Happy Monday, dear friends! I’m so thrilled to be welcoming back the lovely Julie Cooper to Austenesque Reviews today. I adore the beautiful stories Julie Cooper writes (Nameless, Tempt Me, and The Perfect Gentleman were all top favorites of mine in 2020 and 2021!). And I’m so excited that in just a few weeks Julie will be releasing another new work…and it sounds fabulous! 🤩 A classic-super-creative-outside-of-canon-Julie-Cooper Pride and Prejudice variation!
~ From the Author ~
Meredith, I’m so happy to be welcomed once again to your great site! Irresistibly Alone came about in a unique-cart-before-the-horse way. Quills and Quartos is always keeping things fresh, and they sent their authors pictures of several lovely covers—and these were the rules:
We had one week to consider which might inspire a story.
After a week, everyone chose 2-3 covers and provided Q&Q with a one-sentence treatment for a proposed story.
I saw this particular cover, and what struck me was the loneliness in it and I thought…what if Elizabeth is in a situation so awful that she can’t see a light at the end of the tunnel? And what if Darcy was the only one in the world who knew about it? I selected this cover, and my single sentence was this:
“Elizabeth is offered a marriage to a neighbour in exchange for silence regarding a family secret.”
Fortunately, Q&Q granted me my first choice, and with the inspiration in place, the story was easy and fun to write, a sort of extra-long novella. I hope it’s fun to read!
*The cover artist is Josephine Blake of Covers & Cupcakes
~ Book Description ~
UNTIL THE DAY of the Netherfield Ball, Elizabeth Bennet’s greatest concerns are wondering who might partner with her for a dance and the likely ruin of her shoe roses after she stands up with Mr Collins. A death in the neighbourhood changes everything, including her belief in the benevolence of the father she has always adored. Suddenly, she alone holds the means of salvation for her family’s future. Alas, what is required of her is marriage to a man old enough to be her grandfather.
FITZWILLIAM DARCY REGRETTED insulting the lovely Elizabeth Bennet—but not enough to apologise. After all, raising the hopes of such an ineligible young lady would be improper and unkind. That night at Netherfield, however, he not only discovers Elizabeth’s future is tragically decided, but he begins to see a depth of grace and courage in her that he has never known in another.
HOW CAN DARCY possibly abandon her? He must find some way to help, even as he knows he must leave her permanently, severely, and irresistibly alone.
This Pride and Prejudice variation is a second chance romance that is novella length.
And without further ado….here is the big reveal!!!
(expected release date: April 24th)
So true, Julie! I’m struck with the same emotions. The cover evokes such feelings of sorrow and solitude.🥺
I love the story about how this story came to be – what a brilliant creative exercise!🤌🏼
Who dies?! Silence?! Family secret?! So many questions! ❓
Poor Lizzy, it sounds like she has such weighty troubles. But I know she has the fortitude to come out on the other side! And I can’t wait to see how Mr. Darcy helps her!🫶🏼
What do you think, friends? 🤔
~~~
GIVEAWAY TIME!
The lovely people at Quills and Quartos are offering 3️⃣ ebook copies of Irresistibly Alone to 3️⃣ lucky readers who comment on today’s post!
To enter this giveaway leave a question, comment, or some love for Julie below.
- This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Quills and Quartos!
- This giveaway ends April 3rd.
~~~
You can preorder Irresistibly Alone now!
My sincere gratitude to Julie and the wonderful people at Quills and Quartos for putting this special post together!
Can’t wait to read this one – Julie’s writing is gorgeous and her stories are always brilliant. Don’t enter me in the giveaway, I’m just here cheerleading!
The cover is beautiful, and I can see how it would inspire. Thank you for the cover reveal and giveaway. Congrats and best wishes on the new release!
Thank you Jessie, so much. For an immediate and wonderful JAFF fix, head on over to read Jessie’s latest masterpiece, ‘Unfounded’; I have read it, and could not put it down.
I love this premise! As I have enjoyed reading Julie’s previous writings, I am very eager to read this new one!
Thank you so much Deborah, I appreciate your support!
This book sounds intriguing! Love the cover! Thanks for a chance in this giveaway.
I hope you find it so! Best of luck in the drawing!
Our poor girl! What a poignant and beautiful cover. I’m dying to read it now
I kept saying “wow” while reading the blurb and seeing the cover–which I think will beautifully portray the story. My heart is already engaged. Congrats on publishing another book.
Thank you Jeannette! I so appreciate you!
Absolutely beautiful. Ms. Cooper is an automatic buy from me every time and this one sounds like it’s going to be fascinating. I’ve already pre-ordered, so there’s no need to enter me in the drawing, but I did want to show my support anyway and say kudos to Ms. Cooper on her newest release.
Wow, thank you Melissa! Your support means SO much!
Always hope it is Mr Collins who dies
LOL, the book ‘Tempt Me’ should be right up your alley.
Whew! I’m already emotionally involved with this story!
Thank you? Yes, indeed!
It is always a mixed bag to hear of our favorite in trouble…but with such a strong, smart, and admirable heroine, who can worry too much?? Thank you!!
The cover does speak to being alone indeed! I can’t wait to read how you wrapped your story around it. Congrats!
It was so much fun to start backwards, to know in advance how ODG was feeling…and then to introduce Darcy headlong into her world. Thanks so much for reading!
Oh my it’s exquisite! takes my breath away. It is at once both romantic- Elizabeth dreaming of what can’t be and yet also painful – in her total loneliness and lack of control over her future.
And the excerpt chosen… Talk about hooking us in!
Congratulations!
Thank you SamH! I appreciate your take!
This book sounds very interesting ..love Julie’s work…thanks for the giveaway best wishes….and the cover is gorgeous
You’re awesome Wendy! Thanks!
Gorgeous cover. I am quite intrigued by this unique premise. Look forward to reading.
What a nice thing to say! Thank you!
Beautiful cover. Good luck with the release. I am looking forward to reading this book and put it on my Wish list already.
Thank you Sheila. Crossing my fingers for you!
Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
A lovely cover which seems to match the title perfectly. This sounds like a delightfully angsty read and may need chocolate to ease the stress! I can’t wait.
Happy ending guaranteed! (And the middle isn’t sad either.) Thank you!
Congratulations on another book. I can’t wait to read this.
Thank you Cheryl! I appreciate your support.
WOW! This one is full of emotions and I cannot wait to read it. I love a little angst in my life, especially when it’s not my own!
Right? Fictional angst only, with guaranteed wonderful resolutions!! Thank you Laura!
Why is Mr.Bennet forcing Elizabeth into marriage with Mr.Goulding – it should be Mary! Darcy is in a dilemma. Stay or go. What is the secret? Thank you for the giveaway. The muted mauve color of the cover is lovely.
I promise, Eva, Mr Bennet has his reasons. I appreciate you taking the time to comment!
This is a lovely cover! Mr. Bennet stirring himself to make a match for Elizabeth? This book sounds like it will be filled with all sorts of emotions.!
Thank you Pamela! I promise there are good emotions, too!
Why is it always Elizabeth who must save the family and never Jane?
Ah, the 2 million dollar question! Then again…I’m not nearly as fond of spending a bunch of time in Jane’s head as her younger sister’s!
I’m looking forward to reading this book! Lovely cover!
Thank you Cynthia! Much appreciated!
Love this premise, looking forward to reading another wonderful book by Julie Cooper!
Probably not as much as I look forward to reading your kind comment!
The Cover ist beautiful, she really looks like she ist alone in the world. I’m looking forward to reading it and I hope that this sadness leads to even more happyness ❤️
The happiness is guaranteed! Thank you!
I always look forward to any book by Julie Cooper! Her writing lets you fall effortlessly into her stories and they wrap around you like a warm blanket. Looking forward to Irresistibly Alone!
You can’t see my happy dance through the screen, but I’m totally doing one. Thank you!
Beautiful cover and such a wonderful premise for the book I can’t wait to read!!! Thanks for sharing here and best wishes to Julie!
Thank you Jen, I appreciate your support so much!
This cover says it all! Poor, poor Elizabeth! Why is she the sacrifice to save the family? What has her father done? Come on Darcy, send for your white charger and rescue her, please? I’m assuming there is a happy ending for our girl so fingers crossed!
White charger, coming right up! I promise the happy endings, always!
I’ve enjoyed Julie’s books, and this one sounds irresistible! The cover is beautiful. Please enter me in the giveaway!
Thank you so much! Best of luck in the drawing!
Looking forward to reading this one and am eagerly awaiting its publication. Congrats on the new book!
So grateful for your kind comment Martha!
Can’t wait to read this latest story from Julie Cooper.
Love the cover. I can’t decide if the cover shows someone thinking of ‘what might have been’, or of ‘what have I done to deserve this fate’. Either way it’s great.
Thank you Sarah P! She might be thinking both!
Such a sad and lovely cover. I can hardly wait to read this. Every time I think all possible storylines have been written I see a creative author come up with something new. Love it!
Thank you Barbara, I really appreciate your comment!
After reading your synopsis of this new story and the dialog between Elizabeth and her father when he tells her of his plan, I can only say….she has every right to feel “Irresistibly Alone”…. and from the cover, she looks it. (My old high school English teacher would shame me for such a run-on sentence.) I have got to read this to see if she escapes this marriage and how. Congratulations!!!
I give your sentence an A+ Linda! Thank you!
Such pathos. Looking forward to reading.
Thank you Doreen!
OMG, I already have tears in my eyes for ODG. I love the cover, the muted tones say it all, sad, alone but strong! Can’t wait to read it, and I will have a box of tissues close by.
Nailed it Char–this is an Elizabeth determined to be happy. Thank you!
The cover is beautiful, as are all of Julie’s covers. I cannot wait to read it. Julie, your writing and your wonderful stories are captivating.
For the covers, I have to thank my wonderful publishers–they are truly the best. I so much appreciate your support, thanks for reading!
Oh, this sounds enticing! I’ve read and enjoyed several of Julie Cooper’s books and can’t wait for this one.
Thank you Elizabeth! I appreciate it!
I love Julie’s books too! This one sounds intriguing
I appreciate it Theresa! Thanks!
Poor Elizabeth! What can she do?
She is alone, but never friendless. HEA guaranteed!
Oh no, poor Elizabeth! I feel so bad for her! This is a gorgeous cover though.
Darcy agrees with you completely. Sometimes in life, support comes from the most unexpected places!
I’m sorry to hear it is a novella. Her stories are so well written I want them to go on forever. I can’t wait to add this one to my library.
It is a novella, but a very long one. I think I went 5k words over the upper limit of the contract. Thankfully, Q&Q didn’t tell me to shut up. I’m so happy to hear you enjoy reading!
Beautiful cover!!
Josephine Blake, of Covers & Cupcakes, designed it. (What a delicious name for her business, right?)
What a beautiful cover! Congratulations on your new release!
Thank you so much Cath!
Congratulations! I am so looking forward to reading this book! The cover is gorgeous and I love outside-the-box premises which Ms. Cooper does so well! It’s as if she is thinking, “I know I shall probably never see him again, but I cannot bear to think that he is alive in the world and thinking ill of me.” Please do not enter me in the giveaway as I will be buying the paperback!
Carole, thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment. Your support means so much!
Congrats, Julie! <3
And thank you, Lucy, for all your help. You are genius! (As your writing always shows!)
Julie, what a beautiful cover for what promises to be another wonderful story from you. Congratulations!
Thank you so much Susan. Coming from you and your talent, this is truly meaningful.
I’m really looking forward to your new book! The cover is great!
I am so happy to hear it! Thank you!
I have read Julie Cooper’s Nameless and loved it. The cover for Irresistibly Alone is beautiful and captures the book title so well. I look forward to reading this latest from Ms. Cooper. –Leslie
I appreciate this so much Leslie!
I love Julie Cooper’s books as well. Nameless was fantastic and so haunting. Can’t wait to read new one.
Thank you Dawn! I appreciate the support!
I would love to read how Lizzy and Darcy handle this challenge.
I would love you to! Thanks!
I love Julie’s books and look forward to reading this new one. I also think that Quills & Quartos method of stimulating writers to new ideas is wonderful.
Q&Q is wonderful in all ways. I appreciate your kind comment!
First, I must say I love the cover. Kudos to Josephine Blake. Julie’s interpretation of this cover sounds very intriguing, and I look forward to reading this book.
Thank you so very much Neville!
Looking forward to reading this!
Oh thank you!
I always enjoy a Julie Cooper novel! I started with her Perfect Gentleman and her writing keeps getting better and better– I simply loved her A Stronger Impulse!!!
So, I can’t wait for this one. (Just wish it was longer. 😉 )
Congratulations!
Your rating on the Kind-o-meter is sky-high! It is long for a novella, so not too brief. Thank you Alexandra!
This sounds awesome!
Thanks Karen!
I love Julie’s books. Can’t wait to read this newest one. Poor Elizabeth! What is her father thinking?
Oh Mr Bennet…he’s not thinking about Elizabeth, that’s for sure. Luckily, there’s a guy out there who is. Thank you Luisa!
That is a great sentence to sell your story and claim your cover! I want to read it.
Thanks TC!
What a beautiful cover! I love the partially turned poses…they evoke a sense of the person turning inward for something. And the blurb hooked me in immediately! Poor Elizabeth! And cruel Mr Bennet. Whatever can he possibly be thinking?
I agree, those are poses that I always find intriguing. Men and their BFF’s, their logic never fails them. Hahahahahahahaha. Thanks Terri!
Hearing that there is a new Julie Cooper story always makes me smile! And I’m sure that it will be every bit as stellar as her others. Gotta read this!
I appreciate your comment Joy! Thanks!
A haunting but beautiful cover. Thank you for the chance to win a copy.
Best of luck in the drawing!! Thanks!
A gorgeous cover to match Julie’s gorgeous writing. I’m impatient for this one – please hurry. And thanks for the chance to have a copy of my very own.
Thank you so much! Best of luck in the drawing!
Beautiful cover. It really seems she is all alone! Can’t wait to read it.
Yes, Elizabeth feels just that way. Fortunately, she is not! Thank you!
beautiful cover
I agree! It was fun to choose!
Alone but not defeated; strong, sad but looking forward into an unknown future – That’s our Lizzy. I have read all this author’s prior books and and looking forward to this next release.
Aww thank you so much Frankie, your support is very appreciated!
The cover really does capture a melancholy, I feel sorry for Elizabeth already.
I promise a happy ending!
What a beautiful cover. I love the colors and the soulful expression on the lady. The birds in the sky also add a powerful element to the picture. I even gave a soulful sigh when I saw it. Bless her heart. She looks like her thoughts are so far away. Thanks to Meredith for hosting. Girl, you have the best job as you get to see the new covers before we do. Congratulations to Julie Cooper on the launch of this work. It sounds exciting. I wish you all manner of success. Thanks to Q&Q for the generous giveaway. Good luck to all in the drawing. Blessings everyone.
Thank you so much!
What a beautiful cover. I’m excited to read this selection.
Thanks for commenting!
I’ve enjoyed your other books and look forward to reading this one!
I appreciate your support!
What an interesting premise! And I love the idea of designing a book backwards in a way, making the story from the cover. Very excited to read this!
Thank you Aimee!
Absolutely original premise and look forward to another great story from Julie Cooper!
Your kindness is very appreciated!
I love this cover! And the book sounds so intriguing! I look forward to reading it!
Thank you Jean!
What a truly unique story. I’m eager to read this new book. Thank you as always for sharing this with us.
Much appreciated Reta!
What a beautiful and wistful cover. This sounds very interesting, congrats on the new book!
Thank you very much Jennifer!
Striking in so many ways. I do feel a need to read this.
I appreciate it Suzan! Thanks!
Love the excitement and anticipation. 🙂 Congratulations on the beautiful cover. Julie.
Aww thanks Lisa!
Julie never disappoints and I can’t wait to read this story! Love the cover, too.
Brenda, thank you so much!
Julie is one of my favourite authors. I just loved everything I’ve read from her. The premise is so original (I’ve never read something similar in the JAFF genre), and my stomach is in knots for wanting to know more…
And you are one of my favourite commenters! Thank you!
Wow, that cover is great! So evocative. It causes a feeling of loneliness one is compelled to wish to assuage with the resolution of the book.
I promise a happy resolution!
I agree with your points, Meredith! I can’t imagine where this story is going. I’ve found in each of her books, Julie Cooper writes a wonderfully memorable and satisfying Darcy and Elizabeth. I’m excited to meet them in ‘Irresistibly Alone’!
I appreciate it so much Deborah!
I’ll read a new Julie Cooper book without seeing the cover, but that one is truly compelling. And the blurb kicks you in the gut right away. I’m convinced. I need to know what happens.
Michelle, you’re my kind of reader. Thanks!
Another book from an inspirational author! Can’t wait to read the whole story. This brief from it sounds amazingly interesting. From reading your other books, where do your concepts come from? Do any of your inspirations come from people around you? Thanks for all your hard work. Love your stories
Oh man, Marsha, yes a lot comes from real life, but more in an emotional sense. If I’m struggling, then poor Elizabeth has to struggle too! I enjoy her personality so much, and always wonder how she might react if she were faced with adversity, and I love a heroine who is graceful and worth emulating. And a hero who can appreciate that. Thank you for your comment!
Ugh! Mr Bennet was neglectful in not saving to make provision for his family’s future but I have always thought that his saving grace in P&P was that he refused to force his daughter into marrying to right his wrong when given the opportunity. Poor Lizzy. I wonder how many women faced this fate 🙁
I hear you Ceri. It would be so rough! But I promise a happy ending in this one!