Cover Reveal + Giveaway for Where the Waters Agree!!!

March 27, 2024 • Author Features, Giveaways • 164 Comments

Hi friends! It is time to share one of my favorite types of posts – a cover reveal! 🙌🏼

But I’m not sharing just any cover reveal today, I’m sharing the stunning cover reveal for a very talented author and cover artist!! 👩‍🎨

You may not realized this, but the talented Susan Adriani has created many of the sumptuous and elegant covers we see gracing a lot of beloved Austenesque works. 📚

And let me tell you, the one she is sharing today is. a. stunner. ✨

So is the title – Where the Waters Agree – feels very allegorical and evocative. I love it! 🌊

Welcome, Susan! I’m so honored to have you share your beautiful cover with us today! 🤗

 

~ From the Author ~

Hi Meredith! Thank you so much for having me as your guest today. I can’t believe it’s been over a year since I’ve been able to share a new release with you and your lovely readers, so I’m especially excited to be back at your beautiful blog to tell you a little bit about how it was conceived.

Last year, to spice things up a bit and nurture our creativity, the delightful Amy D’Orazio at Quills & Quartos invited me to participate in an endeavor with several other talented Q&Q authors called ‘Inspired by a Cover’. We were presented with a bunch of wonderful, inspiring images to choose from, but before I could decide on a favorite and submit my request for it, Amy offered me the option of designing my own cover instead.

As it happened, I had just come across an image by Frederik Hendrik Kaemmerer that I absolutely loved, which had already inspired me to consider writing a story set at the seaside. Suddenly, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to dive right into it, and I leapt at the chance to design my own cover. The result is being revealed today—a novella titled ‘Where the Waters Agree’. I sincerely hope that you and your readers will enjoy it.

~ Book Description ~

He ached from just looking at her. From wanting her. And from wanting to tell her—again and again—that she was the very best thing that had ever happened to him.

EVERMORE ON SEA IS NOT BRIGHTON. There are no horse races, no balls or parties held every other night, and no red-coated officers to provoke the two youngest Bennet sisters into behaviour that would embarrass themselves and their family, which is precisely why Elizabeth Bennet believes Mr Bennet sent his wife and daughters there when her mother had pestered him for a seaside holiday.

WHILE MRS BENNET FINDS THE VILLAGE much more to her liking than the seaside itself, Elizabeth finds solace and pleasure amongst the sandy strands and grassy bluffs of the coast, which are very different than the woods and fields of Hertfordshire. It is atop one of those picturesque bluffs that she unexpectedly comes face to face Mr Darcy.

MR FITZWILLIAM DARCY HAS COME TO EVERMORE ON SEA to find clarity. Instead, he unexpectedly meets Elizabeth Bennet, who has only ever provoked him, confused him, and broken his heart. Now, after making amends, she has offered him her friendship. Friendship, however, is the last thing Mr Darcy wants from the woman he loves but he accepts in any case, hoping to show her he has taken her reproofs to heart and changed for the better.

THE COURSE OF TRUE LOVE does not always run smoothly, however, especially when surrounded by family—Mr Darcy’s as well as Elizabeth’s. They are no longer enemies but will this second chance meeting move them from friendship to love? Will he be able to win her heart and therefore her hand? Or will complications arise that prohibit their being together, even in friendship?

~ Excerpt ~

“How you came to be here is inconsequential. The fact of the matter is that you are. There is no other course for you both. You must marry.”

“Why?” Anne whined.

“Because you have been ruined, you foolish girl!”

“I would never,” said Anne, appearing truly appalled and angered by the mere suggestion of being ruined. “Nor would Darcy willingly put himself in such a position, most especially with me.”

“But you must marry,” her mother insisted, striking the foot of her cane upon the floor not once but twice.

“Why?”

“Because it is your mother’s dearest wish, and Darcy’s.”

“It is by no means my dearest wish,” Darcy said in frustration.

“Not yours,” said her ladyship, exasperatedly, “your mother’s.”

“I find it difficult to credit that my mother, who encouraged my happiness as a child, would expect me to enter into a union that would do nothing but make me miserable. And Anne as well,” he added, glancing at her apologetically. “Forgive me.”

“It is quite alright,” Anne said with a haughty little sniff. “I would hate being married to you, in any case. You like to read and think and talk, and it is all so…exhausting.”

“Well, that is the order of things,” said her mother crossly. “A lady does her utmost to make an advantageous match with an eligible gentleman, regardless of how she feels about it. For the sake of her family, she gives over her own interests for his. She keeps his house, visits his tenants, and scolds them into harmony, all the while bearing his attentions until she presents him with an heir. After that, she may do as she pleases.”

Anne appeared horrified. “I do not want to do any of that, especially the part where I am expected to bear a man’s attentions. You cannot make me.”

“I am your mother. Your better. You will do as I say.”

“I will never marry. Not Darcy, nor any man.” And with that, she stomped her foot upon the ground and promptly quit the room.

“This is your fault,” Lady Catherine told him in a low, angry voice. “If you had done your duty and married Anne when she had come of age, she would not have such ideas in her head. I want grandchildren.”

“While I cannot and will not give you grandchildren, your ladyship, I very much hope to someday present you with a grandnephew or a grandniece. That will have to suffice.”

“And such a child will have been birthed by whom?” she said, narrowing her eyes.

Elizabeth’s name was on the tip of his tongue, but he knew better than to utter it. He may have told her precisely how he felt about her, but she had said nothing to him about her own feelings. Until she did, he would say nothing to anyone. Most especially to his aunt.

“So, it is to be that impertinent girl who Emerson claims has bewitched you to such an extent that your sense has been replaced with such idiocy that you have become nearly unrecognisable? I think not.”

“Your opinion is noted,” said Darcy, making a valiant effort to keep his temper in check, “but it is of little consequence to me. Emerson has overstepped his place. He is not my confidante, nor have I granted him permission to speak on my behalf of any matter, never mind a matter so wholly unconnected to him.

“As for Miss Bennet, she does not deserve the blame you have placed upon her shoulders. She has done nothing to you. Nothing to Anne. She is not some siren who has worked her wiles upon me. She is an intelligent, compassionate, captivating woman who would never stoop to employ those arts and allurements that countless others of our sphere have done. She has ever only been herself. And if she will consent to have me, madam, I will consider myself the most fortunate man in the world.”

Lady Catherine stared at him, dumbfounded and mute.

Darcy seized the opportunity to take her by the arm and escort her across the room and into the corridor. “Good night, your ladyship,” he said and closed the door in her face.

 

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

(expected release date: April 22nd)

Are you kidding me, Susan Adriani!?! This is cover is vibrant, rich, and romantic! How do you do it?? 🤩

This dress may be one of the most exquisite ensembles I’ve seen on a Regency cover – who is this woman and where is she going in this dress? 👗

A seaside sojourn with the Bennet women…girls trip! I am all about this. I cannot wait to see what fun, mischief, and drama they get into. 🎀

I can already tell from the cover and from what I know about Susan Adriani – this is going to be a swoony and impassioned romance. 🥰

What do you think, friends? 🤔

~~~

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!

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

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

  • This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Quills and Quartos! 
  • This giveaway ends April 4th.

~~~

You can preorder Where the Waters Agree now!

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

~~~

Disclaimer: The Amazon links used in this post are affiliate links. 

164 comments

  1. What an absolutely gorgeous cover! I’m so looking forward to reading your new release, Susan! It sounds wonderful.

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  3. I love the title and the excerpt! I am looking forward to checking this story out more! Congratulations on your new book!

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    1. Thanks so much, Audny! While I can claim full responsibility for the novel, the title was suggested by the lovely Amy D’Orazio, and I’m incredibly grateful to her for it. What I had originally chosen just doesn’t compare. 🙂

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  5. Oh WOW! I am so excited about this book! I absolutely LOVED the Luxury of Silence and cannot wait to read this lovely book! And the cover is truly exquisite! I agree with you Meredith, now I want a dress just like this!

    Congrats Susan Adriani on another stunning book cover! Can’t wait to see what’s inside!

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    1. Kaidi, thank you so much! I’m thrilled to hear you loved The Luxury of Silence. Where the Waters Agree is a shorter read, but it’s full of romantic moments – this Darcy is determined to have his say. 🙂 I hope you’ll enjoy it!

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  6. Lady Catherine is most reluctant to accept defeat as usual! Thank goodness that Anne doesn’t share her desires. Elizabeth seems to be more accepting of Darcy so let’s hope she accepts his proposal? Please! I love the seaside setting and I especially love this cover, a beautiful dress!

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    1. Hi, Glynis! Despite Lady Catherine’s bluster, I know you’ll enjoy this one. Thanks so much for always being there, cheering me on!

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  7. I love everything about this forthcoming novel! The cover is gorgeous, the title is intriguing, and the excerpt is beautifully written. I eagerly await the release!

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  8. Congratulations on your new book! The cover is beautiful, and stands out like a crocus among the last remnants of winter.

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    1. Gratia, I love your analogy about crocuses and winter – it made me feel so good! Thank you so much!

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    1. Jane! It’s so wonderful to ‘see’ you – I’m so glad you enjoyed the excerpt. Thank you! 🙂

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  11. Beautiful cover and the title intrigues me; what does it mean and how will it be worked into the story? Congratulations on publishing a new book. I am looking forward to reading this new tale by a talented author.

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    1. Thank you so much, Jeannette! Full credit for the title is owed to the lovely Amy D’Orazio. It’s so much more poetic than what I had christened it! I hope you’ll enjoy the story. 🙂

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  12. Incredible cover and love the excerpt. Can’t wait to read another of Susan’s books! Thanks for featuring here.

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  13. I see so very many intriguing books on this blog, and this is certainly one of them! Congrats on the new release!

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    1. Hi, Darcy, yes! I thought it was about time Darcy said a word or two to Lady C, too. Thank you for stopping by. 🙂

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  16. What a pretty cover for this book! Great choice and I’m so excited to get this book on my list of must reads for sure!

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  18. Wow. The cover is just stunning. And I cannot wait to read a story where Bingley severed his friendship with Darcy. J look forward to Caroline’s take on that with giddy excitement!

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    1. There’s no Caroline in this story, Andrea, but I’m sure you can imagine what her reaction probably was in detail! 🙂 I’m so glad you love the cover – thank you!

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      1. I’ve already had fun imagining it! So I thank you for that.

        Plus I love stories that are Caroline & Wickham free so now I’m even more excited for this one.

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  22. Loved the cover of this book! Can’t wait to read it. If it’s half as good as her other p & p books, I know it will be super great.

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  23. Fantastic cover and excerpt! I am looking forward to reading the whole story! Thanks for your wonderful p&p narratives! 🙂

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  25. Great dress and great writing, as always from Susan Adriani. I am very jealous of the woman’s figure, but she looks like she might have a tan line?

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    1. Delightful, stunning, romantic. I have had this on my watch list since I first heard about it. I can hardly wait.

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      1. Thank you so much, Frankie! That makes me feel so good, to know you’ve been waiting for this one – I hope it’s worth the wait! 🙂

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    2. LOL! I love that dress, too, Cheryl – it’s a stunner for sure. Elizabeth spends lots of time in the sun in this one, much to the vexation of her mama. 🙂 I hope you enjoy the story – thank you so much for stopping by!

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  26. Beautiful cover! I Love the angsty feel of the description and excerpt. I’m very interested in reading this book!

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  27. Congrats Susan!!! I love the title, love the premise of the story and the cover! I love the richness of the red tones and how they play together against the backdrop of the blue! Beautiful! I look forward to reading this. Again congrats. And Meredith, thanks!

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    1. Char, thank you, thank you, thank you! I loved designing this cover – it’s pretty perfect for the story. I got lucky with this one. I sincerely hope you enjoy reading it!

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    1. Aw! Jo! I’m so glad you love the cover. I hope you’ll like the dedication as much! Thanks so much for stopping by and saying hello! xoxoxo

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  31. Lol, I was thinking the same thing, Meredith: girls trip!!! Sigh, Mr. Darcy at the beach. Thank you for the gorgeous cover reveal, excerpt and giveaway. Congrats and best wishes on the new release!

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    1. Lol! When I first read ‘Girls’ trip’ I just started smiling. I love that so much! Thank you, Robin 🙂

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  32. A wonderful cover and I’m sure a wonderful book too. It’s novella length but good things come in small packages!

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  35. It is a truth universally acknowledged that any new book written by Susan Adriani is an automatic must read! Looking forward to doing so!

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  36. Gorgeous cover and what a perfect set down Darcy gives Lady Catherine! Also, the way he described his admiration for Elizabeth…swoon! Congrats, Susan! Thank you for sharing, Meredith!

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    1. Thank you so much, Christina! I’m glad you approve – Lady C can be a handful, but this time it’s Anne who is determined to have her say. It’s so good to see you. 🙂

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    1. Thank you so much, Jessica! I hope you’ll enjoy this one as much. It’s been a while since I wrote Affinity & Affection, but I’m so happy to hear you loved it!

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  38. Such a vibrant and gorgeous dress beckoning you inside to see what excitement awaits you. Can’t wait to read this!

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  39. Congratulations on your new book, what a lovely and eye-catching cover! Since I enjoyed reading your previous books, I’m very much looking forward to reading this one.

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    1. I’m so glad that you enjoyed my other titles, Connie, and hope that you’ll enjoy this one as much! Thank you! 🙂

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  40. What an absolutely gorgeous cover. It really draws the eyes and grabs your attention. The story sounds like an adventure. Looking forward to reading this one.

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  42. This cover is amazing. The wind blows and rushes into the dress, I can imagine Elizabeth Elizabeth more attractive like that in Darcy’s eyes.

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    1. Aubry, you can’t see me, but your comment made me smile – it makes me so happy to hear you love the cover. Thank you!

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  43. Lovely cover. This story is on my Wish List but also thanks for a chance to win a copy. I look forward to reading it. Good luck with the release.

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    1. Thank you for putting this story on your wish list, Sheila, and the very best of luck to you in the drawing! 🙂

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  46. I just got wind of the buzz over this title today and I’m already intrigued. Wow, what a cover! I’m really looking forward to reading this one. Thank you Q&Q for the generous giveaway, and all the best to Susan A. on her new book baby.

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    1. Thank you, Michelle! I’m excited that my cover and the excerpt have intrigued you – mission accomplished, lol! I sincerely hope you enjoy my story.

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  49. Vibrant was the first thought too & then I read your comments below the cover & we are in agreement. It is almost that you can feel the breeze blowing. Congrats on the new book.

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    1. Glory, thank you so much! That’s precisely why this image called to me. It happens to fit so well with the story. 🙂

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  52. Beautiful cover! I love the colors! The premise is so very fresh feeling and intriguing. I am so very much looking forward to seeing what this book has instore ❤️

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    1. Thank you, Katherine! I hope you enjoy it – it was a lot of fun to write. I truly enjoyed putting our favorite couple in a seaside setting. 🙂

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  53. Oh, dear. Not only has Darcy to convince Elizabeth to accept him. He has to avoid his Aunt Catherine’s schemes. Then there is his cousin, Anne, who doesn’t want to marry him any more than he wants to marry her.

    Intriguing story and a dynamite cover.

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  54. Oh, my! Whether soldier, sailor, baker, tailor, or Darcy – ALL the men at Brighton will swoon at this luscious sight. I’m very curious which Bennet sister this might be. Sound most intriguing.

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  56. Looking forward to the book, it sounds very interesting. I love stories with a yearning, repentant Darcy and an Elizabeth who is willing to be friends.

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    1. Thanks so much, Lori! It sounds like this story is right up your alley. I hope you’ll love it!

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  57. The cover is gorgeous! I’m looking forward to reading this and thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!

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  62. Oh, I love stories that take place by the seaside! I’m so glad both Darcy (obviously) AND Anne are sticking to their guns against Lady Catherine. Sounds like a good read, looking forward to it.

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    1. Thank you, Amanda! I love it when Darcy and Anne are in sync with each other on the marriage front – I’m glad you approve 🙂

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  64. This cover is absolutely gorgeous!!!! Love the excerpt- I always enjoy a Darcy that is both forthright and unashamedly in love! Congrats, Susan, on your new book! Can’t wait to read it!

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  65. I have a pad of paper beside my laptop where I note down titles that are coming out, ones that I want to read (that usually I already have but had forgotten about) and YOUR book just hit the pad. The excerpt was excellent, I loved that Anne participated, Darcy was involved and Lady Catherine was dumbfounded! I have noted the date of release and will be looking for it. In writing this, I was interrupted by a fit of sneezing as it is allergy time in Texas!!!

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  66. I’m honored that my new book made it onto your pad, Elizabeth! We were just visiting my daughter in GA, where everything is blooming and beautiful, and my allergies have been terrible since, even now that we’re back in CT. I hope your allergies will abate soon and that you’ll find relief. Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment – it made my rainy day so much brighter!

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  68. I’m not sure what I was expecting when I saw your book co we, but it wasn’t that! Your cover is vibrant, inviting and unlike anything I’ve seen in a while!! From the excerpts I can tell I’m going to love your Mr. Darcy, which sadly isn’t always the case. Hopefully I can win a copy, or buy one, very soon because I find I’m anticipating it greatly!

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    1. Thank you so much, Rebecca! I’m so happy to hear that my cover was a pleasant surprise! If you do happen to read my story, I sincerely hope that you WILL love my Mr Darcy. He’s forthright and romantic, and he feels every bit of his good fortune in meeting with Elizabeth at Evermore on Sea. Best of luck to you in the drawing. 🙂

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  69. That IS a lovely cover. I look forward to the book. There are aspects to your writing that I find intriguing so I can’t wait to see what you do with this one.

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  70. Wowzers! That has to be the most stunning cover I’ve ever seen! Gorgeous! Loved the excerpt, too. Thanks for the chance to win this beauty!

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    1. ‘Wowzers’ has put a huge smile on my face! I’m so glad you love the excerpt and the cover, Pam – thank you! Best of luck on the drawing. 🙂

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  71. I love to see Elizabeth and Darcy trying to be friends. Setting this book in a new location also appeals to me. Congratulations on your new release and the beautiful cover.

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    1. Thank you so much! I hope that you’ll enjoy the story. I love the seaside, and having it as the backdrop appealed to me, too.

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  72. What an exciting post! Congrats on your latest work! I so enjoyed Elizabeth and Darcy in ‘The Luxury of Silence’ and I’d love to encounter a bit of them again. And at the romantic seaside! Can we anticipate shirtsleeves? Elizabeth in that gorgeous dress will have the poor man sweating for sure.

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    1. Thanks so much, Deborah! Alas, there are no shirtsleeves on the beach, but Darcy is very intent upon making his sentiments known and showing Elizabeth he has changed for the better. I hope you enjoy it. I’m so glad that you enjoyed The Luxury of Silence – hearing that made me very happy!

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  73. Hi Susan!
    I think a seaside landscape is a captivating setting for a romance and the perfect combination of wilderness and peace to a second chance so I think your new story will be my cup of tea 😉
    The cover is gorgeous and thanks for speaking about Frederik Hendrik Kaemmerer: I didn’t know him and I’ve seen some of his paintings on internet and they’re so beautiful and elegant!
    Thanks for the giveaway and I wish you the very best with the release 🙂

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  74. Thank you, Teresa! Frederik Kaemmerer was a wonderful artist and his paintings are just beautiful. When I saw this one it inspired this story almost instantly. I was so happy to be able to use it for my cover. I loved the idea of setting my story in a little seaside retreat. While it provides us with a new setting and circumstance, it also puts Darcy and Elizabeth on more of an equal ground after they meet again post Hunsford. I hope you’ll enjoy it.

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  76. Such a beautiful cover. Susan, you have a gift of art and design. The JAFF community is so fortunate to have you as a cover artist. Thank you for the excerpt. I look forward to reading your novella. –Leslie

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    1. Thank you so much for your lovely compliment, Leslie! I absolutely love design and art, so that means so much to me. I hope you’ll enjoy reading my new novella – it was a pleasure for me to write it.

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  77. What a stunning cover, Susan. You always have a good eye for designing great and memorable covers. The excerpt is very enticing and I would love to know why Anne is ruined in Lady Catherine’s eyes. It must be a ploy to get Darcy to marry her daughter. The release can’t come soon enough.

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    1. It’s a total ploy – Lady Catherine will say what she will, but that doesn’t mean that Darcy will oblige her, or Anne. (She’s not the only one who likes to have her way!) 🙂 I’m so glad that you enjoyed the excerpt. Thank you so much for all of your wonderful encouragement and support over the years! xoxo

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  78. A Susan Adriani release is always something to celebrate! A writer and an art designer–I’m so impressed. Can’t wait to read this one and just re-read The Truth About Mr. Darcy for the umpteenth time.

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    1. Joy, that makes me so happy – thank you! TTAMD was so long ago that I sometimes forget about it (shame on me!). I’m so glad that you enjoy it so much. I hope you’ll enjoy this story as well. Thank you so much for saying hello, and for your lovely compliments!

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  79. An absolutely stunning cover. I can’t wait to read the book, and have the release date noted on my calendar!

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    1. Renee, that is so nice of you to say – thank you! I sincerely hope you’ll enjoy reading my story. It warms my heart to hear you’ve marked your calendar. Truly, that makes my day!

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  80. Already have it on my list to read.Have read all your books.Love them all and this looked promising. Keep writing and I will keep reading

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    1. Patricia, this is so nice of you to say – thank you so much! I will definitely keep writing. I am so touched that you enjoy my writing so much! You have made my day so much happier – thank you!

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  81. I gave “The Luxury of Silence” a 5-star review and I’m really looking forward to this new book! I’ve enjoyed what I’ve read from Susan Adriani so far.

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    1. Thank you so much, Maggie! Knowing that you enjoyed The Luxury of Silence so much warms my heart – it was a story I had wanted to write for a very long time. I hope you’ll enjoy Where the Waters Agree, too. Cheers!

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