Hello readers! I am very happy to welcome the lovely Cat Gardiner back to Austenesque Reviews today! If you have not read any of Cat’s stories, they are phenomenal and you need to check them out with all possible haste (Denial of Conscience and Lucky 13 are both wonderful, immersive experiences). Today Cat is here to talk about her latest novel, Villa Fortuna, (which I am looking forward to reading soon!) I hope you greatly enjoy her post about leaving and finding home!
Running & Returning
Happy New Year, friends and thank you for stopping by Austenesque Reviews to read a little bit about my new Austen-inspired novel, Villa Fortuna. Thank you, Meredith for all the hard work you put into bringing authors to readers and books to TBR piles. I am honored to be here!!
Many of you may be able to relate to Elizabeth Bennet and that extreme embarrassment she felt whenever her mother squealed or gossiped, or when her sister Mary pontificated in public. Perhaps some readers have a younger sister who was so out there as a teenager that you couldn’t help running in the other direction. Were you happy to leave for college or university, escaping in what you viewed as the opportunity of a lifetime to run far from your family and all that came with them?
Our canon Elizabeth was embarrassed of everyone except Charlotte and Jane, who, like her, acted with poise and decorum, understanding their position in society. In fact, IMHO the girls held themselves to a higher standard in order to represent themselves not only as daughters of landed gentlemen, but also women of substance, propriety, and good-breeding: maybe not accomplished, but definitely not lacking. Was it all in an endeavor to be accepted among best society should the opportunity present? Or was it to snag a suitable husband, just as their mother endeavored? Perhaps, it was simply because they wanted to be considered more than “sisters born of inferior birth.”
Ah, but they couldn’t escape the association to a shallow mother and a lackadaisical father who cared not to better himself or his estate. Nor could they run from their sisterhood to the three silliest girls in all of England. Society and propriety would not allow them to leave home as we do today. The closest Jane and Elizabeth came to “running” was the occasional escape to the Gardiner’s in London, but nothing lasted forever—return was inevitable (thank goodness for fanfiction!)
Fast forward two hundred years to our modern era where social and familial expectations are barely discernible, anything goes, whenever and it goes. Children are departing home faster than parents can wave good-bye (some with glee and visions of what their bedrooms could be turned into.) However, oftentimes leaving is a necessity. Opportunities available in a small town might be few. Dreams of a particular career or pursuit of happiness are the impetus to leave. Many college-bound eighteen-year olds don’t return, eventually establishing themselves in jobs far from their birthplace, followed by lives of their own: marriage, children, homes. Kids return—maybe—for a holiday, but only if financially possible and allowing for the ability to get time off from work. Some may only visit if it suits their vacation plans. Trust me, I’ve talked to hundreds of elderly people in my husband’s medical practice and have determined that this is epidemic in America. It’s just plain difficult to drop your life, pack up a family, and get on a plane.
I was one of those “kids.”
Even though I didn’t have a family that compelled me to flee without looking back, I always thought that the world was so big that I could live anywhere. Why stay in one town for the majority of my life? There were things to see and accomplish, dreams to fulfill. Follow the money, follow my man, follow my heart’s desires, which was to follow his! I was sure that the rainbow always led to somewhere exciting on far away distant shores.
Although not military, my husband and I made decisions that brought us to 13 different residences in four different states, and when my parents retired to Florida in 1994, what was the point of ever returning to New York? Home wasn’t home any longer, and Florida was their new home, not mine. Heck, for the first two years, they had slippers waiting at the door for visitors, along with instructions on toilet paper usage for the “smaller pipes.” Wth? I swore Florida would never be the end game.
Twenty-three years later … where do I live now? Florida, where else? Home is near my family. My mother always said so (oh how I hate to admit she was right, even if I never abide by the toilet paper edict.) But, guess what? I’m happy. Happy that I could be near my aged parents when they need me most—and when I need them, too. Near mamma’s hugs and macaroni, near dad’s knack of seeing everything with the sunny side up. Near the laughter and the unconditional love.
Enter Elizabeth Clemente Fairchild, the heroine of Villa Fortuna. Sometimes I think she may be misunderstood by readers. What’s the big deal about being a “girl from the neighborhood” one may ask. Well, she’s a girl who grew up with dreams of attaining higher education, being the first in her family to go to college, the first doctor. White collar vs. blue. She’s ambitious and determined to become successful to help lift her family up and out of that “stereotypical world” they still live in. Her education, followed by the luck of the draw residency match, then first job made it impossible to go home and now she resides in Los Angeles. How can we possibly blame her for that? I don’t think we can, but she’s been gone so long that she’s forgotten all the absolutely wonderful, heart-filling reasons to consider a return back to New York City’s Little Italy section of the Bronx.
Days after the opening of her sisters’(Gina and Nicki) hair salon within the building they 
inherited (Villa Fortuna,) located in the hoity-toity village of Etonville, we encounter one of the many arguments between our “Jane” (Gina) and Elizabeth.
“Did you tell him who you are?”
“Of course I did.”
“I mean did you tell him that you’re Lizzy Clemente from Little Italy, co-owner of an Italian hair salon?”
It didn’t surprise Gina when her sister handed back the cup then turned away from her inquisitive stare. After opening a cabinet, she neatly arranged the cleaning supplies within, avoiding the question.
“Lizzy?”
Elizabeth suddenly turned with hands insolently fixed to her hips. “That girl from the neighborhood is not who I am. That’s who you and Nicki are. I explained this to you more than once. For a decade, I’ve been Elizabeth Fairchild. I’m a physician and I live on Melrose Avenue, not Arthur Avenue. My life is orderly, not chaotic. I eat sushi and listen to jazz music. Guacamole is my condiment, not marinara and parmesan. You can’t expect, in just six short days, for me to slip back into being the very person—the very stereotype—I ran away from. I am not that girl any longer.”
She sucked in her lips, but Gina ignored the pissed off expression. “You’re such a liar. Why are you fighting this, Lizzy?”
“I’m not fighting anything.”
“He won’t care if that’s what you’re so concerned about. Growing up in Belmont has made you who you are—your heart, your dreams, everything! You might be surprised—he may love that you were born Italian.” The tip of her index finger pressed against her temple, twisting like a screwdriver. “You’re out of your head! You’re losing your compass!”
Only two weeks later, followed by the success of the salon, we fast forward to Elizabeth:
Sitting in the office awaiting her next client, Elizabeth could hear the laughter at the front of the salon, three women cackling at a joke Nicki had made when guy number 14 entered the salon. That girl had made eight hundred dollars last week in tips, a lot more than she would have made working in Atlantic City—on her feet, that is.
She smiled thinking things were finally where they should be for her sisters. They had found their niche and the neighborhood embraced them and all this “culture” they brought with them. She knew first hand that one can never resist an authentic cannoli or a good time with girlfriends, finding both on her return home. Yes, home, and in spite of the second fight she had with Gina over all these secrets both of them were keeping, erecting the fresh Christmas tree and telephoning their mamma seemed to set everything right. She hadn’t felt this happy in a long time when it came to accepting who she really was. Returning to the foundation of her life had changed her, and now, standing on the precipice of decisions, she considered telling her sisters that she was staying in New York permanently. She wanted what they had!
I’d love to tell you that it’s all rainbows and roses from there … but you’ll have to read Villa Fortuna to find that out! LOL
Thank you, Meredith for, once again, hosting my ramblings. Thank you readers for indulging me and considering Villa Fortuna for your 2016 TBR. It’s more Pride and Prejudice than you may realize and certainly an opportunity for a chuckle or two. Now a little about this swag giveaway: each stop on the blog tour offered a gift pack representing a scene in Villa Fortuna. This one, the big one, is from one of Mike’s (Darcy) dating haunts, a well-known Italian restaurant in East Harlem (Rao’s.) Well-known not only for the cuisine, but also for its history of Mafia clientele. click for link to New York Post article
Buono Fortuna! Good luck in the giveaway and in the New Year!
Thank you, Cat! I can’t wait to see if Elizabeth stays in New York, sounds like she is doing some soul-searching and going through a personal discovery stage! Like many of us, I do understand the need to “get out” of my parent’s house and my hometown. But like you, I know live relatively close to them and it is definitely true that home is with family! Thank you for sharing your post and excerpt with us today!
~~~
Connect with Cat
GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
Today Cat comes with some lovely little gifties to share with some lucky readers! The first prize is a paperback of Villa Fortuna with some special Italian restaurant treats! (open to residents in the US). The second prize is an ebook of her lovely new novel, Villa Fortuna (open internationally).
To enter this giveaway leave a comment, question, or some love for Cat below!
- This giveaway is open worldwide (ebook only). Thank you, Cat!
- This giveaway ends January 13th
Thanks Meredith and Cat for another fun highlight! Cat’s books are always so well-written and adventurous. The “hair-salon” is certainly a new setting. VF is definitely on my DTR list. Happy New Year to you both. Jen Red
Happy New Year,Jen! You’re a sweetheart! I think VF will be right up your alley because I know how you dearly love to laugh. Thanks for the comment and support! Best of Luck in the giveaway.
Thanks for stopping by, Jennifer! I quite agree with you! Cat does an amazing job with details and character history and there is always a sense of adventure too! Love her books!
I loved Denial of Conscience and look forward to reading Villa Fortuna – thank you for the giveaway! The idea of Elizabeth in a hair salon is a different twist, and I wonder where Darcy (Mike) comes in. No matter where you live, it seems we always refer to “home” as where we grew up.
Hi Eva! Happy New Year. The story behind the hair salon began with my own hairdresser. She said she had an idea and wanted to call it Sex, Lies, and a Haircut. Since VF is mostly innuendo, the title didn’t quite fit but the theme did! LOL Thank you so much for stopping by! Good Luck!
I love reading the story behind the story….I was one of those who left a small farm in a dying community in upstate ( the true upstate not Westchester!) and rarely had a reason to go back. Now I have a daughter who left a rather nice NYC suburb community to live in London so I am intrigued by the home concept.
Thanks!
Hi Theresa! Thanks for the comment. It’s funny how the theme of leaving home evolved in VF. I hadn’t initially intended for the sisters to have quite the dynamic that they do. All strong, divergent in qualities and abilities, but bound by familial love and their roots. I think after a long time gone, there will always be a little something missing, and for Elizabeth, returning home fills that empty spot she had tried to fill with career and guacamole. 🙂 Wishing you and your daughter a wonderful New Year. Hope her dreams come true in London! Good luck in the giveaway.
I really like the premise of this story and
have added Villa Fortuna to my TBR list.
Thanks for the interview and giveaway.
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year, ladysusan! Thank you for reading and adding VF to your list. I hope you have a fun time with it. Best of luck!
I enjoy your writing. Thank you for sharing your talent.
Thank you so much 2luv2laff! That means so much to hear! Happy New Year and good luck in the giveaway!
My husband entered the army 2 weeks after our marriage (Viet Nam War era) so I lived with his parents during his first year of training. (My father basically disowned me b/c I married a RC.) When he did not receive immediate orders to go the VN I moved with him to Ft. Hood, TX for the next two years. (How his orders for going over seas were canceled a year later is another story.) We then lived in Pittsburgh PA for 2 yrs. while he finished law school So we had a definite break with both our families. We did move home and moved to various locations near his parents over the years. But our three children and their families are an hour away, an hour and a half away and near Tacoma WA. So it is not easy for our family to get together. This is the first Christmas when those on the west coast couldn’t afford to fly home. Thus I understand this new way of families in our culture.
Cat, you know how much I love your books and I have to say I also have come to have such warm feeling for your friendship towards me and others. You certainly reach out!
I have given all Cat’s books 5 stars and plan to re-read all the books again and again. I love that she has a Spotify list of music to go with them as well as a Pinterest board…and that she updated Lucky 13 last Valentine’s Day for her readers.
These are MUST READS in my opinion.
I forgot to mention Cat sent me the most drool worthy Assassin’s Tango video that will make you just… sigh! I have watched it a number of times. That dance is part of what brings ODC together for a first meet in Denial of Conscience.
Happy New Year Sheila! I’m so flattered that, given the size of your TBR list, you read VF straight out of the gate, even leaving such a wonderful review! Thank you!!! Thank you for sharing this bit of yourself and your family dynamic. I think you connected with VF on a few levels – maybe even seeing Elizabeth’s struggle with her RC faith and her past hurts. That too, was an unexpected element that helped to develop her character and resistance to returning home. Thank goodness for Mike, right?
What a blessing that you had DH stateside and experienced that which I wrote about in the article: following your man. 🙂 It’s tough on a mom to hear those words “we can’t make it this Christmas.” I’m sorry you did see all the kids. Perhaps, like I did, they’ll find their way home permanently. 😉
Sheila, you are a delight to the JAFF world, and a wonderful woman. I’m happy to call you friend. Thank you for all your enthusiasm with my (and others) books. I’m glad they take you to happy – and exciting – places! Look for very different, and surprising, things from me this year … I hope you enjoy them just as much. Wishing you tons of happiness in 2016!
Hugs, Cat
Love your post. After 5 years away, my husband and I moved back home to be near our family again, especially to be with our only grandchild. Home is family, indeed.
Thanks for the lovely giveaway!
Hi Pam! I bet it felt really great to come home. I truly believe there is a season for everything; the timing was probably perfect for you and your dh. Enjoy the making of wonderful memories both for you and for your grandchild.. Thank you for sharing! Best of Luck in 2016 and the giveaway.
Cats’ books never disappoint and I look forward to reading this one too! She certainly has a way of writing that draws you in and you won’ t be able to stop reading until you reach the end. So happy you write so fast. 🙂
Happy New Year, Brenda! Thank you for all you do to encourage us fellow authors and for your forum to help connect with new Janite readers. I’m so happy to hear that VF is on your radar. I hope you enjoy it! I’m writing as fast as I can on something very different – a challenge that Pamela Lynne placed at my feet. Sly girl that she is always helping me to raise the bar on myself. Thanks so much for commenting and best of luck!
Cat’s books are enjoyable and very special. I look forward to enjoying this lovely book. Thanks for this wonderful feature and giveaway.
Aw, thank you Elaina!! I am so flattered by your compliment. I hope you enjoy VF and all the little hidden things within. It’s layered. Not everything is as it appears. 😉 Good luck in the giveaway and wishing you a wonderful 2016!
Thanks for this Meredith and Cat. Another must read. I just wish there were more hours in the day! I have Denial of Conscience but haven’t read it yet. Lucky 13 is on my wish list and I would love to win this one so thanks for the giveaway.
Happy New Year Glynis! Your tbr is growing! Thank you for adding my books. The three are escapes, particularly VF because I think it’s a real feel good book. DoC is an international summer getaway! Thank you for reading and commenting and good luck in the giveaway!
You will love Lucky 13 and Deniail of Conscience, Glynis! Thanks for coming to visit!
Thank you Meredith and Cat! Wonderful excerpt! I have added Villa Fortuna to my tbr this year list!
Hi Megan! Thank you so much! Wishing you the best in the New Year and the giveaway. Hugs
Great! Best of luck in the giveaway!
This is a wonderful story and I would love to have the paperback to complete my collection of Cat’s books! She’s a wonderful writer! You almost expect to lift your eyes from the book and find yourself in the place she’s describing.
Hi Tere! You’re a sweetheart to give me such a generous compliment to my writing style! Thank you and thank you for your wonderful review of VF! I am tickled that you enjoyed it so much. You are such a special lady! Hugs and kisses for a blessed 2016. Good luck in the giveaway.
You are a new author for me. I received Denial of Conscience and Lucky 13 as Christmas gifts this year. I’m currently reading Lucky 13 and I can say that I will always have that image in my mind when I hear Elvis Presley sing “A Little Less Conversation.” Thank You!
Hi Arelys! Lovely to meet you! I hope you enjoy the books! That scene in the auditions, I hear a lot about from readers, who all had the same reaction. tee hee. The British Model David Gandy is my visual inspiration for both that Mr. Darcy as well as the hero in VF. Thanks for commenting and good luck in the giveaway!
Meredith and Cat, thank you for the excerpt. Love your stories. Two are in my TBR stack. Keep in books coming, Cat, because they are fantastic!
Hi Carol!! Happy New Year! Thank you for your kind words. I’m so happy that VF is on your tbr. I hope you enjoy it. Look for a few different things from me this year – something for everyone’s palate.- and I’ll keep my fingers crossed that you think them fantastic, too. LOL Thank you again and good luck in the giveaway. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, Carol! I echo your wishes and hope that Cat does keep these great books coming! 🙂
Wonderful excerpt. Cat’s books are among my favorite variations. This is a must read! Thank you for the fun and generous giveaway.
Wow! I am flattered, Becky. Thank you so much. I am sooo happy that you had a great time with VF. Look for new releases in 2016. My fingers are flying. 🙂 Happy New Year and good luck!! Hugs
I’d love to win the paperback. Hadn’t heard of this author before. I don’t read too many modern Austenesque books.
Hi Michelle! Great to meet you. When I first came to JAFF I didn’t consider moderns, but then one or two good ones got me hooked – and then I started writing them. 🙂 Thank you for reading the article and commenting. Wishing you good luck in the giveaway. Maybe modern might be a new reading avenue for 2016. 🙂
Love all of Cat’s stories even that angst filled WWII drama!
Villa Fortunate was laugh out loud funny. Loved all of the characters especially the sisters and the neghibors! Great read. Hope there will be more from Cat soon!
Happy New Year Davida!! Thank you for your compliments! Woo Hoo!! I adore that you loved the Clemente sister as well as the neighbors in their building. Such a wonderful community they had. AND you loved my WWII!! Thank you. I have started writing my third WWII novel, but two will be publishing this year under a distinct Cat Gardiner 1940s brand. 🙂 I’m very, very excited about it because although I love the good times of L13, DoC, and VF, my heart lives and breathes the war era and the research. I’m glad you loved the angst! Hugs for good luck in the giveaway.
Always fun when Cat drops in for a visit. This is my next read and I can’t wait. 🙂
Please don’t enter me in the contest, Meredith.
Happy New Year! You are a sweetheart, Sophia. With a tbr a mile high and growing with tons of great reads, you’ve added VF as your next read! Thank you! I hope you have a great time! Best of luck!
Looking forward to reading this. Sounds good.
Hi Lynn! Happy New Year! Thank you for adding VF on your tbr. I hope you enjoy it! Good Luck!
I truely enjoyed her Lucky 13 – can’t wait to get to know this one 1
Happy New Year Chantal! I hope you enjoyed Jane and Charlie’s wedding on New Year’s Eve in L13. Did you rush ahead or keep to the timeline. I’m curious. Thanks for all the shout outs and enthusiasm! Good Luck in the giveaway. I hope you enjoy VF just as much as L13. 🙂
I have never read any of Cat’s books, but this post has me wanting to change that. I love the tension of the push/pull of family. I have experienced it myself and it’s complicated!
Hi Sarah! Lovely to meet you! Although I don’t have a blood sister, my BFF is not afraid to say it like it is and whip me into shape from time to time and it works the other way around, too. With family, it can be complicated. The Clemente sisters embody the traits of Lizzy, Jane, and Lydia – divergent but tight. I do hope you’ll give VF a try. I think you’ll have a few laughs. 🙂 Thank you for commenting and best wishes in the giveaway!
I adored Lucky 13 and I’ve got my eye on this one too! Love Cat’s work!
Hi Brenda! Thank you so much! I hope you love VF as much as L13. I had as much fun, if not more, when writing it. Best wishes with the giveaway.
I posted yesterday but for some reason it didn’t appear.
You are a new author for me. I received Lucky 13 and Denial of Conscience as Christmas gifts. Currently reading Lucky 13. I wanted to thank you for the image that will permanently be in my mind every time I hear “Al Little Less Conversation” from Elvis Presley.
I’m not sure what happened, but thank you for stopping back to comment. 🙂 Your previous comment did show, so I replied above. Thanks again and best wishes! 🙂
Loved ‘Lucky 13’ and I currently have ‘Villa Fortuna’ on my wishlist and just recently added ‘Denial of Conscience’ to it as well. How I missed that one I don’t know, but I have Meredith to thank for bringing it to my attention! As another has stated before, Cat’s ability to ‘paint a scenario or describe a scene’ is amazing. I can visualize it right in front of me. I can also hear the ‘accent’ of their voices from NYC/Long Island. I grew up on Long Island but the only words I have ever been caught out on are ‘quarter, horse and order’!
When my husband retired, we moved to his parents house (7 years ago) to help take care of them. My father-in-law passed away 6 years ago and my mother-in-law is now 90 and still going strong. Our two children are off on their own which I think is the best way to learn about themselves and grow. My daughter has a career, is a wife and mother of two beautiful children. Our son has his career and enjoying the single life. They always come home whether for the holidays (on or after) or when they need a place to re-charge batteries.
Thank you for your generosity!
Happy New Year, Carole! Thank you for sharing with us about your “return to home,” something, no doubt, your in laws hoped you would eventually do. What a wonderful support to them and the making of memories. Its wonderful that your children visit as frequently as they do! I have to agree about tkids” building their lives. Dreaming big and living outside the nest for ten years changed my perspective, and then going “home” was an easy choice when the time was right.
Thank you for your kind compliments about L13 and my writing style. I adore getting into character as I write, and only last night found myself putting on a particular accent when reading to my DH. We had a good laugh over it!
Wishing you a wonderful 2016 and good luck in the giveaway!
You will love Denial of Conscience, my friend! Best of luck in the giveaway!
Cat really has the best prize packs ever!!!
You’re sweet Margie. 🙂 I love to spoil readers with all the essentials: music, books, and FOOD! LOL
Wonderful excerpt. Loved the story. Never read Cat´s books but I would love to win this e-book. 🙂
Hi Patricia! Great to meet you! Thank you so much for commenting and best of luck in the giveaway. 🙂
Thanks for sharing a few delectable excerpts from Villa Fortuna and telling us about yourself, Cat. Would love to win this e-book since I already have your two others.
Happy New Year Luthien!! You are quite welcome! I’m so happy that you stopped by and took the time to read this little bit about VF and were I was coming from as it would relate to our canon girls and me, too. Wishing you a wonderful year and best wishes in the giveaway! Thank you!
True to form, I’ve missed the deadline for the giveaway by one day! I have all three of Cat’s books on my amazon wish list and look forward to reading them!