Hello friends! I’m really excited to welcome back Ginger Monette to Austenesque Reviews today! As you might recall, the two books in her amazing World War I Austenesque series – The Darcy’s Hope Saga – were not only some of my favorite reads from 2017, but one of my Top Ten Favorite Austenesque Retellings! I’m delighted to 
have Ginger stop by for a visit in celebration of her releasing The Darcy’s Hope Saga Two Volume Ebook! Isn’t the cover stunning?!? I wish it was in paperback too!
For those who haven’t read this series yet, here is a little more about The Darcy’s Hope Saga!
Escape to the era of Downton Abbey with Lizzy and Darcy!
Immerse yourself in a sweeping romantic and drama-filled saga that includes two
full-length novels—both Darcy’s Hope ~ Beauty from Ashes and Darcy’s Hope at
Donwell Abbey.
~Volume I: Darcy’s Hope ~ Beauty from Ashes
Heartbroken. Devastated. WWI Captain Fitzwilliam Darcy was rejected by the
woman he loved and vows, “No more sentimental entanglements!”
But an undercover assignment at a field hospital brings him face to face with his
beloved Elizabeth—who’s working with a dashing American doctor and a prime
suspect in the espionage plot.
Forced to grapple with his feelings for her, Darcy has only a few months build a
lasting bridge to her and uncover the truth before she’s condemned to a traitor’s
noose.
~Volume II: Darcy’s Hope at Donwell Abbey
Darcy has won the heart of Elizabeth Bennet. Finally.
Then she vanishes.
Still reeling from the loss, Darcy attempts a heroic feat and only survives by the
daring rescue of his faithful batman John Thornton.
But the damage is done. Darcy is plunged into a dark and silent world.
Sent to Donwell Abbey to recover, he’s coaxed back to life by an extraordinary
nurse determined to teach him how to live and love again. A woman whose
uncanny similarities to Elizabeth invite his admiration and entice his affections.
His heart tells him to hold on to Elizabeth.
His head tells him to take a chance with his nurse.
But a secret at Donwell Abbey just might change everything…
~~~
And here are some of my thoughts about these lovely books:
Darcy’s Hope: Beauty From the Ashes
Oh my! How I adore stories like this one that beautifully interweave a significant time in history, new situations and conflicts, and Jane Austen’s characters. I loved how Ms. Monette explored the emotional well-being of both Darcy and Elizabeth during this time period. At such a time and setting as this, pride, prejudice, and society become a lot less significant, and there are different and more challenging obstacles for Darcy and Elizabeth to overcome. Both have experienced a lot of pain and hurt and have found other ways to deal with their over-whelming emotions, and both have adopted a practice of unflinching self-preservation.
My thoughts and emotions were deeply entrenched with these characters as I witnessed them deal with these deeper issues and internal battles. I love how emotionally affected I felt towards the events and characters of this story. How I felt chills and goosebumps when the soldiers began to chant ‘Dum Spiro Spero,’ how I became choked up with tears when witnessing a character in anguish and pain, and how my heart did a triple flip on the last page when things unexpectedly changed. I love it when a story makes me feel so much.
Aside from Ginger Monette’s overall brilliant construction and execution of a Pride and Prejudice retelling in a World War I setting and our hero’s and heroine’s powerful and moving internal emotional development, I loved the new cast of characters introduced in this story. They were so well-drawn – Mr. Dubois seems like such a dear and Dr. Cowart such a hilarious braggart! In addition, I loved our introduction to Robert Knightley (who seems to have found himself in similar situation as Matthew Crowley of Downton Abbey) and it was interesting to meet a more commanding and ruthless Colonel Fitzwilliam.
Beautiful composed and richly researched, Darcy’s Hope: Beauty from Ashes is a stellar example of fine Austenesque literature. Ms. Monette has crafted an exceptionally moving story complete with a compelling plot, danger, mystery, action, introspection, vivid detail, and an emotionally wrought romance. Even if you are not one to enjoy war stories, I entreat you to give this one a try!
Darcy’s Hope at Donwell
Darcy’s Hope at Donwell Abbey is just as well-written, action-packed, and emotionally turbulent as the first book in this series. And once again, I found Ginger Monette’s premise and execution to be masterful. From powerful descriptions of scenes of war to the heart-rending portrayals of the mental and emotional suffering soldiers experience, Ms. Monette’s writing brings such consummate understanding and awareness to this poignant time in history that readers cannot help but feel they are experiencing it all with the characters firsthand.
Speaking of characters, Elizabeth Bennet and Captain Darcy are my heroes. Their bravery, intelligence, and sacrifices throughout these events are deeply admirable. To see Darcy risk his life to send an important communication or show compassion for other soldiers was incredibly moving. He is a man worthy of all praise and merit. And I am in awe of Elizabeth’s strength and intelligence. She thinks on her feet, is creative in her methods, and is strong enough to always do what is best for the patient. I admired them both so much in this series and thought the author’s depictions of their trials and emotional journeys eminently moving.
As you might guess with the title and back cover blurb, there are some character cross-overs. It was great fun to see the interplay and exchanges with these other characters. I only wish we got to see more of them at the end as I do wonder what becomes of Margaret Hale, John Thornton, Colonel Fitwilliam, Dr. Scott, Sarah Knightley, and Dr. Knightley. Also, I loved how some of these original characters put me in mind of some Downton Abbey characters – Aunt Eliza, a cross between Lady Catherine de Bourgh and the Dowager Countess and Sarah Knightley, Lady Sybil. 😉
I don’t really think I need to say anymore in praise of this magnificent series – let my above review and the reviews on Amazon and Goodreads speak for themselves. I’d rather spend my last paragraph expressing my sincere and fervent wish that we see many more outstanding and remarkable works from the talented pen of Ginger Monette. Please keep writing, Ms. Monette, your avid audience awaits!!
~ GIVEAWAY TIME ~
Since this lovely saga was one of my favorite reads of 2017, I thought it would be fun to offer a giveaway of the newly released two volume ebook of The Darcy’s Hope Saga to one lucky reader!!
To enter this giveaway answer one of the following questions:
What entices you the most about this series?
Or, if you already read this series, what do you love most about it?
What would you like to see Ginger write next?
- This giveaway is open worldwide.
- This giveaway ends February 26th!
So glad you enjoyed the whole series. I’ve read the first and the rest are on my want to read list!
Definitely a beautiful duo! I cannot wait to see what else, Ms. Monette writes!
Or, if you already read this series, what do you love most about it? For myself I’ve long been fascinated by Great War-era history. And then there’s always Darcy and the Colonel …
What would you like to see Ginger write next? Anything. Really. These two stories were so well-written and edited, as well as meticulously researched. The stories kept me glued to my kindle for days. I welcome anything Ginger writes.
I agree with everything you said, Janis! It is such an interesting time of history, and yes, Ginger did such an amazing job that I would gladly pick up anything she writes! 🙂
Oh I have read both and absolutely loved them. What didn’t I love about them…nothing! The depth and breadth of the writing, research and emotion that pulled you in and wouldn’t let go was wonderful. In going back to look at my reviews, I noticed I hadn’t put a review up for the first book on Amazon though both are up on Goodreads. I will have to do that next! I hope that Ms. Monette writes the Colonel’s story next!! Please!!
Do not enter me in the giveaway.
Great answers, Carole! I appreciate you sharing your thoughts!! Ms. Monette actually wrote a very satisfying story for Colonel Fitzwilliam in her first book – Tree of Life. If you haven’t read that one yet, I think you would greatly enjoy it!
I have read the second volume only so would love to read the first part just so I can complete the story.
Oh yes, you need to! It is so lovely to see the dynamic between Darcy and Elizabeth!
I love the series, and I recommend it to other JAFF lovers. The romance, realistic war experiences, great characters and of course Lizzy’s scrapbook as a bonus. Just stunning.
What I would like Ginger to write next? Anything, really. But especially the continuation of this excellent Saga.
So glad to hear you love this series as much as I do, Kate!
A continuation or a short work that shows us Darcy and Lizzy years later would be lovely!
I think what entices me most about this series is the WW setting. I also love a good mystery, and from the descriptions, these books have that as well.
Beautiful cover! Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
Yes, there is definitely some mystery involved, which was so interesting to try and cover! I hope you get the chance to read this series soon, Pam!
I’ve read and loved these books. I am not one for war stories but this one is so well done that it won me over.
That’s great! I’m so glad you decided to give them a try!
Have her books on my TBR list! I love anything about WW1 or WW2 (shout out to Cat Gardiner here!) and wish I had more time to read. So much to enjoy and so little time.
I think you would love this series, Brenda! Especially if you loved A Moment Forever. 🙂
Thank you all so much for your lovely comments! An author’s greatest joy is to know that readers love her work. And thank you Meredith for the wonderful feature!
My pleasure, Ginger! Always thrilled to feature you on my blog! 🙂
I love the time period it’s written in
denise
Me too! Would love to read more stories from this time period!
I’ve wanted to read these books for so long! I love novels set during war times, plus the covers are so elegantly designed I can’t help but love them already!
Yes, I know what you mean! The covers are so eye-catching and enticing!
I loved these books and already have them so no need to add me into the contest. I loved the character development and the history and research Ginger incorporated into the series. Thanks so much for featuring here here and I look forward to reading more from this author.
I’m so glad to hear you love this series as much as I do, Jennifer! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and for sharing this post on Facebook!
PS I LOVE the new covers.
Ginger has a great eye, doesn’t she?
You can add my name to the list of ghose who’ve read and loved these two books. The WWI setting worked so well and I really hope Ms. Monette goes on to write more in the series. I’d love to read the story of Margaret Hale and John Thornton in particular.
Yes! That would be lovely! So glad to hear you loved this series too!
What is most enticing abiut the series? Not only is it a highly rated series about ODC but is set in the less common background of WWI. I’m a big fan of stories set in the WWI and WWII periods.
Both books have been high on my TBR list. So glad they are in a set now! Thanks for the post and giveaway opportunity 🙂
Great answer! Those time periods are always so interesting to read about. Hope you get the chance to read this lovely series soon!
I adore these books and own them, so I don’t need to take advantage of this generous give-away. But I just had to express how much I love these books. So well-written, such deep character development combined with surprising and exciting action. The plots are spectacular, and the characters from other works adds such depth to this duo. Simply amazing!!
I’m thinking it’s time for a re-read…. 😉
Thanks for including your thoughts here, Meredith; I always love your in-depth and oh-so-thoughtful reviews!!
Warmly,
Susanne 🙂
Beautifully said, Susanne! I love hearing your thoughts! Thank you so much for sharing and for your very kind words!
I’ve had these on my JAFF wish list for awhile, but when I saw them on your top faves list they went to the top. If nothing else, your beautiful review sold me on the books. In addition though, the time period attracts me because my maternal grandparents had a rather romantic beginning during WWI.
But whatever time period it took place in, the mention by you and another’s comment about the depth of research that went into the story will grab me every time. I know I’ve mentioned how hesitant I am to leave the Regency time for my JAFF reads. But all the above makes me really want to read them.
I’d love a chance at the giveaway.
Oh I know you will love these stories, Michelle! I’m promise I’m not steering your wrong! The time period is wonderful, but what is even better his how Ms. Monette incoprorates and features it in her story.
I enjoy reading stories with Darcy and Elizabeth in other time periods. These books have been on my TBR list for a while but they haven’t inched to the top yet.
Hope you get the chance to read them soon, Anita! I bet you will love them!
I haven’t read any of the series but would love to. I love purchasing a series in one go so I don’t become as depressed when I’ve finished a book knowing another is ready to start where it finished.
I agree it is hard to be patient in between books. And sometimes if many months go by, you may forget what events took place and need to read the first book again.
What an honor that you all loved the series so much–thank you for your kind words!
If you haven’t already, would you please leave a review on Amazon? If you’ve read both, just leave the review on the listing for the saga here https://www.amazon.com//dp/B0778XWLWH/
(it REALLY needs some reviews!)
You could even copy/paste your comments from here. It really does make a difference. Thanks!
The unique alternate stories are wonderful.
Yes, this series is wonderfully unique!
Such an elegant cover! I’m very curious to read these books because I love stories set during WWI and WWII.
I agree, Maria! I think you will love this series, my friend!
I am for some reason very drawn to WWI & WWII books. I enjoy seeing how those on the home front weathered the changes in their lives. And those on the front lines who are forever changed by events beyond their control fascinate me as well. I loved the first book but have not yet read the second.
Very well said, Lynn. I think that is what attracts me about stories written during any periods of war. And Ginger Monette captures those changes beautifully!
What entices me most is the time period it’s set in. I don’t think I’ve see too many Austen interpretations set at this time and I’m interested to see how it goes.
Downton Abbey and Jane Austen are my two favourite things in the world. Combining these two loves is a winning formula for me. I would like to see Ginger continue with war themes, perhaps having Darcy’s son meeting a strong and intelligent character like Elizabeth and set during WWII.
I could feel the desperation in Darcy and he longs for Elizabeth. An author cannot write enough about Darcy and Elizabeth as their angst and love can transcend any time period. Thank you for the giveaway.
I read and loved both of these stories and, Yes, the cover is gorgeous. Great review, Meredith.