The Writing set, Wax and Seal & Ink </span><br />
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I have wanted to get into calligraphhy for a while and yet again my husband surprised me with the tools some while back and I have yet to begin. I believe this particular gift may have been a hint of sorts lol!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> <span style="color: #990000;"> The Jane Austen Calendar 2016</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSN2QHRLH85ppzmLSZE_uMD5egJS2lnxHupw6OEj7O0ZKQr_y0BfUo7gQjHuqzT6B8Jqap-5ewk849gf6SwFGSddl4Oop2rojuBf4f11HvF6JmDTYlnrRzwXA5HAPM19O0wn_Sj5Qxe6kH/s1600/valentine+colleage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSN2QHRLH85ppzmLSZE_uMD5egJS2lnxHupw6OEj7O0ZKQr_y0BfUo7gQjHuqzT6B8Jqap-5ewk849gf6SwFGSddl4Oop2rojuBf4f11HvF6JmDTYlnrRzwXA5HAPM19O0wn_Sj5Qxe6kH/s640/valentine+colleage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Thanks for stopping by, I'll add a gift tab soon, with links to my gift posts! I hope everyone had a lovely Valentines!</span><br />
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