Hi friends! Happy almost weekend! I’m so thrilled to start my Friday by sharing a lovely cover reveal for J. Marie Croft’s upcoming release. 🤩
Yes, you heard that right – J. Marie Croft, whose wit and wordplay have delighted us (not nearly long enough!) in Enduring Connections, A Little Whimsical in His Civilities, and several splendid short story anthologies, has a new Pride and Prejudice variation coming out soon! 🔜 📖
Joanne is here to share her gorgeous cover for A Golden Opportunity. We hope you enjoy! 🤗
~ From the Author ~
Thank you, dear Meredith, for showcasing A Golden Opportunity today. Being at Austenesque Reviews for a reveal is always exciting, but it also feels like coming home.
Perhaps Miss Elizabeth Bennet on the novella’s cover is thinking of her home. Or might she be reconsidering Mr Darcy’s offer of marriage and imagining Pemberley as her future residence?
At one point in the story, Mr Darcy—striving to win Elizabeth’s heart and hand while also trying to solve strange goings-on at Rosings—speaks to her of his estate, its employees, and its demesne.
“I employ a competent steward, matchless housekeeper, responsible groundsman, and, as I said, a superb master gardener. He and his under-gardeners work long hours caring for the archery, cricket, and bowling lawns as well as maintaining proper temperatures in the conservatory and orangery. We also hire, as necessary, a myriad seasonal labourers to tend the grounds and orchards.”
Elizabeth holds a bunch of flowers on the novella’s cover, and plant life is mentioned several times within its pages. Miss de Bourgh has even taken up botany as a hobby. Or has she? Is that pastime just another sort of diversion? Does Anne have an ulterior motive for spending time with her master gardener?
I know the answer to those questions, as do the wonderful ladies at Quills & Quartos, but I hope your curiosity has been piqued.
~ Book Description ~
He would change for the better because it was the honourable thing to do and just perhaps the woman he loved would grow to think better of him.
Fitzwilliam Darcy longs to escape Rosings Park following his failed proposal of marriage to Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Alas it cannot be; both he and Elizabeth having been required to remain for an additional ten days for a private ball in celebration of the birthday of Miss Anne de Bourgh.
As the days progress, Darcy finds himself increasingly alarmed by the strange happenings that he sees, and that Lady Catherine reports, in Kent. His cousin, Miss Anne de Bourgh has thrown off the meekness and ennui of her earlier years. Displaying unprecedented liveliness and rebellion, she has been visiting the master gardener’s cottage, claiming she merely seeks his advice about her herbarium, but both Lady Catherine and Darcy suspect something more scandalous is afoot. To add to this, there seems to be some sort of thievery or vandalism occurring in the house, with precious items being pilfered or damaged. Darcy’s days are further complicated when he realizes that he may have a rival for Elizabeth’s affection, a young gentleman who is the owner of an estate near to Rosings.
There seems to be a potential scandal or heartache everywhere Darcy turns, but somewhere in midst of it all springs some hope. Can he and Elizabeth untangle all their misunderstandings or will some sort of disaster be their unravelling?
A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY is a novella length variation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.
And without further ado….here is the big reveal!!!
(expected release date: February 19th)
Truly a stunning work of art – I don’t know much about art history, but it feels very Greco-Roman-esque? 🖼
I’m so attracted to all the greenery and plant-life in this image. How I’d love to ramble and gaze upon these grounds daily. 🌳
I’m intrigued by this new storyline for Anne – I wonder what she is up to…I have a guess. 💚
These are exciting days at Rosings! I cannot wait to learn more about the missing items/vandalism, Mr. Darcy’s competition, and Elizabeth’s feelings through it all. 😮
What do you think, friends? 🤔
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GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
The lovely people at Quills and Quartos are offering 3️⃣ ebook copies of A Golden Opportunity 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 January 26th.
~~~
You can preorder A Golden Opportunity now!
My sincere gratitude to Joanne and the wonderful people at Quills and Quartos for putting this special post together!
So excited to read this and the cover is absolutely beautiful!!!
Thank you, Susan. I hope you’ll enjoy the novella.
What a gorgeous cover! Congrats on the new book! It sounds like a lot of fun.
Hi, Lucy, and thanks. I had a lot of fun writing this book, especially the chapters from Anne’s POV.
CONGRATULATIONS on the new book. The cover is beautiful and has a soft feel. I like that she is looking down and observing the people in the middle. I have added this to my rea pile. ~ Glory
Thank you, Glory. I, too, love the soft feel of this cover.
Love the golden play of flowers and light. Beautiful.
Congratulations on your new release. Hope Anne isn’t too much of a trouble maker…
Hi, Sam, and thank you. But, Anne de Bourgh…a troublemaker? What nonsense you speak!
Wonderful cover, now is Elizabeth imaging Pemberley, or Darcy exiting the pond at Pemberley following an impromptu swim. I can’t quite decide.
Congratulations on the new book, I look forward to reading it.
Tut, tut, Sarah! What a turn of mind you have! Hope you’ll enjoy the story.
The cover is lovely.
I totally agree, darcybennett. Thanks for dropping by.
This is a beautiful cover I’ve just added this to my TBR list, it looks like a wonderful variation.
I’m glad you like the cover, Laura. Quills & Quartos always has lovely artwork for their books. Thanks for adding mine to your list.
I love how the plant life frames three sides of the book but leaves the sky open. It’s whimsical in the best way.
Such a lovely observation, Andrea! And you used one of my favourite words—whimsical.
I love the garden framing Elizabeth viewing. It feels like she’s taking a step into her destiny. I can’t wait for this books release.
Hi, T. I love your comment about Elizabeth taking a step into her destiny. And, like you, I can’t wait for this book’s release.
I’m looking forward to this one! The cover is unique and captivating.
Thanks, Renee. There’s a ‘golden’ glow in the artwork, isn’t there?
Ohhh, what a beautiful cover! So soft and delicate. I love, love, love it! Congratulations on your new release, and wishing you every success!
Hi, Marie. Soft and delicate…so true! Thanks for your kind words.
Best Cover I have seen in a long time! Congrats on your book.
Wow! But I can’t take any credit for the cover. That was all Quills & Quartos’s doing. Thanks for commenting, goodmanjuliea.
That cover is stunning! Looking forward to reading more.
Thanks, Kim. I really hope you’ll like the story inside the stunning cover.
Love the gorgeous cover with a little mystery.
Is the young lady EB or AdeB?
Hi, Linny. There is a little mystery in both the cover and the story. I think the young lady is Elizabeth, but I suppose it could be Anne. Hmm.
The refections coincide with Elizabeth’s mood.
Ooh! I like that…the reflections coinciding with Elizabeth’s mood. Thanks for that, Debra.
Beautiful, artistic cover. I think this is the very first time I have seen (what I believe to be) a depiction of Rosings. Let me just count the windows….
Ha! Yes, Terri, you go ahead and count the windows! Thanks for the comment and the laugh.
Joanne, your cover is beautiful. I love the idea of Darcy and Elizabeth being kept at Rosings for an extended period. A rebellious Anne de Bourgh is going to be a treat! Congratulations!
Good morning, Susan. I had such a good time writing about Anne! Thanks for dropping by and leaving a lovely comment.
The cover is absolutely gorgeous! I admire the colors, the model facing away from the camera and the flowers in her hand. What is she contemplating as she looks at the house and grounds? The book sounds intriguing–how will Darcy solve the evolving mystery and how will he finally win Elizabeth–and will he dance with her at the ball? Congratulations on publishing another story.
Hi, Jeannette, and thanks for the thoughtful comment. You know, the more I gazed at the cover, the more I discovered to love about it…sort of like Darcy gazing at Elizabeth. And, yes, he does dance with her the night of the ball.
Beautiful cover. She does look very statuesque. My first thought with the hairstyle was Scarlet O’Hara – specifically the red evening dress but that may have been a snood. But the lighting and framing with foliage are gorgeous.
Thanks for commenting, Lucy. Statuesque, yes—as in reminiscent of a statue in posture and stillness or attractively tall, graceful, and dignified. I do love the cover’s lighting and mood.
I love the flowers across the bottom as well as the rest of the picture. I’m glad Darcy and Elizabeth have been forced to stay longer at Rosings. The young neighbour? Not so glad about. I do hope Darcy can protect Elizabeth from unwanted attentions? All while solving the mysterious happenings and behaviour of Anne!
Hi, Glynis. I’d like to tell you more about that young neighbour, but no. Poor Darcy does have his hands full in this story. Thanks for commenting.
An absolutely stunning cover! Congratulations on the release, Joanne!
Hi, Julie. Stunning does seem to be the word of the day regarding this cover. Thank you for stopping by!
What a lovely cover. I also read the excerpt sent by Quills and Quartos, and I must say I an intrigued. I love the idea of Master Gardeners from Scotland and an estate called Rara Avis (an interesting name for an estate). I look forward to the release of this book.
I agree about the cover, Neville, and I’m pleased that you’re intrigued. The reason I chose Rara Avis is revealed within the story. Thanks so much for commenting!
This cover release could not have come at a better time, I am so intrigued!!! I love all things dealing with plants, Horticulture, Botany etc and love how it sounds like these will be prominent themes in the book!!! The cover is absolutely lovely, the colors are soft and soothing. Congrats on the book Release and I’m looking forward to adding this to my TBR list!!!
Yay! Thanks for your enthusiasm, kaidioriana. While the prominent theme in the novella is Darcy and Elizabeth’s burgeoning love, Anne and her gardener do play important roles. Soft and soothing certainly are apt words for the colours in the cover.
Congratulations on the release! Beautiful cover for a wonderful read. I can’t wait to get my hands on this book! Sounds so interesting from the excerpt.
Thank you, Laura. I really appreciate your interest and hope you’ll enjoy the story of Darcy and Elizabeth…and Anne and her shenanigans.
Thank you, Meredith, for hosting my novella’s cover reveal. I totally agree with you about the Grecian feel of the gorgeous artwork. You wonder what Anne is up to, and now I wonder what might be your guess about it!
The story sounds interesting and the cover is absolutely beautiful. Congratulations
Thanks, Wyndwhyspyr. I hope you’ll have an opportunity to read the story.
The cover is beautiful— I feel as if I am just a few steps behind her as we wander through the gorgeous grounds of Pemberley. I am looking forward to reading the full story!
Hi, Catherine. I really like that the cover evoked that feeling in you, and I hope you’ll also enjoy the story inside.
Congratulations on your new book and thanks very much for the giveaway. Good luck, all!
Thanks, Toni, and good luck to you!
I love the cover, and I’m looking forward to reading the story. Please enter me in the giveaway.
Thank you for commenting, Jennie. Good luck!
Hmmmm….intrigue
Oh that Anne de Bourgh! She’s quite an altered creature in this story. Thanks for your interest, Maria.
OMG! I love this cover!!! Congrats Joanne. I look forward to this read, I like this ‘what if’ ODC if they had to still see each other at Rosings. And with such an beautiful cover, adding to my paperback library is a must!
Your comment made me smile, Char. Thank you. The cover is worthy of a paperback, for sure. I’m eagerly awaiting the arrival of mine.
It is indeed a stunning cover, one which the included excerpt intimates it is well-deserved.
Aw, thanks, editingzeal. And I’m grateful to Quills & Quartos for that stunning cover.
It really is a stunning cover. It pushes every button I have when considering a book. That and the exerpt of course.
I’m happy that the cover–and excerpt–pushed every button, Monica. Thanks for commenting.
Thank you for the excerpt, now I look forward to reading the entire book, and other writings by Joanne.
Hi, Nan, and thanks for dropping by. I hope you will read and enjoy the entire novella.
I am intrigued by the plot description because I enjoy it when Anne has a life! The cover is beautifully done, and it makes me long for spring!
Spring has arrived in the novella, Ann, but it’s a cold one. Things do heat up a bit, though, and Anne gets a life.
The cover is beautiful – the hues are a lovely complement to the title. I feel like the cover sets the scene; I anticipate reading it!
The colours certainly do complement A Golden Opportunity. I hope you’ll enjoy the story, Amanda.
Lovely cover! I want to be where she is! Putting this book on my list to read.
Hi, Lisa. Yeah, I wouldn’t mind being where she is, either! Thanks for putting AGO on your list.
The cover is Romanesque giving a feeling of mystery and enticing one into its pages. I look forward to the Scotsman gardener, they’re always a lovely bunch!
Evie, I’m so glad you find the cover enticing. The story is romance-esque with a teeny bit of mystery. And, as much as I liked writing about Gilchrist, I don’t think the master gardener has a single line of dialogue in the story.
Such a beautiful cover. I love the colors!
Yes, the colours are so mellow and perfect for the novella. Thanks for commenting, Beth.
The cover is gorgeous! What could Anne de Bourgh be up to? Whatever it is, I am sure she is a true proficient, lol! Thank you for the cover reveal and giveaway. Congrats and best wishes on the new release!
Thank you, Robin. Anne certainly is up to something, and Lady Catherine is most seriously displeased. Good luck in the giveaway.
Gorgeous cover. I don’t know what’s inside, but it certainly makes me want to settle in for a good read.
Best of luck to you, Joanne.
Hi, Lilyane, and thanks so much! I hope you’ll have a golden opportunity to read this novella.
It sounds intriguing and the cover is gorgeous. I’m looking forward to this release.
Thanks, Kate. It’s really nice to know you’re looking forward to AGO’s release.
Wonderful cover! It incites to go there and walk around. The plot sounds intriguing so I hope I get lucky!
Good luck in the giveaway, tgruy, and thanks for your comment about AGO’s cover and plot.
I would be looking forward to anything J. Marie Croft brings us, but oh my, that cover! The blurb sounds so intriguing. Thanks go to the generosity of the publisher. Best of everything Joanne.
Aw, Michelle, thanks for your kind comment. You made my day.
This read sounds like a delightful interval, and I love that cover! Congratulations and Thank you!
Thanks, Linda, and good luck in the giveaway.
What a beautiful cover and interesting plot! This will definitely be added to my reading list.
Thanks for commenting, Sattu, and for adding AGO to your list.
Stunning cover! I can’t wait to read this one. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy.
Thank you, Pam, and good luck in the giveaway!
I have always liked stories where Anne recuperates – this always brings a refreshing twist into the storylines. I can’t wait to find out where it will lead to in this new novella.
Ute, I hope you’ll like how crafty Anne is in A Golden Opportunity. Thanks for commenting.
Great cover! I can’t wait to read the book!
Thanks, SAF. The release date is February 19. In the meantime, good luck in the giveaway.
Elizabeth (assuming that’s her on the cover) doesn’t seem to be quite sure what she thinks of the flowers she’s holding.
I think the sight before her is making her forget she is holding them. Thanks for dropping by, Lois.
Looking forward to reading.
Thank you, ehmoorer.
Such a beautiful cover. I look forward to reading more. –Leslie
Thanks for saying so, Leslie.
I also think, the cover is gorgeous
Would love to win the ebook
Good luck in the giveaway, Nina.
I’m looking forward to reading this book.
Thank you for sharing it.
What a beautiful cover as always from Q&Q. The story sounds amazing and I can’t wait for it to be released. 19th February can’t come soon enough.
Hi, Luthien. Thanks for your kind comment. I hope you’ll enjoy the novella.
I have added this to my TBR pile. Thanks for sharing.