Hi friends!! I hope you are enjoying a wonderful Monday so far! And I’m happy to be starting off my week by welcoming a newer Austenesque author to Austenesque Reviews – Florence Gold! Welcome, Florence! I am so happy that the lovely Lory Lilian, who is such a strong friend and supporter to all in this community, connected us and I am happy to have you visit my blog today!

Dear Meredith, Thank you so much for inviting me to present my novels on your blog. I am equally pleased and excited to be in touch with your readers, finally hoping that some of them will also become my readers.

Over the years, I have published various digital and paper books, enjoying the advantages of each medium. I appreciate the versatility of the ebook and the ease to find a connection in the digital world, however I also like the idea of my readers having in their hands the book that magically could become a universe.

From time to time, I reinvent myself and find another pen name, becoming an avatar who explores another period and creates the characters and plots of the new realm.

I write novels, short stories and poems, but my best way to express myself remains the novel. Some of my work had been already published in my country—lately under the pen name of Ana Damian.

I adore changing places and styles, inventing plots, I enjoy documenting, and secretly live every story I draw. I also enjoy changing the epochs, but I have never gone farther back than the 1900s.

I joined this wonderful Austenesque community in March 2019. For some time writing a Variation had been nothing but a sketching, a thought, an attempt. Powered by the friendship with Lory Lillian and my eternal love for Jane Austen, I began to flirt with the idea of changing again. So that, one day, Florence Gold was born and since then I could not anymore avoid the sentiment that I had to move in 1800, become one of Austen’s followers and ask her the permission to mingle in her world.

I struggled in uncertainty and doubts for a while. Writing a literary text in English was so much different…and difficult. I used English in my daily job (I am an IT consultant) for many years. I knew I could write all the texts and papers needed in my profession…but could I feel English on a high enough level, necessary to create the specific atmosphere of Pride and Prejudice? Did I know enough about Elizabeth and Darcy to involve them in a plot that was mine, still having the Austen touch?

Jane Austen was indeed a challenge as I quitted the period I knew and went back a hundred years. It was not an easy adjustment. My plots are usually flowing around me; I live what I write when suddenly I found myself thrown into a strange new world where going from Pemberley to London took five days, and an unmarried woman was not permitted to be alone with a man… I was hesitant and undetermined, then one day Lory said, “Enough talking, just try!” (she can be really annoying and pushy at times, you know 😊 …)

***

It took me less than a month to write the first novel A Struggle for Love, yet it was a rather strange process, where I assisted in astonishment at myself writing in English.

For the first novel, A Struggle for Love I imagined a dynamic plot that sometimes takes nuances of a detective story.

The reception was rather good; I slowly became part of the community. I took the reviews and feedbacks with so much interest and seriousness that, only two months later, I unpublished the novel and re-edited and also completed with almost 10,000 words.

***

Encouraged by this first attempt, I wrote my second novel, Mr Darcy’s Legacy. I imagined this story because I used to wonder why Darcy, who was visibly an aristocrat, did not have a title.

‘A title for Darcy’ was the departing point for adventures that could eventually change this situation.

This novel can also be found in the paperback version.

Mr Darcy is eagerly awaiting his wedding to Miss Elizabeth Bennet, the young woman he considered to be the mistress of his heart. Unfortunately, his family and mostly Lady Catherine and Lord Matlock are against this union. London society enjoys scandal enough to embrace such an unexpected one, trapping Darcy and Elizabeth in a net of gossip that affects their tranquillity.

While their love grows stronger and their future seems it will be filled with connubial bliss, a letter from Darcy’s past shatters their present, making him question everything he has known his entire life.

Will a gentleman such as Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy, who takes pride in his family’s past, accept that his legacy is not what he believed it to be?

***

The third novel, Wedding at Pemberley, came almost by itself as I was not capable of quitting the Austenesque universe anymore. Thus time I tempered my love for dramatic events and tried to approach the original plot. The cover is designed by my daughter-in-law (GLIL).

Very soon it will also be available in the paperback.

Following an unexpected encounter in London, two months after Hunsford, love grows tentatively, then turns into passion when Elizabeth and Darcy are reunited in Derbyshire.

Love, hate, elopement, an unexpected turn of events; enemies and friends – all lead to a long-awaited happy ending at Pemberley!

***

While becoming Florence Gold, I have not forgotten Ana Damian. I am so pleased and eager to invite Meredith’s readers to discover Ana Damian and Scenario for Love, my first novel translated from Romanian that was just published on Amazon.

On this novel I have proudly collaborated with my son, the London based artist GLIL, who designed the cover.

In fact it is unique situation in the art as both my daughter-in-law and my son work under the same name—GLIL—a compelling collaboration based on love and talent.

Scenario for Love set in Bucharest and London during the mid-1930s, a lavish love story between Andrei Velcu, a young man with a tangled family history, and Princess Cassandra Basarabi has the romantic perfume of an epoch of luxury and extravagance.

This story of courage and passion journeys into a past that continues to fascinate us—a romance on the cusp of ancient traditions and twentieth century changes.

Will the lovers succumb to family, prejudice, and a husband willing to kill? Or will their struggle succeed and allow them to follow their hearts?

***

And here I am, arrived at my fourth JAFF novel, From Pemberley to Paradise, just published on Amazon.

It is almost incredible but, it seems, the Austen world is addictive, I cannot live anymore without imagining Elizabeth and Darcy adventures and love.

From Pemberley to Paradise is about discovering the sentiments in a terrible situation that could easily destroy Elizabeth’s life, forever. A wholly changed Darcy, full of love and determination, will help Elizabeth to find the path to love.

***

So, while I am eagerly waiting to see what the readers will have to say about my new book, From Pemberley to Paradise, I am working hard.

In the next period I intend to mix Ana Damian and Florence Gold into a novel, placed in 1916 and based on Jane Austen’s novels.

Elizabeth & Darcy at 1900 is a powerful story, involving all the significant circumstances of that difficult period, focused on the changes that took place over a century but continuously related to Austen’s incredible perenniality.

When I took out the 1800 dresses and outfits, the carriages and manners and I put our era inside, it was only a change of décor. This is Austen’s mastery: an immortal drawing of the everyday life in human society no matter the period, era or age. On Jane Austen’s desk, there were jars with all the human’s qualities and faults and with her magic brush—a quill—she painted characters, tracing rigid lines or shadows, giving each of them a hint of beauty and some ugliness in different proportions and quantities.”

For sure, next year I will tent to write Elizabeth and Darcy at 2016, to complete the picture and present how Jane Austen’s work outlived more than 200 years after her death.

I hope my Austenesque experience is far from ending. In time I will add new plots, events and endeavours while inviting you to live the tender or incredible adventures of Elizabeth and Darcy.

***

~ Excerpt from From Pemberley to Paradise ~

“Do you think one should marry only for love?” Elizabeth asked her sister while both were working on her beautiful dress.

“Of course!” Jane said with that enthusiasm only she could have. “I cannot imagine anyone than Charles at my side!”

“My dear,” her sister said, smiling, “just imagine if you had not met Charles…”

“Oh, I cannot, I cannot…” Jane cried. “Why do you want me to have such a horrible thought? Charles is the one; he would eventually appear.”

“Yes, of course—then imagine that my chosen one is late to come—or never arrives…”

Jane let the dress fall to the floor. “I do not want you to think that way,” she said dearly hugging her sister. “I am sure your chosen one will come soon, and you will be as happy as I am now!”

Elizabeth smiled indulgently as she always did in the face of her sister’s dreams.

“Yes, Jane, I am also looking for him; still, if such love never appears, do you think a girl can marry a very respectable man with means and a good character and not be in love on her wedding day?”

Jane looked at her with astonished eyes. “Are we talking about someone you have already met?”

Elizabeth hid her eyes in the lace she was applying to her sister’s dress, astonished by Jane’s subtle observation. “No, no, you would be the first to know. However, it is possible to marry without love. Remember Mr Collins…I could have been in Charlotte’s place, living in Hunsford.”

“This morning I find you a little too sorrowful. You have such sad thoughts…Mr Collins? How could you ever have accepted his proposal?”

“Well, first it would have solved our parents’ main problem forever since, married to Mr Collins, I would have become the mistress of Longbourn…”

“You cannot marry to solve a problem. It would be unfair for you to live with a man you do not love! And of all the man we know, Mr Collins would be the worst!”

“You are right. However, someone could be a man of character and build a solid marriage on friendship and respect!”

“Nonsense, Lizzy! I know that in the past or even now, some girls marry to gain a certain status or they are forced by their family. Luckily, Mama and Papa have given us the liberty to choose our husbands. Remember, they did not impose anything on you when Mr Collins was lurking in Hertfordshire…”

“Lurking?” Elizabeth had a good laugh. “What a strange word in your mouth, my dear sister, but I cannot say you are not right.”

“To answer your question, I think in certain situations a woman could accept a worthy and honourable man without loving him, yet for me love is so important. I dare say that it seems impossible for a woman to love her betrothed more than I do Charles…” Her words were like a bird’s trills, her eyes lost for the world as she remembered her lover and his kisses…She would not venture to tell Elizabeth about that.

Then she whispered, as in childhood when they shared a secret, “There is so much you need to know about…love!”

***

Soon to come

Excerpt from Elizabeth and Darcy at 1900

“Mr Niven Darcy Lancashire—Miss Jane Elizabeth Austen,” her father made the honour even if it was not his office.

The two youngsters became acquainted in a rather cold atmosphere emanating from both of them. The old gentlemen regarded their meeting with a little naughty smile, they tried to hide.

Mr Addington invited them to sit on the massive leather armchairs that completed so well the décor but Nevin looked for a chair because of his leg; it was a rather peculiar moment—he, very stiff on a high chair, and the rest sunk in the comfortable armchairs, it looks like Nevin was at an exam, all of them being the enquirers.

Eliza saved the moment when she stood up, the book still in her hands and sat on a chair near Nevin while she gave him the book. It was a graceful and straightforward gesture and he had to admit that, despite not being very beautiful, she had a certain elegance of posture and…spirit.

“It is the first edition of Pride and Prejudice, from 1813,” Eliza said, still not knowing exactly what they expected from her. She was looking at the book’s first page, opened in Nevin’s hand, but she was not reading. She knew everything about that first edition, so she continued, “It was written when Jane was not yet twenty-one. After an early rejection by the publisher Cadell, who had not even read it, her novel was finally bought by Egerton in 1812 for £110. It was published in late January 1813 in a small edition of approximately 1500 copies and sold for 18 shillings.”

Looking more at the old gentlemen than at Nevin she still waited for indications yet her father and Mr Addington just smile approvingly, they considered her to be on the good track.

Nevin was silent, browsing the book in a rather violent manner sufficient to worry Mr Addington that his precious treasure was not in good hands.

“Careful, Mr Lancashire,” he said, “you have in your hands that first edition, Eliza told us about!”

Without a word Nevin place the book on a table near him, but his expression did not change. He did not consider the book a treasure which should have been taken care of in any manner. His disdain for the novel was so evident that Eliza took his eyes from him, uncomfortable with his attitude.

Her father and Mr Addington were suddenly caught in a particular discussion, leaving them to initiate their conversation, but it was so difficult to begin as neither of them knew how their collaboration would function.

“Well, Mr Lancashire, how will we go further?” Eliza broke the silence.

“I read last night Pride and Prejudice. Not that edition,” he said, pointing out to the book still on the table between them, “but one that I found in my mother’s library.”

“It was the first time you read the novel?” Eliza asked, very politely.

“Yes, it is the first time!” While the expression on his face clearly said—“Do not imagine that I would have ever read the book without this assignment?” 

His condescendence made her kind attitude disappear. A change he instantly perceived making him want to be forgiven by this strange girl who was unable to hide.

“Well, Miss Elizabeth…” His accompanied his words by a smile.

“Well, Mr Darcy…” Eliza said and abruptly stopped, the name flew out of her mouth in spite of her wish.

They looked at each other finally understanding the real motive they were together in that endeavour; the two gentlemen still talked, but behind their apparent innocence was the little trick they played on Eliza—Elizabeth and Nevin—Darcy.

Eliza felt the urge to admonish her father in a way never dared before. She was undoubtedly hurt but most of all she despised the situation he forced her in; working with this Darcy became so difficult now that she knew that neither her talent nor knowledge were essential but mare the fact that her name was Elizabeth.

Elizabeth and Darcy, what a better couple to write about Pride and Prejudice. She was also ashamed because her father could play such a trick on them, on him; he may be arrogant and so snobbish when it came to his studies and education, but he was a young gentleman who fought for their country and was severely wounded.

Thank you so much for sharing, Florence! I am so very happy that you you found your way into the Austenesque genre and starting creating your own stories! It was wonderful to learn more about you, the books you have published, and the your upcoming project! 🙌🏼

I think blending your two interests sounds like a great idea! I love seeing Austen-inspired stories take place in other eras! Thank you, for sharing this little preview! 📖

~ Connect with Florence ~

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Giveaway Time!!!

Florence generously brings with her 4 ebooks for me to give away to some lucky readers! The giveaway prizes include 1 ebook of Wedding at Pemberley, 1 ebook of a Mr. Darcy’s Legacy, 1 ebook of Scenario for Love, and 2 ebooks of From Pemberley to Paradise.

To enter this giveaway, leave a comment, a question, or some love for Florence!

• This giveaway is open worldwide.  Thank you, Florence!
• This giveaway ends October 21st!