Greetings, dear readers! I’m all anticipation to share with you this special cover reveal today! It is for the upcoming release of a new Quills and Quartos book by Jan Ashton!! As you may already know, Jan is one of the lovely co-founders of Q&Q, and I am so delighted that in addition to all the fantastic books she and Amy D’Orazio work so hard to bring into print (and all the many, many hats they both wear) they both are continuing to write and share stories of their own! 🙌🏼🙌🏼
Jan is here to share the stunning cover for her upcoming Pride and Prejudice variation – Some Natural Importance. I hope you enjoy! ✨
~ From the Author ~
I love the phrase “a stream of some natural importance,” from chapter 43 of Pride & Prejudice, which wends through Elizabeth’s mind as she sees Pemberley for the first time. As she gazes on “the large, handsome stone building” and the grounds “without any artificial appearance,” Elizabeth truly sees Darcy for the first time as well, and understands how much his estate is a reflection of his character. Using this phrase as my story’s title, I wished for a cover set outside—if not in the wilds of Derbyshire, then at least somewhat more raw and less manicured than a proper English garden. The always brilliant Susan Adriani of Cloudcat Designs read my mind, and found this painting Lovers, by Szinyei Merse Pal.
As you can tell by the clothing, the painting’s timeframe is a little bit off, but the scene of intimate comfort and familiarity between the couple during a grassy picnic perfectly evokes the amity by which Elizabeth and Darcy forge their friendship and romance after a most serious and tragic loss in Some Natural Importance.
~ Book Description ~
“It is the way of the world, Elizabeth. Men hold power over women, but I am not a man who wants to wield such power. I would prefer a woman who has some power over me.”
Fitzwilliam Darcy already has one arranged marriage in his past. The last thing he envisions for himself is another, yet he has somehow become entrapped in a promise to a dying man. Not only must Darcy overcome his resentment in order to live up to his sense of honour, but when he realises how deeply his heart may be engaged, he must convince Elizabeth Bennet of his true feelings.
Elizabeth never expected the imperious Mr Darcy to become a good friend of an idle gentleman like her father. And she certainly never anticipated they would form a secret pact compelling her marriage to a man she dislikes. She must set aside grief and resentment, as well as her suspicions: Is Darcy using her to avoid another bride pushed onto him by his family, or to gain riches Elizabeth never knew she had?
Or is it possible he loves her?
And without further ado….here is the big reveal!!!
(expected release date: May 10th)
and the full spread…
Oh I love it!!! I love the “natural” nature setting! It is just the kind of place I’d want to visit! 🌿
The relaxed intimacy between these two is so lovely to witness!! I love how his hands are touching her hand. 🥰
What an intriguing premise – 2 arranged marriages? Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bennet are friends?? 😯
Hmm…I wonder how this changes the between Darcy and Elizabeth, what are her unknown “riches…” ❓
What do you think, friends? 🤔
~~~
~ About Jan ~
Jan 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—if not the same century—Pride & Prejudice was first published. She’s yet to find any Darcy and Elizabeth candles on her birthday 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. A former journalist, she is a life member of the Jane Austen Society of North America, and co-founder of Quills & Quartos Publishing. Some Natural Importance is Jan’s fifth book; she has previously published A Searing Acquaintance, Mendacity & Mourning, The Most Interesting Man in the World, and One Minute More.
~~~
GIVEAWAY TIME!
The lovely people at Quills and Quartos are offering a generous giveaway of a $20 Amazon Gift Card for one lucky reader who comments on today’s post! 📚🤤
To enter this giveaway leave a question, comment, or some love for Jan below.
- This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Quills and Quartos!
- This giveaway ends April 12th.
You can preorder Some Natural Importance now!
My sincere gratitude to Jan Ashton, Kristi Rawley, and the wonderful people at Quills and Quartos for putting this special post together!
Woohoo! Can’t wait for this one, Jan – and you’re right, the lovely pose on this cover epitomises everything we want for ODC. Who cares what era the fashions are—E&D are timeless! Gorgeous cover for what promises to be a gorgeous story
Thank you, my dear friend! The pose and atmosphere in this painting are everything I wanted for D&E; they bring out the best in each other.
Beautiful cover!
What a gorgeous cover! I’m very intrigued as to how Darcy and Mr. Bennet became close friends. They seem so dissimilar. I look forward to reading this one!
I’m so glad you like it, Pam! As for that unlikely friendship, I think it’s no secret that the two men have at least thing in common–a certain young lady’s company they enjoy. 😉
Love the cover! Congratulations to Jan Ashton on publishing another great book. The cover is so relaxing and breathtaking. The hands!!! The touch on the inside of the hand so relaxing and soothing! Such intimacy!
Relaxing and intimate sum it up perfectly, Shelley! Not that there aren’t some tears, misunderstandings, vexations and and arguments along the way. Thanks for stoping by and commenting!
I predict another winner, Jan. I’ve enjoyed all your P&P variations and look forward to reading this one.
You are so sweet, Betty, thank you!
Beautiful cover! Been looking forward to this one and can’t wait to dive into it!
Thank you, Marie! I hope you’ll enjoy it. Not one of my “funny” regencies.
Love the intimacy depicted and the premise. Looking forward to another great novel by Jan! Congratulations!
Aw, you are very kind, Carole, and I hope the book lives up to expectations. First full-length book I’ve written in a while, but I’ve had lovely people supporting me–including the very wonderful Meredith!
Looking forward to reading it!
Thank you so much, Cassandra!
Beautiful cover, love the intimacy depicted between the man and woman. So looking forward to this one, Jan! Congratulations!
Thank you, my friend. There is definitely an intimacy, a marriage of like minds and hearts.
This is so captivating and wonderful. What a treasure to enjoy again and again.
“Captivating and wonderful” is high praise, indeed! The artist would very much love to hear that! Thanks, April!
That is a beautiful cover. Good luck with the new release!
Thanks, Robin. I’m kind of in love with this cover myself. 😉
Oh this one sounds delicious! And now we have to wait a full month to read it! The cover speaks for the book and the blurb–well the blurb is all that is intriguing. The book sounds like a pure winner. Congrats on another release.
I’m not one for teasing and patience is not one of my arts and allurement, so I apologize for the month-long wait to read the book. I do hope you will enjoy it when it finally debuts next month! Thank you for your kind words.
I have truly loved all of Jan’s previous books and know this one will not disappoint. The premise is intriguing with two arranged marriages. Why did Mr. Bennet do this when he knew Elizabeth detested Darcy? The color of the cover is calming and the mere touching of fingers……need I say more? Thank you for the giveaway.
What a lovely comment! But be forewarned, Eva: There is a little less funny-bone tickling in this story and a little more heart tugging than in my other regencies. The serenity of the couple on the cover is enviable, and pretty unimaginable, for most of the book. Good luck in the giveaway!
Well, your reply has me wondering what is going on! I like when there is angst. Thank you for replying.
Congratulations to Jan Ashton, I love the cover!
Thank you so much, Amanda! We’re in agreement!
Looking forward to it!!! Lovely cover.
Thanks for stopping by, Mary! Can’t wait for your book…just a couple of weeks now!
Oh the blurb looks so good. Looking forward to reading this book. Congratulations Jan! AND thanks Meredith for hosting.
Meredith is the best. Thanks so much for your lovely words, Jen.
Ooh, this one sounds enticing! And the cover is warm and intimate.
Congrats, Jan, on your new release. Thanks so much for the giveaway opportunity.
I’m so fortunate to have had Susan Adriani design the cover; I’ve wanted to work with her for the longest time, and it was worth the wait to have such a warm, beautiful cover. Thanks, Lori, and good luck on the giveaway!
Wow, stunning cover and exciting premise!
Thank you, Paige!
Meredith and cover reveals go hand in hand. OMG! This one is amazing. I love it. Just look at that couple! Whew! They say a picture is worth a thousand words and this one shouts to us. Whew! Help me. I am so looking forward to reading this. Thanks to everyone involved in this generous giveaway. Good luck to all in the drawing. Blessings, stay safe, and healthy, everyone.
Meredith IS the best for cover reveals, and has been so generous in not only sharing her blog but saying wonderful things about Susan’s work on my cover. This painting summed up all the feelings I wanted to convey, and I hope the book will convey those as well. Thanks, Jeanne, and good luck in the drawing!
Can’t wait to read this author’s latest release! Loved Mendacity & Morning
Yay, a fan of M&M! I miss that sweet and silly universe! Hope you’ll like this one too, Cat!
I absolutely love this cover! The obvious affection between the couple shown by their looks and the touching of hands!
I’m not a fan of Darcy previously marrying Anne but he’s free now. I am a fan of his planned marriage to Elizabeth and hope it doesn’t take too long for her to recognise his love for her!
I’m looking forward to reading this one.
Please don’t enter me in the giveaway as I shop on U.K. so am unable to spend dollars.
Darcy is definitely a man who needs to turn the page on his previous marriage, and this cover illustrates well his desire for the kind of small intimacies one can only have with a true love. I hope you’ll enjoy the story, Glynis!
Jan, I love the way you write regency – I’ve been looking forward to reading this story for a while! Congratulations!
Susan, you know how much I love the way you write, too. And I really love how you made my story come to life on the cover. Thank you, my friend!
What a lovely cover!
Thanks so much, Katie!
Just as Darcy imagined! I love it!
It is, dear friend! Just as he’d hoped. Thank you for all of your help with the book.
I really love that cover! Please do not enter me in the contest, though.
Thank you, Jen! Susan did a wonderful job!
I will be reading this soon. The blurb plus the excerpt I read on another blog have me intrigued. Thanks for sharing here. I do like the cover with the relaxed yet intimate setting. Thanks, also, for a chance to win that prize.
You are a great reader, Sheila, so I’m happy you will be reading my book. And I wish you good luck in the giveaway too!
I think my blood pressure lowered just gazing on that relaxing country scene in the cover. 🙂 Oh, and yes, that blurb has me oh so curious for this new take on the story.
It is a restful and calming scene, isn’t it? We all need a little of serenity these days. I hope you’ll enjoy the story, Sophia Rose!
What an interesting premise and lovely cover. Congrats on the release!
Thank you so much! I’m excited to have it out in the world–almost.
The cover is absolutely beautiful.
I love it too, thank you! I was lucky to have a wonderful artist.
Lovely cover! I’m looking forward to reading the book; it sounds fantastic! Congrats, Jan. 🙂
Thank you so much, Lucy! I’m excited for your launch tomorrow!
Meredith, thank you so much for hosting me and Some Natural Importance, and for your lovely insights on the cover design and the story. I so appreciate how you support the JAFF community.
I don’t think enough praise could be said for that cover, my goodness. This story sounds like it will carry its fair share of angst with it. Sign me up! I’m so intrigued. Best of luck on your new book baby’s launch, Jan Ashton.
Thank you so much, Michelle! The cover gives me a peaceful, easy feeling, and that hasn’t been the easiest feeling to come by the past year. I’m glad the “less peaceful” story intrigues you!
Beautiful cover! I love the sense of relaxed intimacy between the two. Can’t wait to read it!
Congratulations on the new book!
Thank you, Kate! After a long winter of lockdown, the warmth of these two outside in the grass makes me nostalgic.
Such a beautiful cover with a classic couple vignette in the outdoors.
denise
I’m glad you like it, Denise! Thanks for letting me know!
Lovely. I look forward to the books arrival into my library pre-order today.thanks for heads up.
Awesome! Thanks so much, Terri!
I love the premise (I’m a sucker for all flavors of angst).
Oh, you are a daring thing–“all flavors of angst!” I hope you’ll enjoy the story.
Gorgeous cover, it has s softness I really like 🙂 The book itself sounds very very lovely!!! Mr Darcy & Mr Bennet being friends, he must have found the Bennet family tollerable I suppose… and be familiar with Mrs Bennets nerves ;D
I always wondered, if Elizabeth has her mother’s liveliness and her father’s wit, could Darcy be drawn into some sort of camaraderie with Mr Bennet? Could they hit it off? Time will tell… I hope you enjoy finding out how it all works out.
Love the cover, and the premise is so intriguing! Looking forward to reading it.
Thanks, Colleen! I love my cover too! 😉
What a beautiful cover and interesting storyline! So Darcy had been married before? What riches and just for Lizzy? Mr. Bennet dying and Lizzy in mourning? So many questions!! I can’t wait to read this
Thanks, Satu! Canon is a little mixed up in the story, with marriages and deaths and whatnot. But of course there is an HEA.
Congratulations on your book! You really gives us many questions to wonder at before reading. I just hope there is not too much angst between ODC…
I always like a little angst but not as much as a lot of people; still, it wouldn’t be a P&P variation without a little angst. 😉 Thanks for commenting, Audny!
Oh, what a fantastic book description and a gorgeous cover! Congrats, Jan! Very much looking forward to this one.
Thank you so much, Christina! Your latest is on my TBR pile; now that my book is nearly out in the world and my editing pile has slowed down, I plan to read for pure fun!
Lovely cover, and I can’t wait for the book! Thanks for all your work bringing those stories to print!
Running Quills & Quartos with Amy, and working with so many amazing authors, editors and designers is a dream job. I love the JAFF universe, and I hope you’ll like my contribution to it! Thanks, Catarina.
This sounds like a very intriguing story. I do love coming here for recommendations to add to my JAFF TBR mountain!
*fingers crossed* it’s intriguing! I had wonderful editors in Julie Cooper and Gail Warner, and Susan Adriani wrapped up the story in a beautiful package. Thanks, Christina!
I dearly love the beautiful cover, Jan. If not for your explanation, that I didn’t realised the clothes the lady and gentleman is wearing aren’t from the Regency period. Susan has definitely design an amazing covers for almost all Q&Q’s books so far. I have yet to see one that I dislike.
We have been so fortunate to work with a number of wonderful cover designers, and I have long wanted a Susan original for one of my books! A lot of this year’s books will feature her beautiful artistry–including one of her own stories!