Hi friends! I know what you are thinking!
Amy D’Orazio just released a new short story two days ago, Jessie Lewis released a novella a mere two months ago.
What announcement could they possibly be making today?!
Well, let me tell you. It is a BIG one!
A new collaborative project that they’ve kept entirely secret! 🤫
Amy D’Orazio and Jessie Lewis are unveiling a new Regency Romance series today! 😮
You heard that right. A. Regency. Romance. Series!!! 🤩
Cant I get a woot woot!!! 🎉🎉
~ From the Authors ~
Thanks so much for having Jessie Lewis and I here today Meredith to introduce everyone to our latest project. The Rags to Richmonds series will debut this autumn, with each of the four books released monthly starting in September. In the meantime, we have a freebie to offer up– The Prodigal is an prequel to the series and its free if you sign up for our newsletter (or you can get it at amazon for a very cheap price and avoid the newsletter but we promise not to harass you if you want to go the newsletter route!)
I can’t say who had the idea first but somewhere along the way Jessie and I began to explore the idea of writing a regency romance series together. We both enjoy tossing ideas around and seeing those ideas take shape and we’ve both found a good groove in terms of editing each other, so it seemed like a fun adventure to undertake! Plus it enabled us to create a complete series in less time than it would have taken either of us individually.
The Richmonds are a group of four siblings who were grandchildren of the Earl of Tipton. Their 
father was estranged from his family (his story is in The Prodigal) and thus the children did not know their heritage. When their parents died, the four siblings went to an orphanage and because of their young age, forgot about one another. They all were raised in very different circumstances until the eldest and only male sibling, Viscount Oakley, finds one of his sister Adelaide working as a maid at a house party he attends. From there the family secrets begin to unravel but at the heart of each book is a love story. Viscount Oakley wants to see his sisters settled happily into good marriages and so he helps Adelaide, then Scarlett, and finally Frederica marry into the world they’ve always belonged in. Then in the fourth book, his sisters turn the tables and see him advantageously married.
We hope some of you will check it out!
Here is the link for the free book, The Prodigal, A Prequel to the Rags to Richmonds series.
And this is the link to the Rags to Richmonds series. Book 1, The Maid, will launch the second Tuesday in September!
And last but definitely not least, we want to thank the wonderful James T Egan for creating gorgeous covers for us!
The Prodigal has a small excerpt from Book 1 at the end of here but here is a little excerpt from book 2, The Spinster, which is the story of Miss Scarlett Richmond, raised as Miss Margrave, a parson’s daughter.
We hope you’ll leave us a comment below; we’ll pick someone at random from among the commenters to win the entire Rags to Richmonds series (with our apologies of course at having to delay the bestowal of your prize!)
~ Excerpt from The Spinster ~
Scarlett Margrave was a lady meant to live in vibrant colours. She was sure of that, despite the fact
that so far, the majority of her life had been lived in dull hues of ivory and grey that always appeared to have been laundered too much.
But here she was at last in a gown of cornflower blue silk with her fair hair having been removed from its usual severe chignon and curled and teased and plaited into something vaguely resembling what her dear friend, Miss Bess Leighton, had shown her in one of her fashion magazines. Bess, a plump young lady whose inherent sweetness marked her every feature, had also loaned her the gown; it was not quite long enough for Scarlett’s taller, more slender frame, but her friend had assured her that showing one’s ankles was not at all scandalous and, in fact, quite in fashion. Once they had tied the sash more tightly about Scarlett’s waist, it almost looked as if it had been made for her. For the millionth time, she smoothed her skirts with her gloved hands, marvelling at the satisfying manner in which the fine materials moved against one another.
No piece of the evening was her own. The gown belonged to Bess, the carriage belonged to Bess’s mother, Lady Leighton, and the assembly they travelled to was on the invitation of Bess’s elder brother, Mr Oliver Leighton. Scarlett had been included in the scheme on the basis of the friendship—or perhaps the charitable impulses—of the Leighton family. Bess and Lady Leighton both thought it was high time that Scarlett went to a proper assembly. Scarlett thought so too. To have arrived at the age of eighteen without ever having danced with anyone save for Oliver!
Leighton, she reminded herself. We are no longer children, and I must remember to call him Leighton.
She glanced at the well-fed young man of twenty-three who was very nearly a brother to her. Leighton was a reasonably appealing fellow, even though he did tend towards being rumpled. He had asked her to dance the first with him, which was excessively generous of him, even if she suspected his mother made him do it.
Although it was a borrowed evening in every sense, she felt more at ease than she ever had before. Having only just smoothed her skirts, she now fluffed them a little, causing Bess, across the carriage, to roll her eyes and grin at her. Bess had kindly volunteered to sit on the backwards-facing seat, knowing that Scarlett sometimes became ill if she did.
“You look very well, Scarlett,” Lady Leighton, who sat beside her, said with a reassuring pat on the arm.
“Of course she does.” Bess leant forwards and smiled encouragingly. “She is shockingly beautiful, and I daresay if we had borrowed a grain sack from the farmers to dress her, she would make it look like haute couture. I should despise her heartily if she was not so dear to me.”
“I appreciate you letting me wear your gown,” Scarlett said quickly, not wishing to dwell on the subject of her looks. “I shall take good care of it and not get it dirty.”
“If it gets dirty, we shall have it washed,” Lady Leighton declared. “All in the course of a young person’s enjoyments, I say.”
Scarlett smiled, though such sentiments embarrassed her a bit. She had recently become aware of her status as A Project.
As the only daughter of a widowed parson, Scarlett was accustomed to a life heavy with obligation and stricture; she was more the reverend’s helpmeet than his daughter, beginning each morning with a full slate of parish duties to occupy her every waking moment. Though the neighbours all smiled and nodded approvingly when they saw her trudging about the parish in her hated dull muslins and sensible but ugly boots, she knew they worried about her.
Scarlett had overheard more than one matron cluck that at eighteen she ought to have more diversion—to be doing something tonight, as she was, for no more reason than diversion was discomfiting to say the least!—and perhaps even a suitor or two. A suitor! The very idea made her laugh. Though she had never dared broach the subject with him, something within her just knew the reverend was in no hurry to see her married. Perhaps he intends to keep me at the parsonage, forever his spinster daughter with nothing more to do but tend to his parish for him.
The thought of being entrapped in such a way sent a hot, itching flush all over her body. To imagine that nothing would ever change, that day after day, year after year, she would move along just as she was, growing older, her chances at happiness steadily diminishing…
Stop that! she scolded herself. Not for tonight, these glum notions. For tonight, she would laugh until her cheeks ached, drink ratafia, flirt with gentlemen, and enjoy herself.
I’m beside myself with excitement over this series! 🙌🏼
I love the characters you both create and I’m already intrigued by the Richmonds and the situations of their lives. 😍
I cannot wait to spend more time with them. I feel a special affinity already developing for Scarlett!
Major congratulations and best wishes for this new collaborative project Amy and Jessie! 👏🏼
~~~
GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
Amy and Jessie are generously offering a complete ebook set of the Rags to Richmonds series to ONE lucky reader who comments on today’s special announcement post! (just a reminder the prizes won’t be delivered for a few months)
To enter this giveaway leave a question, comment, or some love for Amy and Jessie below.
- This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Quills and Quartos!
- This giveaway ends May 22nd.
I love so many of both Amy D’Orazio’s and Jessie Lewis’s books- I am sure this will be a wonderful collaboration!
That is so lovely to hear Amanda! Thank you so much!
Thanks so much, Amanda. We can’t wait to share this new regency adventure with you 🙂
Those covers! Big time swoon! I can’t wait to read the books. Two favourite authors who balance humour, plot and drama perfectly.
You are too kind! Our cover designer will be delighted with the compliment as well, he is truly unparalleled! I know I am really excited to have these paperbacks on my shelf!
I’m with you, Janet – I swooned when the designed sent these through. I hope you enjoy the series when it comes out. Plenty of humour and drama to go around, that’s for sure!
Now that’s a fun surprise! And those covers are absolutely GORGEOUS! Definitely adding this series to my TBR and crossing all my fingers and toes 🙂
Thank you so much Rebecca!
Hooray! That’s great to hear – I am hoping the time to launch goes quickly because I can’t wait to share this new world with people. Good luck in the draw!
What a dream team. I am so excited to read this series, the excerpt tugged at my heart and confirmed what I already believed, that I would love these stories. Coming from the collaboration of two of my favorite authors. Sigh…I cannot wait. I’ll be looking forward to September.
Congratulations Amy and Jessie.
Thanks so much Michelle! I know I speak for both Jessie and myself when I say we really do love our little family we’ve created in the Richmond siblings and hope everyone else will like them too!
You’re so sweet, Michelle, thank you! I second what Amy says – I cannot WAIT for everyone to dive into the world of the Richmond siblings. I’m hoping you’re going to love it 🙂
Wonderful! What a fun project! I adore both authors
Thank you Katie!
It really has been fun. Thank you for your support!
It is difficult to find more skilled or accomplished writers than Amy and Jessie! I normally read almost exclusively P&P variations, but the inducement of reading this series, based on the talents of the authors, will most certainly put these books near the top of my wish list. Congratulations on publishing a new series with new characters for us to love.
We are so glad to hear some of our JAFF buddies might be willing to follow us off the path for this one! We hoped some would! And don’t worry, we both have JAFF plots still percolating in our heads!
Thank you!
We’re honoured that you would be willing to give our little foray outside of JAFF a chance, Jeannette, thank you!! I really hope you will love these characters – and with four books to get your teeth into, the investment of getting to know knew characters will pay off because there’s a whole world to fall in love with 🙂 (And as Amy says, definitely more D&E to come after this!)
Amy and Jessie are definitely two of my favorite authors. I can just imagine their two imaginations combined on a collaborative project. It’s gotta be truly amazing. Just one question…when do you guys ever get a chance to sleep?
Ha! I can confirm that Jessie definitely does NOT sleep. Half the time I am on my way to bed in the US and text her–and she replies from the UK! Like girl, its 3 AM, go to sleep! She’s busy dreaming up plot twists!
thanks Terri!
Ha ha! I’ve been far too busy living in this new world of the Richmonds to want to sleep in the real one. Turns out, mine and Amy’s imaginations combined is a really fun place to hang out! I can’t wait to share it with everyone!
Heavens! Two wonderful authors and a series reminiscent of Georgette Heyer stories? How wonderful is that? I love this excerpt and am now wondering how her brother will recognise her. I do hope Scarlett finds a man she can love (at least if he has an estate she has experience in caring for tenants etc.
Thank you so much Glynis! High praise to be compared in any way to Georgette Heyer who I absolutely adore!
We worked very hard to make an appropriately swoony love-interest for dear Scarlett and our editor tells us she was definitely in a puddle so fingers crossed! Lord Worthe definitely performs some heroic deeds for Scarlett, she needs them!
Oh yes, the romances in all four books are just delicious. It’s been an absolute delight writing not just a heartwarming family reunion story but four distinct and utterly rewarding love stories. Cannot wait to share it with you, Glynis!
Oh this looks like a fascinating series to get us through the end of the year, looking forward to it!
Thanks so much Amanda!
I’m not usually one for wishing time away, but I am champing at the bit for these to release, so yes! Bring on the end of the year! Thanks for popping in to check it out, Amanda 🙂
This series sounds fantastic, and I’m glad that the books are being released each month. The covers are quite stunning. I like the premise of the series. Thank you for the excerpt and generous giveaway. Since both Jessica and Amy are treasured writers, I can only begin to imagine the books they worked on together. Now, that would be another good blog post – an interview of how they collaborated on this series.
I can definitely say that as an author I learned so much from Jessie, because she is for sure the superior craftsman! And thank heavens for Google docs!
Don’t listen to Amy – she’s the tour guide on this adventure for sure. It’s been an absolute blast creating this world together – I am so excited for you all to dip your toes in!
What a wonderful series. Thanks so much for sharing here and best wishes with your collaboration.
Thank you so much Jen! All the best to you!
Thank you Jen! We’re honoured that Meredith was willing to host us, and very touched by everyone’s support. 🙂
This series sounds great! The covers are lovely. Thanks for offering the giveaway!
Question: The Newsletter signup link goes to the main page of Q&Q. I’ve already subscribed to their newsletter. Is there another newsletter for this series?
Thanks so much Jennie!
Yes it is a separate newsletter which you can join by clicking on the link to get The Prodigal for free. I will also put it here but I am not sure if the comments will allow it! If not its up above!
https://dl.bookfunnel.com/i76i71msd2
Q&Q subscribers will also get an email to offer the opportunity to join the Rags to Richmonds newsletter, so you can also opt into it via that mechanism. That email will come this weekend!
Thanks so much Jennie – and I agree, these covers are delicious. I have been so excited to show them to everyone, I’m one happy girl to have them finally out in the world 🙂
Well Way to go ladies!! I will have to read all of them! I love the covers, the colours are rich and very beautiful! Congratulations!
Thank you, Char, you’re very kind to say so. The world of the Richmonds impatiently awaits you!
Just want to add my thanks as well!
The covers are so elegant and arresting keeping you guessing what their eyes are saying. Beautiful!
Thank you, EV. Our designer did such an amazing job of portraying the sumptuous world we’ve been imagining for the Richmond family’s adventures. Can’t wait to share the stories with you!
A Regency series? How delightful. Thank you for the excerpt and giveaway. Congrats and best wishes on the series release!
Thank you, Robin. And good luck with the draw!
Thanks Robin!
What happy news on a dark, gray day. I just ordered The Prodigal and am looking forward to reading the four-book series.
Congratulations on your collaboration – and best of luck to you both.
Many thanks Lilyane!
Thank you so much, Lilyane, you’re very kind. I hope you love the series as much as we do!
Wow, Meredith,
This is such a big announcement! It´s exciting!
Amy, Jessie: Congrats in your new literary travel together: I love the premise of this series and it´ll be really interesting to witness the adventures of every sibling. The covers are beautiful and I don´t mind the set of novels arrives in September because that is the month of my birthday so they would be a perfect gift for me LOL.
Anyway, if I don´t win the giveaway, I´ll keep in mind the Richmond family.
Thanks, ladies, for providing such a fun and sweet readings 🙂
A perfect birthday treat then!
Thanks so much for the encouragement! We are so heartened that there is excitement for our little stretch of the literary muscles!
That would be a wonderful birthday gift – good luck in the draw! And thank you for your kind words and support. We’re so touched by the support from the JAFF community for our little foray outside of the realm of Austen’ world. (Fear not, we’re not abandoning Darcy & Elizabeth – we both have plans in that regard!)
Sounds simply marvelous. Looking forward to reading them all.
Thank you so much, Brenda, you’re very kind to say so 🙂
Thanks so much Brenda!
This is really exciting! I’m looking forward to seeing how my favorite P&P authors handle something completely original!
Aw, thank you Aimee! Your support means a great deal. And I am very excited for you to experience the world we’ve created. I hope you love it as much as we do 🙂
Thanks Aimee! We really hope everyone enjoys it!
So exciting! Sounds like a great series!
Thanks Amanda! We’re certainly very excited. Thank you for popping in to show support – much appreciated 🙂
You’re the best Amanda, thanks so much for your kind comment!
I am overcome with excitement! Two of my favorite authors with a fantastic sounding series. The covers are stunning – those dresses are gorgeous. I can’t wait to read these!
Thank you so much, Gail. The designer James did us proud with these covers We love them, and they portray each of the Richmond siblings perfectly. Thanks for your support!
Thank you dear Gail!
Wow! This sounds like an interesting series by two talented authors! I can’t wait. Btw… the book covers are phenomenal!
I agree completely, Danelle, the covers are just wonderful. They really bring to life each of the Richmond siblings. Can’t wait for you to read their stories and get to know them. Thanks for stopping by to comment!
Many thanks Dannelle!
Hooray for announcement day! I love these authors and these stories, and just look at those beautiful covers. Readers will love getting to know the Richmonds!
(Please do not enter me in the giveaway.)
Thank you Katie for your kind comment as well as your excellent editing skills which only makes the stories that much better!
Thank you, Katie, it’s been amazing having you on this journey with us 🙂
What exciting news! I’m so looking forward to this!
Thank you Pam!
And we’re looking forward to sharing with you–thanks Pam!
Congratulations on the new series. I love the covers & can’t wait to read them.
Thank you Glory!
It’s lovely to know people are excited to read them because we’re very impatient to share them. Thank you!
I love the series title play on words “RAGS TO RICHMONDS” – can hardly wait to read them all from 2 of my favorite writers. Plus the gorgeous covers. WOW! Keep them coming please,
Frankie (booklover)
Thank you Frankie! I have had the song Rags to Riches in my head for months now LOL!
So lovely to hear you’ll be joining the Richmonds’ world, Frankie. Thank you!
This series sounds amazing and the covers are lovely!
Thank you kindly DarcyBennett!
It’s lovely to hear that you think so, thank you for commenting 🙂
I don’t often step out of JAFF, but I’ll definitely be reading these. Since you are both so clever, is there any way you can add another free day to the week? So many books, so little time! Congratulations on widening out, and I’m wishing you both every success with this series. Y’all being you, I know they will be excellent.
Ree, I know I speak for Amy too when I say that we’re honoured by any JAFF readers who are willing to give our series a try. Your support in this and of our other works means the world, thank you! I can’t wait to share these with you, they’ve been such a joy to write.
p.s. still working on the extra day…could do with that myself!
Ha I would LOVE an extra day or at least a few extra hours in the schedule! I’ll echo Jessie and say we truly are so happy to see some of our JAFF friends might give us a whirl! It means a lot!
What an exciting creation from such a dynamic duo!! Congrats to both authors, I look forward to diving in. The cover art is amazing!
Thank you Kaidi. James the designer will be thrilled to know all the love his designs have been getting – and of course I quite agree that they’re beautiful. So happy to hear you’ll be reading the series 🙂
Thank you Kaidi!
I was thrilled to see this announcement today. I didn’t think I’ve read anything of Jessie’s yet (though I’m pretty sure I have some things hanging out in my kindle), but I’ve read everything of Amy’s. Can’t wait!
I share your love of Amy’s stories, Misty! Her imagination has 100% made this series an absolute treat. I’m so glad to hear you’ll be joining us in this world too 🙂
Misty you definitely have a treat ahead of you if you’ve never read Jessie, she has a way with words and the skill to twist a plot like none other!! And I thank you for your support of my books over the years and all you do for the Austen-loving community at your blog!
Congratulations to Amy and Jessie on this new Regency series. It sounds so wonderful, and I definitely want to read more. I will be checking out the Prodigal soon. –Leslie
Thanks so much Leslie! I hope you enjoy the series as much as we’ve enjoyed writing it 🙂
Thank you Leslie!
Thank you so much for opportunity for the first book does not appear to be available in Australia via the link.
I would sign up for your news letter but I have already done so so hopefully I will have access to the books there.
I recently read and enjoyed non jaff recency books so look into these books too. I know we say don’t judge a book by its cover but how can you not when they are so intriguing and beautiful.
Thank you so much Terri! And so sorry the link was giving difficulty, I checked to make sure it was all good so perhaps give it another try? You will get an email once to confirm your subscription and the download happens after that, so perhaps that email went to spam before! Don’t worry if you are already confirmed on the list, it won’t sign you up twice!
Thank you Terri, I hope you’ve managed to resolve the download issue now. Happy reading!
You ladies have been busy! This series looks and sounds wonderful – I’m excited to read it, and excited for your impressive accomplishment! Well done, Jessie and Amy! 🙂
Thank you for your support, Susan! 🙂
So exciting news! Congrats Jessie and Amy! I can’t wait to read the books 🙂
Thank you Mary. I’m so glad to hear you’re in for the ride. ☺️
I keep hearing so many good things about Jessie’s and Amy’s writing, and this makes me even more intrigued! I love a great series about siblings looking out for each other.
Then I really hope you’ll check out Rags to Richmonds when it comes out, Christina, because this is one heart-warming sibling story (as well as some toe-curling romances for each of them, of course!). Thanks for stopping by to comment!
I love books of both authors! “Willful Misunderstanding” and “Unfounded” are in my top 5 favorite JAFF. I’m so excited about this series! And of course it will be on my kindle as soon as it will appear!
Anna, this is such a heartwarming message to read, thank you! I’m so excited about this series I can’t wait to share it with everyone. I hope you love it as much as we do!! (P.s. I think you will ☺️)
I have an important question: can we expect Lord Saye – or somebody alike?
The Rags to Richmond series is completely distinct from either Amy’s or my JAFF stories, so none of the characters from those books make an appearance. But you can bet your bottom dollar that the mind that came up with Saye has come up with some equally splendid characters for this new adventure! (Yes, we’re looking at you, Amy!) I hope you’ll dive in to get to know them all come September. Thanks Anna!
I love that the whole series will be available close together. I like a series to be complete before I read it, so I can remember everything.
Yes, we are very excited to be bringing the whole series in quick succession. These Richmond siblings are eager to have their turn in the spotlight 🙂 Thank you for commenting!