Hi friends! I am super excited to welcome the first visiting author of the month of May – Michelle Ray! Michelle is publishing her first Pride and Prejudice variation with Quills and Quartos next month – There You Were, and I think it sounds fantastic! 📗
Welcome, Michelle! I am so happy to have you visit and share your lovely cover reveal with us today! 👀🙌🏼
~ From the Author ~
My name is Michelle Ray and while this will be my sixth published book, it is my first Austen
variation. My first published works were Shakespeare retellings, so I was already a huge fan of twists on known and beloved stories. I mean, if you love certain characters and want to spend more time with them or see something in a classic story that doesn’t sit right, why not write about it? There You Were was the first full story I ever committed to paper (yes, paper—four spiral notebooks begun almost 20 years ago). It was actually a story of a young woman growing up on an apple farm in the American northeast who falls in love with her neighbor much to the chagrin of both families. My best friend and my sister-in-law adored the story and kept encouraging me to publish it, and eventually I decided to try. The wonderful ladies of Quills & Quartos enjoyed the tale but encouraged me to change it to a Pride and Prejudice variation, explaining that the character I had created embodied the spirit of Elizabeth Bennet. With their guidance and plenty of research, I transferred my tale to the world of Lizzy.
The story can best be described as a prequel/re-imagining of Pride & Prejudice. With so much emphasis on having a son and breaking the entail in canon, my Q&Q editors and I began to consider a ‘what if’ that began when Elizabeth and Jane were children. What if there had been a son, and he had not lived? And what if that devastation tore the family apart and sent the Bennets, especially Elizabeth, off in a very different direction? In this re-imagining, Jane and Elizabeth grow up without a mother, and with a father who has sunk into his grief and in essence, ignores them. Even Mr Gardiner has a new role, as a young adult who comes to live with Mr Bennet at Longbourn and help in the rearing of his sister’s abandoned children.
I could not be more thrilled with how it turned out or to be part of this fun and romantic genre. I hope everyone will enjoy this somewhat unique take on the story we all love!
~ Book Description ~
“I was not looking for love, but there you were. I cannot stop it, I cannot indulge it, so I must put distance between us and hope that time will heal this fever I have.”
Abandoned by her mother and ignored by her father, it is hardly any wonder young Elizabeth Bennet’s curiosity soon brings about trouble and marriage to a man she does not love. Colonel Fitzwilliam’s family—save for his cousin Mr Darcy—despises her, and life is not what she dreamed of. As she matures and grows from an impetuous girl into a woman, Elizabeth’s most reliable source of friendship and comfort becomes Mr Darcy. When tragedy strikes leaving her a widow, she is free to find out [discover?] who has been in her heart all along.
Darcy has always been intrigued by the girl his beloved cousin married, and finds himself drawn into helping her after her husband’s death. Over time, admiration turns to love. Admitting his feelings to her – or even himself – could lead to ruin, but denying his passion could shatter him.
And without further ado….here is the big reveal!!!
(expected release date: June 14th)
Pure loveliness! Her pose, her dress, her expression…the flower. 🌸
The woman in this painting seems to match so perfectly the description of Michelle’s youthful and impetuous Elizabeth. 👒
Her eyes are wonderfully captivating – so very Elizabeth. I feel like they speak volumes. 👀
A rewritten history for the Bennets, a neglected childhood, a loveless marriage – such an intriguing combination to explore! 📖
What do you think, friends? 🤔
~~~
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 Michelle below.
- This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Quills and Quartos!
- This giveaway ends May 10th.
You can preorder There You Were now!
My sincere gratitude to Michelle Ray, Kristi Rawley, and the wonderful people at Quills and Quartos for putting this special post together!
I love books that are way outside of canon, and the premise of this book does not sound like it will disappoint. Looking forward to reading this book!
I hope you enjoy! Thanks for your enthusiasm
As someone who has been along for the ride since the beginning (I read this story in its original incarnation 20 years ago!) I am beyond excited to finally see it published. And to have it morph into a Pride & Prejudice variation is just the icing on the cake. I know readers are going to love it as much as I do. Congratulations, Michelle, on your upcoming release! I am counting the days. 🙂
I cannot wait for you to see what it has become. Your love of P&P and Quills & Quartos gave me the push I needed to make it a much better story.
So pretty!
I agree! I love the image the designers chose. Glad you like it, too.
I am so excited to add this to my growing Michelle Ray book collection!
Beautiful cover! Congratulations! Looking forward to reading this story!
Thanks. I’m thrilled and truly hope you enjoy.
Wow! Interesting-sounding variation. I am very curious about the differences in the family dynamics and how they came about.
In brief, since it was a marriage of old and new. The original story had Elizabeth estranged from her mother, which was important in forming her outlook and behavior. It also helped explain her lack of knowledge about certain customs in society. With the incredible work of the Quills & Quartos women, we bent what we could and left that which was untouchable. ; ) I think it is exciting to see the characters differently, whether it is family dynamics or some relatives who have different relationships. I hope readers find it as fun and rewarding as I did.
This sounds very different, and I can’t wait to read it! And the cover is gorgeous!
Thanks!
That is lovely. Thank you for sharing the new cover, and good luck on the new release!
Thanks!
Everything about this cover is simply perfect for this story! Congratulations Quills & Quartos for bringing another author and her story to the Jane Austen community.
I agree all around, and am so grateful to Q&Q.
Meredith, another cover reveal. WOW! I love covers and this one is so romantic. The soft filtered lighting and that amazing dress. Love it. This sounds like an amazing story. I can’t wait to read it. Good luck to all in the drawing. Thanks to Q&Q publishing for the generous giveaway and I wish all manner of success for our author, Michelle Ray. Blessings, everyone, stay safe, and healthy.
Thank you for your kind wishes. I agree that the painting they chose is very romantic.
Beautiful Cover! Looking forward to the read. Congratulations!
Thanks!
What a lovely cover!
Thanks!
The cover is so beautiful, delicate… love it!!
“Delicate” is such a perfect word. It really captures this Elizabeth’s journey.
Just cannot sait to read it
I love the beautiful cover & am intrigued by the story! Looking forward to reading it! ♥️
Thank you!
I can picture Elizabeth to look just like this…Lovely cover and looking forward to reading this new concept
Thank you. I do hope you enjoy it.
Congratulations! This cover is stunningly beautiful, and the story sounds unique. I look forward to to reading it! This is how I picture Elizabeth.
Wonderful! Thank you.
Congratulations on publishing! The cover is delightful! The softness of the person, the dress and the flower is wonderful.
I love it for the same reasons! And thank you.
This sounds fantastic, can not wait!
Thanks!
Oh, this sounds like an intriguing new twist, and I must add it to my TBR hoard. So much great JAFF out there, so little time…
I am with you on too little time. My list is growing and growing! Thanks.
The cover is lovely, and I can’t wait to read the book. I love it when the characters are put in very different situations, because I read so many variations.
I hope you enjoy this one. I love a good twist, too.
Michelle, I’m so happy your long awaited day is here! The story sounds so intriguing, even more so because you mentioned it was not originally written as a P&P variation. I’m looking forward to reading it – if Jennifer loves it, I know I will, too! Congratulations!
Thank you! I hope you enjoy. Jennifer has good taste, so let’s trust her on this one. Hehe.
The teaser excerpt in the email promo was outstanding. I love first person narratives. This new-to-me author already has my interest. I am so looking forward to this book’s release. Thank you Q&Q for bringing another wonderful offering in my favorite genre to life.
Thank you so much for your enthusiasm.
The cover is beautiful and seems to capture the essence of young Elizabeth of this story. Congratulations!
Thank you so much!
Beautiful cover! And the plot sounds interesting. I can’t wait to read it! Congratulations Michelle on the new book!
Thank you so much!
I must energetically applaud Q&Q on their wisdom to publish the sublime Michelle Ray. I have greedily devoured ALL of her fabulous books, and I always impatiently await the next. The cover is atmospheric and gorgeous, and I have no doubt that Michelle will have done Jane Austen, Lizzy & Darcy all mightily proud. We will raise fine glasses to Michelle’s success when she and her husband visit in Miami later this month.
BRAVA, BRAVA, BRAVA!
You’re adorable. Thanks for your ongoing support, superfan.
This story sounds like one I will enjoy to read. Great reveal!
I hope you enjoy. Thanks!
The first P & P variation book I ever read was Jennifer Altman’s excellent “To Conquer Pride.” Now with Michelle Ray’s “There You Were” I have another version to look forward to! Plot sounds really interesting and can’t wait for June!
Jennifer Altman’s was one of my first, as well.Thanks for your support.
Beautiful cover, and intriguing premise! Congratulations, Michelle, on the upcoming release! (And thanks, Meredith, for hosting this giveaway, but please do not enter me. Many thanks!)
Thanks so much all around. ; )
Interesting premise. Congrats on the release!
Thanks! (And I like your name)
I love the cover girl! What a different story this is! Very intriguing! I do wonder why Elizabeth married Colonel Fitzwilliam (I’m not usually a huge fan of either Darcy or Elizabeth marrying other people but I’d love to know the reason) I do like that Darcy stands her friend, especially when it’s obvious that the Colonel is killed in action. I’m adding this to my list.
Please don’t enter me in the giveaway as I shop on U.K. and I can’t buy from .com.
I hope you find the reason she marries someone else satisfying, as well as how it all plays out.
The cover is absolutely spectacular! And the story description has me intrigued. I too, enjoy stories that are off canon but still relate to ODC. Can’t wait to read this one!
Thanks!
Congratulations! What a dreamy cover! I love outside-the-box premises and this one certainly is. I am so glad that Mr. Darcy is a good friend to her. Another one to add to my TBR! Thank you for a chance at the giveaway!
He is a good friend indeed. Ah Darcy. ; ) I hope you enjoy it.
How exciting! I want to read this one.
Thanks!
This looks like a great book.
Thanks!
I love paintings on covers. Do you know who this is a portrait of?
Me, too. I do not, but I will ask the people who chose the image to see if they know!
The painting is called “The Pink Rose” by Charles Amable-Lenoir
Congratulations on first Pride and Prejudice prequel/variation. Looking forward to reading it.
Thanks! I hope you enjoy it.
What a beautiful cover, the description definitely had peeked my interest. This seems like an angst filled plot and I’m looking forward to reading it!
There is a lot of drama and angst, that’s for sure. Enjoy!
Wow factor!
Awww
I want that dress – and the story!
The story you can get. The dress. . . if you find it, lemme know! ; )
The story sounds fantastic! Thank you for “reworking” what you are written but am sure it was a major rewrite. It sounds like such a sad upbringing for Lizzie. Thank you for the giveaway.
It was actually a fascinating puzzle once I realized what the task of reworking meant. Lots of slashing and adding, but I learned SO much about fan expectations and history, and I wanted to get it right. Lizzie finds joy despite the drama.
We always want a HEA! Thank you for responding.
Beautiful, but definitely non-canon, cover. I look forward to the entire story.
It’s different, for sure, but I love it. Enjoy!
I am so excited to read this book! That cover!! Incredibly beautiful. I am sooooo looking forward to reading this. The excerpt over at Q&Q has me hooked, wow. All blessings and best luck to Michelle on her new book.
Thanks so much! Glad you liked the excerpt. I hope it’s a fun and satisfying read.
This cover is so so so lovely! I would love to have a print of this actually. Excited for the story too. 🙂
The painting is called “The Pink Rose” by Charles Amable-Lenoir. Another person said they have a print in their home. I think it’s quite lovely. May the book be as satisfying as the image.
Sounds like our poor girl has had a tragic life. The cover is absolutely beautiful. I’d love to know the name and artist to get a print of it. Congratulations on the new book.
The painting is called “The Pink Rose” by Charles Amable-Lenoir. Thanks so much!
Only the top half of my letters are showing up. I am looking forward to reading this. And Thanks for the generous give away. The cover is beautiful.
I see all your letters. Thanks for the support!
Gorgeous cover! I can’t wait to read this one!
Thank you so much. I hope you enjoy it.
I am so looking forward to this book I have already pre-ordered this one.
Wow! Thanks so much.
What a great book, love that Elizabeth is a widow before Mr Darcy becomes such a big part of her heart and life. The cover, no I did not forget 😉 Beautifull and dreamy, the gold detail at the sides, absolutely lovely 😀
I’m glad you like the premise. The cover was lovelier than I could have imagined. ; ) So grateful for talented designers.
Congratulations on your book. Such a captivating cover. Curious about the Colonel’s sentiments and what brought about their union. Looking forward to this new P & P variation.
I hope the story answers your curiosity in a satisfying way. ; )
That’s a very beautiful cover, Michelle. I feel like the lady really embodies your version of Elizabeth. I look forward to the day it will be released. Congrats on the upcoming publication!
Thank you so much! I agree – a well chosen image and design by the talented Q&Q team
What do I think? I think I will enjoy this story very much, thank you.
I hope you do!
I am sorry for being so late, so I know I won’t be in the giveaway. However, I do want to comment that I love that cover, especially the dress and that lady’s “fine eyes.”
I’m so glad you like it. I think it’s fine and dreamy myself.