Blog Tour & Giveaway ~ Catherine, Pride & Prejudice Continued #2, by Sue Barr

Catherine
Pride & Prejudice Continued, Book 2
by Sue Barr



Some secrets are not meant to be shared.

Catherine Bennet, known as Kitty to close friends and family, knows this better than anyone. She also knows that she will never marry and it never bothered her before she met Lord George Kerr at Elizabeth and Darcy’s wedding. He’s determined to breach the walls of defense she’d carefully constructed around her heart, and she’s just as determined to stay the course.

Some secrets cannot be shared

Lord George Kerr knows this better than anyone. For five years, as a spy for His Majesty the King, he played the part of a Rake, concealing his espionage activities beneath a blanket of brothels, drink and loose women. Even though he’s forced to resume his regular life within London’s finest society, he still must keep some things hidden.

One thing he does not hide is his attraction to Miss Catherine Bennet of Longbourn. Enraptured by her beauty and warmth of character, he plunges headlong into winning her heart, only to find it carefully guarded and she’s unwilling to give him even a small pinch of hope.

Some things are beyond your control

When circumstances bring Kitty’s secret into the open, she fears the tenuous bonds of friendship she’s forged with Lord George will be lost forever along with whatever love he proclaims to have for her. With the very lives of England’s vast network of spies working undercover in Bonaparte’s France hanging in the balance, she’s forced to face her worst nightmare.

Her secret is laid bare, can he love her enough to overcome what he learns?

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Review

Catherine Bennet isn't the same silly girl she used to be now that three of her sisters have left and married. While she dreams of finding a love match as Lizzy and Jane, she's been keeping a secret that she feels will prevent that from ever happening.

Lord George Kerr has a reputation of being something he's not, but if that is what it takes to keep is true motives hidden than so be it. And the last thing he wishes to deal with are the mamas looking for an advantageous marriage for their daughters. He plans to marry for love and not for status.

Through a simple twist of fate these two are brought together. While their first introduction was short, the interaction was profound. Luckily for them, fate will step in and bring them back to together in a rather intriguing manner.

Their connection is strong and feelings grow the more they are in each other's company, but secrets have a way of coming out.

Lord George wants Catherine and Catherine wants Lord George, but once their secrets are laid bare, will this be the end of their possible courtship? Or will these secrets only bring them closer together?

Catherine is a rather riveting read that captivates the reader with intrigue, romance, and witty banter.

I love how Kitty is still the silly girl we love, but there is more to her now that she's been given the opportunity to grow in a mature young woman. I especially love how she made an effort to get to know Mary and strengthen their sisterly bond. And given her secret, she could have gone down the same path as Lydia but instead she bore it well and tried to live a life on her own terms.

Lord George is everything you want in a gentleman suitor. He's kind, caring, loyal, smart, witty, and cuts a fine figure on a horse. He also goes above and beyond for his family and his King and country. I especially love how attentive he is towards his Catherine. Even when she refuses him, he doesn't give up because he knows she's the one for him. And when he learns her secret, it doesn't change his feelings for her. I really loved him.

This was my first book from Sue and I look forward to what comes next and also going back and reading Caroline. Catherine has a thrilling storyline, a charming and beguiling hero, a strong and compassionate heroine, and a swoon worthy romance.

If you love Jane Austen and Pride and Prejudice, than you'll adore Catherine. So do yourself a favor and pick up this enchanting continuation today.

About The Author

Sue Barr, transplanted Prairie Girl, now lives in beautiful Southwestern Ontario, Canada with her retired Air Force hubby, close to their two sons and families. When not busy writing she loves to read and bake, watch cooking shows and Survivor (don’t judge).

When Sue retired in 2015 from the London Police Service, she re-discovered #JAFF. Prior to that she’d read Pamela Aiden’s trilogy and, like all of us here, watched every movie ever made of Jane Austen’s books, as well as the spin-offs. Her favorite is Lost in Austen.

About that time, her childhood friend (Suzan Lauder) introduced her to A Happy Assembly. It wasn’t too long before the plot bunnies escaped and Sue began to wonder ‘whatever happened to Caroline Bingley after Charles and Mr. Darcy became engaged to the Bennet sisters?’ From that, Caroline was born, followed by Catherine which we are talking about today. In the works is Georgiana and who knows what else will follow….

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Giveaway

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Blog Tour Schedule

May 28 / My Jane Austen Book Club / Launch Post & Giveaway

May 29 / From Pemberley to Milton / Excerpt Post & Giveaway

May 30 / Just Jane 1813 / Guest Post & Giveaway

May 31 / More Agreeably Engaged / Author Spotlight & Giveaway

June 1 / So Little Time… / Excerpt Post & Giveaway

June 2 / Liz’s Reading Life / Book Review & Giveaway

June 4 / Diary of an Eccentric /Book Review & Giveaway

June 5 / My Vices and Weaknesses / Book Review & Giveaway

June 6 / Savvy Verse & Wit / Guest Post & Giveaway

June 7 / Margie’s Must Reads / Book Review Post & Giveaway

June 8 / Obsessed with Mr. Darcy / Book Review & Giveaway

June 9 / My Love for Jane Austen / Excerpt Post & Giveaway

June 10 / Babblings of a Bookworm / Excerpt Post & Giveaway

June 11 / Austenesque Reviews / Guest Post & Giveaway

Blog Tour & Review ~ Lover's Knot: A Mysterious Pride & Prejudice Variation by Jenetta James

Lover’s Knot
A Mysterious Pride & Prejudice Variation

Author: Jenetta James

Blog Tour Dates: March 29 – April 12, 2018

A great love. A perplexing murder. Netherfield Park — a house of secrets.

Fitzwilliam Darcy is in a tangle. Captivated by Miss Elizabeth Bennet, a girl of no fortune and few connections. Embroiled in an infamous murder in the home of his friend, Charles Bingley. He is being tested in every way. Fearing for Elizabeth’s safety, Darcy moves to protect her in the only way he knows but is thwarted. Thus, he is forced to turn detective. Can he overcome his pride for the sake of Elizabeth? Can he, with a broken heart, fathom the villainy that has invaded their lives? Is there even a chance for love born of such strife?

Lover’s Knot is a romantic Pride & Prejudice variation, with a bit of mystery thrown in.

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Review

When Miss Elizabeth Bennet arrived at Netherfield Park to help care for her sister she never expected it to be such a turning point in her life.

Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy thought he'd help his friend when he accompanied him to Hertfordshire but when he meets the beguiling Miss Elizabeth Bennet, his world will get turned upside down in more way than one.

Misunderstandings, murders, and intrigue have everyone bewildered. Can they solve the mystery before the demise of anyone else? And when all is said and done, will Darcy and Elizabeth be able to resolve their past issues and come to a welcome understanding?

Lover's Knot is a fascinating, thrilling, engaging read that will keep the reader seating on the edge of their seat guessing what will happen next.

I really love how Jenetta was able to take the beloved story of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and added some new twists and turns that make this a captivating read. I seriously didn't see that person being the culprit, talk about a plot twist!

Getting Darcy's POV in this book makes for a very entertaining read. I especially loved getting to know his thoughts, wishes, and dreams was superb.

I found Lover's Knot an engrossing read and couldn't put it down. It's a compelling storyline added to a timeless love story.

I highly recommend you pick up Lover's Knot if you like a little whodunit with your romance set against the backdrop of the Regency Era.

About The Author

Jenetta James is a mother, writer, lawyer and taker-on of too much. She grew up in Cambridge and read history at Oxford University where she was a scholar and president of the Oxford University History Society. After graduating, she took to the law and now practices full-time as a barrister. Over the years, she has lived in France, Hungary, and Trinidad as well as her native England. Jenetta currently lives in London with her husband and children where she enjoys reading, laughing, and playing with Lego. She has written, Suddenly Mrs. Darcy and The Elizabeth Papers as well as contributed short stories to both The Darcy Monologues and Dangerous to Know: Jane Austen’s Rakes and Gentlemen Rogues.

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Giveaway

Jenetta has selected a lovely giveaway package where one lucky winner will receive a Pride & Prejudice scarf, a Kindle cover and paperback copies of all five of her JAFF books.

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Lover’s Knot Tour Schedule

March 29th: My Jane Austen Book Club / Guest Post & Giveaway

March 30th: Savvy Verse & Wit / Guest Post & Giveaway

March 31st: Liz's Reading Life / Book Review & Giveaway

April 1st: My Vices and Weaknesses / Excerpt Post & Giveaway

April 2nd: Of Pens and Pages / Book Review & Giveaway

April 3rd: So Little Time / Guest Post & Giveaway

April 4th: Austenesque Reviews / Author Interview & Giveaway

April 5th: From Pemberley to Milton / Excerpt Post & Giveaway

April 6th: Babblings of a Bookworm / Book Review & Giveaway

April 7th: More Agreeably Engaged / Book Review & Giveaway

April 8th: My Love for Jane Austen / Guest Post & Giveaway

April 9th: Diary of an Eccentric / Guest Post & Giveaway

April 10th: Laughing with Lizzie / Excerpt Post & Giveaway

April 11th: Margie’s Must Reads / Book Review & Giveaway

April 12th: Just Jane 1813 / Author Interview & Giveaway

Blog Tour & Review ~ A Searing Acquaintance by J.L. Ashton

A Searing Acquaintance
by J.L. Ashton

Book Blurb

“I don’t know why I ever thought we made sense.”

Smart, educated people are fools in love, especially when they’re mired in denial and misunderstanding.

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. 

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 decide what to call him. Mr. Noir? Nurse Darcy? Sleazy British playboy? Ferdinand?

“So, it’s Fitzwilliam, right? That’s an amazing name, you know. Which came first—the name or the accent?”

He looked at her.

“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.’”

Can an accidental encounter that leads to shocking intimacy change the course they’ve both set and bring them into love’s light? 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?

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Review

This is a remarkable retelling of the classic story we all love, Pride and Prejudice.

Although set in the modern era, you seen the similarities with the original along with the changes made to fit within this storyline. Readers will be drawn into the story, the complex past of Elizabeth and Will, and the endearing love they share. You will find laugh, cry, and smile with each passing page as the heart and soul of Elizabeth and Will shine through.

Whether you're a JAFF reader or just a lover a romance, I think this book should be embraced for it's admirably written and captivating love story.

J.L. Ashton Bio

J.L. Ashton didn’t meet Jane Austen until she was in her late teens, but in a happy coincidence, she shares a similarity of name with the author and celebrates her birthday on the same day Pride & Prejudice was first published. Sadly, she’s yet to find any Darcy and Elizabeth candles on her cake, but she does own the action figures.

Like so many Austen fans, Jan was an early and avid reader with a vivid imagination and a well-used library card. Her family’s frequent moves in the U.S and abroad encouraged her to think of books and their authors as reliable friends. It took summers in London, a history degree, and another decade or two for her to start imagining variations on Pride & Prejudice, and another decade—filled with career, marriage, kids, and a menagerie of pets—to discover the world of JAFF. Today, in between writing Jane Austen variations, Jan lives and works in the Chicago area, where she volunteers far too often and is a member of the local and national chapters of the Jane Austen Society of North America.

A Searing Acquaintance is her first book.

Author Links

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A Searing Acquaintance Blog Tour Schedule

3/7: Excerpt & Giveaway at My Jane Austen Book Club
3/8: Guest Post & Giveaway at So Little Time…
3/9: Review at Tomorrow is Another Day
3/10: Author Interview & Giveaway at From Pemberley to Milton
3/11: Character Interview & Giveaway at Leatherbound Reviews
3/12: Excerpt & Giveaway at Babblings of A Bookworm
3/13: Review at Liz’s Reading Life
3/14: Review at Half Agony, Half Hope
3/15: Review at Margie’s Must Reads
3/16: Excerpt & Giveaway at Best Sellers and Best Stellars
3/17: Guest Post at My Kids Led Me Back to Pride and Prejudice
3/18: Review at Diary of an Eccentric
3/19: Review at Just Jane 1813
3/20: Excerpt & Giveaway at Delighted Reader
3/21: Guest Post & Giveaway at Austenesque Reviews

Blog Tour & Giveaway ~ A Little Whimsical In His Civilities By J. Marie Croft

Please welcome J. Marie Croft!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thanks, Liz, for allowing me to contribute to your Reading Life.

Like Liz’s banner up there says, “The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel or film, must be intolerably stupid.”

Okay, so Jane Austen never mentioned film, but her novels have been adapted to screens big and small for over 75 years. Clueless (1995) is a romantic comedy loosely based on Emma. The following year, Gwyneth Paltrow starred in a theatrical film adaptation of the same novel.

Right now, you can probably see Pride and Prejudice and Zombies at your local cinema. Back in 2005, Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen starred in Pride and Prejudice on the big screen. But it was the 1995 BBC six-episode television dramatization of that novel that made a huge impact on my life.

My love of Austen came later than for most other fans of her work, and it came about in a roundabout way. Namely, curiosity about the fuss over Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001) starring Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth, and Hugh Grant. Colin Firth! He’s responsible for sparking my Jane Austen obsession. His Mark Darcy led me to his Mr. Darcy. Which led to Austen’s novels. Which led to Jane Austen fan fiction. Which led to writing what I call ‘Regency romantic comedies’.

According to Wikipedia, romantic comedies are: … films with light-hearted, humorous plot lines, centered on romantic ideals such as that true love is able to surmount most obstacles. In a typical romantic comedy the two lovers tend to be young, likable, and apparently meant for each other, yet they are kept apart by some complicating circumstance (e.g., class differences, parental interference, a previous girlfriend or boyfriend) until, surmounting all obstacles, they are finally wed. A wedding-bells, fairy-tale-style happy ending is practically mandatory.

My light-hearted novella, A Little Whimsical in His Civilities, takes place one moonlit night in 1812 and is told from the gentleman’s point of view. Attempts to dance and talk with his ladylove are foiled by others. Then, when he does get her alone, he has trouble expressing himself. It all turns out well, though.

Humour, complications, and a happily-ever-after ... yep, ‘Regency Rom Com’. That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it. But, just like Jane Austen’s novels, my stories have no steamy sex scenes. Sorry to disappoint. Characters may be allowed to steal a kiss, though, which is further than Austen dared.

I prefer the old-fashioned kind of romantic comedy – such as those starring Rock Hudson and Doris Day or Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy or, much later, Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks.

In honour of Valentine’s Day, and in no particular order (except the first film, which is my all-time favourite in the genre), I’ve listed my top five rom coms. Colin Firth is in three of them. Coincidence? I think not. The other two have the late Audrey Hepburn in common.

J. Marie Croft’s Top 5 Romantic Comedies

Love Actually (2003)

The Importance of Being Earnest (2002)

Algernon (Rupert Everett): “I really don't see what is so romantic about proposing. One may be accepted - one usually is, I believe - and then the excitement is ended. The very essence of romance is uncertainty.”

 Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)

Sabrina (1954)

Linus Larrabee (Humphrey Bogart): How do you say in French my sister has a yellow pencil?

Sabrina Fairchild (Audrey Hepburn): Ma soeur a un crayon jaune.

Linus: How do you say my brother has a lovely girl?

Sabrina: Mon frère a une gentille petite amie.

Linus: And how do you say I wish I were my brother?

  

Roman Holiday (1953)

Princess Ann (Audrey Hepburn): “At midnight, I'll turn into a pumpkin and drive away in my glass slipper.”

Joe Bradley (Gregory Peck): “And that will be the end of the fairy tale.”

So, what are your favourite rom coms?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A huge thanks to J. Marie Croft for visiting with us today! Those are some fabulous movies, indeed. Personally, I would have to add You've Got Mail and Breakfast At Tiffany's to the list.

Congrats on your new release. I look forward to reading A Little Whimsical In His Civilities! 

A Little Whimsical in His Civilities
by J. Marie Croft

Blurb

Told entirely from Fitzwilliam Darcy’s point of view, J. Marie Croft’s humorous novella, A Little Whimsical in His Civilities, spans one moonlit, autumnal night upon the gentleman’s return to Hertfordshire in pursuit of Elizabeth Bennet.

“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.”

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.

Purchase A Little Whimsical in His Civilities

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Author Bio

J. Marie Croft is a self-proclaimed word nerd and adherent of Jane Austen’s quote “Let other pens dwell on guilt and misery”. Her light-hearted novel, Love at First Slight (Meryton Press, 2013), her humorous short story, Spyglasses and Sunburns, in the Sun-Kissed: Effusions of Summer anthology (Meryton Press, 2015), and her novella, A Little Whimsical in His Civilities (Meryton Press, 2016) bear witness to Joanne’s fondness for Pride and Prejudice, wordplay, and laughter.

Links

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Giveaway

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Blog Tour Schedule

2/8: Excerpt & Giveaway at My Jane Austen Book Club

2/9: Guest Post & Giveaway at Moonlight Reader

2/10: Review at Tomorrow is Another Day

2/11: Guest Post & Giveaway at So Little Time…

2/12: Excerpt at My Love for Jane Austen

2/13: Excerpt & Giveaway at More Agreeably Engaged

2/14: Guest Post & Giveaway at Liz’s Reading Life

2/15: Guest Post & Giveaway at From Pemberley to Milton

2/16: Review at Just Jane 1813

2/17: Review at Half Agony, Half Hope

2/18: Review at Margie’s Must Reads

2/19: Excerpt & Giveaway at Best Sellers and Best Stellars

2/20:  Guest Post & Giveaway at Skipping Midnight

2/21: Guest Post & Giveaway at Babblings of a Bookworm

2/22: Guest Post & Giveaway at My Kids Led Me Back to Pride and Prejudice

Blog Tour & Giveaway ~ A Little Whimsical In His Civilities by J. Marie Croft

A Little Whimsical in His Civilities
by J. Marie Croft

Blurb

Told entirely from Fitzwilliam Darcy’s point of view, J. Marie Croft’s humorous novella, A Little Whimsical in His Civilities, spans one moonlit, autumnal night upon the gentleman’s return to Hertfordshire in pursuit of Elizabeth Bennet.

“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.”

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.

Purchase A Little Whimsical in His Civilities

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Author Bio

J. Marie Croft is a self-proclaimed word nerd and adherent of Jane Austen’s quote “Let other pens dwell on guilt and misery”. Her light-hearted novel, Love at First Slight (Meryton Press, 2013), her humorous short story, Spyglasses and Sunburns, in the Sun-Kissed: Effusions of Summer anthology (Meryton Press, 2015), and her novella, A Little Whimsical in His Civilities (Meryton Press, 2016) bear witness to Joanne’s fondness for Pride and Prejudice, wordplay, and laughter.

Links

Twitter | Facebook | Amazon | Website | Pinterest

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour Schedule

2/8: Excerpt & Giveaway at My Jane Austen Book Club

2/9: Guest Post & Giveaway at Moonlight Reader

2/10: Review at Tomorrow is Another Day

2/11: Guest Post & Giveaway at So Little Time…

2/12: Excerpt at My Love for Jane Austen

2/13: Excerpt & Giveaway at More Agreeably Engaged

2/14: Guest Post & Giveaway at Liz’s Reading Life

2/15: Guest Post & Giveaway at From Pemberley to Milton

2/16: Review at Just Jane 1813

2/17: Review at Half Agony, Half Hope

2/18: Review at Margie’s Must Reads

2/19: Excerpt & Giveaway at Best Sellers and Best Stellars

2/20:  Guest Post & Giveaway at Skipping Midnight

2/21: Guest Post & Giveaway at Babblings of a Bookworm

2/22: Guest Post & Giveaway at My Kids Led Me Back to Pride and Prejudice

Review: Honor and Hope

Book: Honor and Hope
Author: Regina Jeffers

I was lucky enough to win this book from the monthly Austen Authors website. It had been on my "To Be Read" list for awhile and was glad to finally be able to enjoy it. It is loosely based on Pride and Prejudice set in the modern day and time.

This time our story starts as Will Darcy and his brother, Chuck, meet Elizabeth Bennet and her sister Jane are moving into their dorms during Liz's freshman year. Chuck, of course, falls for Jane almost as soon as he sets on eyes on her. Will, on the other hand, is taken by Liz but tries to keep for falling for her. Of course, this doesn't work and Will ends up falling deeply and madly in love with Liz and she in return does the same. I enjoyed watching their friendship grow and their chemistry was electric. But nothing comes easy for our couple and after a semester they fall apart, although they both think it's the best for the other person no mater what they feel themselves. Six years later, they finally find a way back together but there are secrets each are keeping from each other.

The twists and turns that Ms. Jeffers weaves is intriguing. I was pulling for this couple from the start but there where times I thought they would never make it. Liz is more stubborn then Elizabeth Bennet and Will wears his heart on his selves which Mr. Darcy lacked at times. Will, like Mr. Darcy, would do anything and everything for those he loves and that is always agreeable to me.

In the end I was happy when our couple finally came together and how exciting that there was a double wedding between Will and Liz and Jane and Chuck. This was an enjoyable book that any fans of Pride and Prejudice would enjoy. A modern adaptation based upon a beloved classic, what more could one ask for.

Tootles!

Challenge Review: From This Day Forward

Books: From This Day Forward
Author: Joana Starnes

From This Day Forward follows the Darcys during their first years as a married couple. Although over all this is was an enjoyable book I found it a little slow to begin with. The first part of the book shows us how these two love birds live together while getting to know each other better. Their first Christmas is a happy time filled with so much love and joy. It always shows us into Mary and Kitty's lives and their gentlemen acquaintances. After all Mrs. Bennet's purpose in life to find suitable men for her daughters. Also during this first year we get to see Georgiana come into her own. First with building a relationship with Elizabeth and then deciding whom her heart truly wants. Luckily for her she has two possible suitors that give her the space she needs to work through her thoughts and heart.

The second year starts off great but as Christmas rolls around again, there is a tragic misfortune that could tear the Darcy a part. A lot of love and compassion from Darcy will help Elizabeth over this hurtle and that is something we all love about Darcy. He loves his family above all else and will do anything and everything for them.

The third year is better with the addition of the Darcy heir! What could be more thrilling and more loving then a addition to the family. Not only that, but Georgiana also gets married and so does Mary and Kitty. It was a lovely turn of events that shows us that although our couple can and will succeed through life's adversities and come out stronger on the flip side.

In the end I truly enjoyed this story with its ups and downs that life puts before us. It was a delightful, indeed!

Tootles!!

Challenge Review: A Most Civil Proposal

Book: A Most Civil Proposal
Author: C.P. Odom

I truly enjoyed this book! I loved the proposal scene at the parsonage and loved that Elizabeth still had her say against his proposal but Mr. Darcy presented himself well. What I didn't approve of was Mr. Collins' jumping the wrong conclusions when he comes upon Lizzy and Darcy and then has the nerve of spreading the news to not only Lady Catherine but also Mr. Bennet. While Lizzy still doesn't accept Darcy during their interview, she at least allows him to call on her while she is in London at her Aunt's and Uncle's.

While Darcy is in London await for Lizzy, Lizzy is contemplating her feelings for Darcy and asking herself if she could ever marry him. When they finally meet again, she has come to accept Darcy's love for her and,
although she doesn't love, she accepts him. Due to Mr. Bennet's lack of blessing, although he gives his consent, Darcy and Lizzy marry in London with the help of her Uncle and Aunt and two start their lives together.

It takes awhile for Lizzy to realize that she not only respects Darcy but loves him with her whole heart and soul. She proves to all that she will stand by Darcy no matter what and berates her father for not only not listening to her but treating her husband with disrespect. In the end, he finally comes to realize he was wrong asks not only for Lizzy's but Darcy's forgiveness. We also get to see Jane and Bingley finally come together and get married. There are some other interesting aspects that I will let you discover yourself but I do love Mrs. Bennet's reaction to Lizzy's wedding!!

This was an enjoyable read and I would love to see what more Mr. Odom has in store for us in the future.

Challenge Review: Pride and Prejudice (movie)

Movie: Pride and Prejudice
Elizabeth Bennet: Keira Knightley
Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy : Matthew MacFadyen

"The glorious world of Jane Austen is at last brought back to the big screen in all its romance, wit, and emotional force in Pride & Prejudice. Faithful to the setting and period of the beloved novel and filmed entirely on location in the U.K., this is the first movie version of the story in 65 years." ~ Focus Films

This beloved story of love and misunderstanding during the Regency Era shows us into the lives to the Bennets – Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty (Catherine) and Lydia. The girls have been raised by their mother, Mrs.Bennet, to secure a husband post haste since the family home is entailed to a distant male cousin. Mr. Bennet on the other hand prefers to left alone in his study and enjoys the company of the his second daughter, Elizabeth. Elizabeth was never Mrs. Bennet's favorite daughter, that title belongs to Lydia, because of her spirited and intelligent personality. Jane and Elizabeth vow to only marry for love and not to marry just any suitor their mother puts in their path.

When Mr. Bingley moves into a house, Mrs. Bennet is determined that he will marry one of her daughters Mr. Bingley brings along his sister, Caroline Bingley, and his best friend, Mr.Fitzwilliam Darcy. And so the fun begins. The movie stays true to a lot of the book but varies from time to time.

I truly enjoyed the movie when I first saw it back in 2005 and have been in love with Matthew MacFadyen's Mr. Darcy. Although the first proposal was outside and in the rain instead of the Hunsford parsonage, I think is showcased the passion and strong personalities of each individual. And when our couple finally come together, she walking outside Longbourn and him walking through the mist from Nerthfield, takes my breath away.

I have to thank Keira, Matthew and Joe Wright for an enjoyable and lovely movie!

Tootles!!

Review: Mr. Darcy's Noble Connections

Book: Mr. Darcy's Noble Connections
Author: Abigail Reynolds

Ms. Reynolds has done it again!! This time around she brings us to a new location with a new cast of characters.

Our story starts after the unsuccessful proposal at Hunsford, which has brought Elizabeth to visit her friend, Lady Eleanor, at Bentham Park. Darcy just happens to be visiting his hood friend, Mr. Paxton, at a neighboring estate at the same time Elizabeth is at Bentham Park.While our couple is unaware of each other's presence, Lady and Eleanor and Mr. Paxton have been keeping their relationship secret and have enlisted their friends to help.  Over the course of their respective visits, Darcy and Elizabeth spend a lot of time together and Elizabeth starts to question her feelings for Darcy.

But we all know it can't be easy for these two to come to understanding, so we have several people trying to come between them. First is Lord Charles, who at first just wants to take advantage of Elizabeth and then surprisingly comes to respect to her and possibly marry her. Secondly, there is Eleanor who wanted to keep her love a secret, fearing how her family would handle the news, becomes engaged to Darcy after some facts were misunderstood. And lastly, our couple still misunderstand each other and have to work through a lot of their problem all the while working through obstacles keeping them apart.

There are several memorable scenes; one scene between Darcy and Elizabeth in moors will take your breathe away. Needless to say, you will never look at hairpins the same way!! We are also introduced to Eleanor's grandmother, Dowager Marchioness, who is force of nature. I can totally see Elizabeth being like her when is older; both ladies are amazing women. Eleanor's brother, Lord Charles is not someone we like in the beginning but as the story unfold he has some endearing qualities that makes you feel sorry that in the end he couldn't win Elizabeth's heart. Although there is a fight scene between Lord Charles and Darcy that made me laugh and compare it to the fight scene between Mark Darcy and Daniel Cleaver in Bridget Jones's Diary.

Luckily for us, it all works out in the end and Darcy and Elizabeth finally come together! I highly recommend this book to all Darcy and Elizabeth fans, you won't want to put it down until you have finished.

Tootles!

Challenge Review: Promises

Book: Promises
Author: Wendi Sotis

I was unprepared to read to this book!! I never would have imaged that I would feel so many emotions while reading it, but I was pleasantly surprised.

It starts off with Elizabeth sitting on the floor in a bookstore where is happens to meet Darcy! He is adjusting to life without his mother and she is just trying to live her life without constantly disappointing her mother. We soon come to learn that Elizabeth's and Darcy's father are long last friends who are pleased to connect again. Over the next several years, Elizabeth and Darcy meet and become great friends; she gets to stay are Darcy House and Pemberley. While Darcy is away on his tour of Italy, Elizabeth and Mr. Bennet have come to stay at Pemeberley but by a surprise turn of events Darcy comes home early just in time to meet Elizabeth again; Elizabeth has grown into a lovely sixteen year old (she's grown up and out of those awkward years).

Their meeting was priceless! Darcy had been out riding and Elizabeth was coming down from a tree when he come around a hedge and the horse, while trying to miss Elizabeth, swerved and caused Darcy to fall. He was injured and Elizabeth had to help him but in doing so she injured herself. The whole scene was intriguing to see them both come the realization that they loved it each other. While they both recover they spend a lot of time together and by the end of Elizabeth's stay and come to an understanding and promise to meet again in eight months on Elizabeth's seventeenth birthday; then they will become official engaged!

This where things go wrong! Old Mr. Darcy is killed in an accident, someone is keeping letters from the Bennets and Darcy from getting to each other, Darcy is injured during a fire and the next thing you know three years have passed. Oh how my heart ached at all the time kept my favorite couple apart!

Luckily for us Bingley leases a house in Hertfordshire and Darcy comes along!! The lovers finally have a chance to meet again and this time talk things through. Right the wrongs. It takes a little while to finally get the happy end we all longed for, but in the end it was well worth it!

My favorite part of the book had to be when Mr. Bennet had to have a "the birds and the bees" talk with Darcy! That was priceless!! This version of Jane was very different from the original but I loved it. And oh Mrs. Bennet was amazing!! She changed her demeanor after hearing some comments and was able to reign in Lydia and Kitty; well done Mrs. Bennet. I didn't like Lady Catherine to being with but this version made me dislike her even more and I was surprised to see the Earl of Matlock being as devious as this. Good thing Colonel Fitzwilliam was there to give some relief to the drama; he can always be counted on for a good laugh.

Overall, I really liked this retelling of Darcy and Elizabeth. Thanks to Ms. Sotis for taking me on a roller coaster ride of emotions.

Tootles!

P&P Bicentenary Challenge

Since this is the 200th (yes folks 200!) anniversary of Pride and Prejudice's publication, our friends over at Austenprose.com are having a little challenge! Well, since I'm already in the mists of my own personal challenge, why not add this to my year end goal. So now I have to read or watch a P&P variation and post a review after doing so. Simple, right? Well, not really because you see there is literally several hundreds of books and several film adaptations and to pick just a few is difficult! But I guess I will solider on and set my goal of "Aficionado" by selecting 12 books/films.....

• Pride and Prejudice (2005 movie version)

• Pride, Prejudice and Cheese Grits by Mary Jane Hathaway

• First (Wrong) Impressions by Krista Ball

• Promises by Wendi Sotis

• Charlotte: Elizabeth Bennet's Story by Linda Phelps

• Miss Bennet & Mr Bingley by Fenella Miller

• From This Day Forward by Joanna Starnes

• And Who Can Be In Doubt of What Followed by Alexa Adams

• Mr Darcy Came To Dinner by Jack Caldwell

• A Most Civil Proposal by C.P. Odom

• Searching For Pemberely by Mary Lydon Simonsen

• Pride and Prejudice (1995 Miniseries)

• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Okay so that's 13, but what good is a challenge if you don't challenge yourself?!?! And beside it a P&P challenge so it goes without saying that you should at least read the original that started it all! 

If it wasn't for Jane Austen introducing Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy to us 200 years ago, then my life would be so dull. Indeed! 

Tootles! 

Review: Lady Harriette: Fitzwilliam's Heart and Soul

Book: Lady Harriette: Fitzwilliam's Heart and Soul
Author: P.O. Dixon

Ms. Austen said it best, "The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid.” She could have easily said this about Ms. Dixon's latest book, Lady Harriette: Fitzwilliam's Heart and Soul. After reading To Have His Cake (and Eat It Too); What He Would No Do, I was left wondering how life would be for Fitzwilliam and Harriette after their "unusual" courtship; now I know! This book made me admire Fitzwilliam more than previously as he brings his home from the brink of disaster which has been mismanaged, maintaining his loyalty to his family (even with Lord Matlock and Lady Catherine trying to undermine him) and building a life with his new bride.

Although the book's central characters are Fitzwilliam and Harriette, Darcy and Elizabeth are their closest friends and that friendship is essential to the new couple.  I'm pleased that they are there for their friends even as they are working through their own problems when someone from Darcy's part is now working as one of the servants in the Fitzwilliam household.

Another amazingly will written story by Ms. Dixon that's sure to become a classic in its own right! I know Jane would have approved!

Review: Love Will Grow

Book: Love Will Grow
Author: P.O. Dixon

Finished this book within a day and it was well worth it! Amazingly written and enjoyed it most ardently. 

This time around Anne de Bourgh befriends Elizabeth Bennet while she is staying at Hunsford. Anne needs Elizabeth's help to persuade Darcy to marry her, just as her mother always wanted. While Elizabeth does not have the best impression of Darcy she agrees to Anne's plan. While getting to know Darcy, for Anne's benefit, she comes to realize that she has developed feelings for him. Poor Elizabeth is stuck between a rock and a hard place, what should she do? On one hand she feels obligated to keep away from Darcy for Anne's sake but then on the other she loves him and wants to be with him. Luckily for us, Anne comes to realize the truth and helps Elizabeth realize her true dream... a life with Darcy.

Thanks to P.O. Dixon for another riveting story starring Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet!!