Hello dear friends!! This is an exciting day! 🙌🏼 One of the reading highlights of my 2020 was the discovery of Julie Cooper’s writing! Both The Perfect Gentleman and Tempt Me were two of my Top Favorite Reads of 2020. I fell in love with Julie Cooper’s imaginative premises that diverge away from canon and are full of romance, heart, and action. I am so very happy that she will be releasing a new book soon! And I know I probably shouldn’t prejudge…but I think I am going to love this one too! 🥰
Julie is here today to share the gorgeous cover of her thrilling upcoming release – Nameless! We hope you enjoy! 🤗
~ From the Author ~
Thank you for hosting me again at Austenesque Reviews, Meredith. I appreciate the opportunity to give you and your followers the first peek at the cover and tell you a little more about my new book, Nameless.
“Last night I dreamt of Pemberley again.”
Thus begins this tale of love lost and found, of heartbreak and healing, of passion discovered and passion gone too far.
Of course, its opening line is reminiscent of Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca, and I freely admit to the inspiration. I, in turn, believe that Pride and Prejudice was an inspiration of hers. I mean, consider it: Manderley and Pemberley. Wealth and privilege and spoiled, arrogant heroes and nefarious ne’er do wells and complications with stewards and enormous country estates. Maxim de Winter and Fitzwilliam Darcy. Du Maurier may as well have named her hero Maxwilliam. But of course, Rebecca deviates wonderfully from Pride and Prejudice. They are not the same thing at all. As does Nameless from Rebecca.
The cover of Nameless illustrates beautifully just one of these immense differences. What if our favourite Austen heroine had been a ‘second wife’? A woman who can never bear to be frightened at the will of others, whose courage only rises at every attempt to intimidate her! It changes everything.
Pictured on Nameless’s cover is our heroine—beautiful, in her own unique way. She is twenty-eight when our tale begins, and the companion of the dowager Lady Matlock:
I paused by my looking glass, trying to see what Mr Darcy would see: no longer a girl, a woman past her first blush of youth, a too-determined chin, dark-eyed, in an old-maid’s lace cap. Defiantly, I tugged it off and exchanged it for my Sunday best. Not that it would impress him—nor was I trying to. The alteration was for myself. My hair was both the bane of my existence and my greatest pride. It was heavy, full and thick, and even with an iron, would never behave in such smooth fashionableness as the dead Mrs Darcy’s, instead curling madly when the weather was wet or sultry. It fell almost to my waist when unrestrained, with not a hint of grey in it.
I am eight and twenty, and in my heart—if not to the world—a girl yet. I do not care what he thinks. Even so, I tugged a few curls down at my ears, and they obligingly coiled flatteringly, framing my chin—which was still thankfully firm, if too sharp in other ways—and donned my wrap.
Can you imagine Our Dear Girl wandering helplessly in the shadow of anyone at all? The young woman captured so beautifully by cover artist Holly Perret is a bit obstinate and headstrong perhaps, but also confident and proud in all the best ways. Life has not necessarily been kind, but she is formed for happiness and resolved to act in a manner which will lead directly to it.
In the cover’s background, you might notice a few semi-hidden hints of challenges the new Mrs Darcy will have to face in becoming the mistress of Pemberley. All is not as it seems, and Pemberley hides its secrets well.
And then of course, there is our hero.
While Nameless’s Darcy manages to propose in slightly better fashion than canon, he is by no means a charmer. Note this scene, which takes place shortly afterwards, as he is leaving to make arrangements for their marriage:
And then he did what seemed to me at the time an odd thing; he pulled off his gloves, dropping them heedlessly to the ground. His fingers threaded in my hair, dislodging pins, pulling a little painfully, even, where the pins tried to restrain his searching hands. When they were buried in the masses of my hair, he simply stood there, looking at what he’d done, clenching them briefly. I thought he might kiss me again; our faces were very close—I could feel the heat of his breath…. But after a few fraught moments, he extricated his fingers, more carefully this time, though I was certain my hair now looked a fright. He stepped back, bent down, picked up his gloves.
“I will return as soon as possible,” he said. “Be well.”
We were back to formalities, so I gave a little curtsey. He bowed.
Nodding curtly, he turned on his heel and strode towards the carriage. I plunged my hands in my pockets, following more slowly to watch him drive away. My right hand touched my embroidery scissors, enclosed in a leather case, and the handkerchief I had meant to finish stitching today. Without letting myself think about it, I withdrew them and hastily clipped one of my curls, wrapping it in the linen.
“Wait,” I called, hurrying forward. “Wait, please.”
He stopped, nearly to his carriage, and slowly turned, his countenance inexplicably fierce. “Yes?”
His coachman and his man stood nearby, openly curious, gawking.
“I only…” I trailed off, back to blushing again in the face of his apparent anger. Awkwardly, I stuck out my hand, as if to shake his.
Slowly, he held out his in return, and I placed my gloved hand against his palm, dropping the handkerchief onto it. He stared at it for a moment before fisting his hand around it.
“Goodbye, Mr Darcy.”
“Thank you,” he said, his anger muted though not completely disappeared, but his voice less harsh. He bowed again. I stood stiffly, feeling as though I had made a fool of myself and thus back to being annoyed with him—but it was a familiar emotion, and easily borne.
He strode to his carriage; I watched to see if he would drop my offering onto the ground, but he had the courtesy to keep it, at least until I was out of sight.
We were off to a grand start.
Mr Darcy is, of course, honourable to his core. Rebecca was however, at its heart, a psychological murder mystery.
Nameless is, at its heart, a love story. And its cover illustrates to us a woman, a heroine in the truest sense of the word, unnamed at its start, perhaps, but possessing that certain something in her air and manner and tone and address—something more substantial. Something Elizabeth.
~ Book Description ~
“This was not a man who would explode in a rage, or who would give way to shame or temper…which meant my choices were simple: either he had killed her in cold blood, or he had not killed her at all.”
Orphaned and alone in the world, Elizabeth Bennet has found reasonable contentment as a companion to the Dowager Countess of Matlock, the affairs of 1811 and Fitzwilliam Darcy long forgotten. But the past intrudes upon her again, and Mr Darcy returns to her, handsome, wealthy, and widowed, and hiding many secrets beneath his solemn exterior.
But if time had altered their circumstances, one thing remains: Mr Darcy still wishes to marry her, and this time, Elizabeth consents. At nearly twenty-nine it is inarguably a good prospect for her and indeed, not until they arrive at his vast estate does she realise how large a shadow his late wife will cast over their growing love. But the new Mrs Darcy’s courage will continue to rise despite the many attempts to intimidate her; and she vows to use whatever power she holds over the master of Pemberley to keep him.
Nameless is a tale of the triumph of good over evil, of passion over prejudice, of loyalty over lies…and most of all, of enduring, unfailing love.
And without further ado….here is the big reveal!!!
(expected release date: August 9th)
I can’t handle it! So gorgeous! So romantic! So enigmatic! 😍
C’mon, Quills and Quartos, all your covers lately have been giving me serious dress-envy. 👗
There is so much that is appealing in this premise – I especially love the Rebecca vibes! ✍🏼
I love Elizabeth being older, being the second Mrs. Darcy, being strong and fearless. 💪🏼
What do you think, friends? 🤔
~~~
Julie Cooper, a California native, lives with her Mr Darcy (without the arrogance or the Pemberley) of
nearly forty years, two dogs (one intelligent, one goofball), and Kevin the Cat (smarter than all of them.) They have four children and four grandchildren, all of whom are brilliant and adorable, and she has the pictures to prove it. She works as an executive at a gift basket company and her tombstone will read, “Have your Christmas gifts delivered at least four days before the 25th.” Her hobbies include reading, giving other people good advice, and wondering why no one follows it. In addition to Nameless, Julie is also the author of Tempt Me, and its companion novella Seek Me; The Perfect Gentleman; and Lost & Found.
~~~
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 Julie below.
- This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Quills and Quartos!
- This giveaway ends June 30th.
You can preorder Nameless now!
My sincere gratitude to Julie Cooper, Kristi Rawley, and the wonderful people at Quills and Quartos for putting this special post together!
Oh my god. I have always loved Julies writing but this has me salivating. I cannot wait to read it! Wowzers!
Thanks so much Jessie! An honor, coming from you!
I love the cover
I think Holly Perret did a marvelous job on it! So glad you think so too.
Oh wow!! Can’t wait to read it! Love the cover…
Thank you! I hope you will enjoy it!
WooHoo! An exciting excerpt. Romance and mystery–can’t wait to read this one. The cover is lovely: the dress, the model, the colors. wow!
Rebecca has always been one of my favorite novels. Combining elements of it with Pride and Prejudice–brilliant!
Me too, Regina. It was nearly irresistible. Thanks for stopping by!
I read and loved your other three stories. All were 5 star reviews from me. This premise intrigues me and seems like it has some angst, which I always like in the books I read. I would love to win a copy. The cover is beautiful. I don’t think I’ve seen one with Elizabeth’s hair that color before.
Thank you so much Sheila! I appreciate your kind reviews, and hope you will enjoy this too!
Rebecca is my favorite classic. Nameless sounds memorable and captivating.
I agree about Rebecca! Thank you for your kind remarks!
I love Julie Cooper’s other works, so I expect this will soon be a favorite as well! Rebecca is also one of my favorites so it will be interesting to see the influences throughout. Congratulations on the new book!
Thank you Kate, and fellow Rebecca lover!
I remember reading and loving ‘Rebecca’ decades ago. Not too long ago I saw the most recent adaptation of it and the background of the cover reminds me of it. What a haunting cover it is…I see Elizabeth saying ‘I am not afraid of you’ as she looks over her shoulder. Now to wait until August when the paperback is released for I must have it! Congratulations, Julie!
Thank you so much Carole! I saw the latest adaption of it as well, and envisioned Elizabeth the exact same way in the role. It was an irresistible influence!
What a beautiful story and gorgeous cover. This novel would be a joy and a real treasure to read.
Thank you so much April. Your kindness is so appreciated.
The story of Rebecca and Maximillian has also been a favorite. A great concept to combine the two storylines – cannot wait to read it. Best of luck with the release. Thank you for the giveaway.
Thank you so much! I appreciate you stopping in!
“Rebecca” must be my 2nd favorite story.
Will Elizabeth become “nameless”? She at least retains her strength, I hope.
I am concerned by the opening line. Please don’t tell me that Pemberley is burned to the ground!
We all know, of course, du Maurier’s brilliant technique of never calling the second Mrs De Winter by name throughout the entire novel. Rebecca was the star of that story, for good or evil. How many of us believe that EB would be so easily overshadowed? You need not worry that Elizabeth does anything except overcome those who would try to intimidate her, Rose!
Definitely will need to buy this as I’m a huge fan of her other books.
Thank you so very, very much!
What a gorgeous cover! A Lizzy type with lighter colored hair than what is stereotypical is another welcome sight. The pink dress is utterly lovely…truly lovely. Thank you for the cover reveal, the excerpt, and the contest.
I love this cover too! Thank you so much for commenting on it!! Your kind words are very appreciated.
Oh my! It’s been many, many years since I read Rebecca or watched the film.
I do love that dress on the cover as well as the fact that Darcy still seems to love Elizabeth!
I would hope the answer to Darcy killing his wife in cold blood or not killing her at all is definitely the latter?
I also hope that ODC manage to overcome whatever demons there are at Pemberley and find their happiness together!
Please don’t enter me in the giveaway as I shop on U.K. and am therefore unable to spend $$$
Thank you Glynis, for stopping by and commenting! It sounds like your opinion of Darcy’s honor and mine are very much the same. I promise happy endings!
OMG!!! The excerpt are so powerful. The cover is lovely…the hair, the color of the dress!! The background…is she in a cathedral? Thanks for the chance in the giveaway!
Thank you Shelley! She’s at Pemberley, with just a slight touch of gothic hinted at in the background. Good luck in the drawing!
Oh, Meredith, another delightful cover reveal. I am with you in the dress-envy. My goodness. Q&Q Publishing is a genius with their covers. Man, that is seriously beautiful. I love the colors. I am also intrigued by the second-wife trope with D&E. Yeah, that is always fun to explore. I can’t wait to see what this is all about. Thanks for sharing with us today. You get all the fun of a cover reveal. Yeah, your job is really hard. LOL! Congratulations to Julie Cooper on this new launch. Special thanks to Q&Q Publishing for the generous giveaway. Good luck to all in the drawing. Blessings, everyone, stay safe, and healthy. Happy Summer.
Meredith is the best, isn’t she? And I am very fortunate in my publishers. Thank you so very much for your kind words!!
Great cover, love the wistful look. I enjoyed the excerpt, now looking forward to reading the published story in full. If it’s anything like your other’s it should be a real page turner.
Thank you Sarah! I appreciate your kind words!
Beautiful cover! The excerpts leave me intrigued and eager to read this new release. This post was excellent too!
Much appreciated Marie! I hope very much that you will enjoy!
I love the excerpt and the premise but resent the fact that I now must wish summer to fly by fast . My holiday is just about to begin and would have been perfect to enjoy a wonderful story or two but now I’ll be back in office and trying to catch up on all the million things that will have piled up during my time off with only the weekends to relax. I’ve loved your previous works and this seems to be as original and as of as high quality as those. Congratulations and thank you for your wonderful variations!
Thank you so much! I had to smile about your summer flying comment. Time goes so quickly when we’re doing what we love! Have a wonderful holiday!! I deeply appreciate your kind words.
It sounds like a good book to look forward to! Hopefully they will find love again!
It is very much a love story. Thank you for commenting!
Very intriguing premise! Glad to find Julie Cooper’s excellent work once again.
Awww thank you Callie!
Your excerpt got me hooked and your cover is wonderful! Congratulations for another variation!
Thank you so much! I hope you will enjoy!!
I came recently to the incredible world of Pride and Prejudice variations. I look forward to reading Nameless when it is published, and meanwhile, I can have the pleasure of discovering your other works!
Oh, I do hope you enjoy! I remember my first discovery that there was a whole world of folks not content at Miss Austen’s “The End”…you have found your people, Heather!
Oh my! I haven’t read a book where our heroine is older. What an interesting prospect. I am looking forward to reading Mr Darcy’s newest proposal so long after the first. Thanks for the peek into this book and for the giveaway.
So there is a little vagueness in the blurb – Darcy never did propose the first time to Elizabeth in Nameless. So Nameless’s proposal is his first, to her. I love a slightly more mature Elizabeth, too. Good luck on the drawing!
Breathtaking cover. And I kind of want that hair…
Am very intrigued y the scars(?) the first Mrs. Darcy might have left behind.
I love me some intrigue! I would like that hair as well! Thank you for noticing!!
I can make a really short comment or wax ecstatic for a couple hundred words. So, here goes. I will read anything Julie Cooper writes. And I can’t wait to read this.
Aw Michelle, thank you so much for such a kind comment! I appreciate it!
I can’t wait to read the newest book from Julie. Wish it was already here. And I’m dying of curiosity to learn the name of the FIRST Mrs Darcy!
Ohhh boy. I was hoping no one would ask that. Queue the eerie music!! Thanks so much Luisa!
The excerpt is very tantalizing, I look forward to reading this one. I do so love strong female characters, especially those who could stand up to Lady Catherine.
We are aligned in that! I love a strong Elizabeth Bennet. Thank you, I hope you will enjoy!
Oh, this sounds intriguing indeed. I look forward to reading it one day. Elizabeth companion to Darcy’s aunt (or great aunt)? I wonder how she managed that, and how he discovers it.
Yes, Darcy’s aunt (by marriage) is Elizabeth’s employer. She’s a lot like Lady Catherine except not nearly so interested in others and their lives, mostly only herself. Best of luck in the drawing!
I have dress envy too! I enjoy reading about an older Darcy and Elizabeth. I am sure it has nothing to with getting older. 🙂 Thank you for the giveaway opportunity.
We are not old. Simply…experienced and mature and full of great wisdom. People should listen to us more than they do. I agree, Holly’s artistry with that dress is exquisite!
I am super excited about this book! I just pre-ordered and and cannot wait to crack it open and dive right in!
Oh, thank you so much for pre-ordering! It really, really helps! Much appreciated, Amy!
Thank you so much! I had to smile about your summer flying comment. Time goes so quickly when we’re doing what we love! Have a wonderful holiday!! I deeply appreciate your kind words.
I am so intrigued by the sneak peek of this book, I can’t wait to read it!
Thanks so much Suzanne! I’m so thankful for your support.
I’m so excited that I’ll get to read this soon! After you told me about (how many months ago now??), I knew it was going to be a winner. I re-read Rebecca again just to remind myself of the story, too. Heehee. Gorgeous cover! Congratulations, Julie!
As I recall, you inspired the title, Lucy! Thanks so much, for all your support, my friend.
I’m really intrigued by this book – both the premise and the excerpts I’ve seen so far. While I’m not fond of “Gothick” tales per se, since this is a love story at heart I think it will be fascinating reading. Saving my pennies for it.
It is indeed a love story, first and foremost. Thank you so much for commenting!
Ive read Julie Coopers other novels and Ive loved every one. I cannot wait to read this one!
Thank you so much for reading! and commenting! Your support is deeply appreciated.
I have enjoyed Julie’s stories since I first read some on AHA. I love this novel premise and can’t wait to read Nameless.
Oh, thank you so much Anna Maria! It’s so nice to hear from you!
The cover is beautiful. I understand the dress envy.
The artist did a fantastic job. Thanks for commenting!
I have no fear of Darcy’s honour here, but sounds like a fascinating ride! Congratulations Julie!
Thanks so much Linda! It was so fun to write.
Wow what a tease! I am dying to read this now. I have never really considered how different the story would be if Elizabeth is older; most authors like to make her younger or have Darcy as her second marriage. Very excited!
Oh, I do hope you are able to enjoy it. Thank you so very much!
Oh! The opening line grabbed my attention. I will definitely be reading this one.
Yay! Thank you for your interest!
Oo! Such a great post. I love the Rebecca vibes, made me picture Laurence Olivier who of course played both Maxim de Winter and Fitzwilliam Darcy. But our girl isn’t Nameless like Mrs de Winter, Lizzy Bennet’s courage rises with every attempt to intimidate her so I hope she’s managed to keep something of that dedpite everything else she has lost.
I loved Laurence Olivier’s portrayal of Maxim – that production will always be my favorite. But yes, having a strong, intelligent heroine changes everything!
I absolutely loved the Perfect Gentalman and Tempt me. My inner teenager (who fell in love with Rebecca at a fairly tender age) is gleeful about Nameless coming out!
Thank you Katherine! I watched the Hitchcock production at age 18, and loved it too. I’m so happy you enjoyed the other books, and hopefully this one. Your kind words are much appreciated.
Lovely cover, and I am intrigued by this story. I just read Rebecca last month, and I am very interested to see how the parallels come out in Nameless. I enjoyed the excerpts and am looking forward to more.
I’m so happy you’re a fellow Rebecca fan! Dropping Elizabeth into that world was a lot of fun, because she is such a different person, and strong in all the best ways. Thanks so much for commenting!
Wonderful cover and I can’t wait to read this book. I love Julie’s writing and I’m sure this will be another great tale. Thanks so much for featuring here.
Aw, Jennifer, thank you so much for your kind words!
Beautiful cover, and the excerpt–such a teaser for what’s to come.
denise
Agreed, artist Holly Perret did a beautiful job on this cover! Thank you so much for reading and commenting!
After reading the excerpt and the introduction to the story I am wondering about almost everything! Who is “Nameless”? What happened to Elizabeth’s familiy? Did Darcy marry Anne? What happened to the first Mrs Darcy? Why was Darcy angry? And so on…
Just between you and me, Darcy wasn’t angry per se. He hated leaving her there with his self-absorbed aunt, and was feeling quite overcome with feelings of desire for his betrothed. It was a difficult moment for him, lol, but of course she was very innocent of the ways of men at the time!
Julie’s “Perfect Gentleman” is one of my favorites! I’d love to read this one too!
Thank you so much Lois! I’m so happy you enjoyed TPG!
The cover is gorgeous then I read the teaser….this is a must read. Going on my TBR list.
Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
It is very kind of you to say! I hope you have the chance to read!
Sounds like a wonderful read along with the other books. Been a bit since I’ve bought a P&P reimagining. Will be looking into these! Thanks for keeping Darcy and Elizabeth always in our hearts and imaginations with writing.
D&E are my favorite ‘romance world’ and I love spending time there. Thank you for your consideration!
Dang, I have so many questions, now! Well, the only solution is to read this book.
Well, that’s my favorite solution too! Thank you so much!
I cannot think of anything better than combination of Rebecca and Pride and Prejudice! They are truly my favorite books. The cover is stunning with the pale pinks (would love to have that dress) and the gorgeous hair. A mature Elizabeth and probably a passionate Darcy will be thrilling to read. Thank you for the giveaway gift card to buy the book.
We think much alike! I love both books, and it was so fun to bring them into the same universe. Good observation – he is a *very* passionate Darcy! It’s always the quiet ones. 🙂 Thank you!
Wow Julie such a wonderful premise. Rebecca is one my my favorite novels and Nameless has that feel. I look forward to reading more. –Leslie
Thanks so much for your kind words Leslie! Much appreciated!
Love all of Julie’s stories. Have been a big fan; usually reread them multiple times. I have preordered Nameless.
Fairlie, you cannot know how much your support means to me. Thank you so much.
Cannot wait to read this! I, too, love Rebecca, and have always thought it would be a great jumping off point. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
You are SOOOO welcome! Thank YOU!
I just LOVED LOVED LOVED your book “The Perfect Gentleman” and have recommended it to several other readers who are hesitant to get into JAFF because I know they will enjoy it and be willing to explore others. Got your new book preordered so I don’t have to try and remember to get it because it comes out the week I have movers coming and I fly back to the US. Now I will have my airport/travel book ready to keep me occupied for the long trip! 🙂
Danielle, you are wonderful. Thank you for sharing your recommendations and for keeping JAFF going. Our community needs more like you 🙂 And thank you for taking the time to let me know, it means so much.
Oh my!! I can’t wait to read more!
I do hope you are able to read! Thank you!
The story sounds amazing and the cover is beautiful! Looking forward to it!
Thanks so much Cat! I appreciate your kind words.
Beautiful cover! This story looks interesting, can’t wait!
I wonder why Darcy is angry? I look forward to reading this book. Congratulations.
Well actually, Darcy wasn’t angry per se. He hated leaving her there with his self-absorbed aunt, and was feeling quite overcome with feelings of desire for his betrothed. It was a difficult moment for him, lol, but of course she was very innocent of the ways of men at the time! I do hope you are able to read and thanks so much for your comment!
This sounds like an amazing story! Cover is fabulous, too. Congrats, Julie!
Aww thank you so much Karen! Your kindness is deeply felt!
This one’s a keeper. Best of luck, Julie, with your newest book. I can’t wait.
Thank you thank you! I appreciate your support so much!
What an amazing and fabulous cover, Julie. Looking at their beautiful covers of books published so far, the designers of Quills & Quartos certainly did a great job. The premise of Nameless piqued my interest though I haven’t read Rebecca. But Darcy is quite out of character compared to canon.
Thank you! I like to think that Darcy is in character, but the character he would display after 8 years of regretting the loss of Elizabeth 🙂 Silly man!
This cover is absolutely exquisite!! And I’m sure, from Meredith’s kudos, that the story within the beautiful cover is just as amazing!! Congratulations, Julie, on this new publication!! 🙂
Warmly,
Susanne 🙂
Thank you so much Susanne! I really appreciate your support!!
Wow. Intriguing premise and intriguing, beautiful cover! I loom forward to it!
Look. Er, sorry.
I appreciate your kind words, and the trouble you took to leave them! Thank you!
Very pretty cover. I can’t wait to read the story.
What a great cover. She looks strong.