Greetings, friends! I cannot tell you how happy I am to welcome the lovely Joana Starnes to Austenesque Reviews today. 🙌🏼
Joana, it is always so wonderful to have you visit this blog, but it is even more of a special treat when you are here sharing something fabulous and exciting – like the cover reveal for your upcoming release – Twists of Fate! 🤗
Friends, Joana Starnes has a new book coming out in less than a month!!!! Can I get a ‘woot woot!?’ 🥳
~ From the Author ~
Thanks so much, Meredith, for welcoming me here today, and many thanks to everyone who is joining us for the cover reveal of Twists of Fate, due for release on Jul 22.
In a nutshell, this is what the story is about:
(I hope you have the sound turned on for this 1.37 min trailer, because the music really, really makes it! Huge thanks to Aaron Kenny for this delightful piece!)
~ Book Description ~
Much of the premise is in the trailer, but here comes a little bit more:
What if Mr Collins shocked Elizabeth with his base conduct at the time of his proposal, thus sending her dashing out of her house, and into the arms of Mr Darcy? What if that accidental encounter was witnessed, and impropriety was assumed? What if Mr Darcy was glad of the excuse to marry his heart’s desire – only to have his best hopes blasted within hours of his wedding? What if he found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time more than once?
Evil rumours, an early marriage, a dreadful misunderstanding, an old secret and good intentions gone awry. What if ‘I do’ is not the end, but the beginning of the adventure?
And without further ado….here is the big reveal!!!
(Expected release date: July 22nd)
So lovely, Joana! I love Elizabeth’s expressions, the clouds, the scenery. 📕
Yeeeeeesssssss, Mr. Darcy coming to the rescue! 🎩
Looks like Joana has got herself a new Darcy! I love his features – especially his eyes! 👁👁
Oh dear, what is the dreadful misunderstanding?!? 🥺
What do you think, friends?🤔
~ Excerpt ~
And now I’d love to continue our tradition, Meredith. I’m not even sure when and how it started (maybe as far back as 2014, with the midnight kiss in The Falmouth Connection?), but it’s become a habit to share one of the most romantic excerpts from my latest book whenever you host me at Austenesque Reviews.
You’re ever so kind to have me round twice on the Twists of Fate blog tour! I wish I could bring tea and scones. I’ll bring two romantic excerpts instead (and keep my fingers crossed for tea and scones with you at Pemberley soon!)
How about a very un-Hunsford-like proposal for the first excerpt? (If anyone would like to know how it came to be un-Hunsford-like, there is more about that here.) So let’s go and have a peek in Mr Bennet’s study now, shall we?
(Excerpt from Chapter 8)
“My apologies for keeping you waiting for so long,” Elizabeth offered, once Sarah had bobbed a curtsy and vanished, having set the tray on the desk, and Mr Bennet had come close enough to the door to pull it shut, thus giving a tacit indication of his consent to their complete privacy. “I thought a cup of tea would not go amiss. I fear you have caught a chill after all.”
A wry quirk in his lips by way of confirmation, Mr Darcy said, “I thank you, a cup of tea would be most welcome,” so Elizabeth poured it, with just a dash of milk and no sugar as she vaguely remembered that he took it, then handed it to him, while noting without rhyme or reason just how uncommonly tall he was. So tall that the top of her head seemed to reach no higher than his chin – if that. She turned away as she suppressed a grimace. That this should be the first time she had paid heed to such details was utterly ridiculous.
She wordlessly invited him to sit and, by force of habit, chose to go and lower herself onto the cushioned window-seat where she often curled up on wet days, when she and her papa happily kept each other company. How strange that the beginning of her married life should be decided here! She had never imagined that her future husband would propose in her father’s study. And yet she suddenly found it deeply comforting.
Even the fact that he fixed her with a solemn and unwavering stare as he drank his tea no longer felt unsettling. She did not stare back, but lowered her gaze to her folded hands as it occurred to her to wonder if she had misjudged him in this too: had he always stared because he admired her, and not because he disapproved?
* * * *
He had never been drawn to her more than now, when admiration for her efforts to show strength before adversity was heightened by heart-wrenching pity. Because he had never seen her thus, Darcy was distraught to note. Pale and subdued, her countenance pinched, her eyes devoid of their adorably impish sparkle. There was nothing that he wanted more than to see her restored to her cheerful self – nothing that he needed more than to protect her.
Darcy pressed his lips together as he owned that his understandable reluctance to sound like Wickham and echo the fiend’s words was of little import now. His own views notwithstanding, he could not have brought himself to say anything to her of the disparities in their condition in life. He could not have injured her pride with the honest confession of the scruples that had long prevented him from forming any serious design on her. Not now, when he could scarce hold back from striding across the room to wrap his arms around her and tell her that he would keep her safe, and that henceforth she need not fear anything.
Perhaps it was too soon for such a liberty. But he was damned if he would still struggle to keep his distance!
So Darcy set his half-empty cup on the desk and rose to his feet. He crossed the room towards her, drew a chair next to her window-seat and lowered himself into it, then reached for her hands and gathered them in his.
* * * *
He had excessively warm hands, Elizabeth noted. Perhaps the chill had brought on a fever. There was a feverish glint in his eyes too, she found, when she raised her head and met his gaze. But this time she did not look away, despite the sudden flutter of nervousness at his proximity. She ignored it, and allowed herself to acknowledge something she had always known: that he was a handsome man. Very handsome. In truth, that had been her first thought of him upon their initial encounter, before his uncivil comment at the Meryton assembly had goaded her into resentfully welcoming every critical view of his person, and the full set of lies that Mr Wickham had concocted.
Her sin in believing them without any evidence, simply because they vindicated a dislike born from that offence, was certainly greater than his incivility in declaring her merely tolerable but not handsome enough to tempt him. So she would not be so childish and petty as to bear him a grudge for it.
A faint stirring of mischief prompted her to think that although she was ready to forgive the transgression, she might still tease him over it, given the opportunity. But for now, her natural penchant for archness could not distract her from a very different thought: it was a relief that she found him attractive. Then marital duties should not be a hardship. Which was something she could have never said of Mr Collins.
Heat flared in her cheeks at her immodest reflections, and Elizabeth darted her eyes downwards, hoping against hope that Mr Darcy had not already read in them precisely what it was that she was thinking – that this was not the reason why he leaned forward in his seat with a sharp intake of breath. But he came no closer – merely ran his thumbs over the back of her hands.
The light caress sparked comparisons too, much as she loathed her cousin’s intrusion in her thoughts at any time, and now more than ever. Yet she could not help comparing one instance with the other, and blessedly found that there was a world of difference between this and the travesty of a marriage proposal she had received from Mr Collins. Just as there was a world of difference between Mr Darcy and that vile excuse of a man – in every way.
She exhaled slowly, noting in passing that she had not realised how taut her every muscle, nerve and sinew had been – as taut as bowstrings – until now, when the tension seemed to ebb. Even her hands had been rigid, she discovered, when she felt them going slack and resting almost limply in Mr Darcy’s, as his thumbs kept brushing back and forth over her skin.
Elizabeth blinked. She had not expected tenderness. In truth, she could scarce tell what she had expected, once her preconceptions had been overturned – but not that. His voice was uncommonly soft too, when he finally spoke.
“How are you faring?”
“I am quite recovered, I thank you. It turned out to be a trifling injury,” Elizabeth replied and looked up, but not for very long. It would be very strange indeed if she were to stare at him from less than an arm’s length.
“I am very glad to hear it, but that was not my meaning. I was wondering how you were faring on the whole.”
“Oh. Of course…” she faltered, then gave a faint shrug and chose honesty over the niceties of polite conversation. “Well enough, I daresay. That is, when I am not dwelling on perfidy, unprovoked malice and my inexcusable credulity.”
“Let us not call it thus, but ignorance of evil,” Mr Darcy countered, yet his voice lost its warmth as he continued. “I rather thought as much the other night, at the ball, when I detected Wickham’s poison in some of your remarks—”
“And so there was. I owe you an apology for letting it hold sway,” Elizabeth cut in, determined to make a clean breast of everything. Unwittingly, she curled her fingers around his as she added, “I should have known better.”
She darted a self-conscious glance towards him, only to find that the turn of Mr Darcy’s countenance rather suggested he was in agreement – she should have known better than to lend an ear to Mr Wickham’s spiteful talk. But he scrupled to say so. Instead, he civilly replied, “Pray do not make yourself uneasy. You could not have known that he lies as he breathes.”
“Yes. I can see that now,” Elizabeth retorted, her voice low and bitter, but before she could say anything else Mr Darcy clasped her hands and spoke with nothing short of quiet ferocity.
“I would gladly tear him limb from limb for that. And make all the Meryton gossipmongers pay. Coarseness and insolence are common enough in those of their station, but their readiness to turn on you, when they have known you all your life, is unforgivable.”
Elizabeth’s lips tightened. She had found this deeply objectionable too: his obvious disdain for her acquaintances. She could not fault him for it now. On reflection, perhaps she should have made allowances for it sooner. Why should he not hold them in contempt, given the manner of his reception in the area? He must have heard the whispers at the Meryton assembly, just as she had – their ill-mannered chatter about his affairs and his person; and the report, which was in general circulation within five minutes after his entrance, of his large estate in Derbyshire and his ten thousand a year.
“There is a coarseness about them,” she acknowledged with some asperity, “and a littleness, which you saw and I did not, even though I grew up among them.”
“I will not make a merit of seeing through them. I have lived in the world for a few years longer than you, that is all,” Mr Darcy replied, a faint quirk at the corner of his lips. “Time enough to grow circumspect. Or jaded.”
“Which is one of the reasons I detest this wretched business,” Elizabeth retorted, her voice still quiet despite the sudden vehemence. “You have every reason to resent them for forcing your hand. I should not wish you to resent me by extension. And for suggesting the bridleway in the first place.”
Mr Darcy’s shock was readily apparent – and no less reassuring – when he shot back:
“Resent you? You must not think that! How could I possibly resent you? You have been maligned through no fault of your own. I would wager that you have uniformly shown them civility and kindness, and never injured a single one of them. And yet they had no qualms about injuring you. I would dearly wish to have their sins visited upon them, but sadly there is not much I can do – except put distance between you and their malice, if you are in agreement. Are you? Will you let me take you away from all this?”
Elizabeth raised her head, lifting her gaze from their joined hands to his face, and for once it did not seem discomfiting or unnatural to stare at him from such close quarters. She searched his countenance, looking for answers to her as-yet-unspoken questions. And then she put those questions into words:
“Why would you give yourself the trouble? Because they maligned you too? To prove that you are not a rake?”
Under her very eyes, his mien softened almost beyond recognition.
“Only a fool would marry to spite others or to prove anything to anyone,” Mr Darcy said with somewhat of a chuckle – only to release her hands and startle her by turning abruptly in his seat.
Perplexed, Elizabeth watched him rummaging in his coat pocket, but her confusion vanished, replaced by mild amusement, when she saw him hastily producing a handkerchief and sneezing loudly into it – twice, in quick succession. Then he put his kerchief away and cast her an engagingly self-deprecating grin.
“Forgive me. So much for a dignified proposal.”
She flashed him an understanding smile in her turn.
“Do not concern yourself. Dignity can be overrated. So, you were saying…?”
“Just that I am not seeking to prove anything,” Mr Darcy resumed, gathering her hands in his once more. “I am asking you to be my wife because I have good reason to believe we shall be happy.”
That answer was unexpected too. Did he genuinely think so? Or was that his way of saying he wished they made the most of the hand they had been dealt? Or was it just plain courtesy?
Clearly, he had offered for her out of necessity, otherwise he would have spoken sooner. But he had not. He had made plans to quit Hertfordshire. He would not be here, were it not for the scandal. That was the fact of the matter, even though he was too gentlemanly to say so.
Nonetheless, Elizabeth could not dismiss his words as common courtesy, for the look in his eyes did not suggest he had merely uttered a requisite civility. As to her other speculations, she could not determine which one came closest to the truth, but in a flash a more pressing notion leapt to the fore: was he about to kiss her?
If so, she was not sure how she felt about that, either. Nervous? Curious? Uneasy that her first kiss should be here, in her father’s study? Breathless? Dizzy? Not surprised? Definitely not surprised. Was that not part and parcel of a betrothal?
In the end, it mattered not how she might have felt about it, for Mr Darcy did not kiss her. Instead, he pressed his lips to the back of her hand – warm lips, yet their touch sent a sort of tingling shiver coursing over her skin. An astonishing response, unaccountable but not unpleasant. Quite delectable, in fact. And then he raised his head to ask, “Will you marry me, Elizabeth?”
Another novelty there. Not the question itself – that particular question had been hanging in the air ever since she had joined him in her father’s study – but Mr Darcy addressing her by her Christian name, and the timbre of his voice as he did so.
A part of her mind – the part that was not distracted by sundry novelties – diligently laboured, cataloguing sensible thoughts and peculiar sensations, and in due course presented her with the conclusion that she had been wrong in thinking she would not find reassurance in her father’s study this morning. That is to say, in her interview with Mr Darcy. For his gentleness was reassuring. As was her own response to it. To his closeness. To him.
There was but one answer she could give to his offer of marriage, and they both knew it. But by now Elizabeth had sufficient cause to hope that, despite the hand they had been dealt, they might make a good life together. Thus, her smile was shy rather than forced when, with one word, she pledged herself to him in a low whisper.
© 2021 Joana Starnes
Oh, I love it! The gentleness, the understanding, the acceptance of this forced situation! This is so much better than the Hunsford Proposal! 😜
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Thanks for reading!
If you liked what you saw, I hope you’ll check out the other posts
on the Blog Tour:
17 Jun 2021 ~ Austen Variations ~ Giveaway and Excerpt: A ride in the rain
24 Jun 2021 ~ Austen Variations ~ Ongoing Giveaway and Excerpt: A fiery Mr Darcy
28 Jun 2021 ~ Austenesque Reviews ~ Cover Reveal, Giveaway and Excerpt: A very un-Hunsford-like proposal
5 Jul 2021 ~ Babblings of a Bookworm ~ Giveaway and Guest post: Breaking the wall of silence
8 Jul 2021 ~ From Pemberley to Milton ~ Giveaway and ‘Ask Me Anything!’ (I’ll try to answer without too many spoilers)
13 Jul 2021 ~ Austen Variations ~ Ongoing Giveaway and Excerpt: If anything can go wrong…
16 Jul 2021 ~ Austenesque Reviews ~ Giveaway and… [my lips are sealed, but I hope you’ll like it]
22 Jul 2021 ~ Austen Variations ~ Launch Day!
~~~
~ Giveaway Time! ~
Joana has generously brought with her some fabulous goodies to be given away in conjunction with her visit today! These lovely prizes include:
- 2 Kindle copies of Twists of Fate
- 2 Audible codes – to listen for free to one of Stevie Zimmerman’s exquisite productions of my other books: Mr Bennet’s Dutiful Daughter; Miss Darcy’s Companion The Falmouth Connection; The Subsequent Proposal; The Unthinkable Triangle; The Darcy Legacy; The Journey Home to Pemberley. or A Timely Elopement (winner’s choice).
To enter this lovely and generous giveaway, leave a comment, question, or some love for Joana! 💕
- This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Joana!
- This giveaway ends July 5th!
Thanks for coming to read the excerpt and have a peek at the cover, and huge thanks again, Meredith, for hosting me today!
Thank YOU, Joana! I am the biggest fan of this lovely tradition you have started! Thank you for starting our week out with this deliciously romantic scene!! I love how you make the reader feel all the emotions of these moments with your exquisite prose. 📝
~ Connect with Joana ~
Blog ❧ Facebook ❧ Twitter ❧ All Roads Lead to Pemberley ❧ Instagram
~ About Joana ~
Joana is the author of ten Austen-inspired novels and a contributor to the Quill Ink anthologies. All her novels are available at Amazon in Kindle and paperback, and some in Audible too: Joana’s Amazon Page.
Goodness, that sounds like such an amazing start to their shared life that it’s hard to imagine what could possibly go wrong. I’ve now put this story on my list as one to read for sure once released, much like all of Ms Starnes other books already. This sounds amazing and I can’t wait to see how it all plays out. Congratulations on your newest release!
I’m so glad you like the sound of it, Melissa, and that you’ve read and enjoyed my other books! Thanks for stopping by to read the excerpt and have a look at the cover. I hope you’ll like the full story when it comes out.
“Goodness, that sounds like such an amazing start to their shared life that it’s hard to imagine what could possibly go wrong.” LOL I’ve made a habit of torturing Mr Darcy and making his love life go south, but I tried to behave in this one 😀 . So I hope you’ll be glad to know that the things that go wrong won’t stay like that for as long as usual 😉 . Best wishes and thanks for reading!
What a stunning cover! And I stayed up almost all night to finish my advanced copy last night, and so worth it! Gorgeous novel.
Thanks so much, Christina! I’m so happy you liked it!! Huge thanks for the thumbs-up and everything else!
Such a lovely scene and a gorgeous cover. I’m looking forward to reading this book. Congratulations Joana ❤️
I’m so glad you liked the cover and the excerpt, Kate! Thanks for stopping by to have a peek. Hope you’ll like the rest too. All the best and have a lovely summer!
Enjoyed watching the video. Congrats on the release!
Thanks for watching, DarcyBennet! I’m so glad you liked it!
Thanks again for having me, Meredith!! It always makes me so happy to visit your blog, either as a guest or as a reader!! I’m so glad you like the premise and the cover of my new book, and that you like my new Mr Darcy too. He does have absolutely dreamy eyes, doesn’t he? :))) . I can’t help thinking that he looks more like Mr Darcy than my dear old favourite. I do miss the other Mr Darcy, he has such a sweet, vulnerable look about him! Wistful too, which kind of suited my books & my apalling fondness for torturing him 😉 . But the new gent has a certain ‘Now what?’ wariness about him, which I love, and I think it’s fair to say that he’s much better dressed too :))
Hope you’ll like the book. I’m torturing him here too (of course I am…) but a lot less (I think!!).
Huge thanks again for having me, and hope you and Fezzik have a lovely summer!!
This was such a lovely honor, Joana! Thank you so much for paying us this special visit!
Mmm. I love both your Darcys! And your assessment of their looks and what they are saying fit perfectly!
Haha! You wouldn’t be you if you didn’t torture Darcy a little!
Congrats on your lovely new release!!
Lovely excerpt with Elizabeth having a more open viewpoint towards Darcy. Looking forward to reading this novel. I do like an early marriage scenario.
I’m so glad you’re fond of early marriage scenarios, Patty! I love them. Love to read about them, love to write them. It’s so nice to see them reaching their HEA sooner, or at least being together the entire time it takes them to find their HEA. Thanks for stopping by to read the excerpt, I’m so happy you like this premise! I’ve been racking my brain for ways in which Elizabeth might see the good side of Darcy (and the BAD side of Wickham) sooner than she usually does. I love it when W doesn’t get to spin his lies for very long. Best wishes and thanks for reading!
The bar is set to a new level with the enchanting video that introduces this book. The cover is fabulous; I especially like the look of Elizabeth. Thanks for entering me in the drawing.
I’m so glad you liked the video, ForeverHis! All credit and kudos to the artist who created this soulful piece, and kindly made it available. I absolutely love how the music swells and how the mood changes from romantic to wistful to suspenseful. It’s exquisite! So glad you like the cover too. Thank you, and best of luck in the giveaway!
Whoa – love the cover. I did read the ARC and LOVED the story as I have enjoyed all this author’s stories. Joana is one of my favorites. The video was just lovely…sigh!
Thanks so much for your wonderful words, Sheila! I’m so happy you loved the story, the video and the cover. Thank you!!
I’m eagerly looking forward to enjoying the drama present in this new book! Thank you for the wonderful excerpt, and the generous giveaway, Joana. I’m not one for audiobooks, but would very much enjoy an ebook.
Best of luck in the eBook giveaway, Ginna, and thanks for taking part! I do hope you’ll like the story. I’m too close to the action to tell if I’m being as cruel to Mr Darcy as I’ve been known to be (I’m tempted to say that there are compensations 😉 ) but I think it’s fair to say that there’ll be plot twists and slow-burn courtship. Hope that workds for you. Best wishes and thanks for reading!
WOOT! WOOT! Swoon. (Frantic hand fanning)
Goodness but that was a lovely scene. I can’t wait to read the rest. Mr Darcy seems to have gathered his wits and his empathy quickly. And Elizabeth has seen the truth of the evilness in the world… what could go wrong?
Thanks for writing what will no doubt be one of my favourite stories of the year
“…what could go wrong?”
Indeedy 😀
Thanks so much for this lovely message, Lynley! I’m so happy you loved their interaction. Thank you!!
I absolutely love this proposal! Even more on my third reading! 🙂
Such a fabulous cover too! I love the dreamlike quality of Elizabeth!
This is most definitely a winner Joana, I love it! <3 I think this may actually be my favourite of your books although it’s such a really tough choice!
Thank you for sharing this wonderful excerpt. I’m looking forward to the tea and scones!
Huge thanks for your wonderful words, Glynis!! I’m over the moon that you liked the book so much!! I love Elizabeth too, I couldn’t believe my luck when I found her. Such gorgeous eyes! And that lovely hint of a smile. Thanks for reading this again, and for stopping by to chat! Can’t wait for the tea and scones either! We’ve been cheated of them for long enough :)). Take care, stay safe and all the best!
I am counting the days until publication! I just love Darcy’s cravat and stick pin. The folds are pristine. Thank you for the excerpt. Darcy is so much more tender in this proposal and upset over the treatment of Meryton towards Elizabeth.
Thank you, Eva! Oh, yes, his cravat and pin :)) I love them too. Those pristine folds and the pin are a couple of the reasons why I was telling Meredith earlier in the thread that I think he’s far better dressed than my previous Mr Darcy :)) (I’m kidding, really, I wouldn’t dare slight the other gentleman! The fault was all mine for choosing someone from an earlier generation, who was dressed after a different fashion. But I just couldn’t resist his wistful and vulnerable look).
I’m so glad you liked the excerpt! Thank you! Ooh, I think he’d like to crush the offenders to dust. How dare they distress Elizabeth!!
Have a lovely day and thanks for reading.
Thank you for your reply!
Thank *you* Eva. I’m so glad you stopped by for a chat 🙂
I love Joana’s books! Please enter me in the giveaway.
Thank you, Jennie! I’m so glad you love my books! Hope you’ll like this one too. Best of luck in the giveaway and thanks for taking part.
Wow, I’m so excited! I can’t wait to read the book! The Elizabeth on the cover reminds me of the lovely Katherine Heigl
Thank you!!! I’ve been wondering for AGES why she looks familiar! Phew. Mystery solved :))
I’m so glad you like the premise! Thanks for stopping by to read and chat.
I am so looking forward to this!
Thanks, Colleen! I hope you’ll like it!
A proposal acceptance in Chapter 8 – so what are the challenges ahead? I cannot wait to see how Joana will take us to the HEA.
Best of luck with the release and thank you for the giveaway.
Thank *you*, Mary, for your kind words and good wishes! I’m so glad you’re looking forward to reading ‘Twists of Fate.’ Best of luck in the giveaway and thanks for following the blog tour!
This was wonderful. I’d love to win one of her books. Thanks!
I’m so glad you liked the post, Laura! Thanks for stopping by and best of luck in the giveaway.
Congratulations, Joana! Loved the trailer and excerpt, and the cover is stunning! 🙂
Thanks so much, Kelly! Best wishes, and *lots* of inspiration!!
The video was fabulous! Can’t wait to read it!
Thanks for watching, Tami! I’m so glad you liked it. I hope you’ll like the story too.
I love the cover, and the excerpt. I’m looking forward to reading this, and thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of the book!
Best of luck in the giveaway, Cyndy, and thanks for stopping by to take part and have a peek at the cover and the excerpt. I’m so glad you like them!
It looks like you have done it again! Another wonderful story of ODC’s bumpy road to happiness!
Thank you, Lily! LOL this is JAFF in a nutshell ‘ODC’s bumpy road to happiness!’ I love it! Thanks for stopping by today. Best wishes and I hope you’ll like the story.
I am so excited to read your new book! The story concept, excerpt, and cover are wonderful!
Thanks so much, Virginia! I’m so happy you liked what you saw!
So looking forward to reading this story. Love the excerpt! Betting that the rest is equally fantastic! This is going to be a summer of reading for this gal. LOL. So many great stories coming out. How will I ever read them all!?
So many excellent stories out there!! I can’t wait to treat myself to a summer of JAFF.
Thanks for stopping by to read the excerpt, I’m so glad you liked it! Take care and enjoy your summer of reading.
Looking forward to another delightful Starnes book.
Thank you, Lesley! I hope you’ll like it!
Yay, another book by Joana! Thank you for the excerpt. I am really looking forward to reading the book. Congrats on the upcoming release.
I’m so glad you liked the excerpt, Robin! Thanks for stopping by to read it!
Joana, this is your best cover yet! Wow! And of course, that excerpt showed off your capacity for stunning prose. Thanks for sharing. Thanks for hosting, Meredith.
You’re so kind, Suzan! Thank you! Have a wonderful summer and lots of inspiration!!
Ahhh lovely dialog, . And that cover – I dream of Lizzy. Listening to the Unthinkable Triangle now. Congrats!
‘I dream of Lizzy’
I’m so glad you saw that, Sam! That’s exactly what I had in mind! And her aura spreading over him and Pemberley. I can’t wait to hear what you thought of the Unthinkable Triangle. Darcy’s troubles are over much more quickly in my latest 🙂
Fabulous trailer, beautiful cover! My anticipation meter is off the scale! Can’t wait to read it!
I’m so glad you liked them, Marie! Thank you!
This new Darcy is so manly and his stare…it’s like he has a secret he tempts you to find out!
I love the video–oh, that music…I can listen to it again and again, especially these first 30 seconds…
What can I say about the proposal scene? Who can deny a sneezing Mr Darcy? Poor man, he’s so adorable in his discomfort. (Of course I loved his “So much for a dignified proposal.” If only he knew…)
I can’t wait till release day! I wish this book the very very best!
LOL So true! If only he knew :)) Thanks so much, Alexandra! Such wonderful things to say! I’m so happy you liked the scene and the music, and huge thanks for all the help, the hints and the tips, and for making this new Mr Darcy look even more manly and good-looking than he was.
‘Who can deny a sneezing Mr Darcy?’ Indeed :)) I’m so glad you liked this scene! I was thinking it could go either way, having the proposal interrupted by a sneeze (or several) . But I couldn’t resist a sneezing Mr Darcy either 😀 . It was so nice to imagine him human and imperfect in an endearing rather than a stuck-up way. Have a lovely summer and thanks for everything!
I loved the cover! She looks so nice with those beautiful eyes and he looks so handsome and dignified. I also loved the excerpt, so full of understanding. I am thoroughly hooked!
She had amazing eyes – the shape, the colour. She really steals the show. I’m so glad you liked the excerpt and the cover. Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you’ll like the story too.
Oh my goodness! I love the book trailer, love the cover, love the excerpt! Very much looking forward to this story.
I’m so happy you loved the trailer, the cover and the excerpt, Katie. Thanks for coming to have a peek. Can’t wait to hear what you think of the whole story.
Wow! I am eager to read this book! I chuckled when Darcy sneezed.
I’m so glad it gave you a chuckle, Rebecca! I couldn’t resist the temptation to picture him a little more human (and less strarchy) than he presents himself in certain circumstances 🙂 Thanks for reading and I hope you’ll like the rest.
This is one of the most beautiful covers Ive ever seen!
Thank you!! I’m so glad you think so. I hope you’ll like the story too.
I love the trailer and am looking forward to this story. You always bring something compelling to the page. Thank you!
I’m so happy you enjoyed my other books! Thank you! This one is a little adventurous – hopefully in a good way. Thanks for stopping by today. I’m so glad you liked the trailer. It was great fun to make.
Thank you so much for introducing us to a book that I already know will be one of my favorites!
Such a wonderful thing to say, Adriana! Thank you! I’m so glad you think so.
Wonderful video and gorgeous cover! Such ‘fine eyes’!! Oh the anticipation that is coming as they start their life together…Congratulations, Joana!
I’m so happy you liked the trailer and the cover, Carole.
I love her eyes too. So beautiful and expressive, Very fine indeed 🙂 . Gorgeous model and such a talented artist. Have a lovely day and thanks for everything!
I just finished the Falmouth Connection yesterday and it was one of my absolute favorite JAFF of all timer! I love the imagery especially of the cove. I used to live in Devon and I makes me feel very nostalgic of my adventures there ❤️ I can’t wait for this book to come out, the excerpt was riveting!
Devon is so beautiful! I’m so happy you liked the Falmouth Connection so much, and that it brought back good memories. Thank you! It’s so wonderful to hear that! All the best and I hope you’ll like the new story too.
Such a pleasing proposal compared to Hunsford. Just hope ODC realize soon that they have been given the chance of a love we all wish to have.
Thanks, Luisa, I’m so glad you liked it!
“Just hope ODC realize soon that they have been given the chance of a love we all wish to have.”
Such a beautiful thing to say! I think they do realise quite soon just how lucky they are. Lots of things happen, but in actual time it’s about a week and a bit, so they’re not wasting an awful lot of time 🙂
I hope you’ll like to read about them going from A to B.
I cannot wait to read it from cover to cover. Oh, I do love the cover!
I’m so glad, Brenda! Thank you!!
Fantastic excellent. I love this excerpt. I know Joana’s book be another winner and I look forward to reading it. Thanks so much for featuring it here. And best wishes.
Thanks so much for your kind words, Jennifer, and for stopping by to read the excerpt. I’m so glad you liked it! Best wishes to you too, and lots of inspiration!
Great understated cover, and yet another intriguing snippet.
Thanks, Sarah! I’m so glad you liked the cover and the excerpt. Best wishes and thanks for reading.
That is a lovely little video trailer and the music is indeed delightful! Congratulations on this upcoming release, Joana! The snippets feel like smouldering embers before the fire is teased into life again. 😉
Oh my goodness, Linda, the musical piece!! I couldn’t believe my luck. So romantic and moving, and such seamless changes of theme.
“The snippets feel like smouldering embers before the fire is teased into life again.” I loved this analogy so much! It’s so beautiful! Thank you, and I hope you like smouldering embers 🙂
Meredith, you have the best job. You get to see all these delightful covers before we do and you host all these fabulous authors. I love this cover. Joana, what a delightful mischievous looking Elizabeth. And don’t even get me started on that Darcy. Heavy sigh. I’m going to need a new fan for sure. I read the ARC but may need to read it again. I just loved this guy. Blessings on the success of this work. Stay safe and healthy.
Thank you, Jeanne! I’m so happy you loved the cover.
She has such beautiful eyes! Very fine indeed, her most arresting feature, and I love that hint of a smile on her lips. That aside, I think I might have to get you started on that Darcy. I can’t help myself :)) (Sorry about that. And about your fan 😉 ). Blessings to you too, and take good care of yourself!
What a lovely video! And an even lovelier proposal scene.
I’m so glad you liked them, Xena Anne! Thanks for stopping by to have a peek!
Oh, my, my. What a heart-pounding excerpt! I already love this book–now I just have to read it. Thanks for the chance to win. BTW, I just finished your Timely Elopement and it was wonderful!
I’m so happy you enjoyed A Timely Elopement. It was great fun to write. I hope you’ll like this book too. It’s in a slighthly different vein perhaps, but there are plenty of heart-pounding moments (more than in most of my other books, I think). Thanks for stopping by today to read and chat. Best wishes and best of luck in the giveaway.
What a beautiful cover. I’m excited for the release.
Thanks for stopping by to have a peek, Colleen. I’m so glad you liked the cover. All the best and I hope you like the full story too..
such a beautiful scene.
denise
Thanks, Denise. I’m so glad you liked it.
What a beautiful and tender scene!!! And the cover reflects Darcy’s yearning and dreaming of Elizabeth. So lovely!!
Congratulations, Joana, on yet another triumph!! YAY!!! 😀
Warmly,
Susanne 🙂
“And the cover reflects Darcy’s yearning and dreaming of Elizabeth.”
Thanks, Susanne! It’s wonderful to hear that this is the impression it creates. Best wishes and thanks for reading. I’m so glad you liked the excerpt too!
I love the cover and the excerpt!
Thanks for stopping by, Audny! I’m so glad you liked the excerpt and the cover.
I love ANYTHING by Joanna Starnes, cant wait ti get my hands on this new book.
I’m so happy to hear you loved my other books, Sharon! Thanks so much for your kind words!! I hope you’ll enjoy my next as well. Have a lovely day and all the best!
Beautiful cover with a very handsome Darcy! Can’t wait for release day, Joanna!
Thanks for stopping by to have a peek, Regina! I’m so glad you like the cover! I hope you’ll enjoy the story too.
Wow, the cover is breathtaking, we can now all understand Darcy admiration for Elizabeth eyes!! They are splendid!! Thanks so much!!
Such a gorgeous model and talented artist, Marryssa! I couldn’t believe my luck when I found her! Fine eyes indeed. Thanks for stopping by to have a look at the cover. I’m so glad you liked it! Best wishes and good luck in the giveaway!
I have read a few of your books, Joana, so I am looking forward to this one for sure!
Thanks, Christina! Best wishes and I hope you’ll like it.
Congraulations on your new book Ms Starnes. Love the cover!!! Thank you for this sweet excerpt and the chance to win a copy of your book
My pleasure! Thank *you* for the good wishes and for stopping by today.
I’m so glad you liked the cover and the excerpt. Best of luck in the giveaway!
My fingers are beyond tempted to twirl that delicious curl under his ear…..
Simply captivating – cover, trailer, proposal(sigh!) Love it all!
I’ve been grappling with this problem too while I was making & tweaking the cover, Deborah 😀 Especially once his delicius curl (and his no less adorable chin) were made to look even better with some magic and a lot of know-how (thanks SO much, Alexandra!!). He’s irresistible. What chance to we have? :))
Thanks so much for stopping by today to leave this lovely message! I’m so glad you liked the cover, the trailer, the proposal (and that delicious curl!).
I am just finishing up “Unthinkable Triangle” (loving it!) and look forward to reading this one.
I’m so happy you’re enjoying the Unthinkable Triangle! Thank you!! I hope you’ll like my next too. Mr Darcy’s love life takes a turn for the best a little quicker 😉
Have a lovely day and thanks for visiting!
Oh my gosh, what a swoony proposal, made all the sweeter by those sneezes. Gorgeous cover, Joana. I miss the old Darcy but this new guy looks more mature and appropriate for canon P&P. I like him. The trailer looks so angsty but promising the HEA too. Oh, and Happy Dance! A new Joana Starnes to love and savor again and again. I know I’ll be loving this one. Ginormous great buckets full of blessings and good luck on the book launch.
Thank you Meredith, yes I agree with J.W., you do have the best job. 😀 I have all the audio books Joana has out so far, but I’d love to win an ebook.
Hi Michelle
Oh my goodness, thanks so much for your wonderful message! I’m so glad you thought the sneezes made the scene sweeter. I just couldn’t resist pulling his leg, just a little bit 😉
I miss the old Mr D too, after 7 years or so, but the new gent has so much going for him! Not least the fact that his rather gorgeous dark eyes are looking straight at us 🙂
Have a lovely weekend, Michelle, and thanks for your kind words and good wishes!
Huge thanks again, Meredith and everyone else, for such an awesome cover reveal party! It’s been a blast. Thank you all!
Am soooo late at this party, can’t even lagine how I did miss it! I suppose I sneezed at the wrong moment!
Oh, right! Am not the only one! ;-p
Loved that one, you’re full of surprises, J!
I am out of compliments and superlatives – everything is wonderful save for the waiting time … haha
But I know it is worth waiting for your story – and may Darcy’s tormenting be as short as in Falmouth Connection… 😉
I have just tried a new scones recipe – just scrumptious! – how is that as a bribe element?
See you on the 5th!
Thanks for the morning giggles, Mihaela!!
“I suppose I sneezed at the wrong moment! Oh, right! Am not the only one!” No indeed. 😀 😀 😀
I’d love to have scones with you someday! Hope it happens!
LOL he was off the hook very soon in Falmouth, just a couple of hours. He’s not as lucky this time, but at least he’s getting a much sweeter deal than in all my other ones, so hopefully I haven’t managed to forfeit the scones :))
Have a lovely day and thanks for checking out the post.
The excerpt is fascinating. I’m looking forward to the story.
Thank you, Coleen, I’m so glad you liked it! All the best and thanks for reading.
Wonderful receipt. Wish to read all the story, I’m sure it’s wonderful.
Thanks, Valentina! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I hope you’ll like the full story too.
What a romantic proposal! I truly melted at the kiss at the back of Elizabeth’s hand, and there was one sentence that reminded me of Emma. This was truly lovely. Thank you for the excerpt and the chance in this giveaway.
Thank *you* Jen! I’m so happy that you liked the scene so much. Thanks for mentioning the ‘Emma’ sentence too 🙂 . It was fun to add it, and to picture Elizabeth siding with Darcy from so early in the story. Best of luck in the giveaway and have a lovely summer.
It’s a beautiful cover, Joana. Somehow the lady on the cover reminded me of actress Lily James. Did you have her in mind for Elizabeth?
The excerpt is pretty romantic too. I’m glad you choose to continue this tradition by featuring loving and touching scenes between Darcy and Elizabeth.
I’m so glad you liked the cover! I didn’t have Lily James in mind when I wrote this, the resemblance is a happy coincidence, but I absolutely adored her as Lizzy! So bubbly and fiery and full of sparkle! Thanks for stopping by to read the excerpt. Best wishes and I hope you’ll like the full story too.