Hi dear friends! It is the day we have been waiting for!
Brenda J. Webb is releasing her new book The Appearance of Goodness this week and she is here to celebrate by sharing the full cover spread and a tantalizing excerpt!
I heard about Brenda’s new book awhile back and immediately fell in love with her premise and ideas for this unique variation.
Please help me extend a warm welcome to Brenda! 🤗
~ From the Author ~
It’s always a pleasure to visit Austenesque Reviews, but especially now that Meredith is celebrating
her 12th anniversary. I began posting my Jane Austen inspired stories on various forums in 2009, which means I started writing JAFF about the same time Meredith began this blog.
By the time I published my first book, Fitzwilliam Darcy An Honourble Man in 2011, this blog was already the premiere place to hear about newly published JAFF books and to read Meredith’s reviews on a good many. Never dreaming that one day she might review one of my books, I began to follow the blog.
Today, I am honoured to visit again to introduce my latest tale, The Appearance of Goodness. Many of you have seen the front cover, but I asked Meredith to post the full cover because I love how beautiful Elizabeth Darcy looks wearing the red ballgown that is featured in one chapter of the book.
I’d been toying for years with the idea of Darcy having a twin but kept putting off writing the tale because of the difficulty I believed inherent in writing our beloved Darcy with an identical twin. I wish I hadn’t waited. I’m very proud of The Appearance of Goodness, and I hope you will enjoy reading it.
~ Book Description ~
For as long as he could remember, Fitzwilliam Darcy had dealt with the schemes of his identical twin Alexander and Pemberley’s steward’s son, George Wickham, who did all in their power to prove him unworthy of being George Darcy’s heir. Jealous that Fitzwilliam had been born first, Alexander had found purpose in tormenting his reticent brother in every conceivable way. After their father’s death, however, he found himself at the mercy of the person he always resented.
By chance, Elizabeth Bennet met Alexander Darcy the summer he visited Charles Bingley at Netherfield Park. Instantly taken with his charming manners, handsome mien and unconcealed interest, Elizabeth was totally unprepared when circumstances dictated that she marry his taciturn brother.
Before it is too late for happiness, will Elizabeth discover which of the Darcy brothers is good whilst the other merely has the appearance of goodness?
And without further ado….here is the big reveal!!!
AHHHHHHH!!! Love so many things about this – the brilliant idea of twin Mr. Darcys, the premise, the enticing cover!!! 😍
Gilded with shades of gold – I love all the light, opulence, and warmth of this cover. ✨
Two Mr. Darcys….swoon. And aren’t these cover models devastatingly handsome?! 🤤
Lizzy in red! So lovely and bold! I wonder when or where she will where this dress? 💃🏻
What do you think, friends? 🤔
~~~
~ Excerpt from The Appearance of Goodness ~
“I hope Mr. Bingley attends the assembly,” Jane said. “I am anxious to see if he is handsome since all Papa recalled about the man was that he had red hair.” Speaking of the assembly reminded her of something. “I just recalled that Kitty ruined my gloves the last time she wore them, so I shall be in Mrs. Goings’ shop. When you are finished, meet me there.”
After Jane vanished, Elizabeth entered the book shop. Mr. Woodward was standing behind the counter, speaking with a well-dressed gentleman who had his back to her. Not wishing to interrupt their conversation, Elizabeth silently slipped behind the customer and hurried to the rear of the shop where newly arrived books lay on a table until Mr. Woodward had the time to place them on shelves.
Elizabeth had not been examining the books long when she found what she wanted. Turning to take her prize to the front in order to purchase it, she walked straight into the gentleman who had been with Mr. Woodward when she entered the shop.
Immediately, she began to apologise. “Pray excuse me, sir. I was not paying attention to where I was going.”
When she looked up, she found an Adonis with jet black hair and blue eyes smiling at her. She froze in place.
“I am afraid I must disagree,” he declared, “for it was wholly my fault. I ran into you. You see, the proprietor suggested there might be a copy of The Lady of The Lake* amongst the books on this table. And, since I have been looking for one for quite some time, I was eager to find it.”
“It seems that we share the same taste,” Elizabeth replied, holding up the tome. “I have been looking for it as well. I was just about to purchase it.”
“Perhaps if I am in the neighbourhood long enough, you will consider lending it to me.”
Spellbound, Elizabeth smiled crookedly. “I might, but only if you will agree that I ran into you.”
The stranger laughed. “Shall we say we are both at fault, Miss—”
Elizabeth glanced around, and seeing no one, said quietly, “Bennet … Elizabeth Bennet.”
“Well, Miss Bennet, I am Alexander Darcy of Pemberley in Derbyshire.” He tipped his hat and bowed. “And I am very pleased to meet you.”
Elizabeth curtsied. “It is my pleasure; however, I must ask you not to tell anyone that we were not properly introduced. My youngest sisters would repeat the fact incessantly, and my mother would require her smelling salts.”
A broad smile creased his face, making him look even more handsome. “It shall be our secret.”
“I thank you.”
“If I may be so bold, how many sisters do you have?”
“Four.”
“Oh, my! I cannot imagine there could be four more ladies as lovely as you.”
“Do you always flirt with women you have just met, Mr. Darcy?” Elizabeth said, her eyes twinkling with merriment.
“Only if they are beautiful.”
“I believe I shall have to take any future compliments from you with a grain of salt, for I fear you are too practiced.”
“You question my sincerity?” Alexander said, feigning offence. “May I ask if you have met Charles Bingley, a recent resident of this fair county?”
“I have not, but my father has called on him, and I expect to meet him at the assembly tomorrow.”
“Excellent! Charles and I have known each other for years, and he can attest to my integrity.”
“May I assume, then, you are staying at Netherfield Park?”
Alexander smiled. “You may.”
“And do you plan on being in Meryton long?”
“At least long enough to read The Lady of The Lake!” At Elizabeth’s laugh, he added, “In truth, I have no plans to be anywhere else for the next month.”
Suddenly, Jane came rushing down an aisle, talking animatedly. “Lizzy, Kitty said that we—” Spying Alexander, she stopped.
Studying Jane, Alexander asked, “Is this one of your sisters, Miss Bennet?”
“Yes. This is Jane, and actually she is Miss Bennet.” Then Elizabeth continued, “Jane, allow me to introduce Alexander Darcy of Pemberley in Derbyshire.”
Alexander smiled and bowed. “A pleasure to meet you, Miss Bennet.”
“The pleasure is mine,” she said, dropping a curtsey. To Elizabeth she said sedately, “Kitty said that Mama is on her way to Aunt Phillips’ house, and she wants us to meet her there as soon as may be.”
“I shall leave you ladies to your business,” Alexander said. Donning his hat, he tapped the top. “I hope to see you both again soon. Good day.”
In mere seconds, he was out the shop door. Having followed him to the front, both Jane and Elizabeth leaned against the windowpane and watched until he entered a coach a short way down the street.
“Lizzy,” Jane said dreamily, “Mr. Darcy looks just as I always imagined the prince in a fairy tale would.”
“He is entirely too handsome,” Elizabeth added.
Suddenly the door to the shop opened, and two women walked in, interrupting the sisters.
“We should be on our way,” Jane said. “You know Mama will complain if we take too long.”
“Wait outside whilst I find Mr. Woodward and pay for this book,” Elizabeth replied. “Then we will go directly to Aunt Phillips.”
~~~*~~~
Oh my!! Elizabeth meets Alexander first and he is charming and witty!?! This has such magnificent potential! I cannot wait to read more! 🙊
Congratulations on your wonderful new release of The Appearance of Goodness, Brenda!! 🤗
Thank you so much for stopping by to share the full cover and for sharing your kind words about my blog! I’m so happy to learn that our journeys began around the same time and I am so glad our paths became intertwined!! 💕
GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
In conjunction with her lovely reveal and celebration Brenda Webb is generously giving away some lovey prizes!! Her prizes include:
- 1 paperback of The Appearance of Goodness (open to US and Canada residents)
- 1 $25 Amazon Gift Card (open to US residents)
- 2 ebooks of The Appearance of Goodness (open to US residents) Woot woot!
To enter this giveaway leave a comment, a question, or some love for Brenda!!
- This giveaway is open to US and Canada residents. Thank you, Brenda!
- This giveaway ends October 18th
What an interesting premise!
I hope you get a chance to read it.
I have been reading along as Ms. Webb has put her story on line and it is well worth the purchase. Be warned, though, the story does have a fairly high level of angst, however the conclusion is marvelous. Brenda Webb’s skill in putting together a story ranks her among the elite in our JAFF world. I think I own all of her e-books and have also purchased many in paperback form.
Congrats on another release!
I love hearing from those who follow my stories and your kind words are much appreciated.
This book is so good! I read it as Brenda was posting on the D&L forum and can’t wait to read it straight through from the beginning. I have the eBook book and will order the print as soon as it becomes available so no need to include me in the giveaway for those. Best Wishes to Brenda Webb and her new release and many thanks to Meredith for featuring one of my favorite authors here! ♫
Thanks for being my best bud and cheerleader, Jen. I would not be able to write and run the forum without you. Hugs.
My pleasure! AND a pleasure to read such a great tale!
I enjoy Brenda J Webb’s books, excited to read this one as well!
Thank you for the kind words and I hope you do read it!
What an interesting premise! And two Darcy’s! What will become of the ladies of Meryton?
I thought it would be interesting to have too handsome Darcy’s, too. The ladies of Meryton were beside themselves with Alexander since he was a charmer.
Congratulations and best wishes for your new release, Brenda! I loved the excerpt, and the premise sounds fabulous! 🙂
So nice to see your smiling face here, Kelly. Thanks for taking time to support me.
Would love to win a copy of this story. I have read and loved all her books. Thanks for a chance to win. Good luck with the new release.
I hope you do win a copy Sheila. You have always been such a supporter of my work and I appreciate that.
I’ve read all of Brenda’s stories and they’re always good! I look forward to enjoying this one just as much.
Kind of you to say Ginna. I hope you enjoy it.
Obviously I don’t qualify for any giveaways as I’m in the U.K. but I have been following this on D&L and will definitely be buying it so I can read it all in one go.
This is such a wonderful story and I do love the cover, especially that gorgeous red dress. Thank you for sharing.
I wish Amazon had not made it so difficult to do giveaways to other countries. Saying ‘thank you’ for all your support is not nearly enough, but I do thank you, girl.
Loved following along on the darcyandlizzy forum. Congratulations on this fantastic release!! I will definitely be acquiring a paperback for future readings.
How kind of you to say. I am glad you got to read it on the forum.
Congratulations to Brenda Webb on writing another fabulous story. I have read this as a WIP and enjoyed it and would recommend to others. Thanks for a chance to win.
So proud you came over to support me and for a chance to win.
How exciting that Brenda has published a new book. I, too, have been following Meredith for 12 years and Brenda’s book remains a favorite. I like this premise of twins. How does Elizabeth end up engaged to Fitzwilliam? It appears that Darcy’s twin is as smooth talking as Wickham. Thank you for the excerpt and giveaway. Will there be an audiobook?
So proud you like my books, Eva. I think you will like this one, too. I would do audio books but cannot afford the price of having one done. Upwards of $2000 I hear for long ones like I write, so out of my reach. Wishing you good luck on the drawing.
I had no idea audiobooks cost so much to produce. Thanks for letting me know.
Yes. At one time an author could do an audio book on “shares” with the reader to pay for it, but as far as I know, no readers do that anymore.
This is another wonderful story from Brenda, have been reading it at her web site and it is really good. I will be buying it asap.
Thank you to another righthand of mine on the forum. Your support means so much, girl.
Looks like another page-turner from Brenda! I’m looking forward to reading it! Congrats on the new release!
Thank you kindly, Jan. I am thrilled to finally get this one finished (got delayed by covit) and out the door! I hope you enjoy it.
This book sounds intriguing! Looking forward to reading it!
I guarantee you will not be bored. 🙂 I hope you do get a chance to read it.
Brenda,
This book is fabulous! You have us waiting on the edge of our seats hoping for Elizabeth and Darcy to reunite… No wonder you are called the Queen of Angst!… Love this story!
I don’t think I’ve ever read a variation where Darcy has a twin brother. I am intrigued, although I am also feeling sorry for Fitzwilliam Darcy. Having a twin that conspires with Wickham sounds awful! Congrats on the new release, Brenda!
I haven’t heard of one either so that is one reason I wrote it. 🙂 There is a lot of angst in this one and Fitzwilliam is tormented by Alexander so much; however, our dear boy ends up happy in the end. Thank you for the congratulations.
Looking forward to this. Loved Passages – A Pemberly Tale.
Twins! Great idea and I cant wait to read it!
Release day of a new Brenda Webb novel is a cause for celebration! So happy your book is ready for us all to enjoy!
I’ve been reading this on D&L forum, it was wonderful. There is a fair amount of angst which Brenda does so well, but it was justifiable in order to get to the emotionally charged ending.
Now I can’t wait to read the published book.
So glad you were following the story on the forum and are still going to get a published copy. Your support makes me smile.
Thank you so much for the excerpt. This is really an interesting premise to have an identical twin for Mr. Darcy and one I have not seen in the many JAFF novels. I love unique story lines and look forward to reading more. Thanks for the giveaway. –Leslie
I am glad you liked the excerpt, I thought it would be an interesting premise, too. You’re very welcome on the giveaway.
I have really enjoyed reading this. I do enjoy all your stories.
Great excerpt! I love Brenda’s books, and I can’t wait to read this one! Thanks for the great giveaway!
So proud you are onboard to read this one Pam. Wishing you luck on the giveaway.
I LOVED this story from start to finish (even when I had to duck out for a few chapters to avoid the angst!). You are the queen of HEA and clever ways of getting there. I would love to own a hardcopy of this book, and to give it pride of place on my shelf! Thank you for one of the most gripping stories I’ve read in quite a while. Good luck with sales!
How sweet of you to say, Amy. Reviews like yours make me want to keep writing. Thank you too for the good wishes.
What a great idea! Elizabeth is going to be so confused, I predict! Alexander definitely seems too good to be true. Wanting to read more…
I’m glad it caught your attention Randi. Good luck on the drawing.
“’I believe I shall have to take any future compliments from you with a grain of salt, for I fear you are too practiced.’” Will her first impression be proven right? Thank you for the preview and sharing the beautiful book cover!
I shall let you find out for yourself if Lizzy impression is proven right. 🙂 You’re welcome and I hope you will give the book a try.
Exciting story with plenty of twists and romance, along with the lovely writing of Brenda Webb. Two gorgeous cover models and one just as handsome inside as out. An excellent story of jealousy and redemption.
You are correct about all the twists and romance and your kind words about my writing made me smile. One person saw my cover and thought they were 2 different men though they are the same man, just different poses. 😉 It seems you have been reading along with those on the forum and I am proud that you liked it.
I’m so glad you decided to write this. The premise is so different from anything I’ve ever read. Congrats on the release!
I’m glad I decided to write it, too. Sweet of you to congratulate me on the release. I am praying it does well,too.
Can’t wait to add this to my Kindle!
Thank you Mary. Kind of you to come over and support me.
I have read and loved several of Brenda’s books! Please add my name to the giveaway.
I wish you luck in the drawings.
I have read Brenda’s book and I love them all, I would love to win the giveaway.
Thanks for the support and kind words, Venita.
Brenda, I’m looking forward to reading your new book! I’ve loved all you’ve written and your books are an automatic buy!
That makes me very happy to hear, Cynthia. I love it when those who follow my books buy them automatically to help me to continue writing. Thank you for saying as much.
Ooh! I love the red dress too, and this premise is sublime! Congratulations! I love forced marriages and imagine that his rake of a brother isn’t willing to marry her, but Darcy will do the honorable thing; oh, but wait, I can’t refer to Fitzwilliam as Darcy without calling his brother the same? Oh, my word! What an angle for Elizabeth to navigate and one I fear Alexander will strive to take advantage of. I’m already full of anxiety for her and Fitzwilliam and just ordered for my Kindle. Can’t wait to indulge!
Oh, Mary, I am so glad to see your smiling face here and read your observations on the story. I hope you will enjoy reading it. I went back to read all of your series after your third books to recall whatever I had missed. Loved it again.
Your enthusiasm makes me smile, Mary. I love FMS too! It was hard to write with two Darcy’s but I hope I did it well. Let me know what you think after you have read it. 🙂
Love your books I followed you half way but it got too much for me I decided to wait for publication now I can’t wait to read it.!
What an amazing twist on the usual plots.
denise
I am proud that you think its is. Thank you for taking time to comment.
I’m already totally hooked! Is there a way to win all the prizes? (I’m a greedy one)
I wish I could give everyone a prize Teri. So proud you came over to read and comment.
Two Darcys and one Elizabeth – what a compelling story this cover must hold. I’m excited to know where you will take us with this premise! Without a doubt it will be emotion-charged and beautifully written.Your books have brought me much enjoyment and I re-read many of those inspired favorites often. Thank you!
Every success on this latest release!
It was fun and difficult to write at the same time. Thank you for your kind words. If I have brought you enjoyment, then I feel like I accomplished my goal. Your good wishes are very much appreciated.
So F. Darcy has an “evil twin” – which one is which on the cover? I’d love to read this, especially after reading one of the comments indicating that it’s angsty.
The Darcy on the left, wearing black, is Fitzwilliam. Alexander is the one on the right wearing charcoal gray and scowling at his brother. In one chapter where they are both at a ball, they are described as wearing these color suits. I have to smile at your comment about angst because ALL my books contain angst. 🙂
It makes me so happy to discover new books and authors! Having the opportunity to enter a contest is the icing on the cake!
I am always “glad” to be discovered even though I was writing JAFF way before most of the newer authors were born. Not really, but it feels that way at times. 🙂 Contests are a good way to find new readers and make new friends.
Congratulations on your new book Brenda …. I always enjoy your stories… 🙂
Brenda, congratulations on your new novel! You have quite a collection now, and they are all wonderful. Best of luck 🙂
So nice to see your smiling face here, girl. I have ten books out now, a number I thought I would never reach for I write such long books and so slowly. 🙂 Thanks for your kind comments about them. I have to add that I was thrilled to see another book from you and I loved it every minute of it!
Love the colors on this book! What made you think of twins? Looking forward to reading your book. I have twin boys (not identical but enough a like people struggle to tell them apart) so I enjoy twin books
I loved the gold, too. I have had this book in my head for years, but struggled with making Alexander a twin. However, there are so many books now with Darcy having a brother, that I decided I had to go with a twin. 🙂 Well, that an my DIL in a twin and she wanted me to write it.
Oh my two Darcy’s! I can’t wait to see the twists and turns in this one. Thank you for the delightful excerpt and congratulations on your book release.
Thank you, Cindy. I hope you get to read it.
Congratulations! Elizabeth is truly captivating esp with sch a background. Now I am eager to read esp to know how Mr Fitzwilliam and Lizzy’s first encounter will be…
Thank you for this giveaway
I hope you do get to read it. I had a lot of fun writing it!
Oh this is almost too good to be true, but it is 😀 A second Mr Darcy !! Your book sounds amazing Brenda !! Don’t live in the US, but I can use a giftcard for amazon com, so I don’t know if I can enter… Like I said this story sounds really good and I can’t wait to read it!! I hope it goes well for you.
Thank you so much for commenting. I have long since given up trying to understand Amazon’s rules for gifting prizes to other countries. However, if someone wins the gift card from another country, I may be able to send it by paypal (the money that is). Just very confusing.
Her books are always exciting to read. It is full of drama. The blue couch and chocolate are needed. Congratulations for another book release.
Thank you for taking time to comment. I know that you read it on my forum from your “blue couch” and “chocolate” references. 🙂
Oh oh, double trouble. My introduction to Brenda’s writing was in Fitzwilliam Darcy and Honorable Man, which I reread several times. I really loved the writing, very different plots. She writes amazing Darcys. So how will she write Mr Darcy as a twin? I’m thinking in this story he hasn’t just been betrayed by a childhood friend favored by his own father, but a brother too. How much more stern and untrusting can you make him? Well, I want to find out! I’m looking forward to reading this. Thank you so much for hosting Brenda’s cover reveal, Meredith. All the very best to Brenda.
You made my day, Michelle. So glad you got started with FDAHM as that is my favorite of my stories. I had fun writing this Darcy and I look forward to seeing what you think after you have read it. Good luck in the drawing.
Sorry for coming late to the celebration. Congratulations on the release of your latest novel, Brenda! I am in love with the story already just from reading the delightful excerpt. Poor Fitzwilliam Darcy. Not only does he need to deal with the evil Wickham but he has to contend with the machinations of his twin brother. The premise certainly feeds my desire to read the book.