Happy Monday, friends! I’m so very excited to finally (I’ve been waiting for this day!!) welcome Jennifer Redlarczyk to Austenesque Reviews today as a featured author! Jennifer has been one of the kindest and most supportive friends to my blog (and many other Austenesque sites and blogs) for years, I’m so happy that she is publishing her stories! If you haven’t yet heard, Jennifer has just published a novelette titled – A Very Merry Mix-up.
Meredith, thank you so much for hosting me on Austenesque Reviews today!
I have been a longtime follower of your blog and am thrilled to be featured with my first publication in the world of JAFF, A Very Merry Mix-up. My story was originally written for a theme challenge presented on DarcyandLizzy.com. Like Lizzy, I dearly love to laugh and couldn’t resist making a little mischief on a few of our beloved P&P characters. Just for fun, here is a little backstory to my novelette.
Prelude
It all began when Fitzwilliam Darcy and his cousin Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam stopped at 
the posting station in Bromley on their way to Rosings Park for their annual visit. Thus far, the day had been fairly warm for late March, and the gentlemen were happy to vacate the carriage for a short time. Wanting a bit of diversion, the colonel took a quick look around the area and spied an older Romani woman seated off to the side where she was selling an assortment of wine.
Cousin, if you do not mind, I should like to take a quick look at what some of the locals are selling today.”
Go right ahead,” Darcy responded. “I shall join you directly.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam merrily whistled a lively tune as he ambled down the lane to where the woman was sitting. “Good woman, what have we here?” He chuckled, taking one of the wine bottles in hand and holding it up to the light. “Hmm…. Have you anything a little more robust?”
The woman’s eyes twinkled in amusement as she stealthily reached for a cloth sack hidden beneath her stool. Taking out an unmarked bottle, she replied in her deep voice, “Perhaps this might be more to your liking.”
Indeed!” The colonel nearly licked his lips as he inspected the bottle. Might I sample its contents before I make the purchase?” He held out a small coin for her trouble.
The woman curiously looked at him before opening the bottle and pouring him a small cup. After taking the coin, she handed him her treasure. Beckoning him to come closer after he swallowed the succulent liquid, she whispered, “We call it Moon Wine.”
Moon wine, you say?”
The woman nodded and continued. “Among my people it is known to have special powers 
when drunk during a full moon. But for one such as yourself, who is not used to such magic, I shall offer a word of caution. Mysterious things have been known to happen where unspoken wishes have been granted.” She let off a low chortle.
Paying little heed to her warning the colonel remarked, “This wine is <excellent and if I do say so, it rivals some of the finest I have ever tasted here or on the continent! Madam, I should like to relieve you of this particular bottle and perhaps one other if you are able to spare it.” He pulled a small coin purse from his inner pocket and poured the contents onto the table. “I trust this will meet your price.” He smiled broadly.
Without saying a word, the woman scooped up the coins and eagerly thrust them into her pocket. She then handed the preferred bottle and one other to the colonel who gave her a gallant bow and was on his way.
Find out what happens to some of our favourite Jane Austen characters when her advice is ignored in A Very Merry Mix-up. ♫
Book Teaser
1 April 1811
All Fool’s Day
Kent
Fitzwilliam Darcy yawned and stretched, squinting as the early morning light flickered through the partially opened curtains of his bedroom window. For some unknown reason, he had not slept well. Bleary-eyed and wondering if the potent wine he had drunk on the previous evening had been the cause, he slowly rolled over intending to stay in bed a bit longer. To his chagrin, his senses were alerted when his hand met with the soft, warm body of a woman.
Good God! Who are you?” he bellowed, startling the woman who was sharing his bed.
The woman’s breath nearly caught in her throat when she turned over and saw who was by her side. “WHAT, may I ask, are YOU doing in MY bed?” Quickly pulling the sheets up to her neckline, she continued. “I demand you leave THIS INSTANT!”
You are…. You are Mrs. Collins!” he shouted in distress.
Mrs. Collins!” she shouted back. “Sir, you are mad! I am your cousin, Elizabeth Bennet, and I DO believe my dear friend Charlotte will NOT be happy when I tell her of your indiscretion.”
MY indiscretion?! Madam, you are in MY bed!”
Quickly rising, Darcy felt a little unsteady and found it necessary to hold on to the bed post while searching for his robe. Catching a glimpse of himself in the mirror, he staggered closer to the glass and groaned in disbelief. Slowly rubbing his stubby fingers across his ruddy cheeks and through his oily hair, he wondered if he had indeed gone mad. Wiping those same fingers on the front of his nightshirt, he could not help but feel his flabby chest and the protrusion of his round stomach through the cloth. Grasping the reality of his predicament, Darcy stared at himself with revulsion.
Merciful Heaven!” he thundered, turning back to the woman. “It is me, Fitzwilliam Darcy, in the body of that idiot rector! If you are Miss Elizabeth Bennet, as you claim, I fear we have both become the victims of some cruel joke. Will you not come and look for yourself?”
Picking up Charlotte’s dressing gown and quickly wrapping it around herself, Elizabeth guardedly went to the mirror as he requested. “Mr. Darcy?” She paled, realizing what he said was true.
This mix-up sounds hilarious!!! I cannot wait to see how this all happens and how it gets resolved!! If Mr. Darcy looks like Mr. Collins, what does Mr. Collins look like?!? Thank you so much for sharing, Jennifer!!
About the Author ~ Jennifer Redlarczyk
I am a private music instructor living in Crown Point, Indiana where I teach voice, violin and piano and work as an adjunct music professor at Purdue Northwest University in Hammond, Indiana. As a teen, I was introduced to Jane Austen by my mother who loved old books, old movies and old songs. In the summer of 2011, I stumbled upon Jane Austen Fanfiction at a Barnes and Noble store and became immediately obsessed. From there, I met several talented JAFF authors and devoted readers who were active on social media and eventually became a moderator for the private JAFF forum, DarcyandLizzy.com. It was there that I first tried my hand at writing short stories. I have the greatest appreciation for the creative world of Jane Austen Fanfiction and am thrilled to be a part of this genre.
~ Connect with Jennifer ~
Facebook ❧ Pinterest ❧ Twitter ❧ Youtube
~~~
GIVEAWAY TIME!
Today Jennifer brings with her some lovely prizes for me to give away in celebration of her new release!! TWO ebooks of A Very Merry Mix-up (open internationally) and ONE canvas book bag with a print copy of A Very Merry Mix-up inside (open to US and Canada residents) will be given away to some lucky winners!!! Woot woot!!
To enter this giveaway, leave a comment, a question, or some love for Jennifer!
- This giveaway is open worldwide (ebooks only). Thank you, Jennifer!
- This giveaway ends April 30th!
Darcy as Collins…oh my! thanks for the review and giveaway!….USA entry
Hi Theresa! Darcy as Collins is really funny but he is not the only swap. There are 5 persons involved in all. Good luck with my giveaway. Jen Red
Can’t wait to see what the other swaps are! How fun!
The swaps are fun and the colonel, who happened to bring on the mischief by not paying attention to the Romani woman, is the happiest of all. I hope you like how I worked it out. Jen
What a beautiful book cover and tote bag! I gather the wine was quite potent, but are Darcy and Elizabeth now compromised even though they are “married” as Collins? Thank you for the excerpt and giveaway.
Evamedmonds, Yes the wine was very potent and the compromise remains to be seen as the story progresses. My son did the cover for me and I made the bag before Photobucket started charging an arm and a leg. Good luck with the giveaway. Jen Red
Good question, Eva!
Eve and Meredith: I guess a little more about that “compromise” would be in order. Well, even though Collins’ spent the night in his wife’s room/bed, off camera, we shall say that those “marital duties” (ahem) took place well before the body swap. Of course Darcy and Elizabeth would both feel mentally compromised having awakened in the same bed under the body swap circumstances. In this scenario, however, the only folks who know of the body swap are the 5 people who were directly affected by the moon wine. The servants know nothing, and with all of the confusion, Charlotte makes no mention of her husband’s nightly visit, thank goodness. In essence, it would be up to Darcy and Lizzy to disclose the compromise if they so chose, after all was said and done. BUT … in this tale I have worked it out in a completely different way. Since it happens to be a turning point in the story, I can’t leave you with a spoiler. Sorry gals. Jen Red
I did read and loved this story. And I posted a review.
Thanks so much Sheilalmajczan for reading my book and posting a review. Your support is greatly appreciated and I’m glad you enjoyed my little tale. Jen Red
This is a delightful feature and giveaway. Thanks for this beautiful excerpt.
Thanks April! I’m glad you enjoyed my excerpt. Good luck in the giveaway! Jen Red
Congratulations Jen! The book sounds wonderful. How exciting! I wish you all the success in the world. Meredith, please do not enter me in the giveaway. I have already ordered my book.
Thanks so much Pamela Lynn. I appreciate your support and hope you enjoy reading when you get your book. It’s a fun read. Jen Red
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts, Pamela! 🙂
Thank you for this taste of such a fun mixup! And the book cover is wonderful.
Hey Susan S, Thanks for stopping by. It truly is a mix-up and I think you’ll like how I worked it out. As I said in Evamedmonds’ comment, my son Dan did the cover for me. Of course I LOVE it too. Jen Red
This sounds like such a fun read!
Hi darcybennet. I think it is fun and it’s not too long. A Very Merry Mix-up will keep you laughing, yet there is a beautiful love story that surfaces between Darcy and Lizzy in the meantime. Thanks for stopping by. Jen Red
This sounds hilarious! I love your imagination, Jen!
Thanks Jan Hahn, It really is pretty funny. I hope you get a chance to read my little tale. It’s a quick read .Jen Red
This sounds like a most delicious read! To think of Darcy’s constitiution in Mr Collins’ body…. ahh, is just too hilarious to contemplate! I can’t wait to read this! What a concept for a book! I wonder if anyone else gets switched…..
Denise R Johnson, Darcy in Collins’ body and married to Lizzy in Charlotte’s body will certainly drive the man to distraction. I think you’ll enjoy my little tale. And yest there are others who get switched. (Insert evil laugh!) Jen Red
Yes! Poor Darcy got the short end of the stick for sure! I can only imagine how elated Mr. Collins is!
Meredith, you may be surprised at his reaction. Very funny! Jen
Elizabeth as Charlotte, well well – sounds like it will be a good read
Hi Vesper. Lizzy in Charlotte’s body will be about enough to tip Collins over the edge so you can imagine there will be some fun moments. Thanks for stopping by. Jen Red
oooh! Can’t wait to see that!
Wow, the tote bag! And the TERRIFIC idea for a story! I can’t wait to read it.
Thanks Elaine Owen! I hope you enjoy my little tale. Jen Red
We made the tote bag last year when things were still fairly inexpensive on Photobucket. I wish I had made more. Jen
This story is one of the funniest ones you will ever read! Hilarious! I read it on the forum when she posted it there and have already got my copies of the kindle and the book. You cannot go wrong by purchasing a copy for yourself. Read it whenever you need a laugh.
Thanks Brenda, it is a funny story and I’m so happy to share it with JAFF readers in my very first publication! Jen
Wonderful, Brenda! It will definitely be a great read for when I’m feeling stressed. I love how reading can turn things around and make me happy!
Thank you Meredith for hosting Jen and her lovely book! I read this story when it was posting on darcyandlizzy and loved it! A very amusing, very cute take on the question: how can Elizabeth and Darcy get to know each other better?
Elaine C. Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting. I really appreciate your support and am happy you enjoyed my little tale. Jen Red
Thank you for your visit, Elaine! I’m so happy to host dear, Jen! She is such a supportive and kind person. 🙂 I can’t wait to discover the answers for myself!
This is a great little story, so fun and funny.. loved it so much I bought the book.
Thanks so much Carma! You are always so supportive of the authors! Love you! Jen
I love all your stories! Loved Darcy as Collins, although he wasn’t to thrilled. Thank you so much for sharing your writing talents.
Thanks Elissa. It was fun seeing Darcy squirm in Collins’ body wasn’t it? And thanks to much for reading my stories. Jen
Oh, this sounds like a hoot! I can’t wait to read it! Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
Hi Pam H! It is a fun story and the mix-up will keep you chuckling as you read along. Good Luck with the giveaway. Jen Red
So excited for your new book!
Thanks Krystyna, I hope you enjoy my crazy little story. It was so much fun to write! Jen Red
I agree with Meredith. Jennifer is one of the best people in JAFF, and it’s so nice to see her book.
Suzan, I’m blushing! I’m thrilled to be able to share my story with lots of folks, and it’s always my privilege to support the JAFF community whenever I can. Thanks, Jen
<3 Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, Suzan!
Can’t wait to read your new book to find out who else is in a different body. Sounds like a really fun book. Thanks for the giveaway.
Mary Campbell, I think you will find it amusing there are 5 main characters in this little tale. Good luck on the giveaway! Jen Red
I already own the book, don’t include me in the give-a-way. I just wanted my share of the conversation. I loved this story… it was hilarious. Only our dear Colonel could create such a situation.
Thanks J.W. Garrett. Yes, it anyone was to blame it was the dear colonel! Jen Red
Thanks for sharing, Jeanne! I’m not surprised! Colonel Fitzwilliam can definitely cause some mischief! 😉
Yes, indeed, congrats to Jen. I love that she published one of her stories. Hopefully, it will be the first of many. This one sounds so fun!
Thank you Sophia Rose. I’m almost finished with my own edits on a much longer story Darcy’s Melody which I hope to put out in August and a very funny “Hallmark” style tale for December. This little take was my way of getting my feet wet, so to speak. Jen Red
Yay! So glad to hear this! And I think your plan of starting with your novella is a smart one! It looks like it has been a great hit! 😉
Thanks Meredith, the short book was a great way to get my feet wet. There is so much to learn with self-publishing. (Fortunately I had Brenda Webb holding my hand. She was very patient … LOL) AND having done my meager little offering, I have an even greater appreciation for all of the authors who are self-publishing. We JAFFers are blessed to have so many great books to choose from. Jen
You will love this little story, it’s a good fun story. I am so glad to see it was published.
Thanks Maureen and thanks as always for your support. I’m happy you enjoyed my novelette. Jen
This book has to be a lot of fun. Moon Wine and “Pride And Prejudice” characters? Wow, I couldn’t ask for more.
Thanks lemon123. This is a fun story and at the same time we have a beautiful little love story between our favorite P&P couple brewing. Jen Red
I loved this book. Short but very sweet. I can imagine how the tall, elegant, handsome Mr Darcy felt being in Mr Collins ‘ body! Ugh!!!
Someone has to sort this out and obviously the Colonel is responsible for their predicament………..
Please don’t enter me in the competition as I have the ebook and live in the UK so don’t qualify for the bag and book prize.
Thanks Glynis. I’m so happy you had a chance to read my tale. Got to love the colonel. An anchor for Darcy, yet her the one who is responsible. Ha Ha!
How funny! Look forward to it.
Thanks Leslie! It is funny and I hope you will enjoy the whole story. Jen Red
Well, I love my angsty serious drama JAFF, but sometimes you just need….a romp. 🙂
How true Michelle H! A little funny fluff to lighten our angsty burdens. Love it! Jen Red
What a hilarious premise!! Mr. Darcy in Mr. Collins’ body, and Elizabeth in Charlotte’s? And what about Mr. Collins and Charlotte? In whose bodies are they??? Oh, my–what silliness!! I love this idea!!! What an original and oh-so-creative idea, Jennifer!! 😀
I look forward to reading this gem!!
Warmly,
Susanne 🙂
Hi Susanne Barrett. The mix-up is indeed “Merry!” I hope enjoy how I worked it out. I certainly had fun writing this little tale. Jen Red
Wow! This sounds like a wonderful wacky adventure waiting to happen.
Will this book be released on Audible later?
Thanks for asking Julia. At present, I have no plans for audible, but who knows, right? My story is lots of fun and I hope you’ll get the chance to read it. Jen Red
Well, hopefully that will change but regardless I do plan on reading it. It sounds like tons of fun.
Is the tote bag available for purchase for those who might want one that do not win? I love it.
Oh Julia Saenz, you are so sweet to ask. Actually no. I only had two to give away and one is already gone. I made them last year on Photobucket before they raised their prices. I went over a few days ago to find out what they were charging and even with a “special” discount the bag is way too much to have more printed, in my honest opinion. Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate your interest and maybe you will be the winner of the bag! Think positive! Jen Red
Oh well. Thank you. I was hoping to get a few ordered if you were selling them also. They are quite lovely.
Our community has had a strict no plastic shopping bag law in place for a few years now, so we use tote bags or other bags for our day to day shopping. Each store normally sells their own for customers who do not have enough with them or do not have any bags with them.
Thanks again for asking. I’ll get back to you if I find another venue that is practical. Jen
That’s awesome that your community does that! I hope ours will one day! 🙂 I love the idea of having a collection of reusable bags that are related to books we love!
Can’t wait to find out what happens to Darcy and Elizabeth after such an unlucky beginning!
Joan Rye, Unlucky indeed! I think you will like how I work it out between them. Great fun! Jen Red
Excited to read it. Thanks for doing a giveaway.
Thank you for stopping by and Good Luck to you in the giveaway! Jen Red
Thank you Amy Kantor Dunne. I hope you enjoy my book and good luck in the giveaway. Jen Red
Well this has me curious….
Curious is good! And there are some fun moments in my little tale. Good luck in the giveaway! Jen Red
This sounds so fun!! Would love to read it. Thanks for the giveaway!
Priscillateh, I hope you enjoy my little tale. There are many good chuckles to be had along with several tender moments. Good luck in the giveaway! Jen Red
A little moon wine goes a long way!
Jasna N.Y. you can say that again! Darcy is ready to strangle his cousin with what happened. I hope you enjoy reading my story. Jen Red
This is the first time I’m reading about such a mix in P&P and it sounds so good and funny. Thanks for the giveaway, from Mexico
This story was written as a theme challenge for All Fools Day and I had fun making a little mischief on some of our P&P characters. Good Luck with the giveaway. Jen Red
Sounds very entertaining.
Thanks.
Thanks Betty, It’s just a little silly tale and I think you will have a good chuckle. Plus it gives D&L a chance to work out their differences in a totally different setting. Ha Ha. Jen Red
Oh, no for Darcy and Elizabeth but what fun for us readers. I hope they both get back to their own bodies but not without something magical happening between them (think: love). e-book for me please if I win, Meredith.
Thanks Lúthien84. Yes fun for us and what a struggle, especially for Darcy and Lizzy. I think you will be pleased with how I worked it out. There is a sweet little love story blossoming throughout. Good luck with the giveaway. Jen Red
This sounds hilarious!! Thank you for the chance to win!!!
Sharon Legg, there are a lot of good chuckles in my story. Thanks for stopping by and good luck with the giveaway. Jen Red
OMG I might die! This sounds fabulous!
Ha Ha! Leah Purett! I had a great time making mischief on poor Darcy and yes, you will have a good chuckle. Thanks for stopping by. Jen Red
Such a fun story Jen, it brought me to tears. Congratulations on your first release.
Aw Kate, you are so kind so say. I’m thrilled you enjoyed my little tale so much. Thanks for stopping by. Jen