Greetings friends! I’m so happy to welcome back the lovely Grace Gibson to Austenesque Reviews today! Did you see that Grace just released a brand new book yesterday??? 🤗 Her previous releases – Silver Buckles and Old Boots – are so beloved that I am sure so many of us (including myself) are excessively eager to read her newest tale, which is titled The Last House in Lambton.
Grace is here to share an excerpt from The Last House in Lambton that highlights an important theme in this novel. We hope you enjoy! 📖
I am always so excited to visit your gorgeous blog, Meredith! Thank you for hosting me today.
When I was writing The Last House in Lambton I suffered a twinge of doubt. This story is a bit of departure from the humor central to my previous two projects. Silver Buckles and Old Boots gave me many opportunities to indulge in the pleasure of making light of our favorite couple’s private conversational spats. So yes, I dearly love to laugh. But I do not shy away from touching on the serious parts of life because I am, at heart, a philosophical person.
If straight-up philosophy seems a little too dry to people who love more active drama and sexual tension in their romances, I understand. But I will make a case for one element of human nature that I personally believe is required if two people are going to stay in love until ‘death do them part.’
That element is plain, old-fashioned, garden-variety respect. If you were to ask me to describe The Last House in Lambton, I would not talk about the plot, which for me is always secondary to human interactions and the internal reflections that result. Rather, I would say one feature of this story is the role respect has in the cultivation of a lasting love affair between two people of diverse personality and situation.
In this excerpt, we clearly see Darcy’s respect for Elizabeth reflected through his great understanding of her basic nature:
No, Miss Elizabeth Bennet was not a restful woman. I was on the constant edge of nervous fatigue from
the sheer work required to keep things in hand. But far more exhausting was the awareness of her palpable proximity. Her presence was so great it filled all of Pemberley, and her every thought seemed to influence the entire household. If she was delighted, the staff bubbled with willingness. If she was quiet and sad, they fell into whispers out of unconscious sympathy.
And none of us could escape knowing that, while the lady smiled and laughed most willingly, she was troubled. If I were not in love with her, I would have been greatly annoyed by the air of tragedy that wafted around her and elicited such sighs of admiration in my servants for her “unspoken trials so bravely borne.”
In her defense, she had cause for low spirits—and only I knew the reality. I had been to Longbourn, and I knew what constituted her life. She was wasted in that tiresome little village. Her gifts were great, and as such, they must have been heavy to bear, for she had nowhere to expend such vigor, such a wealth of generosity, such stores of affectionate interest, such an imagination—not to mention the uniqueness of a prolific mind. To lavish attention on any particular person would cast everyone else in Meryton as callous by comparison, and to express herself freely would throw all her acquaintance into the dunce box. And who, aside from her satirical father, could follow her flashing, acutely accurate observations anyway? She could only occasionally, and with a painful restraint, be herself. It was no wonder she escaped out of doors and walked in solitude hour after hour.
Respect allows us to understand another person, to empathize with their faults, and ultimately to defend their right to be themselves. In The Last House in Lambton, Darcy never tries to ‘fix or improve’ Elizabeth and in turn, she never wishes he would change. This storied couple always faces impediments, but in this instance, throughout their challenges, their first and only concern is for the other. I hope the story of their developing friendship—specifically their unabashed respect for one another—leaves readers with a sigh of satisfaction at what will surely be a lasting love affair.
I love that this book will give us a chance to see a different side to your writing, Grace! I’m intrigued by the promise of a philosophical theme and I always love exploring the different avenues Darcy and Elizabeth take with their relationship, especially when that path is one of friendship and respect.
Thank you so much for sharing this excerpt with us! All the best with your new release!
~ Book Description ~
Does it ever stop raining in Lambton?
Darcy and Bingley depart Netherfield Park, leaving Elizabeth Bennet acutely aware of the monotony of her life. Seeking a reprieve, she volunteers to serve as temporary companion to Mrs. Gardiner’s elderly aunt who lives in Lambton. Nothing turns out as Elizabeth expects, and she is forced to dig deep into her reserves of common sense, humor, and stubborn persistence to prove herself equal to the dreary circumstances.
Initially unaware that Pemberley is only five miles away, Elizabeth crosses paths with Darcy annoyingly often. When the gentleman rescues her from a shocking situation, Elizabeth faces some hard choices, at the same time struggling against the smoldering attraction that can neither be repressed nor fulfilled.
Mr. Darcy, meanwhile, in whose heart a fire has also been lit, is shocked by the lady’s stubborn refusal to accept his help. Alternating between alarm and begrudging admiration, he stands helplessly on the sidelines while she struggles to retain her independence. He, too, must make some hard choices in the end. Will he let her go?
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~ Connect with Grace ~
~ About Grace ~
In addition to mosaic art, which I create at Studio Luminaria, my home-based glass shop in El Paso, Texas, I enjoy writing regency romance and Pride and Prejudice variations for pleasure.
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GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
In conjunction with this blog post Meryton Press is generously giving away 1 ebook edition of The Last House in Lambton! Woot woot!
To enter this giveaway leave a comment, question, or some love for Grace below!
- This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Meryton Press!
- This giveaway ends November 16th!
My sincere gratitude to Janet Taylor, Meryton Press, and Grace Gibson for making this blog tour possible!
This sounds like an amazing premise for a story, emotional, endearing, and engaging. If it’s even close to what Old Boots (one of my very favorite tales) is in the quality of the story telling, then I’m sure it will also earn a well-deserved place in my re-read folder. Ms. Gibson is an amazing author and I look forward to diving into this story as soon as I finish my current read. There’s no need to enter me into the giveaway as I immediately bought my own copy off of Amazon after reading this post! I just wanted to let Ms. Gibson know that her time, effort and talent is very much appreciated, and that I love her previous work and I look forward to her newest story.
Oh, Melissa! Comments like this are so important during the jitters of a new release. Thank you sincerely for your support and appreciation. I hope you enjoy this story and it leaves you feeling warm and happy!
Have loved your previous books, really looking forward to reading this as well.
Thank you so much, Cassandra! Good luck to you in the drawing and thank you for stopping by today!
I absolutely love how Darcy totally understands Elizabeth in this story. I also love how they both apparently accept the other without wishing to change them. Elizabeth obviously belongs at Pemberley so fingers crossed there aren’t too many obstacles to achieving this! Thank you for sharing this excerpt and for the generous giveaway.
I, too, have my fingers crossed that things will work out for Darcy and Elizabeth, Glynis, and also hoping you will win the giveaway! Thank you!
I borrowed this from KU and am about a third of the way through. I am enjoying it. Both simply pitch in to do what needs to be done. No pride or misunderstanding as Elizabeth works to take care of Mrs. Jennings in Lambton.
Hi Sheila! That is wonderful to hear! I will be interested in what you think after you have gotten to “The End”! Thank you for visiting this blog today!
I simply adored both Silver Buckles and Old Boots. I really enjoy your take on Elizabeth and Darcy, that their love language is violent repartée.
Hi Anna! I am so delighted that you liked my previous offerings and hope this one will also be a satisfying read. I wish you luck in the drawing!
P.S. LOVED your characterization of violent repartee! Perfect characterization of some of my favorite ‘conversations’ between these two.
I loved the excerpt and am so looking forward to reading your newest gem, Grace! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy.
I hope you enjoy it like a good cup of tea on a chilly evening Pam! Thank you and I hope you win the giveaway!
Added to my wish list!
Yay! I hope you enjoy it Julie. Thank you!
Congratz on your new release. Your new book is in my KU TBR list and it is getting bumped to the top!
Hi Sam! I am excited to get moved up on your list – I hope you enjoy this story and thank you for stopping by to let me know!
Beautiful excerpts and best wishes on your newest book release! I’ve enjoyed all of them.
It isn’t always easy to select an excerpt and I am so glad you enjoyed this tidbit. I always appreciate your support – thank you, Jennifer!
I loved Silver Buckles and Old Boots, and this book, although it sounds very different in tone, is something I’m really looking forward to reading. I really like the idea of focusing on the importance of respect in marriage. Thank you for the giveaway!
Thank you, Coleen. I really appreciate your kind comments about my previous two projects. Good luck on the giveaway!
Sounds wonderful, thanks for giveaway!
You are very welcome! It is exciting to share a new release with readers like you!
I absolutely loved Silver Buckles and Old Boots is on my TBR. I have Silver Buckles on Audiobook and have listened to it several times; it’s one of my favorite JAFF books. I look forward to this new release. Congratulations Grace!! –Leslie
Hi Leslie! It is exciting to hear that you enjoyed Silver Buckles, especially the audiobook which had such talented narrators. Good luck on the drawing and who knows? This one may also be published as an audiobook. Thank you for stopping by!
I am in the middle of the new book and find it richly descriptive and real. Lizzy here is s such a fully fleshed out character that you feel you are breathing along with her in her hardships. Darcy struggles with how to help without doing “for” her and how to be a true supportive friend with ultimate respect for her. I steal time to read a chapter here and there between my work tasks, but I really want to sit down and just read without distraction and savor this excellent book!
Wow, Mary! I am delighted you are finding these characters relatable and hope you find many moments to steal so you can read their unfolding story. Thank you so much for sharing your impression so far!
I just finished reading Silver Buckles (I know, I’m a little behind in my TB read list). The premise of this book is quite different. I like how Elizabeth is a companion to Mrs. Gardener’s elderly Aunt. It will be interesting to find out how Darcy and Elizabeth interact. Thank you for the excerpt and giveaway.
Nice to hear from you Eva! I am excited to share this story of Elizabeth and Darcy’s growing regard for one another and I hope you find it a satisfying tale. Thank you for commenting today and good luck on the drawing!
Old Boots and Silver Buckles are among my all-time favorite books, so I am very psyched about reading your latest! You have the most lyrical writing style and I love the originality of your plots. Congrats on another sure winner!
What a lovely compliment, Joy! This means so much to me – thank you!
This book sounds amazing. Perhaps this will be one where Elizabeth does not act like an immature adolescent for most of the story?? I am anxious to read it.
Hi Jeanette! Oh, I do hope this Elizabeth meets with your approval! Thank you for stopping by and good luck on the giveaway!
This book sounds wonderful, and I can’t wait to start reading it! Congratulations on your new release.
Thank you so very much! I truly hope you enjoy this story and better yet, maybe you will win a free copy!
I completely enjoyed Old Boots & Silver Buckles and have this new one on my wish list.
Hi Glory! Thank you so much for your encouragement – I hope you win the giveaway – thank you for stopping by!
Congratulations! I was so excited to to see you have a new book out as I adored both ‘Silver Buckles’ and ‘Old Boots’. Please do not enter me in the giveaway as I must own the paperback! I will ‘advising’ my husband to get it for me for Christmas!
So lovely to hear from you, Carole. Thank you so much for all your lovely comments from the beginning, and I do hope Santa pays attention to your wish list!
I love the excerpt, thank you for sharing it along with your thoughts on the new novel. Congrats and good luck on the new release!
I really appreciate that, Robin! Thank you for stopping by and good luck on the giveaway.
I adore Old Boots & Silver Buckles, have read and listened to both multiple times…they never get old. Yet, I know myself…if they were only written for the humor (and they are very humorous) I wouldn’t have reread them. They are written with great human insight. I can’t wait to read the new book, it sounds wonderful.
Michelle, thank you so much! Your insight is so encouraging, because, yes, I enjoy humor but also a bit more than that. I hope you enjoy this story as it is a little “meatier” perhaps than my previous books. I appreciate you stopping by to comment!
I’ve lost count of the times I’ve read both ‘Silver Buckles’ and ‘Old Boots’.Thank you for many hours of pure delight. Of course I am thrilled to hear of your new book! This excerpt is intriguing and I wish you every success. Thanks for offering all your gems in KU, and this giveaway chance!
Wonderful to hear from you, Deborah. I am so gratified when I read that my stories have given people some respite and pleasure in this crazy and upsetting world! I have my fingers crossed you will get a free copy in the giveaway!
Loved your previous books and am looking forward to reading this one!
Hi there! You must be right up the road from me perhaps? I love Albuquerque and visit often. Thank you so much for your interest and I hope you win the giveaway!
Congratulations on your book! It sounds just lovely! I also love the cover very much!
Hi Audny! I love the cover art too. Janet Taylor at Meryton Press is a genius at making covers fit a story to perfection. Thank you for stopping by!
Thank you again, Meredith, for hosting me and sharing my new release with your wonderful readers!
Congratulations on your new release. I am looking forward to reading it. I enjoyed Old Boots and Silver Buckles. The premise of the Last House in Lambton sounds marvelous. I have often told my young friends who are thinking of marriage to be sure that they can be the best of friends with and respect their prospective mate. Without mutual respect, passion is merely lust, an empty china teacup. Lovely on the outside, but empty of the warmth and comfort that mutual respect and friendship that sustains a love through thick and thin. Looking forward to reading about this journey of D & E to HEA.
Oh, what a lovely and poignant story! I read it on KU, wrote a 5-star review, and will be asking for an ebook of it for Christmas. I have loved your other books, but this one really touched my soul.
Wow, just wow! I read it as soon as ir was released – cover to cover. I HIGHLY recommend this book to everyone, JAFF or not. The depth of the problems encountered and conquered by :Lizzy show a thorough understand of the character as well as the mores and practices of the time period. The author stays true to both. Good job.
Meredith, it was great visiting your blog! Thank you for hosting Grace and The Last House in Lambton. Grace, I love that your book is based on respect between two people, and that you chose to make that point with Darcy and Elizabeth. As always, you did it well! Thank you for sharing your writing talents with all of us.
Interesting…eager to read the encounters between the two. Always love their verbal exchanges. Thank you for sharing an excerpt and the giveaway
Congratulations on your new release!
Putting it on my KU list but wouldn’t mind a chance to win a copy to keep. I loved your other books so much I got them on audio to listen. I look forward to reading this one too!
Old Boots is one of my favourite variations, and I have just downloaded your newest novel on Kindle Unlimited. I look forward to reading it this week-end. Congratulations !