Happy Friday, readers! I’m thrilled to share a cover reveal for the fabulous Lucy Marin with you today! 😊
Lucy has so gifted us so many fantastic Austenesque books, and it is looking like she is far from being done! How fortuitous for us readers!! 🥳
Lucy’s new release – The Art of Apology – is coming out soon. And I will give you one guess who is the character making the apology... 😏
Lucy is here to share the stunning cover reveal for The Art of Apology. 👏🏼
We hope you enjoy! 🤗
~ From the Author ~
Hi one and all, and thank you, Meredith, for hosting the introduction to my upcoming novel, The Art of Apology.
I can’t quite remember how this plot bunny came to exist. I keep a list (several actually, haha) of ideas, and The Art of Apology pulls together elements from several.
The core of the story is about Elizabeth and Mr Darcy, of course. I was interested in how he would react if he was forced to confront his faults early in the story and in light of being told by two men—one a friend and one not—that he was behaving poorly. This time, it is not his love for Elizabeth motivating him to become the honourable gentleman we all know he is meant to be.
The other plot element relates to Mr Bennet and my desire to give him more of a role than I usually do. How would he act if provoked? In this case, it is Mr Darcy’s insult to Elizabeth that causes him to examine his own failings as a father and husband. We know he is an intelligent man, and I had to see if I could coax him into being a better one.
In the end, it is a relatively simple story of two men who each take a look at their lives and relationships, realize they are letting other people (and themselves) down, and have to decide how to act. In the middle stands our dear girl, Elizabeth—who is not without fault herself. One man is motivated by love for her, and the other might just discover he is rather keen on her too!
Enjoy the excerpt, and I look forward to seeing what you all think of the cover designed by the wonderful and multi-talented Pemberley Darcy. I love the colours, and Elizabeth being outside by herself fits the story wonderfully!
~ Book Description ~
You have made me view the world about me and the people in it with greater clarity, and I shall forever be grateful, especially because it means I have had the chance to know you.
WHEN ELIZABETH BENNET IS INSULTED by Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy at the Meryton assembly, she is determined to despise him forever. How could she do otherwise, given what an arrogant, rude man he is? She intends to forget about what happened, but she finds it is not so easy when faced with incessant scorn from her neighbours in the weeks following.
DARCY IS SHOCKED when Mr Bennet confronts and reprimands him about his actions, but afterwards admits it was rather ungentleman-like behaviour. He condescends to apologise but, startlingly, Elizabeth rebuffs him, claiming he must learn to apologise properly if he truly wants her forgiveness. Darcy is ready to dismiss her, but when Mr Charles Bingley also questions his recent actions, he realises he must reform himself, beginning with making amends to Elizabeth.
ELIZABETH WATCHES WITH AMAZEMENT as she sees not only Mr Darcy but also her own father attempt to ameliorate their connexions to the friends and family about them. Still, she keeps her distance from Mr Darcy, stubbornly clinging to her first impression of him, until an unexpected meeting ends with her wondering if there might be more to him than she had supposed. But just how far can an apology go?
~~~
~ Excerpt from The Art of Apology ~
Rupert Bennet watched as Elizabeth left the room. How could Mr Darcy look at her, the most admirable of his girls, and dismiss her? As much as he often called his daughters silly, especially the three youngest, and thought girls should be left to their mother’s care, he truly believed that Jane and Elizabeth were estimable and that Mary, Catherine, and Lydia would naturally become more like them as they matured. It might be another few years, but one day, he would be able to contemplate what fine, sensible, well-behaved young women all his daughters were.
If Mr Darcy could insult Elizabeth, what did that mean for her sisters? Might other gentlemen have a low opinion of them? It seemed impossible, yet…
Bennet sighed and ran a hand over his face. He was tired and should have sought his bed long ago. He found it amusing to hear his wife and daughters speak of their evening entertainments, if only so that he could tease them, but he had never liked keeping late hours. The best thing he could do for himself was to forget the entire business of Mr Darcy and his ill-conceived words. After all, what could he do about it; he had not even been present when the sorry episode happened. Accordingly, he pushed himself out of the armchair and made his way to his chamber.
At breakfast the next morning, Bennet found he could not rid himself of the irritation of knowing a man he had never met—which for some reason made his vexation worse—had spoken so harshly about his dearest girl. He observed his daughters as they chatted amongst themselves and steadily ate their meal. Unconsciously, he was looking for fault, some reason Mr Darcy had felt it reasonable to act as he had. There could be none, of course; even if Elizabeth and her sisters were the most tiresome creatures in the kingdom, it would not justify him or any other person speaking poorly of them, especially in public.
In as much as he could be glad about anything to do with this disgusting business, he was relieved Mr Darcy had not taken it into his head to insult Jane. She was too tender hearted to laugh it off as Elizabeth had. None of the younger three would have cried over it, but there was a little something—almost like an itch at the back of his consciousness—telling him that overhearing such a dismissive statement would have injured Mary and Catherine. As for Lydia, he could not say why, but instinct suggested it would have been very bad for her too.
Instead, that wretched man chose my Lizzy! How could he have seen her—Bennet’s most worthy girl—and refuse to dance with her? How could he call her not handsome? It was preposterous! Any man would be fortunate to earn her regard. Slighted by other gentlemen? Was this Mr Darcy blind or merely stupid? There were hardly ever enough partners for all the women at the assemblies. It was a frequent topic of conversation in drawing rooms across the area. If Mr Darcy was any sort of gentleman, he would have participated more, ensured the single young ladies went home with fond memories of the evening.
What kind of father would let an insult to one of his daughters stand unchallenged? The thought surprised him, but in an instant, he knew it was true. He was far from being a young and foolish man and had no intention of calling out Mr Darcy, but the man must be told that what he had done was unacceptable.
Elizabeth might laugh about what happened and soon forget it, but Bennet would not.
And without further ado….here is the big reveal!!!
(expected release date: November 18th)
The fall colors!! So warm, sun-kissed, and inviting! I love it! I love the vision of Elizabeth enjoying a walk at golden hour like this. 🍁
Elizabeth’s pose is thoughtful and contemplative – I can imagine taking a walk amongst such scenery is helping her work through everything on her mind or heart. 🧡
Mr. Darcy being confronted about his insult by multiple people, Mr. Bennet taking action – I love the idea of both of these been taking steps to reform! 📕
And the apology…I cannot wait to see how that plays out. Hopefully Elizabeth will see the sincerity behind it soon! 🤞🏼
What do you think, friends? 🤔
~~~
GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
The lovely people at Quills and Quartos are offering 3️⃣ ebook copies of The Art of Apology to 3️⃣ lucky readers who comment on today’s post!
To enter this giveaway leave a question, comment, or some love for Lucy below.
- This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Quills and Quartos!
- This giveaway ends October 25th
You can preorder The Art of Apology now!
My sincere gratitude to Lucy Marin and the wonderful people at Quills and Quartos for putting this special post together!
This is a great new plot idea and I cannot wait to see how it unfolds!
Thank you, Kristin!
I am hooked already and can’t wait to read it!
What a lovely thing to say! I hope you enjoy the book.
What an interesting premise to start with. I’ve been reading a lot lately about Apologies (it’s YHAT time of the year in my community), so I’m particularly looking forward to this. Can’t wait.
Apologising is important and can come with wonderful rewards—as Mr Darcy learns in the book. 🙂 Thanks for commenting!
Looking forward to reading this! Lovely cover too.
I agree that it’s a wonderful cover and it’s perfect for the book! Thanks, Jennifer.
Go Mr Bennet! Let Darcy feel your wrath, then perhaps you can take note of the behaviour of your two youngest? and perhaps suggest different reading matter for your middle daughter? While you are at it maybe you can ensure Elizabeth isn’t quite so resistant to Darcy’s apology? Any or all of these suggestions would be a definite improvement!
I decided that Mr Bennet needed a chance to show he could be a better man. I have to say, it looks good on him! 🙂 Thanks so much for commenting, Glynis, and good luck in the draw.
While it is fall in Texas, we have just relinquished our 90 deg weather just a few days ago. However I will apologize for not have fall leaves falling. Can Darcy do the same? Great excerpt, Lucy, can’t wait to win the e-book.
Darcy *might* need to learn to apologise. Just saying. 😉 Good luck in the draw, Hollis.
Thank you so much for hosting the cover reveal & your kind, kind words, Meredith! ❤️
Lucy
Stunning cover! You can practically smell the sweet pumpkin pie. Just lovely!
Congratz on another wonderful release.
It was Thanksgiving here last weekend, so I can attest to the sweetness of pumpkin pie. Thanks, SamH.
Love the Autumnal colour on the cover. Glad Mr Bennet is looking out for his favourite daughter.
I can’t wait to read it.
I love the colours too. I’ve been enjoying watching the leaves change during my walks recently; autumn is always such a beautiful time of the year where I am. Thanks for commenting, Sarah!
One of my favorite authors! Thanks for a chance to win a copy. Good luck with the release.
Aww, thank you, Sheila! Good luck with the draw. 🙂
Aww, thank you, Sheila! Good luck in the draw.
A heartfelt apology is important, otherwise it is not worth so much…
I would to win a copy 😀
I agree about heartfelt apologies! Good luck with the draw, Nina.
It was an author that pointed out to me that Mr Bennet could have changed so much of the dynamic in his home, instead he sharply criticized his wife in public and ignored his daughters and saw them as amusement. It is nice to see another author redeeming him and having him take some initiative at protecting his family’s honor.
I’ve always rather disliked Mr Bennet (in his canon version) for exactly this reason; a little effort on his part would likely have made such a tremendous difference to his wife and daughters. Thanks for commenting, Kristy. 🙂
It’s nice to anticipate Mr. Bennet reforming and becoming more involved.
It was fun to write! Good luck with the contest, Gwen.
Ooh…pick me! Pick me! Seriously, what a novel (oh dear, a bad pun) concept for a JAFF. I always believe Mr Bennet needs a good kick in the pants to see what’s happening around him. And Darcy (although needing one himself) is an excellent vehicle to deliver it. And the icing on the cake??? Bingley standing up to Darcy and telling him how rude he was instead of just avoiding conflict, per usual. Hooray, Lucy! And the cover is stunning! Pemberley Darcy is an exceptional artist as well as a good author. Can’t wait to read this one!
I think a lot of us have wanted to kick Mr Bennet a time or two! I’ve given Bingley a hard time in some of my other stories, so this time, I gave him more of a spine.
Pemberley Darcy did an amazing job with the cover. I love it.
Thank you, Terri!
Ooh…pick me! Pick me! What an original story concept for a JAFF! I always believe Mr Bennet needs a good swift kick in the pants in order to wake him up to what’s going on around him and Darcy (although in need of one himself) is the perfect vehicle to deliver it. And the icing on the cake??? Bingley standing up to Darcy and telling him he is rude instead of avoiding conflict, as per usual. Yay Lucy! And the cover is gorgeous. Pemberley Darcy is an exceptional artist as well as a good writer. Can’t wait to read this one!
The excerpt was brilliant!! Finally a version where Mr. Bennet won’t let the insult go without action from him. Though I must admit that he must be delusional if he believes his there youngest daughters will magically become well behaved and intelligent like his two eldest…
I agree with you about that particular thought being delusional. I’m glad you liked the excerpt. Thanks for commenting, and good luck in the draw, Satu.
Reading more of Mr Bennet’s inner thoughts should be interesting! Can’t wait to read how Mr Darcy apologizes – I wonder how many attempts it will take to get it right??
Hmm…how many times does Darcy have to apologise. Well, one *good* apology is really all it takes, right? 😉
Absolutely wonderful cover. Timely colors for an autumn release, and we all know how Elizabeth likes the color yellow. The excerpts are tantalizing as well as if the cover hadn’t first rated a second look.
I agree about the cover, and since Elizabeth happens to like taking long walks (an important element in the story), it suits the book perfectly. Thanks for commenting, Monica!
I love how the downcast posture of the woman on the cover of The Art of Apology evokes the feeling of her having been deeply wounded by someone’s rude remarks, thus emphasizing the fact that a simple apology will not suffice in order to truly make amends.
Her modest countenance feels very compelling, and I’m eager to read just precisely how the offender manages to live up to the title by striving to meet the criteria of a truly Artful apology!
We all know Darcy is capable of saying and doing just what he needs to in order to win Elizabeth’s undying love! Thank you for commenting, Cathy, and good luck in the draw. I hope you enjoy the book. 🙂
Your book always brings an interesting twist
Thank you, Brigitte!
Lovely cover and a very intriguing variation. Looking forward to read it!
I hope you enjoy it! Good luck in the draw.
The fall colors are absolutely amazing! I can only imagine what Elizabeth is thinking as she stands in her breathtaking surroundings.
I have an idea or two of what she’s thinking. Truly, as soon as I saw the cover, I pictured a particular moment in the story. Thanks for commenting, Joan!
I love the premise of this read! Congratulations Lucy! In general, apologies are very challenging to make, especially honest ones, and we know how challenging it is for Darcy. And to have Mr. Bennet enter into the breach, such fun! I can’t wait to read the outcome! As for the cover, so beautiful . I love the fall colors and how they intertwine with each other and vut especially how they intertwine with Elizabeth, she is a part of nature. Love it! Congratulations, can’t wait to read!
Aww, thank you, Char. I hope it lives up to expectations.
I hope Pemberley Darcy is reading all the love for the cover; it is much deserved. <3
I am following along! I’m so grateful for all the kind words about the cover. I didn’t want to intrude upon the spotlight though. Covers are really for illustrating the authors concepts from the book and getting the readers excited.
Congratulations by the way. I can’t wait to read it!
The cover is beautiful, and I am looking forward to another book by Lucy Marin. Thank you for the excerpt and giveaway. Congrats and best wishes on the new release!
Thank you, Robin! Good luck in the draw.
The fall colors are lovely! I always enjoy Ms. Marin’s books, so I look forward to reading this one.
Thank you, Amanda! I hope you enjoy it. 🙂
High born, high in the instep and high handed. Learned, erudite yet disconnected. Adjustments of character are needed on both sides. Can Darcy’s arrogance and Bennet’s apathy be set aside for the dearest, loveliest Elizabeth?
Well, Darcy and Mr Bennet do share one important thing: they both love Elizabeth. What greater motivator is there? Thanks for commenting, Amanda!
The colors and images on the cover are everything lovely, but the title is very difficult to read. I would think it’s unreadable in thumbnail size. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the excerpt and will definitely read this!
I’m glad you liked the excerpt & I hope you enjoy the book. 🙂
Oh wow, the cover is indeed gorgeous! Love the warm Autumn foliage! Can’t wait to see how the plot develops.
I completely agree about the cover. Thanks for commenting, Kaidi!
The premise for the plot is intriguing and that cover! WOW!!
Thanks & I agree!
I love the cover — perfect for the season too! I enjoyed the excerpt and am looking forward to a story with a more engaged, active Mr Bennet. I have long been frustrated by his passivity (although it is the essence of the man). Reading a story which shows Mr. Bennet acting in support of Elizabeth (or any of his daughters) will be a welcome treat!
Thanks for giving us a peek!
As I wrote in answer to another comment, I think a lot of us agree about Mr Bennet. I’ve been looking for an excuse to play around with his character a bit, and it was fun. Thanks for commenting, and good luck in the draw, Catherine.
Looking forward to enjoying another P & P variation from Lucy Marin! The premise is great (self-examination FTW!) and that cover is beautiful!
Thanks so much, Anna!
Thrilled to see a new variation by Lucy Marin. Premise intriguing; redemption of Mr Bennet is a favorite trope. Love the cover’s autumn colors– After all, first meeting of Longbourn & Netherfield denizens is in the Fall!
Thanks, Lisa! The cover is absolutely perfect for the book. As you say, they meet in the autumn—and in P&P, the reunite and become engaged in the autumn too. 🙂
The premise is fantastic! Mr. B looks inside and comes to the plate for his Lizzy and daughters. I love it. Always appreciate a reformed Mr. B . His character really has so much more to offer. Darcy has to dig his way out early in the game, wonderful. This is a great series. Hoping you place in Audible as well. Harry?! Excited and cannot wait to dive into your next book.
Congratulations
I think it was quite shocking to Darcy to have someone tell him he behaved poorly, especially someone he didn’t even know. He deserves it after his comments about Elizabeth at the assembly! I have no news on an audiobook at the moment. Thanks, Chris.
Beautiful cover, lovely premise, and a promise of wonderful writing! Another best seller for you, Lucy!
Thanks, Julie.
I love the concept of this new book! I have long wanted someone to write Mr. Bennet with more care for his daughters. Bravo! I can’t wait to read this one!
Aww, thanks, Jean! I hope you enjoy the book. 🙂
Lucy is one of my favourite JAFF authors. I love the extract where Mr Bennet goes to confront Darcy. I hope there’s lots of grovelling! I would love to win a copy.
That is so kind of you, Kate! I will say that Darcy really has to learn to apologise (thus ‘the art of’ part of the title). Good luck in the draw!
Stunning Cover! Congrats on your new release!
Thanks for commenting, Julie!
Lovely cover, love the colors!
Me too!
I love Darcy being called on the carpet so early — and by someone other than Elizabeth — and I love this changing Mr Bennet. I love the cover. And most of all, though this may sound strange, I love that this Mr Bennet’s Christian name is “Rupert!” (revealed in the subscriber’s excerpt email). It just tickles me, for some reason. Congratulations on the new release, and thanks for the giveaway opportunity!
Haha. I picked the name Rupert for some reason years ago when I was writing my first story (a modern, posted online only). I’ve kept it ever since. To make it fit the Regency era more, I say it was his mother’s surname; after all, Darcy is named for his mother’s family, why can’t Mr Bennet be?
Thanks, Randi! 🙂
I love when Mr. Bennet becomes a more engaged parent and there is hope for the younger girls changing. Darcy reforming his ways earlier in the premise is always an interesting plot twist. Looking forward to how these changes affect the other characters, especially usual villains.
Let’s hope Lydia isn’t so stuck in her ways that it is too late for her! 😉 Poor Darcy does experience a few shocks early in the story, and I believe there are some moments he wishes he never went to Netherfield…
Oh, I love that striking colour palette! Beautiful cover, and this premise is right up my alley. I love it when Mr. B takes some responsibility. Excited to read it, Lucy! Congrats!
Thanks so much, Ree!
Beautiful cover & congratulations on the new book! Darcy is so good at putting his foot in his mouth. It will be interesting to see how he gets it out this time!
Thanks, Glory! I agree, the cover is beautiful.
The cover is absolutely beautiful, and I can’t wait to read about Mr. Bennett actually taking a stand in support of Lizzy’s feelings.
It was nice to write a Mr Bennet who actually believes it’s worthwhile to be a father and husband! Good luck in the draw. 🙂
I’m a big fan of Lucy’s writing. I love reading Darcy’s apologies!
Aww, thanks, Lois!
I can’t wait to read this. I look forward to reading about the changes in Mr Darcy & Mr Bennet!! I love a Mr Bennett who takes care of his family.
Thanks! I hope you enjoy the book. 🙂
Ooooooo, I cannot WAIT to read this! Thank you for the chance to win a copy!
Thanks, Pam! Good luck in the draw!
The cover is thought provoking–leaves one wondering about the contemplations of the young lady in the picture. And the colors are wonderful, soft and inviting. This is one of those covers that one remembers and draws a reader to the book. Congratulations on publishing another story.
It is a wonderful cover. I can’t wait to see it in person (not just electronic). Thanks so much for taking the time to comment!
I loved the cover art and agree with Meredith that the fall colors are beautiful. The premise sounds great, and I love that Mr. Bennet is standing up for Lizzy. –Leslie
Thanks, Leslie! Good luck in the draw. 🙂
I think the cover is amazing! A perfect fall book with what looks to be an interesting premise. Can’t wait!
I completely agree about the cover! I hope you enjoy the book.
Love the idea of this story and can’t wait to read more.
Thank you, Kim!
Cannot wait to read the latest from one of my all time favorite P&P variant authors!! And as a fall girlie I’m OBSESSED with the cover!!
From the sample it seems like we get a deliciously arrogant Darcy which is one of my favorites because it makes his character development so much richer!!
Aww, what a kind thing to say, Rebecca. Thank you!
I like the excerpt. I hope to read the complete story soon. Thank you!!
Thanks for commenting! Good luck in the draw.
A wonderful cover! And I am not sure I am going to like this Mr. Darcy…
He’s not so bad. I’ve certainly written worse! Haha
With that orange cover, the story should be read while sneaking the leftover Halloween chocolate treats–an oxymoron, I know.
I do intend to read it, however, with or without the chocolate. I don’t the teasing presale excerpts, for I’m losing my ability to defer pleasure. But I do pay attention to the quality of an authors past stories. That means that this story is certainly already on the TBR list.
Thanks for sharing your talent.
Thank you, Betty! I hope you have lots of delicious chocolate this Halloween.
Love the plot ! Looking forward to reading it.
Thanks! 🙂
I am glad that Mr. Bennett will leave his library and not be an indolent father! Love Elizabeth’s hair on the cover. Thank you for the excerpt and giveaway.
Thanks for commenting, Eva! Good luck in the giveaway. 🙂
Oooo! Lovely cover. I like the premise and look forward reading it. Many congratulations.
Thanks, Michelle! Happy reading. 🙂
Oh my! I don’t see this kind of Mr. B often. I’m glad he’s standing up for his daughter!
Lovely cover. Looks very autumn-esque
Beautiful cover as usual from Q&Q. Mr Bennet springing to action after hearing that Mr Darcy had insulted his favourite daughter. Yes, please. November cannot come soon enough.