Happy Friday, readers! I’m thrilled to share a cover reveal for the fabulous Julie Cooper with you today! 😊
I think we are all in agreement that Julie’s books are amazing – The Perfect Gentleman, Tempt Me, Nameless, Irresistibly Alone – how can one choose a favorite? 🤷🏻♀️
I know I can’t…it is too difficult! And guess what, it is about to become even more difficult because…
Julie Cooper has a new book coming out next month – Abandoned at the Altar! 🎉
And today she is here to share its beautiful cover with you! 🙌🏼
Plus an enticing excerpt! 🤩
We hope you enjoy! 🤗
~ From the Author ~
Meredith, it’s so great of you to host me again on your wonderful site!
My adult daughter Sarah loves to tell me what my next plot ought to be (if I took all her suggestions, we would have a whole series of “Mr Darcy the Enchanted Fairy” stories. But I digress.) Sarah said I ought to write a ‘Darcy Ditches on his wedding day’ tale, so I patiently explained to her that this was impossible, because Mr Darcy is so gentlemanly, so proper, so–dare I say it–perfect, that he would never ditch his bride, and most especially he would not do so on his wedding day; he could not commit such a heinous act and still be Mr Darcy. “This is not Wickham we are writing of, my dear!”
Sarah listened to my (perhaps not so patient as I originally recalled) explanations and replied, “You’re the author. Make it possible.”
A challenge, then. What could induce such a perfect man to do such an abominable thing? And how could it be a story with lots of D&E page time (a personal prerequisite) if he did? With this one, I also wanted Elizabeth’s family to play almost reverse roles–showcasing their strengths, instead of their weaknesses, while keeping them in character. That was a very satisfying exercise. This story is the result.
We are very grateful to Pemberley Darcy for this lovely cover.
~ Book Description ~
To hear that some impoverished girl you met a couple of months ago and with whom you have been in close company for a few days is now your affianced bride? Incredible!
Elizabeth Bennet is surprised and delighted when Fitzwilliam Darcy, a wealthy and handsome bachelor from Derbyshire, declares himself to her. Still more surprising are her own feelings for him; a chance overheard conversation had changed her first impression of him enough to see the good man he was…and she had fallen in love.
Having made an unexpected choice, Darcy is certain marital felicity awaits him. Alas, a calamity of unexpected events conspire preventing him from honoring the promises he has made to his intended bride.
What should have been the happiest day of both Darcy and Elizabeth’s lives becomes the source of their deepest heartbreak. Elizabeth is left standing at the altar, her bridegroom having failed to arrive and Darcy is left bereft amid the wreckage of his hopes and dreams.
Only one thing grows more certain each day: Darcy loves Elizabeth and wishes more than anything to forge a future between them. But can abandonment be forgiven? Will they successfully overcome the forces aligned against them to build a happily-ever-after from the ruins of the past?
~ Excerpt from Abandoned at the Altar ~
Who is this man? Elizabeth marvelled, allowing him to lead her onto a heretofore unnoticed path into wilderness, unexplored and unknown. It was undoubtedly foolish to go, especially so eagerly. Yet, she had continuously tried to put him back into the category where once he fitted so neatly—an arrogant stick-in-the-mud. He continuously escaped.
Mr Darcy did not smile often, but when he did, every inch of her leapt into awareness. It was as if a part of him was panther-like, caged and oh-so-carefully controlled—yet patrolling its parameters, putting out its paw, testing its boundaries. Wanting to be petted.
She wanted to test his boundaries as well, although she did her best to resist. It would help if he would treat her the same as did Reginald Goulding, John Lucas, Herbert Long, or Sidney King—or in other words, as a not overly intelligent infant. Had she a fortune of ten thousand, any one of them might have asked to marry her. These young men, the best her neighbourhood had to offer, would admire her, but would never try to know her. They thought they already did.
Mr Darcy pulled her down the path, leading in a definite direction. It did not take long to see his destination. They entered a woodland glade, a smallish meadow surrounded by birch and hazel, with a few gracious old oaks standing sentinel. Mr Darcy removed his greatcoat and hung it upon a convenient branch, doing the same with his hat, as if the tree were a cloakroom. Even, and adding to her confusion, he removed his gloves. Then he gave her a courtly bow.
“Bingley is dancing with your sister, I believe, and has suggested that I cease standing about stupidly, and instead ask the prettiest girl in the room to dance. May I have the next set, Miss Elizabeth?”
She could not help her grin. “That is not a very close approximation of what Mr Bingley said.”
“I vow ’tis what I would have heard,” he said, smiling roguishly, “had my hearing been in working order that evening. But one cannot expect the hearing of a relic to always be acute.”
“One cannot expect a relic to hear anything at all.”
His smile faded as he looked down at her. “A relic might also be blind to what is standing before his very eyes.”
She felt her cheeks heat, and to cover it, she made a show of removing her coat and hanging it on another limb; on impulse, she removed her gloves as well, and turned to face him.
“Do you waltz?” he asked.
“Jane, Charlotte, and I did once, with Hortense Goulding’s dancing master,” she said. “I am certain you will find nothing lacking in my execution, with such training as I possess.”
Mr Darcy held out his arms, and she walked into them.
He was nothing like Hortense’s dancing master. Humming a tune in perfect pitch, he might have been in a ton ballroom instead of whirling her about a forest glade. Oddly, there seemed nothing remarkable in the exercise. He led flawlessly, lending his partner an expert grace; one could rest in his arms and allow him to control the steps, never worrying that one’s feet might be in danger, no matter the uneven ground.
They twirled, the glints of sunshine and meadow prettier than any ballroom she had ever imagined. He wore his poise perfectly, with a confidence fitting him like a coat from Weston. When he dipped her low, she laughed—but he did not; he just held her there, balanced, breathless, his dark gaze imprisoning, capturing her between mirth and a longing she could not explain.
Feeling her hair beginning to break free from its constraints, Elizabeth reached to rescue her hat. Before she could, Mr Darcy brought her upright in a graceful manoeuvre, and, bewilderingly, plucked the hat off her head with an expert twist of a hat pin. Her hair—never easily confined—spilled out over her shoulders with the loss of its last remaining tether. He dropped the hat to the ground, but she found herself unable to worry about its ruin.
“Your hair,” he said softly, lifting one strand, stroking gently, admiring it as if a rare jewel. “I have dreamt of seeing it this way.”
His dark eyes coasted over her, regarding her as if she was something precious; Elizabeth felt his words in her skin, in her spirit. Speechless, she could only look back at him in wonderment. This was not happening, it could not be, and yet, he was near enough that she could feel the heat of his body, hear his soft breaths.
And without further ado….here is the big reveal!!!
(expected release date: December 16th – what a special release day!)
Just beautiful! The composition is lovely, the church, the woman, the sky, the colors – all the details together catch your eye and invite you in. 🤩
I especially love the woman’s posture. She is strong, she is ready for whatever happens, but she also looks a little bereft. 💪🏼
This premise sounds like an interesting change-up with affection developing first and the obstacles coming later. Also I love the challenge your daughter gave you! 🔄
And that excerpt…what an enchanting scene. I can’t wait to see what happens next!!! 😍
What do you think, friends? 🤔
~~~
GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
The lovely people at Quills and Quartos are offering 3️⃣ ebook copies of Abandoned at the Altar to 3️⃣ lucky readers who comment on today’s post!
To enter this giveaway leave a question, comment, or some love for Julie below.
- This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Quills and Quartos!
- This giveaway ends November 15th
You can preorder Abandoned at the Altar now!
My sincere gratitude to Julie Cooper and the wonderful people at Quills and Quartos for putting this special post together!
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 days left to sign up for this years’ Austenesque Jolabokaflod! 📚🎁
Such a pretty cover. Sweet and poignant too.
Congratulations on your new release!
Thank you so much Sam!
Wow, the cover is beautiful! I am really looking forward to reading it. Thank you for the cover reveal, excerpt and giveaway. Congrats and best wishes on the new release!
Isn’t it pretty? Thanks for stopping by Robin!!
This cover is gorgeous. I concur with your comments. 🙂
And the story sounds wrenching. It’s the kind of story I don’t know that I could read unless I trusted the author as Julie Cooper is trusted. I appreciate the inspiration for this story, though! The “what if?” provides so many intriguing trails to follow.
I’ll probably still want chocolate when I start to read. lol
I very much appreciate your trust Sandi! Happily ever after guaranteed!
O wow, that’s an interesting premise! Looking forward to a groveling Darcy 😉
I will deliver groveling, promise!
Oh, goodness! Darcy is so swoonworthy in this scene. I can’t wait to read the book. Looking forward to a lot of angst!
Thank you Tzippy! I hope you enjoy!
Gorgeous cover art! This sounds intriguing! ODC seem very much in love in this scene so what could have happened to have Darcy miss his wedding?! Thanking for sharing and for the giveaway!!
It’s a great mystery. And yet… Thanks Megan!!
I am excited to read this one! And the cover is gorgeous!
Your excitement is very much appreciated Amanda!
Interesting premise! I’m looking forward to reading it.
Thanks so much for giving it a chance, Jennifer!
What a lovely cover. Elizabeth looks so pensive. I love this romantic Darcy and am devastated that something or someone prevents him from being at their wedding. I do hope Elizabeth gets his explanation soon and is able to forgive him. Also that they are able to actually marry sooner rather than later.
Julie, perhaps you could tell your daughter that I’m not happy with a lot of angst when she’s coming up with story ideas? 😉
I will inform Sarah of your preferences. There’s always the Fairy Darcy possibilities!!?!!
Yes, I love Austen retellings. I would love to win the giveaway!
Best of luck Aha!
Gorgeous cover! It seems perfect for the premise. She looks like she is holding her head up in defiance of all the world. So brave, yet still vulnerable.
I think they did a good job of portraying that courageous vulnerability. Your description nails it!
Oh, Darcy, what have you gotten yourself mixed up in now? I’m sure his reason is good—but I look forward to telling him all the ways he could have made the situation easier for Elizabeth as I read it. 😀
Lovely cover! Congrats, Julie. xo
As another famous Lucy once heard…he has some ‘splainin to do! Wanna lay bets on how well he does it? Thank you my friend!
Thebook cover is beautiful, but the excerpt has me hooked! I look forward to reading it! I have only read a book or two where Elizabeth is left abandoned y Darcy, and I do enjoy that whole abandonment trope! Best wishes to Ms. Cooper on her new book launch!
Thank you Jean! I hope you enjoy!
I have this on my Wish List. Good luck with this release and thanks for a chance to win a copy.
Thank you Sheila! Best of luck in the drawing!
Interesting. Looking forward to seeing how this all works out.
It will definitely work out, a few twists and turns later! Thanks Alyssa!
I am so excited to read your new book and love the cover design.
I’m so pleased to hear this Victoria! Thank you!
What a beautiful cover. Think I’d purchase it just for that!
It was time for some pastels, I think so too! Thank you!
Love the cover, and the snippet had just the right amount of detail to get me intrigued and wanting to read more.
So happy you like it Sarah!
The cover looks sweet and gentle, so romantic! I would love to have a copy after reading two excerpts so far!
Best of luck in the drawing Joan!!
Very pretty cover, thank you for the chance
Thank you! Best of luck in the drawing Beth!
I have enjoyed your previous books and am looking forward to reading this one!
Awww thanks so much, I really appreciate you reading!
I was so happy to grab an arc of this book. It has everything a good variation should have. Pretty cover.
Thank you Ree, so glad you liked it!
A poignant picture. Especially like the fall colors and wistful feelings it causes.
They did a nice job with this cover, for sure! Thanks for commenting!
Love all Hulie Cooper’s to date and this one looks just as good. Great excerpt leaves me wanting more. can’t wait to read it.
Thank you so much Elaine, I surely appreciate you reading it!
I LOVE the premise of this book and can’t wait to read it. All of your books are amazing.
Elizabeth, you’re so very kind. Thanks so much!
I love Julie Cooper’s stories and I know this one won’t let me down. I hope I get very lucky and win one of these copies.
Thank you very much! Best of luck in the drawing!
Beautiful cover for a beautiful story, Julie! ❤️
Thank you Katie, you made it better!
What a beautiful cover. I love the soft colors and the beautiful church, and can’t help but consider the symbolism of the lady separated from the church by what looks to be an insurmountable bit of water. I love all of Ms. Cooper’s stories and they represent some of my all time favorites, and are read and re-read with some regularly. It sounds to me that this story will go much the same way. I’m looking forward to the release and can honestly say, I already have some butterflies for what sounds like a tumultuous ride in store for ODC.
Aw, thanks so much Melieco, I surely appreciate you!
Love that she took her daughter’s challenge. It is a premise a few books have touched on but definitely worth further exploration. Curious if Darcy’s earlier change of heart in the original storyline, left his self examination incomplete which leads to the abandonment in some way. Lots of questions, eager to read of about Bennet
Thank you Michelle! I hope you’re able to read and enjoy!
The cover page is lovely and draws a reader’s attention to it. At first glance it makes you want to read the book. The story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy in my opinion is one of the greatest love stories told. I’d love to read this. Thank you for the chance.
I agree with you Jesnne! Best of luck in the drawing!
The story sounds great, and I’m looking forward to it. I love the images and colors of the cover, although again I must point out that the title is hard to read as a thumbnail (or even in the reduced size images under the “Giveaway” banner). The font is pretty, but it would be better if it was more readable. I guess most JAFF fans are familiar with Julie Cooper and, like me, would check out the book even if I was scrolling through thumbnails and couldn’t read the title.
Thank you so much for continuing to check it out despite that drawback. I really appreciate it! xo
Ooh, what a way to end that excerpt! Now I have to add this to the TBR hoard!
Thank you so much Christina!
Another Julie Cooper book I am more than ready to enjoy. Plus, my birthday is at the end of this month so I already know what I’m going to treat myself with for that day!
Aww, Happy, happy birthday Alyssa!! Thank you!
Woot woot! Another Julie Cooper book, another beautiful cover, and I cannot wait! Easily a top 5 favorite JAFF author for me! This one sounds like it will be just as intriguing as the others. Nameless and The Seven Sins of Mr Darcy are two of my all time favorites, but I haven’t been disappointed by any of Julie’s books yet!
Thanks so much Danielle! You are very much appreciated!
Simply put, if it’s a book by Julie Cooper, I have to read it! No doubt this one will be as compelling as all her other books.
Joy, thank you so much. Your support means everything.
Gorgeous cover! Makes me want to judge the book by it. LOL. But the story seems outstanding as well. I cannot wait to read it! Thank you for the giveaway opportunity.
Haha! Thanks for your enthusiasm, and best of luck in the drawing!
Darcy not at the altar to marry Elizabeth? Intriguing. Have to know what is happening in this story. Beautiful Cover. Can’t wait to read the story.
Thank you Bosa! I appreciate you!
Very intriguing and one that I look forward to reading. Count me in! Best Wishes!
As always Jen, you are awesome. Thank you so much for being there!
What an intriguing premise, and what on earth happened to cause Darcy to abandon her at the altar! Look forward to reading and finding out.
I’m so happy you’re intrigued! Thanks, as always, for your support. xo
beautiful art work, and a striking cover has me looking forward to a novel that matches the excellence of the book cover!
Your interest is so much appreciated! Thank you!
Wow! What a wonderful premise! I loved the excerpt and look forward to reading the story. And kudos to your daughter too — a great idea indeed!
Thanks so much Cate. My daughter is an encyclopedia of ideas, that’s for sure. I’ll probably have to put wings on Darcy one of these days.
I’m looking forward to your new book! You have such compelling and marvelous stories worth owning and re-reading. Thank you!
Aww, T, thanks so much for the shout out. I really appreciate you!
Elizabeth: thoughtful, looking from afar at the church. What is she thinking, feeling?
Ah, the questions! Thanks for stopping by!
What a beautiful cover! The plot is interesting and I like the idea of pointing out the Bennet’s strengths as opposed to their weaknesses.
That was a very fun part of writing this one, Colleen. Elizabeth obviously loves her family, so there must be more to them than was covered in the original, or so I like to think. Thanks for your comments.
Nothing is ever simple for ODC, is it. And that’s why we enjoy reading of their experiences. I’m eager to read this new novel.
Thank you for sharing your talent.
I appreciate your interest Betty! Thank you!
Beautiful cover & makes me really wonder what happens. I look forward to when it comes out
Thanks so much Glory, for your interest!
I really enjoy Julie’s books. Looking forward to reading this new one on 12-16!!
Thank you Nan! I appreciate your support! xo
I loved this excerpt. This is such an interesting premise for Mr. Darcy to leave Elizabeth at the altar. I can’t wait to find out what occurred to make this happen. Your daughter sounds like quite the challenger for novel scenarios and ideas for you. The cover art is beautiful. –Leslie
My daughter is a character with a capital k! If you ever see a Darcy with wings on one of my covers, you will know that she finally got her way. Thank you so much for your interest!
I have had this bookon preorder for months and I am so looking forward to it.
Thank you for the exert a great little teaser.
Terri, you are amazing and wonderful. Thank you so much, pre-sales are SUPER helpful. xo
I wonder what happened to Darcy. And I very much love this cover!
That Darcy, he got himself into a pickle! Thank you for your interest, Audny!
Beautiful cover, and I am very curious about what kept him from his wedding, as well as how long he was missing.
He was missing just long enough, Taswmom! I promise, however, that D&E have lots of page time. Thank you!
Oh my goodness, what on earth could possibly make Darcy just leave Elizabeth at the altar? He seriously doesn’t show up? No note even? I must find out! Great premise, and definitely looking forward to this read.
Right? That was indeed a challenge! Thank you so much for your interest in this book!
Oh my, I want to read more!
I’m so happy to hear it, Kate!
Oh my, I want to read more! I love Julie Cooper’s Pride and Prejudice variations!
I felt it! I was there in the meadow watching the scene unfold before my eyes. I could feel the magic of the moment–from Darcy hanging up his coat, to the beginning of the waltz, to hearing Darcy humming the tune, to the dip. What an incredible moment and such incredible writing! The cover is lovely in its near perfection. Congratulations on publishing another book.
Oh Jeannette, how kind you are. Thanks for this! xo
After a dance like that how could Darcy ever fail to show up??? My heart is breaking for Elizabeth!! Congratulations on what seems to be another amazing story!
Satu, thanks so much for your support! I appreciate you!
The church is much larger than the one in a tiny village of Meryton. A river separates the two. I would expect Elizabeth to be sent into seclusion but am sure she thinks that something happened to Darcy. Thank you for the excerpt and giveaway. Your books are always ones to look forward to.
I’m looking forward to reading and I love the book!
Erm that’s supposed to read cover. My fault for haunting the internet at 2AM instead of trying to sleep. 🙂
Sounds good and the cover is lovely
Oh, what a romantic excerpt! What in the world happens that Darcy leaves Elizabeth at the altar? I can’t wait to read this! I love your books, Julie. And the cover is beautiful! Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the book. I’m keeping my fingers crossed.
One of my most favorite authors. Tempt Me is on my monthly reread list. I can’t wait for Dec 16. Wish it ere sooner.
This looks interesting for sure.
I always enjoy Julie’s books, looking forward to this one!
Ahhhhh!! I am falling behind! Adding to my list Julie!! As much as I love e-books, I gotta touch the pages!! I will be adding this paperback to my library!! the cover is lovely, all those pinks, I love the story line, can’t wait to see how ODC weathers this storm, Thanks Julie!
I just finished reading Julie’s “The Bachelor Mr. Darcy.” Terrific book! Please enter me for this one, which looks to be another winner!
Beautiful cover. But, WOW, that excerpt! That was super romantic. I’m really looking forward to reading it.
All the best luck.
Julie Cooper is a personal favorite and automatic read for me! The cover is poignant and can feel Elizabeth’s heartbreak!