Cover Reveal + Giveaway for Unfounded!!!

It’s a happy day here at Austenesque Reviews friends! We are celebrating a cover reveal! And it’s not just any cover reveal, it is a cover reveal for Jessie Lewis! The fabulous author of Mistaken, Speechless, and Fallen to name a few. Each one of these were a Favorite Read of mine in years past, so you can understand my excitement, can’t you? 😁

Welcome, Jessie! It is such a pleasure to welcome you back and learn about your new book – Unfounded

~ From the Author ~

Thank you, Meredith, for having me here at Austenesque Reviews to talk to your lovely readers about my new book, Unfounded.

It’s a story born of my love of one particular scene in Austen’s original Pride and Prejudice. In chapter 43, Elizabeth visits Pemberley with her aunt and uncle and happens upon Mr Darcy. We, the reader, remain with Elizabeth after that encounter, whilst Mr Darcy disappears inside. I have always longed to know what happens in the time before he comes back out to escort Elizabeth and the Gardiners around the lake. Is he agitated? Is he rational and calm? Is he wildly distracted? Oh, to be a fly on the wall to see what Mr Darcy really feels on the day Elizabeth Bennet walks back into his life!

But here’s the thing—there are witnesses.

From the beginning of the original, we watch Elizabeth attempting to work out Darcy’s character. That comes to a head in this chapter at Pemberley, as she stares up at his portrait in the gallery. But inside Pemberley are a whole household of people who have known Darcy for years—some for almost all his life. He is described as the best landlord and the best master that ever lived, so we can assume they respect him well enough to care what happens to him. What do they make of his sudden, discomposed appearance that day? What is their opinion of the young woman who has come to stand, staring at his portrait, only to then send the man himself into a wooing frenzy?

Thus, Unfounded was imagined. I had a lot of fun exploring Darcy from a whole new perspective—that of his household, his home, his world. This is the Darcy who Elizabeth wilfully refuses to see when he first comes to Hertfordshire. The Darcy who, in Unfoundedshe—and the reader—is given the chance to come to know and love.

I am extremely lucky to have had this beautiful cover designed for my story to live in. It’s fabulous for many reasons, but in particular, it portrays a very specific scene in the story that is close to my heart. I wonder whether readers will recognise it if they have the chance to read the book.

As for the title—as some of your readers may know, a lot of my books have one word titles. It’s not always deliberate, and indeed in this instance, the title for a long time wasn’t going to be one word. But Unfounded works on so many levels in this story, both metaphorical and literal, it simply had to be. I hope your readers have the chance to check out the story and find out what havoc a lack of proper foundation has caused our dear couple.

~ Book Description ~

“Nobody was fortunate enough to be loved in such a way twice in one lifetime.”

Elizabeth Bennet dreads encountering Mr Darcy when she visits Pemberley, for surely, after she spurned his offer of marriage, he must despise her. Yet they do meet, and to her astonishment, he holds no resentment towards her. Regrettably, someone else does. Unbeknownst to Elizabeth, her reintroduction to the master of Pemberley is far from universally welcomed. There are others for whom prejudice is stirred up by the familiarity between Miss Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy.

Darcy is amazed to find Miss Bennet at his house, her opinion of him altered materially for the better. He is busy making plans to renew his attentions to her when other impediments arise that threaten to undermine his hopes of happiness. Will problems with house and household crumble the tender foundation between them before they can build a life together?

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

(expected release date: April 3rd)

Absolutely stunning! I feel entranced. 🤩

The lighting, silhouettes, dust motes, and leaves – it is all so beautiful and evokes a peaceful stillness. ☀️

I can’t wait to see read about this particular scene, I feel like it may be one that is significant. 📖

I have some guesses on who does not view Elizabeth’s arrival at Pemberley with welcome, and I’m curious as to how they may cause some impediments. 💘

What do you think, friends? 🤔

~~~

~ About Jessie ~

Jessie Lewis enjoys words far too much for her own good and was forced to take up writing them down in order to save her family and friends from having to listen to her saying so many of them. She dabbled in poetry during her teenage years, though it was her studies in Literature and Philosophy at university that firmly established her admiration for the potency of the English language. She has always been particularly in awe of Jane Austen’s literary cunning and has delighted in exploring Austen’s regency world in her own historical fiction writing. It is of no relevance whatsoever to her ability to string words together coherently that she lives in Hertfordshire with two tame cats, two feral children and a pet husband. She is also quite tall, in case you were wondering.

 

~~~

GIVEAWAY TIME!

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

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

  • This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Quills and Quartos
  • This giveaway ends March 9th.

~~~

You can preorder Unfounded now!

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

223 comments

    1. It was certainly fun to write, Annie. Like you, I love this scene. The tension between Darcy and Elizabeth is palpable. Warranted some more attention for sure. I hope you get the chance to read it 🙂

  1. The cover is absolutely spectacular. I adore the colors; it is a cover that will automatically draw me to the book. I have found books by Jessie Lewis to be interesting and well written and thus look forward to this new story. Congrats on bringing a new work to fruition.

    1. You’re really sweet to say so, Jeannette, thank you. It makes me so happy to know you’ve enjoyed my other stories. Thank you for your kind words 🙂

  2. Such a beautiful cover! I have loved all of her previous works and can’t wait to read this one!

  3. I am all astonishment with this lovely cover. The scene you are describing comes to mind vividly, and this cover adds to my anticipation of reading your new book. As I have enjoyed your previous writing, I have already pre-ordered Unfounded.

  4. Oh no! Who can possibly object to Darcy and Elizabeth finally getting better acquainted? Well besides Caroline? It seems as if there may be others who aren’t happy!
    I love the cover scene and hope it’s ODC admitting their feelings for each other and ignoring all protests!
    I’m really looking forward to this one.

    1. Beautiful staircase and looks quite steep too, plus they’re only halfway up it!
      To me it’s representing their journey to happiness, not quite there but at the moment standing in the glow of their love preparing for a further climb to reach fulfilment.
      Looking forward to reading the book

    2. I’m really looking forward to sharing it with all my fellow JAFFers! And you’re right–how dare anyone object to ODC’s happiness? Outrageous!

  5. Best wishes with your new release. Since I have read and enjoyed your other stories you know I will be looking forward to reading this one. Love the beautiful cover. Thanks for a chance to win a copy.

    1. I certainly wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of the trusty Mrs Reynolds. Looking forward to this one from JL, her works have been ones to watch ever since my favourite, Mistaken.

      1. It always makes me happy to know people still love my first book baby, Mistaken. I hope Unfounded gives you some lovely feels, too, Zoe. Thanks for stopping by to check out the cover!

  6. What a stunning cover! It’s almost as if Elizabeth is truly seeing him for the very first time. Ms. Lewis is an amazing author and every single one of her books is a must buy for me, so it goes that I can’t wait to get my hands on this! Kudos Ms. Lewis on your new book.

  7. I love the cover and the couple in the background – someone is watching, obviously? And I love the premise – and the moment chosen as the start of the story!! I can only guess – because I can’t help it! – that the one (maybe more than one?) person disapproving is Mrs Reynolds! As she might have overheard the exchange between Mrs G and Elizabeth concerning Wickham? Or indeed, if not, just because she was of the firm opinion that ‘no one was good enough for him” ! I can’t wait – and I confess I dashed on amazon to see if the paperback is up already 🙂

    1. Thanks so much for your enthusiasm, Michelle! Not long to wait until it is released, and all your questions will be answered, hopefully satisfactorily! 😉

  8. Oh my! Such a beautiful cover. It makes me long for a blanket, a fireplace and nothing to do for a whole day except read! Congratulations on the new release Jessie!

  9. Congratulations on your new book release! Great cover choice and thank you for giveaway opportunity.

  10. Elizabeth and Darcy are together, but still apart, as he stands there with his hands in his pockets. A sunny future is ahead of them if they can overcome their fears and admit their true feelings to each other.

    1. It’s such an atmospheric scene, huh? I love how much feeling the designer got into it! Obviously no spoilers here…just a promise of lots of feels 🙂

  11. Love this cover! I am looking forward to reading your latest. Always love your tales. Best Wishes! Thanks gals!

  12. Oh my goodness! The cover is absolutely enchanting! I can’t wait to read a new Jessie Lewis book. She’s my favourite Pride and Prejudice variation writer and I’m absolutely enthralled to give a review.

    1. Ha ha–it’s almost impossible to judge the angst level of your own writing. I shall have to leave it for the reviewers to decide! It’s not without a few bumps in the road, but hopefully it has all the right feels in all the right places 😉

  13. Love the cover. Must admit in my mind I automatically saw 2 people in a church in front of a window, as opposed to in a home. A possible glimpse into the future – we can but hope.

    Congratulations on yet another publication, can’t wait to read it, especially if I am lucky enough to win a copy.

  14. Wonderful!!! Do not enter me for the giveaway. I have already preordered the book when it
    appeared on kindle tze first day

  15. Always a fan of covers that are more artistic and imaginative.

    The postures of Darcy and Elizabeth while at the windows seems full of meaning. I love that you can see Elizabeth’s expression while Darcy’s is veiled, yet their postures give you a glimpse into some conversation we haven’t heard yet?

    Always love the use of nature and architecture in book cover designs as well.

    Especially like that this is a specific setting (stair landing looking out the windows) that I don’t remember seeing in any of the movie and mini-series on screen versions.

    Such fun to have your thoughts and insights into the work beyond the excerpt.

    1. Thank you, LB! It’s definitely a unique cover, and I am one lucky author to have such a lovely home for my story to live in! Thanks for your comments 🙂

  16. Thank you for such a kind introduction, Meredith! I’m really excited to share this story with everyone, and especially grateful to be able to share the cover here at your lovely blog 🙂

  17. What a beautiful cover – the lighting is fantastic. I have to admit I just need to see the author’s name to know I would want to read it even if it was in a brown paper bag. The cover is just the icing on the cake.

  18. The cover is beautiful! And I cannot wait to dive into the story. So, Mrs. Reynolds throws a wrench into the machine, does she? That would be something to see. She really does love her boy, doesn’t she…

    1. Well, I mean, who doesn’t love ODB? I think Mrs Reynolds would have some stiff competition for who loved him best in this group, wouldn’t she? LOL!

  19. Love the cover! It has a bit of a Beauty and the Beast vibe for me with the lush plant life surrounding them. That is an interesting span of time. I always love that hint of it in the 95 Pand P when Darcy is nervously picking out the perfect jacket for his ride into Lambton. Can’t wait to read it! Congratulations! Don’t enter me into giveaway. Just here for the words and pics.

      1. Lovely cover. Thank you for choosing evocative artwork instead of the pedestrian pictures of brooding models. The comments here show how you have engaged imaginations on another level – precisely what a book, from cover to cover, should do!
        Looking forward to a read that listens to the ‘downstairs’ folk and treats them respectfully.

        1. Kudos to Q&Q and Bookfly designs for bestowing me with such a gorgeous and atmospheric cover. I’m so happy people like it as much as I do. So looking forward to sharing the story with you all! Thanks for commenting

  20. What an astonishingly beautiful cover. A world of beauty all around them, but ODC have no attention for anything but each other. And [gasp!] if the excerpt is going where it appears (oh no! Mrrs. Reynolds’s??!!) this is definitely one plot I’ve never seen! I can’t wait to read this. Thank you, Jessie.

  21. A beautiful cover for what is undoubtedly a wonderful story. I’m looking forward to reading it. Congratulations, Jessie!

  22. I can see there is much anticipation of this new plot and ODC. Include me in that audience.
    Beautiful cover.

  23. What a stunning cover! Love everything about it. I’m most intrigued by Elizabeth’s body language (-: Congrats on the book, Jesse – I am always eager to read anything you write.

  24. It’s a stunning cover! Gives me Beauty and the Beast vibes. Elizabeth gts to know him under the surly exterior? Can’t wait to read it!

    Congratulations!!!

    1. You’re the second person to say that–how interesting! It’s certainly an atmospheric picture, which is apt, because ODC have their own orbit most of the time! Thanks Sam 🙂

  25. Beautiful cover, I love the leaves and sunlight. This sounds so enchanting I can’t wait to read it. Your books never disappoint.

  26. I’m so excited for another book from Jessie, and this one comes on my wedding anniversary! I love the beautiful cover and know that a lovely story is coming our way.

  27. Another story by Jessie is always a treasure to be anticipated! And I love, love, love this cover. I can’t wait to read this!

  28. This is a beautiful cover. I have enjoyed Jessie’s books, so I am definitely looking forward to reading this one. Thank you for the giveaway. Congrats and best wishes on the new release.

  29. Beautiful cover heralds the arrival of another wonderful story by the talented Jessie Lewis. Congratulations

  30. This cover wins the award for best cover of 2023, and it’s only March! Congratulations on your newest publication – I’m looking forward to reading it.

  31. What a gorgeous cover. So pretty! Looking forward to reading it soon – I too have thought often how interesting it would be to know what Mr.Darcy felt and thought after seeing Elizabeth again and before joining her and the Gardiners.

  32. The cover is absolutely beautiful… I would want to read the book based on this alone. So it’s great that the description of the plot is worthy of such a great cover. Highly anticipated!

  33. The cover is gorgeous and I have been waiting for the release of your book. His valet is a suspect as is Georgiana, Col. Fitzwilliam., even Mrs. Reynolds. We can certainly add Miss Bingley, the Hurst’s and even Charles when they arrive. A plethora of choices.

    1. I just reread “Epiphany” and have been itching for more Jessie Lewis. This is great timing! I really love the cover. Pemberley in my opinion needs big picturesque windows in order to be the jewel of the county. Congrats on the new release!

    2. Well there are two sets of people in your list: those who want Darcy not to commit to someone they think is the wrong partner in life for him, and those who just don’t want him to submit to anyone but them, LOL! A plethora of choices for both groups!!! Thanks for your comments 🙂

  34. Waiting for the book! The cover’s great. Very artistic! I especially love the light – to me, it means that things work out.

  35. What a beautiful cover! I love the premise of this novel. I look forward to reading more about what goes on in Darcy’s head. Thanks Jessie!

    1. Darcy’s thought processes are a delight to me to write. He’s my favourite of all Austen’s characters. I hope you enjoy this alternative journey I wrote for him!

  36. How beautiful! The scene seems so deeply intimate, and yet, at the same time, it looks like they’ve been longing to tell each other so much for far too long. Well, now I’m intrigued! I’m looking forward to reading this beautiful story. Congratulations, Jessie!

    1. It has been fascinating reading everyone’s predictions for what could be happening in this scene. My lips are sealed, obviously, but it’s great to know I’m in such good company – a whole group of people who love those Deep & Meaningfuls between ODC whenever we can get them! Thanks Anna 🙂

  37. ¡Beautiful cover!
    Jessie is one of my favorites autor, really love Mistaken and Speechless, hope to read this one soon.

  38. Jesse Lewis books are always on my TBR list as soon as they are announced. Each one has been a winner ❤️

  39. What a magnificent cover! Even if I had not read your other books and fully expect this to be good, I would pick it up because of this cover alone. Looking forward to its release,

    1. I have certainly been blessed with a beautiful cover! Thank you to Q&Q and Bookfly Design for giving my story such a lovely home!

  40. On this sepia toned cover, it looks like Darcy just walked up to Elizabeth and she has turned to look up at him as he started talking. Notice, his hands are in his pockets as if to prevent him from reaching out and touching her. You can see so many things going on with that cover. Excellent! I have seen the ’95 movie several times and the wet shirted Darcy quickly changing into clothes more suitable for company. You are taking it several steps further so more of the servants are aware of significant happenings rather than just his valet. I am soooo looking forward to April 3rd! Congratulations!

    1. Thank you, Linda! Yes, you’re right, I have made more people than just Darcy aware of a disturbance in the force that day. Reverberations were felt far and wide the day Elizabeth Bennet came to Pemberley! It was a LOT of fun to write!

  41. The couple is certainly having a serious conversation by the way they are looking at each other. I have enjoyed all of Jesse Lewis’ books so I know that I won’t be disappointed with this one. I do know that the servants do not want Miss Bingley as Mistress of Pemberley so cannot envision one of them being against the marriage. Who will it be?

  42. Oh-My-Gosh! That is an amazing cover. Points for the Cover Art. I can’t wait to read it. Blessings on it success. Good luck to all in the drawing. Thanks to Meredith for hosting.

  43. That is a lovely and eye catching cover. Nicely done. I can’t wait to read the book. Your others have been interesting.

  44. Such a beautiful cover! I love the way the staircase leading up to ODC puts them at the center of attention. I can’t wait to read this book. I have read all of Ms. Lewis’s other books, and enjoyed them. I am sure this one will be just as good! Congratulations on another book!

    1. It’s really lovely to hear you enjoyed my other books, too, Cyndy, thank you! And yes, the cover does very beautifully put ODC front and centre – exactly where they should be 🙂 Glad you like it as much as I do!

  45. Beautiful Book Cover
    Anxiously awaiting the release date
    Can’t wait to cuddle up with a beverage and a blanket to enjoy this one

  46. One of my favorite scenes in Pride and Prejudice explored by one of my favorite JAFF authors. I’ve loved and re-read all of Jessie’s books. this cover, and the premise are great. I look forward to adding this book to my collection.

    1. Thanks mamafong! The premise was very appealing. With stories like Longbourn, by Jo Baker, and of course Downton Abbey, showing us more of the servant’s perspective, it makes us hungry to know more of that side of things. This scene just seemed the perfect window into a point at which the world of Darcy and Elizabeth overlapped with the ‘behind the scenes’ of that world. Fun to explore!

  47. Beautiful cover and did I read this wrong, Mrs Reynolds is going to be an instigators that givs trouble to our couple???? Interesting

    1. Well one thing is certain, Darcy does not ‘rattle away like other men’ and therefore you can guarantee that none of the people working at Pemberley know exactly what’s going on in his head. Which leaves lots of room for other interpretations of events… 😉

  48. Just a beautiful cover! I would have been excited to know this book would be available tomorrow, but the Cover was the icing in the cake! U keep wondering about their conversation!

  49. Absolutely a beautiful cover!!! Interesting premise!! Thanks for the chance to win a copy.

  50. Congratulations on the new releases. Looking forward to reading it. The cover is beautiful. Thanks for the giveaway.

  51. Oh, I always loved that part in the book as well. You just want to be inside both of their heads and be privy to ask their thoughts. I’ve never considered what others are thinking though so this will be an interesting read. Looking forward to it.

    1. I always thought, as well, that Darcy is such a private, reserved sort of character that any show of perturbation would alert EVERYONE to Elizabeth’s significance, straight away. Soooo much fun to write!

  52. I must say that this is a fascinating cover. I really love it and that doesn’t happen very often that I fall in love with a cover. Whoever designed it did a great job. I like every aspect of it and look forward to reading the book. I’m also wondering if it is Mrs. Reynolds who gets her back up about Elizabeth refusing Darcy’s proposal. Guess I’ll have to wait and see. 🙂

    1. The designer really did do an amazing job, I also adore the cover! Not long to wait until publication to see what happens at Pemberley – and if you win the draw, maybe even less time!

  53. Wow! I love the cover! And I haven’t ever read a P&P variation from this point of view, other than Georgiana, and it doesn’t sound like she’s included here. Congratulations! I can’t wait to read it!

    1. Thank you — it was certainly a fun new dynamic to explore. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed researching and writing it!

  54. It’s a gorgeous cover. The eye is certainly drawn to Darcy and Lizzy, and I love the border. Quills and Quartos really does a great job with their covers.

  55. Your cover is stunning and intriguing. Up the stairs I go to have a listen to their story so looking forward to reading another of your works.

  56. I love your cover! I’ve enjoyed reading your previous books, and look forward to reading Unfounded!

  57. Oh my goodness, what a gorgeous cover. I cannot wait.

    I laughed out loud when I saw how many comments there were. No surprise because: A NEW JESSIE LEWIS BOOK!!! Be still my heart. I’d love to win, but I’ll be reading it soon anyway. Congratulations on your new book, all the very best luck on its launch.

    Thank you as always Meredith, for hosting this amazing cover reveal.

    1. Aw, thanks Michelle. It’s been a very warm welcome here at Austenesque Reviews – and it’s a delight to share my book with so many people who share my love of Darcy and Elizabeth. I hope you get to read the book and that it gives you some lovely warm feels too. 🙂

  58. I am so excited for this book. Speechless is one of my favorites… in fact, maybe it’s time for a reread while I wait for this gem to be released!

    1. That’s so lovely to hear, Emily. Speechless holds a very special place in my heart, so I’m very glad you like it. I hope you enjoy Unfounded too!

  59. Absolutely intriguing gorgeous cover. I cannot wait to read this Fabulous book Unfounded. I am a Jane Austen lover and especially of her book Pride and Prejudice. This new addition to this fabulous story sounds fun loving and intriguing.

  60. It’s a stunning cover, Jessie. Although brown is not my favourite, it is beginning to grow on me. I too would love to get inside Darcy’s head to know his thoughts when Elizabeth enters his life again. I hope there isn’t some huge obstacles that they must overcome to be together at last.

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