Hi my dear friends! I am so excited because a special guest is stopping by Austenesque Reviews today! Some of you know her as Christie Capps, the author of multiple Pride and Prejudice novellas that deliver “timeless romances for the busy reader.” And some of you know her as J. Dawn King, the author of various Pride and Prejudice variations such as The Long Journey Home, Compromised!, and The Abominable Mr. Darcy. And many of you already know – that these two authors are the same person! 😮
Joy is here to share some news about her newest Christie Capps release – The Matchmaker. We hope you enjoy! 🤗
Thank you very much for having me as a guest, Meredith. Yours is a very welcome place to visit.
You are most welcome, Joy. Thank you for your kind words. Can you tell me what you have been up to since the pandemic?
I have been busy writing. However, most of what I have written are words of encouragement to those who have been isolated. I have personally typed and hand-written over 1,000 letters since COVID began. Many individuals have requested a letter for their young ones. These have been my favorites. The replies I have received will be treasured forever. Our local post office had an abundance of Sesame Street postage stamps in stock, so I bought them all. I use them for the kiddos. On occasion, I spend a little time writing stories too.
What a lovely and thoughtful way to gift your time and your heart, Joy. That is A LOT of writing. I’m excited to hear you are writing stories too. Would you tell us about your latest story?
My latest is a Christie Capps novella. There are a few things different about this one than any of the 11 others I have written. First, I did not stick to my 20,000-word self-imposed goal. My motto for these novellas has been “Timeless Romance for the Busy Reader.” I’m hoping these readers will have a bit more time because this one is 26,000+ words. The other difference is that I always had in mind the next one as I drew close to the conclusion of the story. This will be my FINAL novella.
I’m sure us busy readers can fit the time in! Oh no! Your last? Why is this your final Christie Capps story?
When I first started writing and publishing these shorter stories, there were not very many of them on the market. Since that time, other authors have picked up the challenge so there is a sizable catalogue of Jane Austen variations in novella form. This thrills me since there are so many times I do not have the hours it takes to read a full-length book.
Additionally, the next few stories I have in mind are all of novel length. Perhaps I am getting long-winded in my older age. I don’t know.
Primarily, this makes an even dozen and I like to end things on an even note.
I can understand that – I’m a fan of symmetry and even numbers, myself. Please tell us about your latest book.
I saw the cover and fell in love. I bought it right away but had no story that would work. Over the last few years, I kept looking at it but…nothing. A month ago, I was outlining a different story when this one hit me like a ton of bricks. Here is the blurb:
A feel-good variation of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice!
Georgiana Darcy fancies herself a matchmaker. Determined to help her brother out of his blue spell, she decides that her new acquaintance—Miss Jane Bennet—is just the lady to fill Darcy’s heart with cheer. And while she is at it, would not Miss Elizabeth Bennet suit Georgiana’s cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam perfectly?
Misunderstandings abound as the characters readers know and love take matters into their own hands, leaving Miss Darcy caught unaware.
Will Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth admit they are in love with each other, or will the interference of a well-meaning girl keep them apart? What happens when the course of true love does not run straight? Does Miss Darcy learn the lesson that it is best not to interfere?
Told primarily from Mr. Darcy and Miss Elizabeth’s point of view, this charming 26,000-word Regency tale by best-selling author Christie Capps is appropriate for all ages.
I love that you found the cover and saved it for years and that the story eventually came to you.! I love the premise for this novella! Oh dear, Georgiana! I admire your efforts, but you’ve gotten some things wrong! This sounds like it will be a splendid Christie Capps novella. May we see the cover?
Absolutely!
Stunning! I take it that this is Georgiana Darcy?
Yes, this is the way she would look in my eyes. Obviously, it’s not Regency or her hair would be pulled back. I just LOVE this cover! Oh, I said that already. Oops!
She is beautiful! I love her eyes. You mentioned that you come bearing gifts. Would you like to share what you have in mind?
That’s correct. I am giving away four eBook copies of The Matchmaker to randomly drawn comments for this post. One winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card. This giveaway is available internationally.
How lovey, Joy!! Thank you so much, Joy, for sharing both the news about your latest Christie Capps release – The Matchmaker and the forewarning that will be the last novella in your Christie Capps series. That is the sad part of your news, but I am excited to hear that you have other projects and stories we can look forward to! Best wishes on the launch of your latest and final Christie Capps novella. When and where is it available?
You are most welcome. The paperback copy is already available on Amazon. The eBook will appear on August 7th on all Amazon markets. As with all of my books, it will be in Kindle Unlimited.
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You can preorder The Matchmaker now!!!
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GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
Today, Joy brings with her 4️⃣ ebook copies of The Matchmaker and a $50 Amazon Gift Card 🙌🏼 for me to give away to some lucky winners! Woot woot!!! 😃
To enter this giveaway leave a question, comment, or some love for Joy below!
- This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Joy!
- This giveaway ends August 13th.
I was surprised this will be your last novella but am grateful it won’t be your last work as I’m a fan! Look forward to reading your longer works that you have planned for the future. Congratulations on this release.
Thank you very much for your kind words.
I did read this story and enjoyed it as I have also enjoyed all this author’s other stories. I highly recommend it as well as all those other stories. I don’t need a copy…obviously. But thanks for the generosity to readers.
Oh, sorry, forgot to add: Best wishes on the new release.
Thank you, my friend.
Thank you for reading and reviewing this story, Sheila. You are, as always, a ROCKSTAR!!!
Congratulations on yet another fabulous short story Joy! This is definitely a favourite of mine. I absolutely love the interaction between Darcy and Bingley, but especially between Darcy and Elizabeth!
I’m sorry this will be the last novella but thankful you are still writing.
Please don’t enter me in the giveaway. I have the book and am unable to spend dollars on my U.K. account! But good luck to everyone else.
Thanks again for this wonderful post Meredith and Joy.
Glynis, you are AWESOME!!! Thank you for reading and reviewing The Matchmaker and for your generous spirit in offering to withdraw from the drawing. HUGS!
The cover is gorgeous and I’m glad it inspired the story! Best wishes!
I appreciate your comment so much, Cassandra. Thank you!
Oh I can’t wait to read another Christie Capps novella. I devour any book by this wonderful author–she has a true gift for putting words together to make compelling stories. This grateful reader thanks you for continuing to write.
Devour is such a good word when it comes to reading, isn’t it? Thank you so much for your comment.
I’ve read all your P&P variations and have enjoyed every single one! So glad that there’s something new . Congratulations on this new release!
That is a lovely thing for an author to read, Satu. Thank you very much.
I also am a big fan of symmetry. Sad it’s your last novella but not your last novel! My children are huge fans of mail so I’m sure that all the children you sent letters to will be happy as well. The cover is lovely.
Thank you for understanding my foible, Katherine. I will share that I always ask the child if they would share with my their favorite animal. Surprisingly, pigs are the #1 choice, closely followed by foxes. This was not what I expected at all. I figured that horses, cats, and dogs would be in the lead. What do I know?
I will miss your Christie Capps novellas but look forward to whatever you write. This cover is stunning and I can see Georgiana Darcy in her. I am in line to get my copy so don’t enter me in the drawing. Congrats on another great tale Dawn!
How wonderful to read that an author I respect enjoys my stories. Thanks so much, Brenda. You made my day/week/month/year.
I was very fortunate to receive a ARC of this story and absolutely loved it. Thank you! Congratulations and you know I look forward to your next book. Your generosity of spirit is evident in the letters you have written to those struggling through the pandemic. I’m sure the youngsters must be so thrilled to receive a letter in the mail.
Phew! I am so grateful you loved The Matchmaker. I can’t tell you how full of anxiety I get as soon as I click “send”. I can hardly breathe and I certainly can’t eat until the reviews start coming in.
I don’t know if the kids are happier with the letter or the Sesame Street postage stamp. I do save The Count, who is a vampire-looking character, for mailing my doctor bill payments. The kiddos get the cute ones.
I will miss the Christie Capps novellas, but thank you for the even dozen you have written. Good luck with the new release, and I look forward to reading the novels you have in mind.
Thank you very much, Robin. I’m planning on sending Mr. Darcy and his Elizabeth into a spin with my next one.
Very intriguing premise….Georgiana the matchmaker…and she gets the two couples backwards!! Georgiana is extremely beautiful! She looks confident and self-assured. I own ALL of the Christie Capps books!! Each one has been an absolute delight to read, and I can’t wait to watch dear Georgiana in action…playing at matchmaking!
Thank you, Lisa. I will be honest and let you know ahead of time that Georgiana is not very good at the task. She actually has a very small part of the story but I couldn’t resist the cover.
Never say never as they say so even though joy may not intend to write anymore Christy Capps, One never knows. I already have this book on pre-order that I would be Delighted to be in the gift card giveaway. Best wishes to you joy and thanks for all of the wonderful stories you’ve given to the Jaff Community.
You are 100% correct about never saying never, Jen. Who knows what the future holds for my writing. Just about the time I think I have it all figured out a new storyline hits me over the head. I’m eagerly looking forward to your next one, by the way. WRITE!!!
My daughter and I have enjoyed your Christie Capps novellas very much! We will enjoy reading this one, too! Thank you for writing novels that my teen can read without worry that she will run across inappropriate and un-Austenesque scenes. ♥️
Rebecca, your comment touched my heart. As a grandmother of twin readers who will become teenagers next month, it is critical to me that I do nothing to embarrass them. Besides, I don’t want to read about that aspect of a character’s private life. It’s not my thing. So thank you very much.
I look forward to reading The Matchmaker. I have enjoyed all the Christie Capp books and love the longer J.Dawn King book. Congratulations on the new release.
Thank you, Lynn. I do hope The Matchmaker makes you smile.
I can’t wait for the new release. However, I’m disappointed this will be the last. While there may be more novellas in the market, none of them will be exactly like yours nor can the other authors, no matter how wonderful, can take the place of you since they don’t have your unique voice.
What a lovely thing to say, Kimberly. Thank you very much.
I look forward to reading it! I will probably do so in one sitting and will soon be looking for your next title.
Awwww! Thank you, Beth. I hope you are able to read it soon.
What a fabulous cover for a fabulous story. I was fortunate to receive an ARC of the story so don’t include me in the drawing for a book. However, I will not turn down the gift card if I should be so fortunate as to have my name drawn. LOL! Thanks, Meredith for hosting. Thanks to Joy and her publisher for the generous giveaway. And, of course, good luck to all in the drawing. Be safe, everyone. Blessings.
Jeanne, when I read your review I chortled. You have such a descriptive way with words. Thank you from the bottom to the top of my heart. Yours was the first feedback I received other than from Jennifer Joy and Nicole Clarkston. I appreciated your opinions more than words can say.
The cover is gorgeous. I would love to read the story.
Best wishes to you, Collen. I do hope you get the opportunity to see why I am making all of this fuss. I thoroughly enjoyed writing this tale.
I am sad to see an end of Christie”s books, as I have enjoyed them all. I am looking forward to this new story, Georgiana obviously has never heard that opposites attract.
Kristin, opposites attract should have been my tagline but I didn’t think of it. Thank you very much for your kind words.
I’m sad to hear this will be the final one. I’ve loved all the novellas you’ve written both under Christie Capps and as yourself. Two of my favorites have been Henry and Yes Mr Darcy. I’ve loved them so much because they were the perfect length to read before bed.
Amanda, I feel exactly the same about a complete story that can be read before bed. Of course, that means I need to get under the covers at about 7:00 p.m. or I stay up way too late. Thank you for your comment.
Even though this is your last novella, I am glad that you have ideas swirling to become novels. Matchmaker is perfect for Georgiana, and I hope she is not disappointed with the outcome! Thank you for the generous giveaway.
Eva, it is so hard to know how a character will react when I start a story. I was thrilled to discover that Georgiana was not petulant. She is happy by “The End”. It was Colonel Fitzwilliam who pushed his way into the tale demanding he get a happy ending too that completely derailed my outline. I ended up swooning over him as much as Elizabeth and Darcy. What a man!
Love all your books!
How kind of you to say so. I hope you get a chance to read The Matchmaker, Lily. It’s my current favorite.
It’s so great to hear from Joy – I’ve read several of her books and to see this beautiful. The story sounds very interesting and a unique premise. Thanks for the giveaway. –Leslie
It’s great to hear from you, Leslie. Thanks for stopping by. Best wishes for the giveaway.
What a amazing cover!
denise
Denise, I could not resist it. It is a pre-made cover that is first come-first served so I snatched it up. I always knew it would be Georgiana. Thank you for stopping by.
I have enjoyed your novellas and full length novels so much! I’m looking forward to reading the Matchmaker.
How kind of you to say so, Heather. Thank you. I hope you are able to read it soon.
Love the cover! Can’t wait to read the Matchmaker!
Thank you! I hope you are able to take a gander at my story soon. I would love your opinion once you read it, Claire.
The cover is so beautiful and I love that Georgiana is giving matchmaking a good try. Am a big fan of both Dawn & Christie’s books. This new one promises to become another one of my favorites!!! I don’t have an ereader, but I would love to be entered for the Amazon giftcard. Thanks for a chance to win 🙂
Thank you! I will tell you in advance that Georgiana is just about as good at matchmaking as Emma Woodhouse was in Emma. It is something I would never try. I can’t imagine I would be any good at it either. Best wishes on the giveaway.
It sounds like a fun story!
Lois, it was fun to write. I hope it makes you smile.
Congratulations on your new novella! I am sure I would love to read it! <3 I have loved many of your other novellas, "A Reason to Hope" being my favourite, so I am sad this will be your last.
Best wishes for your coming novels!
Thank you, Audny. I loved “A Reason to Hope” too. This one is much different in tone. If you don’t mind falling a bit in love with Colonel Fitzwilliam as well as Darcy and Elizabeth, you should enjoy it since he insisted on having his say.
Can’t wait to read this! Will be my first for this author.
Yay! I am clapping here, Claudia. A new reader is a delight to an author. I would love to get your impressions once you have read the story. My email is: jdawnking@gmail.com. Please let me know how you get on with The Matchmaker when you get a chance to read it. I would truly love to know.
I’ll read any of your books, regardless of “who” writes them!
Haha! I adore you, Ginna. Thank you for stopping by and best wishes for the giveaway.
Love love love this idea.is she called Georgina Emma Darcy lol. Fantastic I want this book so bad.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Drat! I wish I would have thought of making her Georgiana Emma instead of Georgiana Marie. Oh, wouldn’t that have been fun. Best wishes on the giveaway, Kit.
I am so proud of ALL you have written including those 1000 + letters to encourage ones who might be down due to the restrictions. What a wonderful example. And I’m sure all those kids cherish their letters. I can’t wait to read this new story!
Thank you very, very much, Rhiannen. I love you to pieces.
Sorry to hear this will be your last short story. I especially love the quick reads for summer when I am so busy but must have something to read.
But I can’t wait for your new stories and can’t wait for this one as well
Thanks!
How wonderful to hear that you enjoy my writing. Thank you! This is very motivational to get me typing my next, which is already about 12,000 words with many, many more to go.
That is a beautiful cover! The premise is very interesting also. I can’t wait to see how Georgiana gets out of matching the wrong people to each other. Thank you for the chance to win a copy!
Thank you! I hope you get to read this soon to discover how things work out. This Georgiana was fun to write. Best wishes!
Congratulations on your Book Release!
Beautiful cover! I adored the book!
It’s a wonderfully creative story with
the perfect ending.
Look for to your next J. Dawn King release.
Thank you so much, Doni. Your review is AWESOME!!!
It is such a lovely idea, especially considering it is a novella finale. Good luck with the release!
Thank you, SamH. I feel a measure of sorrow that my plans do not include any more novellas. However, the joy of being able to focus on a long story far outweighs any regrets. All of the best to you!
I adore all of J Dawn King/Christie Capp books!! I always read them without fail when they come out…and over and over again. The writing is so well done, creative, entertaining and enlightening. I love it when authors can use their craft to touch on universal topics and bring their readers an “ah-ha!” moment. So excited to read your new book!
Renee, I think you are really going to like Colonel Fitzwilliam in this story. I think I half fell in love with him myself. I appreciate your comments very much.
This collection looks amazing. I’m can never get enough of Historical Romance. Please keep writing them!❤️
I do hope you like this, Jeanna. My plan is to keep writing as long as I can but the only stories coming to me now are LONG.
A captivating cover!!! Congratulations with the release of your new (and last Christie Capp’s) book.Love your stories.
Just wondering, will we see a package of Christie Capps collection of books?
I hope you have time to relax and enjoy and always be safe.
You have been a loyal reader of variations for as long as I have been writing, it seems. Thank you very much for kindly expressing your appreciation. It is inspirit and very motivational.
What a splendid cover! Georgiana has that stereotypical blonde hair…but her brown eyes are so bright and observant, just like her brother’s! I am saddened this is your last novella, but I totally understand and am excited about your other adventures. Thank you for this special interview!
I am so grateful that others see Georgiana in my cover. Another author suggested she might be Jane Bennet but I couldn’t see it. Thank you very much for stopping by.
Hi Joy, glad to see you again in Meredith’s place and congrats on your new release. That’s very kind of you to have written so many letters to kids during pandemia: it’s inspiring such an effort 🙂
I enjoyed your novella “Lost and found” last summer so I think “The matchmaker ” will be my cup of tea. The fact of Georgiana being a kind of Emma Woodhouse sounds really fun: good intentions and wrong decisions LOL
Thank you for the giveaway: please put me for the ebooks but not for the gift card because, as Glynis, I’m unable to spend dollars in my spanish amazon account.
I wish you the best with your next long projects ;
Thanks Meredith for hosting Joy 😉
Teresa, like Glynis, you are too kind. Thank you for your generous offer. Thank you as well for your comment. I hope you will be able to read this soon. Best wishes!
I have enjoyed several of your books and look forward to this one as well. Looking forward to it!!
Then I do hope you have an opportunity to read The Matchmaker soon. Thank you for stopping by. All the best to you!
I love that cover of Georgianna. I can’t wait to read The Matchmaker! Congratulations and also congrats to all us readers! 🙂
That is so nice to say. Thank you!
As always I look forward to your Books. I can’t wait to read this next one. Congratulations Joy.
Thank you very much, Fawn. I sincerely appreciate your support.
Hurray! I did a happy dance when I saw this book was coming out. A new Christie Capps, yes! Of course I’m sad it will be the last, but gosh, I understand. I’ve loved them all and have reread or relistened to most of them many times. I relate to the remark about reading them before bed. All my rereads have followed the end of a heart wrenching, box of tissues type of read just needing something to soothe my spirit. I’m so looking forward to reading this new book, Matchmaker. All the best luck on the release of your latest.
I’ve long known what a generous person you are, and I loved you for that before learning today about your letter writing outreach. Oh my gosh, I’m just amazed. Bless you, Joy.
Can’t wait to see what new J. Dawn King you’ll gift us with in the future. How you’re going to surpass The Long Journey Home is hard for me to imagine. 😀
You are so sweet, Michelle. Thank you very much for your kind comment.
I will be happy to see more of your full length books, not that I dislike your novellas, Joy. You have given me many hours of pleasure, for which I thank you.
Your comment is so nice. Thank you very much.