Happy Friday, dear friends! I’m excited to share a new cover reveal with you today! And it’s an extra-exciting cover reveal because it is the cover reveal for a new author – Nan Harrison! I’m so happy to learn more about her and her new novel!
Nan is here to share the beautiful cover of her debut release – Any Fair Interference with us today! We hope you enjoy! 🤗
~ From the Author ~
Meredith, thank you for having me at Austenesque Reviews! I’m happy (more like astounded, truthfully) to be here and to join the very welcoming community of Austen variation authors and readers! My book, Any Fair Interference, will be released by Quills & Quartos on February 21st.
Aside from finding Darcy and Elizabeth in differing situations, one of the joys of reading Jane Austen variations and fanfiction is discovering alternative depictions of supporting characters. In this story, Mr and Mrs Hurst come to the fore, finding their own happiness as well as actively contributing to that of others. Especially Our Dear Couple.
Writing this story began as an entertainment for myself. I eventually posted it on Archive of Our Own, where it lived for three years under the title Mr Hurst Does a Kindness, Or, Courtship of Dreams. It was a sprawling ramble of a tale and has since undergone much needed editing and tightening up, a process that has been a congenial education in itself! I hope you all enjoy it!
~ Book Description ~
“To be a fool is one thing, to be a fool for love is something else altogether.”
Shortly after the precipitous departure of Mr Bingley and his party from Netherfield Park, disaster strikes Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s family. Not only is Mr Bennet ill, Longbourn and indeed all of Meryton is struggling through one of England’s worst winters. Elizabeth draws on every strength to care for her family, but faces the alarming prospect of losing both her father and her home. Her lonely struggles lead her to revise her opinion of a certain gentleman, and she finds unexpected solace in dreams of Mr Darcy.
Fitzwilliam Darcy believes he can escape his attraction to Elizabeth by leaving Netherfield. He soon finds himself snowbound at Pemberley, where forced isolation compels him to contemplate his duty, and contrast it with dreams of his heart’s desire. No matter how he considers it, though, he feels he cannot have Elizabeth, the one he truly loves.
To his great fortune, Darcy’s friends and family–Georgiana, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and the Hursts–feel far differently than he, and soon even the most unlikely allies have come together to help him see that happiness is the highest consideration of all. But will he and Elizabeth find the courage to follow their hearts before it is too late?
And without further ado….here are the big reveal!!!
(expected release date: February 21st)
I’m so intrigued! I don’t know which to comment on first – the title or this dreamy looking cover! 🌸
The Hursts finding their own happiness?! Well that is something new and I cannot wait to see them in the spotlight! 💞
Poor Darcy and Elizabeth seem to be facing some difficult trials. 😣
These dreams sound interesting, I wonder what happens in them… 😴
What do you think, friends? 🤔
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You can preorder Any Fair Interference now!
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~ About Nan ~
Nan Harrison is a first-time author and happily retired librarian who spent many years in public libraries large and small, urban and rural, digital and analog. She earned degrees in anthropology and library/information science but they are so old they were carved on clay tablets. She raised a family and is thrilled that her children grew up to be people she would want to hang out with anyway. She spends as much time as possible traveling and visits libraries (also thrift shops and used bookstores) wherever she goes. She loves reading, especially any type of genre fiction, and putting a warp on her loom to see what turns out. She still thinks like an anthropologist and believes that libraries are the last bastion of civilization. She is an excellent walker.
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GIVEAWAY TIME!
The lovely people at Quills and Quartos are offering 3️⃣ ebook copies of Any Fair Interference to 3️⃣ lucky readers who comments on today’s post!
To enter this giveaway leave a question, comment, or some love for Nan!!
- This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Quills and Quartos!
- This giveaway ends January 28th
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Sounds interesting!! Hursts being so intimate friends that they would promote Darcy’s happiness over Miss Bingley’s . I must add this to my list! I also love the cover!
I’m so glad you like the cover! I hope you’ll like this version of the Hursts as well!
I’m glad you like the cover! I hope you like the Hursts as well!
I’ve been looking forward to this new release by Q&Q. I always like it when we discover Mr. Hurst isn’t always sleeping, or Louisa doesn’t take Caroline’s side on things. To have them as a couple helping out ODC sounds great to me. Congratulations on your debut. Can’t wait to read it!
Thank you, I hope you like this version of the Hursts!
Best of luck on the release! I look forward to seeing Mr Hurst in a new light.
Thank you for your kind thoughts! I hope you enjoy it!
The cover looks beautiful and I do love some good meddling matchmakers
Matchmakers with kind hearts are the best!
Looks like a good one with some new angles! Hope to read it soon.
Thank you! Enjoy!
So, the Hursts are supporting Darcy’s pursuit of Elizabeth over Caroline’s desires to win him? Excellent! The lovely cover looks like Spring with the blossom so hopefully it doesn’t take too long for ODC to be reunited? Im definitely looking forward to more of this
The Hursts get kind of a new lease on life in this story. Better for almost everyone, I think can say without spoiling.
Congratulations! I am always excited to read debut novels that bring secondary characters into the spotlight! It is not often Mr. & Mrs. Hurst get to shine! What a ‘novel’ premise and one I look forward to reading! Best of luck and thank you for a chance at the giveaway!
Thank you! I agree, it’s fun to have secondary characters show their mettle for a change!
What a gorgeous cover! Congratulations on the new release, it sounds good and I look forward to reading it!
I like the cover too, thank you! I hope you enjoy the story!
I’m looking forward to reading your book! The Hursts helping out ODC is a great premise! Congratulations on your book!
Thank you for your good wishes! I hope you enjoy it!
Oh my gosh, I read this on A03 a long time ago! I instantly remembered it. I thought it was very good! It has a lovely cover! Best of luck with your launch!
I have been looking forward to this release! Super excited to see the Hursts in a new light and how they will help out Darcy and Elizabeth! Did the author use her Anthropology background to weave a happy tail for our couple?
Just reading your comment makes me even more excited about the reveal and future release! And yes, I think any anthropologist could have a lot of fun dissecting the subculture of Regency-era England’s upper-classes!
I have this on my Wish List on Amazon and look forward to reading it. Thanks for a chance to win a copy. Good luck with the release.
Thank you so much for your good wishes! I hope you enjoy it!
Congratulations! I enjoy novels in which Hurst does something other than sleep, drink, eat or play cards.
Haha, yes! So much unused potential!
I love the tree and the matching letters on the cover. I love when there are new JAFF authors, more to read! I look forward to reading this book when it comes out!
Thanks to Meredith for hosting. Girl, you get the best reveals. To our new author… look at that cover. I am a cover enthusiast and love a good cover. Look at that expression, those colors… heavy sigh. IMHO [in my honest opinion], Mr. Hurst is a blank slate and you can do just about anything with him. I am looking forward to see how you have portrayed him. He is in nearly every scene with his wife and Caroline and he would see and know everything they said or did. He would also hear what the guys had to say as they would generally ignore him. I can’t wait to see what you have done with this enigmatic gentleman. LOL! Blessings on this new launch and I wish you all manner of success. Good luck to all in the drawing.
Absolutely! Thank you, Meredith, this is great!
You’re right about Mr Hurst though! He’s often treated like wallpaper. He should have a lot of useful information about certain people. Thank you for your good wishes!
This book sounds wonderful! I always enjoy trying first novels from authors. It is such a great experience as a reader to see familiar characters from another’s point of view. I have no doubt this will be a fantastic foray into the world of Pride and Prejudice. I can’t wait!
Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy it!
I am so looking forward to reading this book. New twists on the Hursts, oh goodie! And the author is a librarian, a woman after my own heart (once a librarian, always a librarian I say). Congratulations Nan Harrison on your new novel.
Yup, you can take the girl out of the library but you can’t take the library out of the girl. Thank you for your good wishes!
A story showing more of the Hursts? I love it! Congratulations on your first published novel, and best wishes on the release.
Thank you! I hope you like this version of the Hursts and enjoy their story as well as that of ODC!
I’m looking forward to reading this. Congratulations on your first published book!!
Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy the story!
I definitely enjoy stories with a different Mr. Hurst, especially if he thwarts Caroline! Looking forward to this one.
Thwarting Caroline is the icing on the cake. Heeheehee…
Thank you, and I hope you enjoy it!
Nan, congratulations on your debut novel! It looks wonderful. You’re right – Mr Hurst is a little like wallpaper, lol, and a total untapped resource. If Caroline Bingley only knew what she was missing… I trust you had a lot of fun with him – I’m looking forward to this!
I had fun with both the Hursts! Who knew? Thank you so much!
I’ve read some variations where the Hursts are a great couple, but they don’t have much of a limelight. I’m intrigued with your work and will be adding it to my TBR lust! Many congratulations on the launch of your book!
Thank you! I hope you enjoy both the Hursts and the story!
Congratulations on your book! The cover is lovely – especially the pink and blue colors. I am assuming that Darcy returns to Elizabeth in the Spring because of the cherry blossoms. I am very surprised over the help of the Hursts. How does Caroline react to that?
The cover is very pretty and appealing isn’t it? I really hope you enjoy meeting these versions of characters we all know!
Intriguing !! The cover as well! Is that a magnolia ? Absolutely gorgeous!
I think I only know one author which made the Hursts having an active role in helping ODC, restraining Caroline it just not siding with her and generally redeeming themselves.
A bit anxious concerning the many trials for ODC but still intrigued and interested!!
Congratulations for the first book!!
Thank you, it is a beautiful cover, not that I can take any credit for that! I love it, it makes the book more appealing! I hope you enjoy the story!
Interesting to hear that the Hursts will help Darcy & the Bennets get through their winter of discontent. Can’t wait to read it to find out how they do it!
Thank you! I hope you enjoy the story and the Hursts as they act as friends to others and enhance their own lives, too!
I eagerly anticipate reading this book! To give Mr. Hurst any kind of personality seems a great feat! I am also a former librarian, although I am still volunteering one day a week at our local library. I love talking to people about books!
Oh that’s great! I’m sure your library appreciates a volunteer who knows how they operate! And you can’t beat working around book lovers. Hope you enjoy the story!
Hi Nan,
How original to put The Hursts like main characters and a good ones! I’m really curious about this novel!
I wonder if Mr Collins falls ill because of the terrible winter LOL
It must have been really interesting to have worked as a librarian with so many books around you: the dream of every avid reader 😉
Congrats on your release and thanks for the giveaway!
Oh, too bad, I didn’t think of sending Mr Collins out into the cold! Thank you for your kind wishes! I hope you enjoy the story!
I have never read a story where the Hursts play a role. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
I hope you get a chance to read it and enjoy! Maybe the Hursts will become pop stars in their own right?
I love the cover! And I love seeing secondary characters become the primary ones.
Thank you! I like it too! Even though Darcy and Elizabeth are our main focus, maybe we should make a little room for the Lucases? The Gouldings? Mrs Long? Hope you get a chance to enjoy the story!
I think I’ll like the Hursts’ new life as much as the D&L story!
I hope so! They’re very cute!
The cover is fascinating. I like the when secondary characters are embellished in JAFF. I’m looking forward to reading this book.
Thank you! I hope you enjoy it!
This looks like such a fun and exciting novel! I have to admit the cover model reminds me of Sidney Parker in the Sanditon series, and he blends well with the spirit of Elizabeth exemplified by the pink and the tree. Thank you for sharing this cover.
I had the same reaction when I saw the cover model. I’m so glad you like the cover!
Congratulations on your first book!
Thank you for your good wishes! I hope you enjoy it!
Sounds fascinating. I like many others love when the usual secondary characters take center stage. I have never run across one or read one where the Hursts are the main attraction. That’s just amazing! Was there something in particular that made you pick them? I think this would be quite a good read. I hope you have much success for all your work.
I think I chose Mr Hurst first because there are only a couple of phrases about him in canon, though what is said is not especially complimentary. He doesn’t even get a first name. I wanted to give both of them a little backstory, just for fun. Thank you for your kind wishes, and I hope you get a chance to read it!
This will be interesting – we don’t often see much from Hurst’s point of view.
I hope you enjoy this version of the Hursts!
What an interesting concept-the Hursts working with Georgiana and the Colonel! I have never been disappointed in a Quills and Quartos book so I am looking forward to reading this. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of the book!
Thank you for your kind words! I hope you enjoy it!
Congrats on publishing your first novel! I have read very few books that feature a good Hurst, so I find this story very intriguing. Looking forward to reading this enchanting story.
Thank you! I hope you enjoy it!
Congratz on your new release!!
Took my funny pills today! Cross posted on another cover release. 🙁 sorry
I am very much looking forward to reading this!!
No worries, I love Persuasion variations too! Thank you for your kind wishes!
Welcome, Nan!! What a lovely, lovely cover! And the title is indeed delightful, and the premise has definitely piqued my interest!
I’ve never worked as a librarian, but I worked myself through college and grad school as a bookseller. 🙂 Anywhere in which books dwell, I am content. 🙂
I wish you all the best in your debut book release!
Warmly,
Susanne 🙂
Hi Susanne! Thank you for your kind words!
One library I worked at was across the street from a bookstore. There were a few times when a patron would describe a book they wanted and we would be stumped, even with all our resources. We would call the bookstore, and vice versa. Between us we usually nailed it.
I hope you enjoy the story!
sounds intriguing
Thank you! I hope you get a chance to read it!
Congratulations on your book! I would love to read it! And I think the title is very nice.
Thank you, I hope you enjoy it! I like the title too!
I wrote the Hursts — Mrs. Hurst at any rate — as being pretty decent in one of my books. It’s nice to see it happen in someone else’s! Looking forward to reading this one, which is going in my TBR hoard!
I love that, and would like to read it! Thank you, and I hope you enjoy the story!
This is an interesting premise, Nan. I don’t think I have read a P&P variation where the Hursts play an active role in encouraging Darcy to pursue his true love. This is bad news to Caroline Bingley it is her dream to be Darcy’s wife and mistress of Pemberley.
Anyway I really look forward to the release of Any Fair Interference next month. The cover is beaultiful to look at too.
Apologies for my late reply! Thank you for your kind words, and I sincerely hope you will enjoy it!