Hi friends! If you are like me and clever wit, playfulness, and eloquence with your Pride and Prejudice prose then you will be delighted to learn that author J. Marie Croft has a new book coming out soon! Readers who have had the pleasure of reading such titles as A Little Whimsical in His Civilities, Love at First Slight, and her many contributions to The Quill Collective anthologies know what I am talking about when I say Ms. Croft has a very special way with words. ✍🏼
But we actually aren’t spotlighting Ms. Croft’s talent with words today, we are spotlighting the cover of her upcoming release –Enduring Connexions!
Welcome, Joanne! It is such a pleasure to welcome you back and learn about your new book – Enduring Connexion! 🤗
~ From the Author ~
There’s nowhere I’d rather be for a cover reveal than here at Austenesque Reviews with Meredith and her readers. Today is particularly special for me because Enduring Connexions is my first Quills & Quartos novel, my first time working with Amy D’Orazio and Jan Ashton, and the first of my book covers to be created by multi-talented Susan Adriani of CloudCat Design. The eye-catching cover is all things perfect for this novel. I love his looking back, the fonts, the sky, and the face stubble that Elizabeth admires more than once in the story.
As for what inspired me to write Enduring Connexions—which is of a more serious stamp than my previous work—you must allow me to paraphrase a male character from one of Austen’s masterpieces. I cannot fix on the hour, or the spot, or the thought, or the words which laid the foundation. It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I realised a certain someone wasn’t being sufficiently put through the wringer (or, in Regency terms, the mangle).
Obviously, I had a few wrinkles to iron out. From the book’s blurb, you’ll know Darcy suffered a betrayal in his past and that Jane Bennet strongly resembles the young lady who shattered his ability to trust. Unpleasant scenes will arise for our hero, and there might be a character or two you’ll want to beat over the head with your Regency fan. You know the sort of fan I mean—the kind Elizabeth might need once Darcy turns on the charm and starts wooing the dickens out of her at a mutual friend’s country house. That happens just days after a rather heated encounter (not the steamy kind) between our dear couple. I really shouldn’t say more. I’m a guest here, after all, and mustn’t spill spoilers all over the place. All I will say is that some connexions endure, while other connexions must BE endured.
Thank you, Meredith, for being the former and for graciously hosting today’s cover reveal.
~ Book Description ~
I love you with so much of my heart that none is left to protest— Wm Shakespeare
WHEN FITZWILLIAM DARCY IS BETRAYED by love at the age of twenty-three, he vows that never again will he allow a woman to own his heart. Never again will he be made a fool. Never again will he trust. His heart and pride will be spared from another crippling blow, no matter what.
FOUR YEARS LATER, his resolve is put to the test. Elizabeth Bennet is vivacious and beautiful, but she has family connexions which make her unsuitable for him. Her immediate family is vulgar, and her relations are involved in trade. Worst of all, she has an elder sister, Jane, who is nearly a twin of the woman who broke his heart and shattered his trust. Yet, despite his reservations, Darcy’s growing affection for Elizabeth is impossible to deny or resist.
ALAS, JUST AS DARCY BEGINS TO ALLOW the walls around his heart to crumble, a dark secret from someone else’s past comes to light and threatens the stability of the Bennet family’s very foundations. A connexion Darcy could never have imagined will have a potentially devastating impact on the Bennets and on his and Elizabeth’s burgeoning love. If Darcy wants Elizabeth in his life, he and the Bennets must learn to forgive and accept that which cannot be changed.
And without further ado….here is the big reveal!!!
(expected release date: March 6th)
✨Swoon✨ This cover is dreamy! 😍 Is that Theo James???
Quills & Quartos often feature a Regency woman on the cover, it is a refreshing switch to see a Regency man featured. I love every crisp detail of his attire – I can just feel the fabric of his coat. 🎩
I’m eager to see how Mr. Darcy’s vulnerability and feelings of betrayal alter his interactions with Elizabeth. ❤️🩹
Mmm what’s this dark secret and who is this connexion?! I’m so intrigued. 😮
What do you think, friends? 🤔
~~~
~ About Joanne ~
J Marie Croft (Joanne) is a lifelong resident of Nova Scotia, Canada, but spends a lot of time in Regency England with Jane Austen’s beloved characters. She has written ten Austenesque stories and is working on more. Joanne shares with her husband a love of their adult twin daughters, the great outdoors, geocaching, and a spoiled calico cat.
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GIVEAWAY TIME!
The lovely people at Quills and Quartos are offering 3️⃣ ebook copies of Enduring Connexions to 3️⃣ lucky readers who comment on today’s post!
To enter this giveaway leave a question, comment, or some love for Joanne below.
- This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Quills and Quartos!
- This giveaway ends February 8th.
~~~
You can preorder Enduring Connexions now!
My sincere gratitude to J. Marie Croft and the wonderful people at Quills and Quartos for putting this special post together!
The book sounds great! I am certainly intrigued by the blurb. It looks like Darcy is in a kilt. Definitely swoon worthy. Thank you for the giveaway.
Eva, I’m so glad you’re intrigued, but I hope you won’t be disappointed that my Darcy isn’t wearing a kilt. Thanks for dropping by, and good luck in the giveaway.
As others have said, what an intriguing blurb!! Very excited to read this book. Quills and Quartos publishes such wonderful, high quality stories. Pleased to see Ms. Croft join their group of authors. Thank you for sharing this cover reveal with us. Love how his looking backward gives the impression of activity rather than a static pose.
Thanks for commenting, lawyermom. I hadn’t thought about it before, but you’re right about the feeling of activity on this cover rather than a static pose.
So looking forward to reading this! Great cover!
Thank you, Marie. I’m delighted you like the cover, though I can’t take any credit for it. That goes to the wonderful ladies at Quills & Quartos and CloudCat Design.
I am interested in knowing the circumstances surrounding the lady that broke his heart. What connections could the Bennetts have that could impact his relationship with Elizabeth? Very intriguing premise to this story! I can’t wait to read it!!!
Hi, Lisa. I’m so glad the blurb piqued your interest. I’d love to answer your question about the connection, but my lips are sealed though they’re smiling. Thanks for commenting.
Just love this cover … as you say, you so rarely see a man on a cover and if you do, there’s a lady too. He’s very handsome!
Isn’t this a ‘handsome’ cover? I was thrilled upon first sight. Thanks for dropping by, Mary.
One omg omg! Seems as if I have been waiting for J Marie Croft’s next novel for so long. And this cover is gorgeous. Kinda hot, actually. Can’t wait to read it. Can’t. Wait.
Aw, thanks, Christina! I’m glad you like the gorgeous scenery on the cover. I don’t think the weather there is hot, though, since the story mostly takes place in autumn and winter. That’s what you meant, right?
The premise is very interesting and that cover! Oh my!
Oh my, indeed! Thanks for commenting, tgruy. I hope you’ll have a chance to read the story.
The cover is phenomenal–intrigued that he is looking away from the camera. The blurb has me anxious to read this story–a heartbroken Darcy is not often seen in JAFF. And, I would like to know about the secret that could destroy the love between D&E–how do they come to terms with it? Congrats on publishing a new story.
Thanks, Jeannette. Yes, the fact that he’s looking back is just perfect for the story.
The cover is almost swoonworthy! He is Theo James-like indeed! I enjoy J. Marie Croft/Joanne’s books very much and certainly look forward to reading this one, too!
Yay! Thank you for the kind comment, Virginia. I hope you’ll enjoy the story as much as the cover.
Goodness, that sounds absolutely riveting. I can’t wait to be able to read it! That cover is gorgeous too. The lines, the detail and the colors…amazing. I can’t wait! Congratulations on your upcoming release.
Thank you, Melissa! It’s a striking cover, isn’t it? I hope you’ll find that the story has a balance of humour, angst, and romance.
Thank you for an intriguing review and a lovely cover. I would love to read this story!
Thanks for dropping by and commenting, Audny. Good luck in the giveaway.
Looking forward to this book! I love the cover design. The cutaway coat is beautiful!
Thank you, Tamara. I love the cover design, too…everything about it!
I’m already imagining what’s happening so of course I’m going to read it asap! Loving the story and the cover is great! Very compelling. Congratulations on your new book and thank you for the giveaway!
Laura, thanks. Hmm, I wonder what you’re imagining. Good luck in the giveaway.
That is one gorgeous cover! I look forward to reading this. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy!
I agree, Pam. He is… I mean, the cover is gorgeous. Good luck in the giveaway.
The cover is great! The blurb is intriguing, and I would love a chance to win a copy.
Coleen, thanks for commenting, and good luck!
I love the cover! J.Marie Croft is a favorite so I can’t wait to read it.
Aw, Sharon, your comment is so sweet. Thank you!
Sounds great!
Glad you think so, Barbara! Thank you.
Intriguing cover! And very excited for another of your books! It’s been too long. But the big question – will there be puns?
Hi, Ginna. Thanks for the nice comment. But, ha ha, here’s the big question: Will you be disappointed if there are no puns?
Well, hmmm. Good question. As long as it’s a good story, I will be happy. I just enjoy your puns.
One pun might have slipped in, Ginna. I honestly can’t remember. But I hope you’ll enjoy the humour anyway. Poor Darcy!
cover love
I know, right? I’m in love with it. Good luck in the giveaway, Denise.
Joanne, from the moment Amy mentioned you had written a new book I have been looking forward to reading it. Your stories are always, always a pleasure, as was designing your new cover. Happy Cover Reveal Day! 🙂
Beautiful cover! Well done, Susan!
Susan! The star of the day! I did a happy dance when I heard you were designing the cover. Thank you!!!
The blurb sounds so intriguing! The cover is absolutely gorgeous.
I’m happy you like the blurb and cover, Bats. Thanks for dropping by.
I love this cover! Especially as Darcy is looking away so I can put my own idea of his face if he looked round!
It’s a shame that Jane reminds him of his first love as this appears to affect his feelings for Elizabeth? I do wonder what the dark secret is and who it concerns. Definitely one for my list! Thank you.
Hi, Glynis, and thank you! I love the cover, too. And yes, exactly… His looking away is perfect not only for the story but for the reader to imagine his face any way they want. I’m happy Enduring Connexions is one for your list.
Lovely cover. Darcy is pensive but hopeful looking into the future!
Congratulations on your new release.
Thanks, Sam. Q&Q and Susan at CloudCat did a great job on the cover. And you just may be right about Darcy being pensive and hopeful.
Ooh! Dreamy! I’m holding my breath on the off chance he may just look back in my direction [vigorously fanning my face!!!]
Thank you for commenting, Terri. Ha! I’ve had the cover image on my computer’s desktop for awhile now and have had to fan my face. But that might have been a hot flash.
Very intriguing! Can’t wait to read it!
Thanks, Tina. I hope you’ll enjoy it.
Jane looks like a woman who broke Darcy’s heart? Well that’ll make things interesting. Can’t wait to read it to see how things turn out. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for your interest, Amanda. The resemblance between the woman and Jane does, I hope, make things interesting.
Love the cover!!!!
Me too, Glory!
Great cover. Darcy is always the best eye candy around. Looking forward to reading it. BTW, my family name is Croft too.
Hi, Hollis. Ha ha, eye candy! May I let you in on a little secret? ‘Croft’ IS in my actual surname, but I left off some letters.
Beautiful cover and a very interesting premise. I’m looking forward to reading it. Congratulations on the release.
It is beautiful, isn’t it, Kate? I’m glad you find the premise interesting. Thank you!
Story sounds most intriguing. Added to my list! Very handsome fellow on cover- would love to see his visage.
‘most intriguing’ and ‘added to my list’ are music-to-my-ears words. Thank you, LJ. And please feel free to imagine what that handsome fellow’s visage looks like.
Now that’s a Darcy, although he could use a better tailor.
I am looking forward to reading this new story, for I have certainly enjoyed your others. Thank you for once again for sharing your creativity.
Thanks for those lovely remarks, editingzeal. Much appreciated. Oh, and I’ll pass along to Darcy your comment about his tailor.
Ooo! I like that cover!
Me, too, Colleen! Q&Q and Susan at CloudCat have made me a happy writer.
Meredith, thank you again for hosting this novel’s cover reveal, for your lovely intro, and for having your own very special way with words—swoon, dreamy, Theo James. Ha ha! You make me laugh.
I so enjoy all you books and am looking forward to reading this one!
Theresa, comments like yours really make my day. So thank YOU!
Wow such a beautiful cover. I wonder about the connection and who broke Darcy’s heart? This is an interesting variation I want to read more. Congratulations on the new release. –Leslie
Thank you, Leslie. I do hope you’ll read and enjoy Enduring Connexions.
Swoon… this cover is beautiful!! The blurb has me excited to read it. I am a JAFF fan… I read 2-3 a week, and I don’t think I have ever read this premise. I look forward to reading it! Hopefully in advance!
Hi, Melodie. This cover is just so perfect for the story. Wow, I wish I had more time to read because I’m a JAFF fan, too (obviously). Thanks for dropping by and commenting.
Sorry but my comment is nothing new compared to what has already been shared. I love the cover-page illustration of your book. Mr Darcy the only one.
Dominique, you need not be original. Just knowing there are readers out there interested in this story is gratifying. So, thank you for commenting!
OMG! Love the cover, Looking forward to reading this one! I might just have to get it in print!!! From one Canadian to another, thanks Joanne. 🙂
Hello, fellow Canadian! OMG was my reaction, too, when I first saw the cover. And I can’t wait to hold a paperback copy in my hand. Thanks for the lovely comment, Char.
Loved reading your author notes and your use of my favorite line from P&P (I cannot fix on the hour…). Your book description has me most intrigued and eager to read your latest story, Joanne. Sounds like a really interesting twist on the original. I’ll end with complete transparency – I don’t usually care for covers that are photographs of real people, but yours is really well done and I actually quite like the costume used and the dramatic sky in the background. Congratulations on the book!
Thank you, Maura! There are so many wonderful lines from P&P, and I like quoting them here, where others—like you—understand and appreciate them. I’m so glad you’re intrigued and eager to read Enduring Connexions. As for the cover, I get what you’re saying about photos, but this one perfectly fits the story. I’m thankful Q&Q chose it for my novel.
Wow! I am intrigued. The description of the plot is one that draws me in. If (the blurb wasn’t enough (which it was) then that cover definitely completes the job. That is definitely a Darcy worth dreaming about.
Thank you so much, Frances! Of course, it’s been said that one shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. So, my fingers are crossed that Enduring Connexions will live up to the image on its (to quote Meredith) dreamy cover.
Sounds wonderful and I agree that it’s a nice chance to see a Regency man on the cover.
Thanks, darcybennett! It’s a nice change, isn’t it? Thank you for leaving a comment.
Beautiful cover, love seeing Darcy on the cover and congrats on the book. I am definitely hooked and can’t wait to read this one. Very Interesting!
Thank you so much, Jennifer. All the credit for the cover goes to Q&Q and Susan Adriani. I’m happy to hear you’re hooked. Good luck in the giveaway.
What a beautiful cover and the premise of the story seems delightfully original!! How to fill the weekends while waiting for the release??? Well naturally but geocaching and helping Signal the frog out of the last geocaching challenge labyrinth – I must congratulate you not only on your new book but also on your choice of experiencing thrills and new places through geocaching…
Hello, Satu, and thanks for your lovely comment. In Enduring Connexions, my appreciation for the natural world is shared by Elizabeth. My husband and I started geocaching over twenty years ago!
Yes, what a “swoony” cover that is. It’s really great! And the premise looks very nice. I will enjoy reading this one, for sure!
Yay! It seems the cover is a hit—thanks to Q&Q and CloudCat Design. Thank you, KC, for dropping by!
The cover is dreamy! Thank you for the giveaway. Good luck and best wishes on the new release.
Thank you, Robin. Q&Q always have lovely covers. Good luck to you in the giveaway!
Best Cover I have seen in a long time! Congrats on the book.
Wow, Julie, that’s quite a compliment for Q&Q and Susan of CloudCat Design! I thank you on their behalf. I’m fortunate to have such a gorgeous cover, and I thank you for the congrats.
I love the cover. Looking forward to reading it.
Thank you, Gwen. Good luck in the giveaway.
That cover is absolutely swoon-worthy!!! Beautifully done, indeed!!
Wishing you all the best with this newest book, Joanne!!
Warmly,
Susanne 🙂
What a lovely comment, Susanne! Thank you so much!
What a gorgeous cover. I can’t wait to read this.
Thank you, Colleen. I do hope you’ll enjoy the novel.
Delicious, is the choice word I would say. Great cover and wishing you the best on your new book.
Good word choice, Maria, and thanks!
This DOES look interesting. And the cover is delicious. I am looking forward to seeing how the book turns out.
Thanks for commenting, Shannon. I hope you’ll like the way it turns out. Here’s a spoiler… It ends well for Darcy and Elizabeth.
Sounds good and the cover is lovely!
Thank you, Wyndwhyspyr! Good luck in the giveaway.
Oooo hurray, a new Croft book! The blurb is very enticing but I’m tempted purely on the cover alone. Gorgeous. 😀 Best of all luck on the book’s launch.
Hi, Michelle, and thanks for the lovely comment! I feel fortunate to have such a tempting cover.
I love covers that allow me to put the face to the character. I have this book on preorder looking forward to its arrival.
Yay! Thanks for leaving a comment, Terri, and for preordering Enduring Connexions. I hope you’ll enjoy putting a face to this story’s Darcy. Happy reading!
Such a beautiful cover! Wow! I agree. The “gentleman” cover is fantastic! Wonderful to see a gentleman. The fabric on his waist coat…you get just feel it. Cool for the breeze of the outdoors. The looking out upon the horizon. Looking for….Elizabeth. Oh I’m excited for this release. A different twist. Elizabeth is the opposite in looks to Jane. Jane’s “doppelgänger”. Curious to discover the story behind the heartbreak. Just the cover has me intrigued! Grabbed me immediately. The blurb … definitely ready for a new story.
On behalf of Quills & Quartos Publishing and Susan Adriani of CloudCat Design, I thank you for those lovely remarks about the cover. In Enduring Connexions, Darcy mentions to Bingley that Elizabeth and Jane are opposite in looks, and our dear girl overhears him. And I really wanted to use the word ‘doppelgänger’ in the story, but it’s origin was a bit too late for the Regency era. Thanks for dropping by, Chris. I enjoyed your comment. Good luck in the giveaway.
Lovely cover. I will definitely be reading this one. It’s on my Wish List.
Yay! Thank you, Sheila, and good luck in the giveaway.
My goodness that cover is gorgeous! Congratulations, Joanne! All the best with the book!
Hi, Lucy. Q&Q and Susan certainly have my gratitude for providing that handsome cover. And thank YOU for generously braving through the rough draft of the story. Hearty congratulations to you for a well-deserved Best Seller banner on The Truth About Family! Yay!
Sounds like a fun story, and I can’t wait to read it!
Thank you, abqnmfox. It was a fun story to write and then fun to edit with Jan Ashton!
It’s a beautiful cover! A very handsome man, but I love all the colors in the sky. They help bring the man to life!
It’s a beautiful cover! A very handsome man, but I love all the colors in the sky. They help bring the man to life!
I agree, Cyndy. The guy, the sky! I’m happy with everything about the cover. Thanks for leaving a comment. Good luck in the giveaway.
This story will be lots of fun, I am sure. I love it when Bingley has a little more spine and lets Darcy know he is not perfect. Definitely look forward to seeing this Darcy learn some lessons about his arrogance! Lovely cover!