Hi friends! I don’t know about you, but one thing my 2025 needs is a new release from Heather Moll… ✍🏼
It looks like my wish is being granted because Heather Moll has a new book – Without Undue Pride – coming out soon! 📖
And I am so excited for this one because of its unique and daring premise! 😮
Heather is here to share the stunning cover of Without Undue Pride and an enticing excerpt. 🙌🏼
We hope you enjoy! 🤗
~ From the Author ~
Thank you for welcoming me, Meredith! This is one of my favorite parts of bringing out a new book: coming to Austenesque Reviews to share a first look at the cover. Without Undue Pride is all about trusting again, women’s power (or lack thereof), and finding one’s happiness—but it all came about because I wondered if I could write a book without Colonel Fitzwilliam.
I use him as Darcy’s wingman, sounding board, and ride-or-die bestie. But do I rely on him too much? Could I even write a book without him? So, RIP Colonel Fitzwilliam.
Without Undue Pride opens with Elizabeth as a pregnant, widowed war bride who has just made it out of war-torn Spain only to learn her husband’s family still hates her—except for her husband’s best friend, his cousin Mr. Darcy. As far as Darcy’s concerned, he owes it to his cousin to make sure Mrs. Fitzwilliam is taken care of. And when the Fitzwilliam family wants to take her unborn child, Darcy will do whatever he can to help her. Even if she’s not too sure she wants to rely on anyone.
Cue lots of time at Pemberley, falling in love.
Evelyne Labelle at Carpe Librum Book Designs designed the cover. After giving her the blurb, the only guidance I had—because I’m terrible at this stuff—was that I didn’t want a pregnant woman in black. I didn’t want to give the impression it was filled with grief and wasn’t a love story. It’s more Elizabeth’s arc than Darcy’s, but I still wanted both of them on the cover because their connection is vital to the story.
And this is what she came up with! I think she captured Elizabeth’s spirit well, and Darcy looks as steadfast and swoony on the cover as he’ll appear in the pages.
~ Book Description ~
Becoming a wife has cost her everything. Are his unflinching promises enough to make her risk the dangers of love once more?
Elizabeth Fitzwilliam, née Bennet, doesn’t believe she will ever trust. Left destitute and pregnant after her colonel husband dies on the battlefield, the once-lively widow is horrified when her brother-in-law threatens to seize custody of her child. So though she doesn’t have faith he’ll keep his word, the heartsore mother throws herself on the mercy of the one man who offers to help… the sternly handsome Mr. Darcy.
Fitzwilliam Darcy is unrelenting in matters of honor. And although he’s too busy mourning his relative to fully appreciate his guest’s quick wit and bright eyes, he finds unforeseen comfort in their blossoming friendship. But as their attachment grows deeper, he’s perplexed by her broken-hearted confessions and staunch refusal to even consider another courtship.
Torn between her desires and her experience, Elizabeth’s careful plans shatter after a shocking betrayal. And while he yearns to take her hand in marriage, Darcy fears she may value her independence more than his proposal.
Will betrayal and broken hearts stop their romance from blooming?
This Pride and Prejudice variation contains open door content and mention of an OC’s off page miscarriage.
~ Excerpt from Without Undue Pride ~
In this excerpt, a pregnant and destitute Elizabeth is staying in London with Darcy until they can convince Colonel Fitzwilliam’s brother Lord Milton to give Elizabeth money to live on. Darcy and Elizabeth are walking in town together and Darcy is trying to convince Elizabeth to shop with his sister and that he’ll pay for she has to replace.
***
“If you would be so good as to spare me from accompanying my sister to the shops,” Darcy said, “I will pay for whatever you need.”
She did not think she was a woman with undue pride, but how could she take more from him? “I am already accepting your hospitality and your help with Lord Milton. I cannot also accept your charity.”
“You do not know how long at a purchase Georgiana is. Time stops when she is deciding between a blue or a green ribbon. I beg you, take her shopping, and as a recompense for the hours you will waste with her indecisiveness, buy yourself whatever you need.”
“I cannot rely on you,” she whispered. The only person she could rely on was herself.
“Pay me back, if you insist on it. After Milton grants you an annuity or gives you a few thousand pounds to make you go away, you will be able to spend freely. But you will have to insist on repayment because I will never ask for it.”
Elizabeth felt herself wavering. Her face must have shown it because he added, “If you have any charitable feelings in your heart toward me, you will take my money and accompany Georgiana. I assure you, I make out better in this arrangement than you do.”
She laughed. He was direct, and not lively like her husband was, but Mr Darcy had his own wry humour. She found herself liking him even more. “I agree to your terms. But if Miss Darcy truly takes a long time to decide, I will have more time to spend more of your money.”
“Do not underestimate how much I value not having to spend four hours on Bond Street.”
They walked around Berkeley Square in silence, with Mr Darcy occasionally touching his hat to a passing rider or strolling group. When they turned the corner to face Charles Street, about to return to his house, he said, “You know that, when you are ready, I would like to know what happened to Fitzwilliam, but I also want to hear what happened to you.”
What was it about this man’s kindness that nearly moved her to tears? Her mother had hinted her emotions would be in a whirl because of the baby. That must be it.
“I do not want to talk about it.” No one at home had invited her to speak about the battle, or its aftermath, not even Jane. She had held on to that pain too dearly and for too long to share with anyone now.
“Perhaps someday,” he added gently. “Do you want to go back or walk around the square once more?”
He was giving her the chance to part from him if she wanted it. “I am not struggling with the early symptoms any longer, and I still have my usual energy. We can even walk a little faster.”
Mr Darcy clasped his hands behind his back and pushed out his elbow for her to take his arm. “Set our pace, Mrs Fitzwilliam.”
He was silent again. Her husband would have talked the entire walk, and she would have met him in the same spirited manner. There was nothing unpleasant about Mr Darcy’s silences, but she was soon ready for a little conversation.
“This is a more enjoyable stroll than walking the ramparts in Portsmouth,” she said by way of a beginning. “Have you ever been?”
He shook his head. “Did you enjoy your time in Portsmouth together? It was only a week or so after you married that you left for Spain, if I recall.”
“Everything there supplied amusement to my mind, and he was full of frolic and jokes.” After a pause, she asked, “Was he always so lighthearted?”
“Oh, often. He would joke when you would least expect it.” Mr Darcy laughed at some memory. “Or rather, when I least expected it and he knew it was most needed.”
“I had wished for higher-tiered conversations sometimes, but being deployed in a garrison under siege, facing an impending battle, would make one long for light topics.”
“He could talk on serious subjects,” Mr Darcy insisted. “Indeed, he had strong opinions and did not hesitate to share them.”
“Just not with me, or at least not at that time. He was so agreeable; he drew everyone to him,” she remembered with a fond smile.
Mr Darcy turned to look into her face. “You wanted someone to challenge you? Argue with you? You wanted to likewise have your opinion heard?”
He asked directly, with no tone of dismay or surprise, but what dependent woman would admit to wishing she had argued more with her dead husband? “I did not aim to be disagreeable,” she insisted. “Sometimes, I just wanted something more. Something deeper. Army life impeded our courtship; we were still coming to know one another. It was better for us to keep things light and bright. I understood,” she added before Mr Darcy could think she was a strange creature.
“You will enjoy your fortnight at my table, madam.”
“I likely will, but why are you certain?”
“I should hate to fight out of personal malice or revenge, but I have no objection to fighting for amusement and glory.”
She laughed again, thinking that she would enjoy this time with him after all. “I will do my best to argue you out of your most firmly held opinions, then.”
And without further ado….here is the big reveal!!!
(Expected release date March 4th)
and the full wrap…
It feels so full of emotion – so telling! I love that this cover encompasses so much so elegantly! 😍
Elizabeth is pensive, Mr. Darcy looks like he is dealing with a internal struggle, and there are scenery details that depict both war and pleasant views. 🖼️
This premise is amazing!! I love how daringly unique it is! First to see Elizabeth married to Colonel Fitzwilliam, than to see her widowed and with child, and lastly to see her in a friendship with Mr. Darcy where they are united by their mutual affection for Colonel Fitzwilliam…. 🤯
I loved the amiability and playfulness we see between Elizabeth and Darcy in this excerpt. It will be interesting to explore their relationship growing from a place of shared grief and connection. ❤️🩹
What do you think, friends? 🤔
~~~
You can Preorder Without Undue Pride now!
~~~
GIVEAWAY TIME!!
Today Heather brings with her a lovely prize to give away! One lucky commenter on this post will win an ebook copy of Without Undue Pride!
To enter this giveaway leave a comment, question, or some love for Heather!
- This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Heather!
- This giveaway ends February 12th!
A very lovely excerpt and a beautiful cover!
Thanks so much! I’m glad you liked it.
What a beautiful, intriguing cover! While I’m always Team Richard, I look forward to reading Ms. Moll’s book to learn about how Elizabeth and Darcy discover this new path to their destiny.
I love Colonel Fitzwilliam too! He is fondly remembered by everyone in Without Undue Pride, I promise. Thank you!
My goodness, I love the cover…the complete wrap! I love the Colonel, but having Elizabeth and Darcy come together in this way intrigues me! Congratulations, Heather and thank you for a chance at the giveaway!
The designer did a great job on the cover! She captured Elizabeth so well. Thank you, Carole!
Elizabeth has a whole new level of stubbornness here, but learning of her experiences and struggles makes them understandable. I love Darcy and his love, compassion and respect for Elizabeth! A wonderful story. Please don’t enter me in the giveaway!
Elizabeth has some healing to do, but she loves Darcy just as deeply as he loves her. Thanks Glynis!
That’s one of the best covers I’ve seen in a long time, and I’m kind of a cover snob! Best of luck with your new release, Heather.
Thank you! Evelyne can do no wrong, as far as I’m concerned!
I adore the cover. I admit that I have passed up on books before due to dislike of the cover. (Sometimes I will circle back and read them, but not always). The storyline sounds intriguing and you, Heather, never disappoint. I’m a big fan of Richard but I have faith in you and Darcy that he can pull this off and win Elizabeth’s heart. I’m excited to read a story where ODC are not adversaries to begin with. Congrats on this new release!
Covers play a big role in grabbing readers’ attention, so I’m so glad this one caught your eye. I love Colonel Fitzwilliam too. He’s well-loved in this book, even though he’s gone. Thank you!
I love the promise and the cover is perfect. Congratulations on another release, Heather!
Thanks so much Rebecca!
Lovely cover. Good luck with the release. I have this on my Wish List and will always jump to “borrow” through KU any story by this author.
Thanks for all your support Sheila!!
A lovely cover and a story that I want to read! Thanks for the giveaway.
I’m so glad both pique your interest! Thank you!
A beautiful cover to go along with an amazing story!
Thank you so much, my friend! You’ve been such a great cheerleader while I got this story out there.
Stunning cover; the entire wrap is beautiful.
Thank you!! I think the designer captured the mood perfectly!
You’re one of my favorite JAFF authors. Thank you for the excerpts. I look forward to reading another great variation.
Oh my gosh, you made me smile! Thanks for brightening my day!
The cover speaks to me–it is one I will remember and it draws me into the story. Congratulations on publishing a new book.
Thank you! I’m so glad it stands out. The cover designer did a stunning job.
Stunning cover, Heather! It matches the tone of the story so well. This one made me cry several times, but it’s also so sweet. I love the details and the emotional depth conveyed in the cover.
Thank you, Katie!! There are a few moments in this one that caught me, too, and I think the cover also captures that depth you mentioned.
I’m looking forward to it!
I’m so glad! Thanks for saying hi!
Okay, I love everything about this book, from the cover to the premise — though I agree it is very sad (and a challenge) not to have the beloved Colonel Fitzwilliam as Darcy’s wingman. I definitely will have to add this to my JAFF library!
I’m so excited by your enthusiasm! Thank you! And I’ll miss Colonel Fitzwilliam, here, too. I promise Darcy and Elizabeth won’t forget him.
I love the wraparound cover, so arresting! Your books are always a joy to read, look forward to this one!
Arresting is a great word for this cover! The designer is so talented. Thanks for your kind words!
What a beautiful cover. I love it. The blurb drew me in. Oh, Darcy and Elizabeth against the Fitzwilliam family. Together they will stand. Together they will come to know each other better. And, together they will fall in love. Oh, yes, please. I have put this on my wish list.
I’m so glad the blurb captured you! (All of your writer friends will tell you that blurb writing is one of the most dreaded parts of putting out a book! ) Thank you!!
Beautiful cover!
Thank you!! I was so pleased with how it turned out.
A wonderful cover, and the snippet definitely has me wanting more. It’s a shame the lovable Colonel Fitzwilliam is no more, but this way Darcy can be the knight in shining armour. Should our dear girl want his assistance.
Colonel Fitzwilliam IS lovable! His sacrifice for plot purposes will not be in vain, I promise. And Darcy will definitely be a knight in shining armor, when Elizabeth will allow for a little help in the rescue department. Thank you!
That cover is absolutely *stunning* 😀 And the premise! OMG, I need this book! I will definitely be adding this one to the TBR 🙂
I love your enthusiasm!! Thanks for making me smile and good luck in the giveaway.
The cover is unique enough to easily recognize when I peruse my kindle book list on my phone, which reduces the cover image to about an inch high. I appreciate that!
I will keep that in mind for future cover design projects! Mine always stand out to me while scrolling, but I realize that amid so many covers, it’s important to be stand out. Thank you!
Beautiful cover!
Thanks so much!!
The cover conveys a great deal of emotion! I look forward to reading this, as I do all of Heather’s books.
You’re so sweet! Thank you! And I love how expressive the cover is, too.
Love every single book Heather writes. Cannot wait to read!
I’m excited that you’re excited! Thank you!!
I LOVE this cover, and can’t wait to dive into the book!
Didn’t the designer do a wonderful job? I’m thrilled you’re ready to read it!
Yikes. I’m so torn. On the one hand I absolutely hate books where either Lizzy or Darcy is married to someone else. On the other I have absolutely loved every book Heather Moll has written … I guess this one will be a true test for me!
Well, she’s not married to someone else for very long lol. I hope you give it a chance so you can see Darcy be a swoony hero!
You were the randomly selected winner! Congrats! Email me at heathermoll@heathermollauthor.com to claim your ebook.
I look forward to reading rhua ar
thank you!!
I adore Heather Moll and the book blurb sounds incredible! I can’t wait to read it! February has so many great books to offer, and I look forward to them all.
Thank you Jean!! I can’t wait to bring this one out.
Love the cover and can’t wait to read the book!
Thank you! I’m happy you’re excited!
LOVE the cover!!!
Didn’t she do a great job?? She’s incredible.
Oh, this one is going to be good, I can tell. I’m really looking forward to reading it. What can I say about the cover or the premise that hasn’t been said? Can’t wait.
Congratulations on another book, Heather. Best of everything.
Thank you so much! I’m really excited for this one!!
I’ve read a couple of books where Elizabeth was married to Colonel Fitzwilliam first, but none where he’d already died, nor was she already pregnant. This sounds really interesting, and the cover is beautiful!
So glad the premise piqued your interest! I love the cover, too. She did a wonderful job.
Hi Meredith, this has nothing to do with Heather Molls books which I liked from the moment I read “An affectionate heart” and of course I shall read this new one, probably in two weeks when I will go skiing with my granddaughters.
For quite a while now I try to remember author and title a story I read about a year ago. Darcy and Elizabeth exchange notes hidden in books they lend from the circulation library in Meryton. Actually I do not even remember how it goes on when they are found out. Do you have a clue? Would be nice to discuss with said granddaughters, but I am afrid it will not work without the specific information
Thanks in advance and greetings from Central Europe
E
The cover is beautiful. I especially like the realism, contrasting near photos of the characters with the art of the background.
As for the story, I have read a book in the past with Elizabeth as the widow of the COL and the family wanted the child, and one where they just wanted the property. Darcy was her support is both.
The camp-following bride is a new take, offering depth and trauma. I look forward to it.
Thank you! I love how evocative the cover is. Elizabeth will have some issues to work through, but Darcy will be there to support her in this story, too.
I love the cover, premise & excerpt. Not to mention that Heather is one of my favorite authors!
Thank you!! You made me smile this morning.
Great cover! I love the excerpts I have read. I look forward to reading this one.
Thanks so much! I’m glad you’re looking forward to it.
Wonderful excerpt and a beautiful cover! Thank you for the chance to win a copy of the book. I’d love to read it!
Thank you! Best of luck in the giveaway!
Congratulations, Heather Moll! Looking forward to reading all of it ❤️❤️❤️
Thanks so much! I can’t wait to bring it out.
Thank you Heather for the excerpt. I too am intrigued by this unique premise, although so sad to lose Colonel Fitzwilliam. The cover is beautiful. You have become one of my favorite JAFF writers, so I look forward to any of your new novels. –Leslie
Hi Leslie! You’re so sweet to say so! Thank you. I’m sad to lose Colonel Fitzwilliam too, but he’s fondly remembered in Without Undue Pride.
OH, I hate that Colonel Fitzwilliam is gone. Even so, I’m intrigued how this will play out with E & D. Elizabeth’s eyes, such sadness.
I love Colonel Fitzwilliam too! He’s well-loved E in this book, even though he’s gone.
This is a beautiful, evocative cover. Both Elizabeth and Darcy look contemplative in their own way making me wonder what is ahead for them. I love Colonel Fitzwilliam and hate to lose him in this book, but I am interested to read how you use his death to bring these two together. Congratulations on completing another book!
Thank you! The designer did a lovely job capturing these two. I love the colonel, too, and Darcy and Elizabeth hold his memory as they move forward together.
I wish you would giveaway “paperback” books.
I will when the book comes out during the blog tour. And I do that every time I put a book out. I’m guessing you would like to not be entered into this giveaway and will wait for that one to try to win a paperback instead?
I have loved all of your books so far, so I am sure that I will love this one too! The cover is beautiful, and I’m glad Elizabeth is not wearing black. I’m looking forward to reading this, and thanks for the giveaway!
Thank you, Cyndy! You brightened my morning! I’m so glad you like the cover and are psyched for the book.
I loved the excerpt as it gives a glimpse into how Elizabeth married Col. Fitwilliam and why it will always be Mr Darcy for her.
Thanks for the giveaway!
That’s a really good point! She genuinely loved Colonel Fitzwilliam, but the relationship she grows to have with Darcy is deeper and very different. Good luck in the giveaway!
I’m hooked already! Can’t wait to read it!
Yay! I’m so glad it piqued your interest!!