Cover Reveal + Giveaway for The Warmth of Her Affection!!!

January 6, 2023 • Author Features, Giveaways • 131 Comments

Hi friends! I’m excited to celebrate the first author feature of 2023 with a cover reveal AND a new author! Elsie Fulbrook is releasing her debut novel – The Warmth of Her Affection – with Quills and Quartos next month, and I am excessively excited about it! The premise is just the sort I like – with a new original character, outside of canon timeline, and new obstacles and conflicts! 😍

Welcome, Elsie! I’m so happy to learn about your new novel and welcome you to my blog! 🤗

~ From the Author ~

Thank you, Meredith, for having me here at Austenesque reviews for my cover reveal! I’m so excited about this – suddenly it feels very real that my first ever book is becoming reality. I’m grateful to you for having me.

“The Warmth of Her Affection” began life online as a story called “The Widow”, and grew out of a very simple premise – the arrival of the reclusive Mrs Wilson and her children in the town of Meryton, three and a half years after the events of Pride and Prejudice ought to have happened. As the story developed, it became a tale about love, trust, friendship and sisterhood, and Elizabeth finds that her growing affection for Mr Darcy and her compassion for both her new friend Mrs Wilson and for her younger sisters are all tested.

Elizabeth’s love story with Mr Darcy is the beating heart of “The Warmth of her Affection”, and I hope that readers will find much in it to satisfy, but she is also at the centre of a network of characters, forming a link between their lives and experiences. As the original title suggests, much turns on the character of and the mystery surrounding the widow Mrs Wilson. She is pivotal to the novel, and the potential repercussions of her story extend to Elizabeth and Mr Darcy’s developing relationship and even to some of the other Bennet sisters.

What most fascinated me when writing this story was the place of women in Regency society, and how they were defined by the men in their lives and often did not have discernable independent voices. This is most evident in the character of Mrs Wilson, who is largely silent until Elizabeth draws her out. The affection between the two friends is vital to the narrative.

I am so pleased to have Elizabeth brought to life in this cover, and am grateful to Evelyne at Carpe Diem Book Covers for designing it. Elizabeth is a little windswept, as she stands on one of the paths that she walks so often in the books, and that form the links between the different houses and their inhabitants. I hope the different threads weave together to create a world where Elizabeth’s affections plausibly intertwine and interact to create a story that is as enjoyable to read as it was for me to write.

~ Book Description ~

I did not come to Hertfordshire in search of a wife, but if you could entrust me with your heart…I have found one. 

THE ARRIVAL IN MERYTON of a young widow and her children leads to new friendships for Elizabeth and Jane Bennet in the spring of 1815, but they receive few answers to their questions about her previous life. The mystery only deepens when Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy take up residence at Netherfield Park and Elizabeth suspects one or both of the men have a connexion to the lady at Purvis Lodge—a connexion that hints at disgrace and dishonour.

ELIZABETH’S LIVELINESS AND COMPASSION draw out the quiet Mrs Wilson and the solemn Mr Darcy, but as her affection for them builds—and grows into true regard for Mr Darcy— a shocking encounter confirms all of her suspicions and fears. Can Elizabeth overcome her broken trust in her friends, or will shame and scandal destroy the nascent love between her and Mr Darcy?

A THREAT TO THE vulnerable widow’s safety tests the bonds of love and friendship for all concerned and proves the courage and consequence of one lady’s warmth and affection.

The Warmth of Her Affection is a variation of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice.

And without further ado….here is the big reveal!!!

(expected release date: February 6th)

Love it!! So beautifully wild and windswept! 🌾

I love how green and gold of nature come alive still on a cloudy day – and I can well understand Elizabeth’s need to take herself for a private walk in such beauty. 💚 

This premise fills me with such eager anticipation – especially the part about Elizabeth’s growing regard for Mr. Darcy. 😍

I’m excited to learn about the intrigues of Mrs. Wilson’s life and how she is connected to Mr. Darcy. 🎩

What do you think, friends? 🤔

~~~

~ About Elsie ~

Elsie Fulbrook loves stories; whether a book, song, dance or drawing—if it tells a story, it has her hooked. She has always been a reader of anything she can get her hands on, from books to the backs of cereal packets. She loves words and is fond of reading the dictionary. Although a long-time Austen fan, she only discovered the world of Austenesque variations during the Covid-19 pandemic, where it provided a welcome source of distraction and delight, and she quickly took to writing it herself. She has a degree in English Literature, and lives in London.

~~~

GIVEAWAY TIME!

The lovely people at Quills and Quartos are offering  3️⃣ ebook copies of The Warmth of Her Affection to  3️⃣ lucky readers who comment on today’s post!

  To enter this giveaway leave a question, comment, or some love for Elsie below.

  • This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Quills and Quartos! 
  • This giveaway ends January 13th.

~~~

You can preorder The Warmth of Her Affection now!

My sincere gratitude to Elsie Fulbrook and the wonderful people at Quills and Quartos for putting this special post together! 

~~~

Disclaimer: The Amazon links used in this post are affiliate links. 

131 comments

  1. I’m already pulled in by this premise. It sounds just angsty enough to be right up my alley, and Elizabeth sounds as if she’ll be a wonderfully complex character, just how I like to read her. And yes, the cover is absolutely gorgeous. Can’t wait to read!

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  2. I’m loving the premise and being predisposed to love the book. The cover is stunning! Congratulations on your new book and best new year’s wishes to all!

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  8. I am so excited to read this. I read an excerpt at Q&Q, and I’m so hooked. Congratulations Elsie on your first publication, and here’s a toast to many more. All the best.

    Gorgeous cover! Red hair?? 😀

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  9. Oh my! What a beautiful cover and interesting storyline. This is now on my to read list. Congratulations on your book!

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  10. Stunning cover. She looks like someone is coming her way and she makes place. I love her gown. I’ m happy to read the book and see how the mystery about the young widow resolves.

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  12. Beautiful cover! The story sounds so intriguing. Will Mrs Bennet be even more desperate if Jane and Elizabeth are single at 25 and 22? Can’t wait to find out.

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    1. I hope you enjoy discovering what’s inside the covers as much as I did seeing the outside image for the first time!

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  13. Wow, love the premise for this book and I’m already guessing who Mrs. Wilson is and her connection to Mr. Darcy. Such a pretty cover! Can’t wait until the book comes out. It’s on my tbr pile.

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    1. So that is what Elizabeth truly looks like! Amazing… Love the premise of the book and can’t wait to add it to my collection. Keep writing Elsie…

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  15. What a lovely cover. I think the colours are gorgeous. Hopefully Elizabeth won’t meet any unsavoury character while walking in such an isolated spot? (Although there may be a whole village just this side of the view!)
    I’m not a huge angst lover so I hope any in this book is not between Darcy and Elizabeth? Or if it is that is of short duration? I will definitely add this to my list!

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    1. I really like the colours of this, too! I’m excited to have people read it and discover the story – I do hope you enjoy it. Thank you!

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  18. Beautiful cover with a perfect Elizabeth. I have already put mine on pre-order so don’t include me in the giveaway since I won one last year. Thank you..

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  19. Love the premise, and looking forward to the journey of ODC and these new characters and all the challenges. I love the cover, it is vibrant with colours of the 2 seasons I associate with Elizabeth Bennet, spring and fall. Can’t wait to read it, I think I will get the actual book to add to my collection. Thanks

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  22. Have never in my wildest dreams imagined Elizabeth with red hair! Yet why not? With that green dress she looks great and the cover is a definite winner.
    Have already decided who the young widow is and I’ll probably end up being totally wrong lol! Sounds like it’s going to be a wonderful read.

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  23. The cover is just stunning – I love it! The story sounds so interesting. Please enter me in the giveaway!

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  28. It sounds like an interesting new way of exploring the Elizabeth/Darcy relationship and adding a new dimension with the character of Mrs Wilson that sounds particularly intriguing. I look forward to reading this.

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  32. What an absolutely gorgeous cover! And the story sounds fresh and intriguing! I so look forward to reading your new book.

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  34. Congratulations on your books release. Will be adding to my collection.
    Thanks for the chance to win a copy.

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  35. looking forward to the book… I loved the preview. Cover is beautiful. I’m a graphic designer and my biggest complaint about the vast majority of covers is that the title and author name are very difficult to read – especially when looking at the cover online, on a mobile device. This cover is easily readable, good contrast and the imagery is beautiful and draws you in. Very nicely designed! And congrats on the new book!

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  36. I love this mysterious premise. The cover art is beautiful and Meredith’s description of “windswept” is perfect. I look forward to reading more. Thanks so much for sharing and congratulations on your novel. –Leslie

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  38. Thank you Elsie for this new story of Darcy and Lizzy and the mysterious plot provided by Mrs Wilson. Thanks for the giveaway and I wish you the best with your release.
    And, as all the readers say, the cover is stunning and the landscape makes me wish to be there 😉

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  39. What a beautiful cover! I love the way the colors In Elizabeth’s dress mimic the colors of nature all around her! This sounds like a new premis for a Pride and Prejudice variation, and I look forward to reading it,

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  42. Lovely cover. Very much like design & flow- mountains & pines have a special place in my heart! Visual questions are being asked: is it Elizabeth, the Widow Wilson, or someone else? Who is she gazing at with that slight smile?

    I suspect I may know who Mrs Wilson is. Look forward to finding out!

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    1. I’m glad it inspires so many thoughts and questions for you! I hope you enjoy discovering the story

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  44. Good luck with your new release. I plan to read this story so thanks for a chance to win a copy. I do like angst in my stories and the one review I read said we do get some in this story. Beautiful cover!

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  49. What do I think? I think it’s gorgeous!

    Congratulations on your new book – wishing you well with it. Looking forward to diving right in to the story

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  51. I give you my heartiest congratulations! I love hearing about writers who have “graduated” to become published authors. Hats off to you! The premise sounds intriguing and I haven’t made up my mind if it is Mrs. Wilson or Lizzie on the cover (It evokes such emotion and feeling. The cover artist deserves congratulations and recognition too.) ….I am sure you reveal in the story will who it is and we’re all anxious to find out.

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    1. Oh thank you, that’s so kind! It’s been an adventure, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity. Evelyne definitely deserves praise for her work! I do hope you enjoy the book

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  52. This sounds like a unique and interesting premise. I love a compassionate Elizabeth and evidently Mr. Darcy has some secrets! I look forward to reading this intriguing tale. Lovely cover.

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  53. Congratulations on your book! I agree with Meredith about the use of green and gold on the cover. The premise of the book is intriguing, and I’m curious about Mrs. Wilson (Georgianna, maybe?). Thank you for the giveaway.

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  54. It is a beautiful cover. I love the setting. You can almost hear the wind rustling the leaves and grass.
    Congratulations on your first release!!

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  55. Love the cover. I always imagined Elizabeth’s walks but now I can see them more clearly. I cannot wait to read your novel.!

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  56. It sounds so intriguing.
    Can’t wait to read it.
    And the cover, just wow .

    Do not enter me as I already own an ARC.

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  57. What a pretty cover! I’m looking forward to reading it, sounds very much like a story I’ll love! Thank you for the chance of winning an ebook!

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  60. The cover is beautiful and unique. The story sounds very intriguing and I look forward to reading it. Congratulations on the upcoming release.

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  62. If I ever bought a book just for the cover, this would be it! Takes me to my beloved Ireland (fellow redhead!) with a big SIGH – can’t wait to read it!

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  64. The cover ist really beautiful with these warm colours. And the story sounds so interesting. I can’t wait to discover what’s behind the mystery of the young widow.

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  65. This book sounds really interesting. I feel sorry for the young widow already, I hope she has a nice companion to keep her company (and some help with the twins of course, that would be a lot to cope with!).

    All the best with this book.

    Reply

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