Hi friends! Happy Friday!
I’m so pleased to welcome back author Belén Paccagnella to Austenesque Reviews today! 🤗
Today, Belén is here to celebrate the impending release of her new Pride and Prejudice variation titled – The Eye of the Storm. ⛈️
A story that seems to add some new twists to Elizabeth’s visit to Charlotte Collins and the events that unfold at Rosings. 📖
Belén is here to share an enticing excerpt that illustrates the gothic atmosphere we can expect in her new story! We hope you enjoy! 🙌🏼
~ Book Description ~
Rosings Manor is a house of secrets. Some are better kept buried.
When Elizabeth Bennet travels to Rosings Island, off the rugged coast of Wales, to visit her newly married friend Charlotte Collins, she expects ancient castles, dramatic landscapes, and perhaps only a few formal dinners with the formidable Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
But her Welsh adventure soon takes a darker turn.
A violent storm descends, cutting the island off from the world, and a chilling mystery unfolds. Elizabeth, the enigmatic Mr. Darcy, and the other guests find themselves trapped within the grand, decaying halls of Rosings in the presence of a murderer. Everyone is a suspect, for everyone has something to hide.
As fear spreads and the death toll rises, each revelation brings them closer to the truth, and Elizabeth finds herself unexpectedly drawn to the man she never thought she could love.
~ From the Author ~
Writing The Eye of the Storm was an especially enjoyable experience. Although it was originally written in English, during this revision I also worked on it in my native language, Spanish, sometimes moving between the two within the same scene. This back-and-forth allowed me to discover new nuances and enrich the story in unexpected ways.
Sometimes a single event can change the course of a story. That, I think, is the very spirit of fan fiction: imagining a different scenario and building a new story from that point forward.
This Rosings scene is far removed from the one imagined by Jane Austen. The old castle and the remote island where our protagonists find themselves unhappily situated are not the opulent estate we know, but a stone fortress worn by centuries and left to decay by an indifferent mistress who has herself been shaped by the secrets hidden within its walls.
It was no coincidence that I began imagining this story soon after reading Northanger Abbey. Its subtle Gothic undertone helped inspire this darker, more mysterious—and perhaps slightly more fantastical—vision of Rosings, though without Catherine Morland’s naiveté or Mr. Tilney’s cheerful skepticism.
In this old and somewhat decaying house, the characters find themselves gathered and isolated by a violent storm that lashes the island with fury, as if it had come to collect old debts.
The Welsh landscape proved to be the perfect backdrop for this tale. Its myths, ancient traditions, and rugged rocky coasts invite mystery, while its climate—where rain and wind dominate much of the year—creates the unsettling atmosphere surrounding the characters.
Some arrive seeking a future and stability. Others are there out of obligation. And Elizabeth Bennet, expecting nothing more than a friendly visit and perhaps a little adventure, soon finds herself trapped amid suspicion, deaths, and a growing sense of danger.
So I will leave you with a question.
When no one seems entirely trustworthy, who would you trust if you found yourself trapped at Rosings?
Excerpt from Chapter 6 – Thunderstruck
Disoriented and unsure of her surroundings, Elizabeth allowed herself to be guided, following the swift steps of
her rescuer. The sharp crack of branches and a heavy thud echoed behind her. She leaned closer, seeking shelter in his embrace. They reached the stairs leading to the terrace, and when she tripped over her skirts, his arm wrapped securely around her waist to prevent her fall. Her feet scarcely touched the floor as he swept her into the house. Only once they were safely inside did she open her eyes, standing breathless and soaked before her equally drenched saviour.
“Are you well?” Mr. Darcy asked, his chest heaving. All around, servants hurried about the room, closing windows and doors and lighting candles in preparation for the tempest that was beating the house.
Elizabeth gulped and managed a stunned nod.
“Lizzy!” Charlotte appeared beside her, taking her hands. “Are you injured? The tree—it almost fell over you!”
“Indeed!” cried Maria. “You barely made it out! Had it not been for Mr. Darcy, you would have been crushed!”
“I am well, thank you.” Elizabeth was still bewildered. “Good Lord! I have never seen anything like this!”
A few minutes passed in a bustle of Charlotte and Maria’s overlapping accounts—how the storm had broken, how they had sought shelter, how tablecloths had flown, dishes had shattered, and people had screamed, and Charlotte’s fear at not knowing where Elizabeth was. Elizabeth paid only half-hearted attention, still trying to shake off the shock of it all. When her breath had steadied and her friends’ excitement simmered down, she let her gaze roam the room in search of Mr. Darcy, intending to offer her thanks—yet he was gone. Vanished. When had he left? Instead, she caught sight of Lady Catherine at the far side of the room with Miss de Bourgh and Colonel Fitzwilliam. The roar of the wind drowned their voices, but their gestures betrayed a quarrel as fierce as the storm outside.
The colonel hurried towards Elizabeth as soon as he caught her eye. “Forgive me, Miss Bennet, for leaving your side at such a frightful moment, but I had to assist my cousin. I trust you will pardon the discourtesy.”
“Fitzwilliam! I am not finished!” cried her ladyship.
He turned to glare at his aunt, irritation sharpening every line of his face. “But I am. We shall speak later, after I have ensured everyone’s safety.”
Her ladyship’s cane rapped sharply the floor. “I will not be contradicted! Darcy! You must—” She faltered, suddenly aware her other nephew was absent. “Where is he? Why is he not here?”
“He’s outside, ma’am,” a passing servant replied. “I saw him making his way towards the yard. I believe he’s helping the servants see the families off.”
“I cannot believe you sent those families away in this weather.” Colonel Fitzwilliam’s face flushed.
Lady Catherine stood tall, glaring at the colonel with a surly expression, unmoved by her nephew’s accusation.
“I must help him.” The colonel hurried towards the door with Miss de Bourgh trailing behind.
“Richard! Stop!” Miss de Bourgh seized his sleeve. “It is too dangerous!”
“Anne! Let him go,” bellowed Lady Catherine. “Darcy must be brought back to the house safe and sound.”
“So you would rather risk Richard’s life? He is your nephew too!”
The rain intensified, rendering the gardens all but invisible. A lightning strike landed too close to the house, turning everything white and shaking the latticed windows. A few panes shattered, letting gusts of wind sweep through the room. Several candles were extinguished, and gloom enveloped the space.
Everyone stood petrified, stunned by the flash of lightning and the rumbling echo that immediately followed. A sharp chill swept through the room. Soaked as she was, Elizabeth braced herself as cold air grazed her bare arms. Maria sobbed on her sister’s shoulder, while Mr. Collins had dropped to his knees, head tilted upward, eyes closed, and hands clasped in prayer. Near the door, Miss de Bourgh clung to the colonel’s arm, whether out of fear or to prevent him from leaving, Elizabeth could not tell.
Ooh! I love the dramatic tension! I felt so drawn into the alarming situation. 😯
This storm seems terrifying. I’m eager to see how everyone manages through it. 📖
~~~
~ Connect with Belén ~
Facebook ❧ Twitter ❧ Instagram
The Eye of the Storm is available for pre-order now!
and will be released on March 30th!
~~~
GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
Belén is generously giving away 
ebook copy of The Eye of the Storm in conjunction with her visit today!
To enter this giveaway leave a comment, question, or some love for Belén!
- This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Belén!
- This giveaway ends April 11th!
This is definitely a Rosings we have never seen, amd Lady Carherine is more horrible than usual. The storm is also very Gothic. Catherine Morland would love this story, and look forward to reading it.
Thank you Frances!!! Catherine would have loved to visit this Rosings!
Will this also be released in the author’s native Spanish? I have an MA in Spanish literature, and was an ARC reader for Cristina Huelz’s translation of Summer Hanford’s “Mr. Darcy’s Bookshop.” Re-reading familiar books in Spanish translation is great practice for me!
Hi Catherine!!! Yes, it will, available in both ebook and paperback. I’d love to have more Spanish readers!!!
Oh how exciting. I always love it when Elizabeth gets to see the real underlying goodness of Darcy without all the societal hubbub getting in the way. The storm sounds ferocious, and the tension exciting. Lady Cat seems like a real piece of work in this one. I can’t wait to read it! Congratulations on your release Belen!
Thank you Melissa! Now, does she? or is she giving him a free pass, due to the circumstances?
Love the gothic feel of this variation. Looking forward to reading it. Thanks!
I hope you do, Olga. Thank you for stopping by
I grew up reading gothic novels. This sounds right up my alley! Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the book.
thank you Pam! I hope you get the chance to read it.
Looking forward to reading this!
Thank you Lisa!
This is would SUPER exciting with a fantastic narrator! Either way, I’ll be sure to pick this one up
I guess I’ll have to find one! There is plenty of action in this story, so a good narrator is crucial.
I love mysteries and haunted places! I will be sure to read this story. Congratulations, Belen!
Well, this Rosings is all about mystery. And death. Thank you for stopping by!!!
I am so hooked! I can’t WAIT to dive in and start reading. What a great couple of teasers! So looking forward to the rest of it.
Amy!! I hope you enjoy the rest of the story!
Lady Catherine is completely heartless and self absorbed in both these. I like that in option 2 Darcy was the one who saved Elizabeth!
Hi Glinys! Well, that she is.
Thanks Ms Paccagnella, I’m looking forward to read it!
Thanks, Valerie! I hope you enjoy this gothic tale.
I’m excited about this story, and I’m looking forward to reading it.
Hi Jennie! I’d love to know what you think of it.
As soon as I started reading the description, I thought “Northanger Abbey”! Thank you for the excerpt and giveaway. Congrats and best wishes on the new release!
Hi Robin! I’m glad you recognized the NA vibe. Writing a more gothic story was quite an experience!
Wow, that was intense. I can’t wait to read this. The cover’s lovely, as well!
Janet did an excellent job, as usual. She made all my covers. Fantastic designer!
I’ve heard wonderful things about this book.
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I hope they didn’t spoil anything! There is a thrilling mystery to resolve.
Wow – sounds fascinating. Looking forward to reading it when it comes out.
Hello Janet! I hope you enjoy it.
How very gothic! I’m really excited about reading this after these excerpts.
Hi Terry! My first attempt at mystery, and it was delightful. I hope you like this one.
Felicidades Belen! (Apologies- I know the word but not the keyboard to get the correct diacritic marks LOL)
I love what I have read so far! I don’t recall having read this setting before with Rosings being an island. In reading your two options, I believe the second one is great for a regency gothic story!
The giveaway is appreciated but it will be a win getting to read your book when it releases
Hi Carrie!!! Thank you! I agree, the 2nd one is nor dramatic. A lot of action onwards. And tragedy.
Enjoyed the excerpt. Congrats!
Thank you! I hope you enjoy the novel as well.
Looks like a fun read. I am looking forward to it!
If you like mystery, it is a bumpy ride. Lots of action.
Thank you for hosting, Meredith! I loved the excerpt! I had the privilege of reading this book, and it is awesome! I wish you much success, Belén!
Thank you Janet for making this beautiful cover and having so much faith in this story.
Sounds like a very interesting story to read! I loved the excerpts and the cover!
Hello Audny. Janet made that beautiful cover. I hope you read the story.
Confrontations with Lady C are brewing! Thanks for the excerpts.
Hi Lois. There are a few confrontations, and very intense. Those are just the beginning.
Thank You Meredith for hosting me. It is always a pleasure to come to Austenesque Reviews.
Sounds amazing!
thank you Julie!
The description of the storm was amazingly brilliant in both scenes. This story will keep me on the edge of my seat throughout-I foresee some sleepless nights while reading the tale. Congratulations on publishing another book.
Thank you Janet!! the storm is the third protagonist of this story. The fourth would be the mansion.
Wonderful excerpt and LOVE the cover! Congratulations on your new release and best wishes.
Hi Jennifer! Janed did an excellent job, as usual. It captures the essence of Elizabeth and the story.
Hi Belén, I love the gothic scenario with all that tension in the air. I wouldn’t want to stay alone with Lady C
Thanks for the giveaway!
Hello Teresa. Nobody wants to stay around her. That’s the core of the whole story.
I am always pleased when Austenesque authors move into my neck of the woods (Wales)!
I hope you find this depiction of Wales is accurate! It’s a fictional island. I did my research, but one never nows. Tell me what you think!
I had the privilege of reading an early version of this story, and it crackles with tension Catherine Morland could only dream about. I encourage everyone, including Meredith, to read this story.
Thank you Suzan pfor stopping by!
Many congratulations on a new release. It sounds very exciting and I look forward to reading it. I love the Welsh coast so it will be doubly enjoyable I am sure.
Thank You Janey! The Welsh coast is a great scenario for a gothic story.
I loved your novel “When Duty Calls” and this new novel sounds very interesting with all the gothic atmospheres. I enjoyed the two excerpts and look forward to reading more. –Leslie
Hi Leslie! I how you enjoy this one as well!
This is definitely a different take and I look forward to reading this book.
I love both offerings – and knower I’m a bit late opining.
The story promises to be gripping and suspenseful.