Hi friends! Happy Monday! Do you know what I have had the strongest craving for? A new release from Joana Starnes! Does anyone else have that same craving? 🙋🏻♀️
Well the good news is satisfaction is almost here! Joana Starnes is releasing a new book at the end of this month! And it sounds like this is the perfect book to be curling up with this winter season! ❄️
Joana is here to share an enticing and romantic excerpt from her upcoming release – Snowbound. We hope you enjoy! 🙌🏼
Thanks so much, Meredith, for having me back at Austenesque Reviews. It’s always such a treat to visit you!
My new book is due to be released at the end of this month, and I’m so excited to share a very special excerpt with you and your readers!
I love to read and write variations in which our favourite characters cross paths again sooner than in canon. That is the case in my next book too. The year is 1812. The month: February, almost three months after the Netherfield ball. At the start of the year, Mr Gardiner had been obliged to spend some time in the north of England to deal with a business venture threatening to go awry. His family had travelled with him. So had Jane and Elizabeth, to keep their aunt company and help her look after the children. Would the Gardiners and their nieces be able to go home once Mr Gardiner’s difficulties had been resolved? Of course not :)). Would there be any fun in that?
If you’d like to see what is happening in the opening chapters, you can find them at Austen Variations, in my latest post.
The excerpt I’d love to share with you today is a continuation to my other post (New Year, New Book) which includes a scene from a little further into the story. Have you had a look? Would you like to follow Elizabeth and Mr Darcy into the orangery?
[Meredith: Are you kidding me?! Of course we would!]
~ Excerpt from Chapter 9 of Snowbound ~
Warm, humid air washed over her as, with just one step, Elizabeth crossed from one season to another. Beyond the faintly misted panes of glass, the rolling countryside lay dormant, etched in black and white, but the orangery was a riot of colour – a glorious abundance of lush green dotted with a dazzling variety of flowers.
Lost for words, Elizabeth looked around, drinking everything in with a burst of joy that told her how much she had missed the rich hues of summer. Finding a leafy paradise in the dead of winter was wholly unexpected, and all the more enjoyable for it.
Delighted wonder in her eyes, Elizabeth turned towards her companion.
“If I did not know better, I would say I was dreaming. I wish I came here sooner.”
“So do I,” Mr Darcy replied promptly and with uncommon fervour.
It was the oddest thing for him to say. How long had it taken him to discover his own orangery?
The opportunity to tease him on that score was too good to miss – but Elizabeth missed it all the same, for it vanished as swiftly as it came. He stepped closer, dipped his head, and a moment later his lips were on hers, very warm, very soft, in a feathery caress that robbed her of breath and sent the strangest tingle down her spine.
A hazy wisp of thought told her to blame the tingle on the shock. Later – hours later – she would decide that the most shocking thing of all was that she had not taken so much as one step back to put distance between them. For now though, the voice of reason had nothing to say. She could only hear his urgent murmur:
“Thank goodness you came! We belong together. Marry me. Stay with me. I could not bear to see you go. Will you marry me, Elizabeth?”
Rooted to the spot, Elizabeth could only gasp, “Mr Darcy, I—”
“Fitzwilliam,” he corrected her in a smiling whisper, his breath warm against her lips.
She blinked. Beyond that, not a single fibre of her being seemed capable of movement as she stood staring at him in a daze. Nor could she tell how many seconds ticked away while she remained motionless and silent, half-listening to the quiet purl of the water fountain. The soft, unceasing sound was hypnotic. Almost as hypnotic as his gaze.
Yet once she was able to exert herself and sought to apply a modicum of logic to the situation, the most plausible explanation sprang to mind in no time at all: a life-threatening experience would play havoc with anyone’s judgement. It would easily cause a brief lapse into recklessness. But she had not had a brush with death. She still had all her wits about her. So it fell on her to find a safe return to common sense, so that they might retreat from this without too much discomfort.
“I think we should agree that the giddiness akin to mild intoxication of which you spoke yesterday is yet to wear off,” she suggested with a strained and very awkward chuckle, only to chastise herself for her misplaced archness.
However wild the notion, the man had just offered marriage – and there she was accusing him of showing signs of inebriation! She bit her lip and made to retract or at least qualify the ill-chosen remark. But, far from looking injured or mortally offended, Mr Darcy laughed and gathered both her hands in his.
“True,” he jovially agreed. “I told you it would not wear off anytime soon, if ever. But there is more to it than that. ‘Tis you. The joy you bring is intoxicating. It follows you wherever you go. Look at Georgiana. I have not seen her so playful and happy since Wickham crushed her spirit—”
“He—! He did?” Elizabeth spluttered.
Mr Darcy flinched and his mien darkened.
“Yes,” he confirmed. Pressing his lips together into a fleeting but fierce grimace, he released her hands and gave a huff of unmistakable vexation. “I must beg your pardon for speaking without thinking. Good grief!” he muttered. “Of all the times to bring it up!”
It was not a falsehood. It could not be. The truth of his claim and the raw sentiments behind it were plainly written in his every feature. No man could feign such a response. Elizabeth was sure of it, little as she knew of men.
She knew a great deal more about the strong bond between siblings, so she could affirm with certainty that no brother who was so patently devoted to his sister would make up tales about her for some devious reason of his own. Moreover, she had never counted deviousness among his sins, however severely she had judged him. A man of his consequence had no need to be devious. Those who stood in his way would be forced aside or broken beneath the wheels of his triumphal chariot. So he could openly do as he pleased, without any artifice or fear of opposition.
The truncated revelation explained everything and nothing. It was no wonder that he should have blasted Mr Wickham’s prospects in retaliation for any harm inflicted on Miss Darcy. But… the amiable Mr Wickham – a cad? Worse still, a heartless and brazen reprobate who would crush the spirit of his benefactor’s daughter, and then complain of ill-treatment at the hands of the young girl’s brother?
“I… do not understand…” she faltered. “What happened?”
She could not tell if Mr Darcy’s frown was one of reluctance or outright displeasure. It could have arguably signalled either. Or both. With a barely audible sigh, he gestured towards the left side of the orangery.
“We should sit. This will take a while,” he said, his voice flat, but a knot formed at the corner of his jaw.
Pushing swags of greenery aside, he guided her towards a bench set into a recess of verdure, and Elizabeth made no objection, too busily engaged in pondering on the intrusive question that had just fallen from her lips. A far too forward question. One might say it bordered on the impertinent. This was none of her affair. Why press him for details of so personal a nature if she was going to refuse him anyway?
She was going to refuse him – was she not?
Without warning, a host of jumbled thoughts rose up in a whirl. The entail. Mr Collins. The first proposal that she had refused. Her father – mother – sisters. Jane’s heartbreak, and the chances that dear Jane deserved. The chances she herself might regret not taking. The last two-and-twenty hours, and the conflicting notions they had brought. The discoveries, too. Not just this noteworthy hint to tidings which could make a great deal of difference to everything she knew of Mr Darcy, but the array of new-found sides to his character, all of them as agreeable as they were astounding. And, by far the most astounding, his kiss and his avowal.
What if refusing him would be the greatest mistake she would ever make?
What if accepting him would be an even more disastrous error?
They reached the bench, and Elizabeth was more than a little glad to sit, for her head was spinning. She glanced up with a start when Mr Darcy resumed speaking:
“What I am about to say is something I have not disclosed to any living soul except my cousin, Georgiana’s other guardian—”
“Then let it remain so,” Elizabeth felt compelled to interrupt, all too aware of the trespass upon his privacy, and his sister’s. “I should not have asked. Forgive me. I did not mean to pry.”
But Mr Darcy gave a gesture of negation as he availed himself of a seat beside her.
“Pray, do not make yourself uneasy. It was a natural question. The blame is mine. Now that I have spoken out of turn, I will not compound the error by leaving you to speculate. Besides, I would have told you before long. You need to know what Georgiana is struggling to overcome. She will benefit greatly from your guidance. You are everything that is warm and kind and good. I can think of no one better suited to restore her faith in human nature.”
“Mr Darcy, your estimation is far too generous,” Elizabeth murmured, her cheeks aflame with a fierce blush at the lavish praise – so extravagant, so undeserved. This was the opinion he had formed of her while she had grown increasingly disposed to think him the very worst of men?
The inference that the disclosures would have been made once they were married or betrothed – that he envisaged her offering sisterly guidance to Miss Darcy – only served to bring a fresh wave of colour to her cheeks. She stole the briefest glance towards him, but that was enough to let her know that his gaze was fixed on her, and a hint of a smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
“I speak as I find,” he said softly, and then his tone of voice grew solemn and persuasive as he added, “Which is why I hope you will not think ill of her once you have all the details of the unhappy business.”
Elizabeth made to speak and assure him that she would not – who would think ill of the sweet, diffident girl? But the words caught in her throat. She had thought ill of Miss Darcy. She had taken Mr Wickham at his word and had condemned her as insufferably proud, without having spent so much as a moment in her company. And even once she had made the young girl’s acquaintance and Mr Wickham’s representation had been exposed as false, she had busily found excuses for the blatant discrepancy between his account and the evidence of her own eyes. What other falsehoods had she accepted without question? And what sort of a man would wrong a girl such as Miss Darcy, and then go into the world and speak ill of her?
Hands clasped together on her lap, Elizabeth struggled for patience and some semblance of composure as she endeavoured to keep still, lest she say or do anything that might delay Mr Darcy’s disclosures. She had to know what had come to pass, or as much of it as he was prepared to impart.
She learnt soon enough. Shocking particulars were unfolded, one by one, filling her with horror. The perfidious companion. The despicable collusion in Ramsgate. Mr Wickham’s abominable lack of humanity and honour. The abhorrent ploy to remove Miss Darcy from her brother’s protection and lure her into a life of misery, so that the vilest of blackguards might lay hands on her dowry of thirty thousand pounds.
By the time Mr Darcy had finished by detailing his transactions with the reprobate, Elizabeth was not at all surprised to hear that Mr Wickham’s allegations about the benefice had been a shameless misrepresentation too. No fresh evidence of his depravity would surprise her now. If he would repay his godfather’s kindness by working to ruin the man’s daughter, he was capable of any infamy. As for the shock of that heinous betrayal, it had long given way to anger – livid anger. At Mr Wickham, naturally. But the more Elizabeth learnt of his misdeeds, the more viciously her anger turned upon herself.
She had allowed him to make a fool of her! Nay, she had eagerly encouraged him to do so! Flattered by his attentions and avid for any morsel that would feed her prejudice against Mr Darcy, she had rejected reason and welcomed Mr Wickham’s fabrications as the gospel truth. Goodness, how humiliating! She had shown no better judgement than the empty-headed damsels whom she had secretly laughed at and pitied. She had been gullible, vain, witless, partial, absurd. The proverbial dunce’s cap was hers to wear, and she deserved it. The notion was as unfamiliar to her as it was mortifying. Never in her life had she been so angry and ashamed.
****
Elizabeth was not the only one consumed with fury at that point in time. Miss Bingley was prey to the same sentiment. In her case, it was fuelled by the greatest need to hurry. Yet she remained a stranger to any sense of shame.
A short while earlier, the noisy end of the snowball fight had disturbed her from her morning toilette – namely, from the serious and highly frustrating business of directing a young maid who knew precious little about the art of arranging hair. No sooner had the racket drawn Miss Bingley to the window in her dressing gown than her disdainful grimace had twisted into the darkest scowl at the sight of her arch-rival running towards the orangery hand in hand with Mr Darcy.
“The abominable hussy!” she had spluttered, only to stride across the room barking a sharp order. “Fetch my gown. Yes, that one. Heavens, girl, don’t dawdle!” Then, once the startled maid had rushed to do her bidding, Miss Bingley had stormed through the inner door that led to her sister’s chambers, and could be heard ordering Mrs Hurst about as well. “Louisa, are you ready to go down? Make haste, for goodness’ sake, make haste! We must go to the orangery at once!”
Throughout the time that the maid took to dress her, Miss Bingley’s countenance remained set into the same scowl.
“Careful with the buttons!” she snapped when her ordeal, and likewise the maid’s, was mercifully drawing to an end. “There will be hell to pay if one of them falls off and I have to change into another gown.”
“Yes, ma’am,” said the girl, thanking her stars that she was not in Miss Bingley’s employ, but Mr Darcy’s. And, unless she was much mistaken, there was no risk of the dreadful woman becoming the mistress of this house.
© 2023 Joana Starnes
Thanks for coming to read the excerpt and I hope you liked it. I can’t wait to hear what you think of the whole story! All the best, and thanks again, Meredith, for hosting me today!
Oh-my-goodness, Joana! This is wonderful! I’m so glad you continued your tradition of sharing a romantic excerpt here! I love that it took place in an orangery! But oh no! Caroline is there too! I just know she will cause some drama! I can’t wait to learn more! 🍊
Snowbound will be released by the end of January 2023.
~ Book Description ~
A narrow escape and a staggering encounter mere miles from the gates of Pemberley leave Mr Darcy in no doubt: the Fates have grown tired of nudging gently.
And now Elizabeth is in his home. Beside him. Every waking hour of every day.
“I missed you. Dreadfully. And now you are here. Against all odds, you came to Pemberley, and every moment brings fresh glimpses of what my life could be if you stayed.”
Will she?
Thanks to a broken bridge and a heavy snowfall, she is not going anywhere. Not yet, anyway.
How is he to persuade her to remain forever while maddening houseguests would do anything to thwart him, and an old secret is busily at work behind the scenes?
~~~
~ Connect with Joana ~
Blog ❧ Facebook ❧ Austen Variations ❧ All Roads Lead to Pemberley ❧ Instagram
~ About Joana ~
Joana is the author of twelve Austen-inspired novels and a contributor to the Quill Ink anthologies. All her novels are available at Amazon in Kindle and paperback, and some in Audible too: Joana’s Amazon Page.
~~~
~ GIVEAWAY TIME~
Joana has generously brought with her 3️⃣ beautiful Kindle copies of Snowbound for me to giveaway to 3️⃣ lucky readers!
To enter this lovely and generous giveaway, leave a comment, question, or some love for Joana! 💕
- This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Joana!
- This giveaway ends January 30th!
Great snippet chosen for excerpt! Makes me want to read the whole book! Thank you so much for the giveaway.
I’m so glad you liked the snippet, Adriana. I hope you’ll enjoy the whole story too. Best of luck in the giveaway and thanks for reading.
I love, love, love that Darcy has told Elizabeth about Wickham, especially after kissing her! 🙂
I do hope Caroline doesn’t manage to interrupt them, a fatal or near fatal accident on the way will suffice. Or maybe they are so well hidden that she thinks they have gone and rants at Louisa, letting them know her true feelings for Elizabeth! Obviously Darcy can’t insist they leave but he can make things extremely unpleasant for her? I’m so loving this story!
Oh, Glynis, I can’t wait to see what you think of the whole story! I’m sitting here biting my tongue so that I don’t give the game away, but I’m dying to!!! Soon, I promise, soon!
“Obviously Darcy can’t insist they leave but he can make things extremely unpleasant for her?”
I’m so glad you see my problem! It was so frustrating that Darcy had to put up with having her underfoot, when she deserved to be put on the first coach to Scarborough. But as they say, for every problem there is a solution 😀 😀 . I hope you’ll like the one I came up with.
I’m so happy that so far it’s right up your street! Have a good week, stay warm and chat soon!
Coming in from the cold and stepping into the orangerie: physically wonderful
23 – 31=8: emotionally distressing, but each day a little less
So sorry for keeping you waiting! Thanks so much for reading the excerpts. I hope the final edits come in soon, and that you’ll like the rest as well.
Joana, I am sure I shall like the whole book!
Do you need a JLcard to lift the burden because of all these expectations
Warm wishes typed with cold fingers
Doris
You’re so kind, Doris! Please don’t worry about the card, but you’re so right about the burden of expectations! Much of this book isn’t in my usual style (and now I’m chewing my fingernails to the bone 😀 ). Take care and stay warm!
It’s looking great, as always! And I love the cover. It makes me want to cuddle in front of the fire with a book to read having my coffee and scones nearby! Best way to.spend a winter day.
I’m so glad you think so, Laura! Thank you! All the best and good luck in the giveaway.
What a romantic scene, Darcy being intoxicated with love for Elizabeth! I bet the angst will come very soon 🙂
Thank you! I’m so glad you liked the scene. I hope you’ll be pleased to hear that this isn’t as angsty and many of my stories. That being said, you’re right, something is about to happen soon. Best wishes and thanks for reading!
Fabulous! That excerpt is enticing—I so want to know what happens next. Did Miss Bingley overhear the entire conversation, or did she interrupt at a most inopportune moment? Eagerly anticipating the release of the book. Congrats on publishing another story that JAFF readers can enjoy.
Thanks so much, Jeanette! I’m so glad you liked this and that you’re looking forward to the rest. I hope the full story will give you a giggle and a few ‘Aww’ moments 🙂 . Good luck in the giveaway and all the best.
Hello, Joana & Meredith. I love your books, as you know, Joana. I have read them all and reviewed them also. I am so looking forward to reading this next story. Good luck with the release. I did not read the chapters or excerpts as I want to save that for when the whole story is at my fingertips. I read too much to remember many times if I am just reading a small portion. I know I will love your story.
Hi, Sheila. Thanks so much for your kind words and for all your support over the years! I know you love angsty stories the most, so maybe I should give you a heads-up: this one doesn’t have the amount of angst that I generally love to pile up on our favourite couple (or rather it doesn’t have quite so much of the ‘s/he loves me – s/he loves me not’ kind of angst). But I hope you’ll enjoy the ride anyway :)). All the best and thanks again!
Oh my! I didn’t realize I was holding my breath until I finished the excerpt! No! No! No! Caroline must not intrude while Darcy is telling her about Wickham and his cruelty to Georgiana! No! No! No! Caroline must not interrupt as Elizabeth has not given her answer! Your prose painted such a vivid picture in my mind of the orangery that I could just ‘feel’ the humidity and ‘inhale’ the vegetation! We just got a bit more snow over night here and it is so picturesque that ‘Snowbound’ will be the perfect read! Thank you for a chance at the giveaway!
Oh, Carole, I’m over the moon that you found the picture so vivid. Thanks ever so much for your kind words and wonderful encouragement! Stay warm and cosy, and all the best to you and all your loved ones.
Oh, my goodness, Elizabeth, say “yes” before Caroline steps in with her usual schemes to trap Darcy (although they are fun to read). I have been waiting for another book from Joanna and can’t wait! Thank you for the excerpt and giveaway.
Thank *you*, Eva, for coming to read the excerpt, and for looking forward to the full story. I hope you’ll like it, and that Caroline’s trials and tribulations give you a giggle or two. Take care and best of luck in the giveaway.
I love Joana’s writing! Along with Elizabeth, you feel the awe of an orangery in winter, the awful discovery of how truly despicable and frightening Wickham’s actions were and the confusion and delight of an openly adoring Darcy. I’m so looking forward to this one!
Oh my goodness, Deborah, such a wonderful thing to say! Thanks ever so much, and I hope you’ll like the rest as well. All the best and have a lovely day!
Better and better, Joana! I can’t wait for this release!
I’m so happy you liked this snipped too. Thanks for reading, Marie! All the best and stay warm and cosy.
…snippet…
(Less haste, more speed and all that :)) )
Great excerpt! Please enter me in the giveaway!
I’m so glad you liked it, Coleen. Thanks for reading and best of luck in the giveaway.
Oooh at least Darcy takes his moment after Pemberley has managed to melt Elizabeth’s heart a bit.
But ergh that Bingley chit!!!
Looking forward to reading it!
“Oooh at least Darcy takes his moment after Pemberley has managed to melt Elizabeth’s heart a bit. But ergh that Bingley chit!!!”
LOL Sam Indeedy (on both counts 😀 )
I hope you’ll enjoy the rest as well.
Yikes! I hope Caroline doesn’t overhear the story about Wickham!
Don’t worry, Ginna, she doesn’t overhear anything that might give her leverage. Take care and thanks for reading.
Joana Starnes is one of my go-to’s, several of her books are my favorite rereads. Very much looking forward to a new release from her!
Thanks ever so much, Cassandra! I’m so happy you love my books. I hope you’ll enjoy reading this one as well. It’s not quite in the same vein (not so angsty, for a start) but I hope you’ll like it. Best wishes and have a lovely day!
Joana, this excerpt was as delightful as the others. I’m all anticipation! Thanks so much for all these lovely little glimpses into your new story. And thanks to Meredith, too!
I’m so happy you liked it, Susan! Huge thanks for this, and to you, Meredith, for having me on your gorgeous blog today!
I relish and re-relish every P&P variation you have written, Joana.
Thank you for sharing your talent,
Betty Campbell Madden
You’re so kind, Betty! Thank *you*! I’m so happy you love my books so much.
I love the cover photo and I love this idea!
I’m so glad, Coleen! Thank you! I hope you’ll like the full story too.
Sounds like another great read!
Thank you, Patricia! I’m so glad you think so. Best wishes and thanks for reading!
A perfect excerpt, indeed. I want more!
Good luck, Joanna, with this new release and thank you for your generosity.
Thanks so much, Lilyane! Thank *you* for stopping by to read it and best of luck in the giveaway.
Can’t wait to read this one!
I hope you’ll like it, Julie. Thank you!!
Oh loving this more!!! Joana it looks like you have written another wonderful story and can’t wait to read it. Are you planning on making it an audiobook too?
Thanks so much, Glory! I’m so happy you love it! I might have it in Audible too. Still thinking about it, but I believe it would work well as an audiobook. There are some heated conversations and quite a few snarky remarks flying around 😀
What a wonderful excerpt to read on a snowy New England day – Darcy in a giddy mood, Elizabeth hearing the truth about Wickham, and finally her contemplation there may be more ways of looking at her interactions with Darcy. Thank you!
I’m so happy you liked it! Darcy is in such a giddy mood!
LOL I just remembered Mihaela’s comment on one of my other posts. “Don’t you dare spoiling this for D! ” she said. Heartless as I’ve been in some of my other variations, this time I really couldn’t bring myself to spoil things for him, so Elizabeth is far more willing to accept that there may be other ways of looking at her interactions with him. Best wishes and thanks for reading!
Oh this continues to sound like fun!!!
I’m so glad you think so, Glory!
Can’t wait to read the rest!!
Thank you! I hope you’ll like it.
When you see the name ‘Joana Starnes’ you just know it’s going to be a great read!! Looking forward to reading this new book … can’t wait to get my hands on it, the excerpt has me buzzing!
You’re so kind, Mary! Thank you! I’m so happy you liked my other books. I hope you’ll enjoy ‘Snowbound’ too. Have a lovely day and thanks for stopping by to have a peek.
A Joana Starnes book is always a must-read for me. I m really looking forward to this one. You always seem to manage to get to the heart of Austen’s characters.
I’m so happy you think so, Heather! Thanks ever so much! All the best, and I hope this becomes another favourite.
And and and? I have an inkling that we won’t get to hear the answer to the proposal – nor will Darcy – but Caroline will barrel without more delay and therefore force Darcy to announce something!! I know you will say it isn’t that but I can hope, right?
Delightful morsel !! I can barely hold in place until the release day!
Thank you and Meredith for such an enjoyable moment!
You know me so well, Michelle! Too well 😀
Oh dear, sorry if you’re hoping they’ll agree to pretend they’re engaged to fend Miss Bingley off. I didn’t go that way. But something tells me you’ll still like what happens next 😉
Take care and thanks ever so much for all the encouragement. Have a lovely 2023 and lots of inspiration!
I love this, Joana. Thanks so much for sharing the excerpt. I can’t wait to read more. Congratulations on your latest novel. –Leslie
Thank *you*, Leslie, for stopping by to read it. Best wishes and I hope you’ll enjoy the full story too.
I love Joana’s books! Can’t wait for the newest to add to my collection!
Thank you, Jean! I’m so happy you love my books. I hope you’ll like my latest too. All the best and thanks for stopping by to read the excerpt.
I haven’t and won’t read the excerpts until the book is out. I anticipate it eagerly. Pre-release excerpts have the capacity to convert eager anticipation to wild impatience, however, which is not a state I enjoy. This seems especially likely given that you are the author, Ms. Starnes. I have greatly enjoyed a number of your works. So I will possess myself in patience until the release. Thanks for providing several copies of your work.
Thanks so much for your kind words, Anna! I can’t wait to see what you think of the whole story when you read it. Best of luck in the giveaway, and sorry about sporting with your patience :)) . I’ll get on with it asap, I promise!
Loving all the excerpts! Can’t wait to read it all together!
I’m so glad you loved the excerpts, Lori. I hope you’ll enjoy the full story too. Good luck in the giveaway and thanks for taking part.
Delighted to hear of imminent release of new Joana Starnes book. They are all great — and a bit less angsty is even better!
Thanks so much, Lesley. It’s so wonderful to hear that you enjoyed my other books. Yes, I went for ‘less angsty’ for a change 😀 . All the best and I hope you’ll like it.
Love to see Caroline be outmaneuvered and disappointed in the extreme! Looking forward to the release!
LOL yes, she’ll be outmanoeuvered allright, and extremely disappointed. Breaking fans and spitting feathers 😀 . Thanks for reading, Colleen. I hope you’ll enjoy the full story too.
I love a Joana Starnes book! Mr Bennet’s Dutiful Daughter is my favourite and I can’t wait to read Snowbound!
Thank you, Beth! I’m especially happy that Mr Bennet’s Dutiful Daughter is your favourite. It’s one of my favourite book-babies too. Snowbound is in a very different vein, but I hope you’ll enjoy the ride 🙂 . All the best and thanks for stopping by to read the excerpts.
I am such a big fan of Joana’s work! Thank you so very much for the excerpt and giveaway. Best wishes and congrats on the new release! I cannot wait to read it.
Thank *you*, Robin, for the kind words and wishes! I’m so happy you enjoyed my other books. I hope you’ll like Snowbound too. Best of luck in the giveaway and thanks for taking part.
I so enjoy your work Joan Starnes. I can never read enough fan fiction about my favorite book, Pride and Prejudice.
Pride and Prejudice is my all-time favourite too, Cat (as if you couldn’t tell 😀 ) and I can never read enough P&P variations either. I hope you’ll enjoy my latest. Best wishes and thanks for stopping by to take a peek.
I am very interested in seeing where you take this story. Your books each take a unique look at the Regency world and its society.
I’m so happy you think so, Shannon! Thank you! I hope you’ll like Snowbound too. Best of luck in the giveaway and thanks for reading.
Love the excerpt, the sweet scene between these two. How can Lizzy say no to such words…..I do feel bad for Ms Bingley’s assigned aide.Luckily she was a keen to know Ms Bingley would not be a permanent in that residence.
Thank you for sharing and the chance to win a copy
Thank *you* for stopping by to read the excerpt! I’m so glad you loved this scene. Best of luck in the giveaway and I hope you’ll like the full story too.
YIKES!! That awful Caroline Bingley isn’t going to overhear Darcy’s disclosure to Elizabeth about his sister and Mr. Wickham, is she?? Dum-dum-DUMMMM!
Thank you for the tantalizing taste, Joana and Meredith. Snowbound will certainly be a must-read when it’s released!
Oh no, don’t worry, Debbie, she’s not going to overhear any of that! (But now I’m wondering what she might have done if she had. Would she have had the gall and the stupidity to try to blackmail Darcy?).
Thank *you* for reading the excerpt. I’m so glad you liked it! I can’t wait to see what you think of the full story. Best wishes and have a lovely day!
Oh, I definitely want to read this! I must know more!
Thanks so much, Christina! I hope you’ll have fun with it 🙂 . I’ll stop sporting with your patience and get on with it asap.
Another wonderful excerpt, Joana! A proposal in the orangery…how romantic! . Is it the end of January yet?
Getting there, Pam 🙂 . Thank you, I’m so glad you liked the excerpt. I hope you’ll like the full story too.
I loved this excerpt and I’m so excited to read more! Thank you for sharing it.
Thank *you* for reading, Kim. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Best wishes and good luck in the giveaway!
I am very excited for another Joanna Starnes book and this one sounds incredible!
I’m so happy you think so, Wendy! Thanks for reading and I hope you’ll like the full story too.
Love all of Joana’s books. Can’t wait to read this next one.
Thanks so much, Lynn! Best wishes and I hope you’ll like it.
My heartrate is still high from reading the excerpt about the bridge. Whew! And now, ODC are in the orangery with the pernicious sisters on their way. OMG! AND… you left us dangling. Aaahhh! What happened. Did he kiss her? Did Caroline and Louisa observe them? Will the servants protect their master from that harridan? Questions, I have questions.
Thanks Meredith for hosting. Joana, congratulations on the launch of this new work. I look forward to reading it. It sounds so exciting. I’m chewing my nails down to the quick. My manicurist will be furious. Blessings.
Sorry about the manicurist and everything, Jeanne! I hope you’ll be a little reassured to hear that he did kiss her, Caroline and Louisa didn’t see them, and the servants would always protect their master from the harridan 😀
Thanks so much for coming to read the excerpt, and I can’t wait to see what you think of the full story too!
I have all but one of your books (the P&P/S&S variation) and am in the minority of readers that are glad the angst level has been toned down in this one. I’m not a big fan of high levels of angst. I get so frustrated with ODC with all their misunderstandings I want to throttle them. I have never skipped over several chapters or skimmed through sections just for ODC to get back on course for their HEA, but I’ve been tempted (LOL). I also have 8 of your novels on Audible as well. In fact, I think you and I have a love affair going with the narrator of your stories. Stevie is the absolute best by far, isn’t she!! Needless to say, I’ll read this as soon as it comes out and will be getting the Audible as soon as it’s available as well……assuming it will be recorded (please, please). Congratulations on another winner, Joana!!!!
Stevie is so wonderful, Linda, isn’t she? Her narrations are superb. Soulful, beautifully produced, her Lizzy is bubbly and a joy to listen to, and her ‘Darcy’ voice is OMG! I haven’t made any plans for the Audible version yet, but if/when I do, I’ll definitely ask Stevie first!
LOL I know what you mean about wanting to throttle ODC sometimes. You’d never guess that from the kind of books I usually write, but I’m sometimes tempted too 😀 . This time I just couldn’t bring myself to write an angsty story, and I’m ever so glad you’re pleased about that. Thanks so much for your kind words about my books, and I hope this will become a favourite. Best wishes and best of luck in the giveaway!
Thank you for the excerpt and giveaway! I love all your books and can’t wait to read this one!
Thank *you*, Cath! I’m so happy you love my books! Best of luck in the giveaway and I hope you’ll like ‘Snowbound’ too.
Great excerpt, congrats on the release!
Thanks for coming to have a look! I’m so glad you liked it. Take care and good luck in the giveaway.
Joana,
I love this more and more with each tidbit you share.
Denise
I’m so happy you love it, Denise! Thanks so much and have a lovely day!
Oh how I love Joana’s books! I’m so excited to read her newest. I’ve no idea how she does it, but she always describes the emotion of the characters to such an incredible degree! I can feel the longing or despair or joy as if I were the character myself. The best books!!!
That’s such a wonderful thing to say, Shelley! Thanks ever so much! I do hope you’ll feel the same about Snowbound too. It’s not as full of longing as many of may other books, but I hope you’ll find joy and laughter and swoony moments too. Best wishes and thank you!
Hello. Love reading your novels. They always feel like family
Thanks so much, Mary! I’m so happy you think so! All the best and have a lovely day!
WOW! I can hardly wait. I always enjoy her books so much. This almost make January worthwhile;
Thank you, Frankie! I’m so glad you like the sound of it and that it’s making January better. Best wishes and I hope you’ll like the full story too.
Oh I hope that Elizabeth doesn’t spoil this and say something stupid and then before she can remedy the situation horrid, nasty Caroline comes barging in to finish this tender moment. Now I’m counting up days to b the release of this book instead of savoring every day. I must admit that I’m glad if this isn’t as angsty of the release is in the middle of the week, otherwise I would be trying to rush through next week as well just to get time to read the book uninterrupted over Saturday – you cannot put down books that are filled with angst. Congratulations on your new book!!
I know what you mean, Satu :)) . In some ways, this part was so hard to write, because only a few days earlier Elizabeth still thought that Darcy was the worst of men. But then I remembered that even at Rosings she was civil and able to have a cheerful conversation with him (until the Hunsford proposal, when almost everything he said was an insult). No Hunsford proposal here, just daily proof that Darcy is the best brother and the best master, so I hope you’ll be glad to hear that Elizabeth won’t read him the riot act. That being said, nasty Caroline still tries to barge in (but I’m willing to bet that by the end of the chapter you won’t be too sorry about that either). Thanks so much for your patience, and I’ll get on with the final edits asap!
Great excerpt! I think I will love this story! And thank you, Joanna, for all your other lovely stories. I read them over and over again!
Thank *you*, Audny, for letting me know that you read and re-read them with such pleasure! Best wishes, and I hope you’ll like Snowbound as well.
I have loved each of the excerpts I have read, and am excited to read the book in it’s entirety!
I’m so happy you loved them! Thank you! I hope you’ll love the full story too.
Wonderful excerpt. Will they also discuss the Jane/Bingley situation before Caroline interferes?
I’m so glad you asked, Lois :)) . The Jane/Bingley situation pops up in conversation a little later and in a different way. I can’t wait to see what you think about it! Best wishes and thanks for reading!
❤️❤️ Thanks ever so much, everyone, for the wonderfully warm welcome you gave to my new book, and huge thanks, Meredith, for hosting me at Austenesque Reviews again. Your beautiful blog has been such a happy place for me from the very first year when I started publishing my P&P variations. Thanks for giving us all so much joy, year after year! ❤️❤️
Yes, a BIG thank you to Meredith.
Hers is the page I really always read.
Au revoir, ladies, and until very soon
Doris
Thanks Joana, I think I need to build an orangery at home now! Very excited and can’t wait to read this
Thank *you*, Jennifer! I’m so glad you liked the sound of it. I’d love to build an orangery at home too. It’ll sure save on the travel whenever I need inspiration or pictures 😀
Have a lovely day and thanks for stopping by to read the excerpt.
So excited to have another of Joana’s stories to read!. Cannot wait to get my copy.
Thanks so much, Brenda! Have a great 2023 and lots of inspiration!
We all love Joanna’s books and can’t wait to be “Snowbound” with Darcy!!!!
You’re ever so kind, Jen! Thank you, and thanks for all your wonderful variations! All the best and here’s to many more!
Sexy, romantic, nice imagery in the writing, and hopefully, more fun setdowns of Miss Bingley! What more can a fan ask? Hope to read it soon!
What a lovely thing to say! Thanks ever so much! I’m nearly there, most of the edits are in. Thanks for waiting, and I hope you’ll like it.
Looks like a fun read — I can’t wait!
I’m so glad you like the sound of it. Thank you! I hope you’ll enjoy it.
Oh this looks wonderful! When are we to expect it to be out, I really cannot wait!
Thanks so much, Cassandra! I’m aiming for the end of January for the eBook and around Feb 3 for the paperback (sooner if the stars align 🙂 ). Best wishes, and thanks for coming to read the excerpt. I’m so happy you liked it!
Oh be still my heart, a new Joana book!!! Happy dance. What an exciting (so many possibilities) excerpt. It seems like it’s been too long since we’ve been gifted a new book from Joana Starnes and now we’re getting one. Yay 😀
You’re ever so kind, Michelle! Thanks so much! I hope you’ll have fun with the possibilities 😉 . I can’t wait to see what you think of it. Take care and all the best!
that cover looks so cozy
I’m so glad you think so, Kirsten! Thanks for stopping by to have a look, and I hope you’ll like the story too.
Long-time Joana Starnes fan here – CAN’T WAIT for this one!
So excited about a new book from Joana. Great except and cover. Congratulations
What a lovely excerpt! There are so many things to look forward to in this story! But first off, how dare Elizabeth to encroach upon Caroline’s time as mistress (in her own mind) of Pemberley!
LOL Indeed. Caroline is spitting feathers 😀 😀
Thanks so much for the morning giggle! I hope the books gives you a few giggles too. All the best and thanks for reading.
I can’t wait to read it!
Thanks so much, Paige! I hope you’ll like it.
Sorry for coming late to the party, Joana. This is such a sweet and romantic scene. I feel the orangery is the best place to confide about Wickham’s deception to Elizabeth away from prying eyes. Caroline must be fuming mad if she witness Darcy and Elizabeth kissing. Hopefully she will not cause trouble to our dear heroine.