“The Last House in Lambton” by Grace Gibson, excerpt, review + giveaway

Dear all,

I hope I find you all well and enjoying this lovely season. I adore the colours of fall and I imagine them on the book that I am happy to show you todays: The Last House in Lambton by Grace Gibson.

There is a lot to read today, so I will start sharing the blurb.

Does it ever stop raining in Lambton?

Darcy and Bingley depart Netherfield Park, leaving Elizabeth Bennet acutely aware of the monotony of her life. Seeking a reprieve, she volunteers to serve as temporary companion to Mrs. Gardiner’s elderly aunt who lives in Lambton. Nothing turns out as Elizabeth expects, and she is forced to dig deep into her reserves of common sense, humor, and stubborn persistence to prove herself equal to the dreary circumstances. 

Initially unaware that Pemberley is only five miles away, Elizabeth crosses paths with Darcy annoyingly often. When the gentleman rescues her from a shocking situation, Elizabeth faces some hard choices, at the same time struggling against the smoldering attraction that can neither be repressed nor fulfilled.

Mr. Darcy, meanwhile, in whose heart a fire has also been lit, is shocked by the lady’s stubborn refusal to accept his help. Alternating between alarm and begrudging admiration, he stands helplessly on the sidelines while she struggles to retain her independence. He, too, must make some hard choices in the end. Will he let her go?

Yes, the situation from where he rescues her it is pretty schocking but I think Elizabeth tries to manage it quite well…

Anyone is surprised that she is stubborn? 😀

Look at the mosaics on Grace´s picture!

In addition to mosaic art, which she creates at Studio Luminaria (her home-based glass shop in El Paso, Texas), Grace enjoys writing Regency romance and Pride and Prejudice variations.

Follow her on Facebook.

It is lovely to visit My Vices and Weaknesses today, Ana. Thank you so much for having me!

We all adore Mr. Darcy, otherwise we would not be here today talking about him! But don’t you also enjoy seeing his confidence shaken for once? Perhaps, as I do, you also chuckle with satisfaction when his perfect manners slip, his storied composure breaks, and he is made more than a little uncomfortable by a pert young lady with a rather sharp tongue.

Here is an excerpt told from Mr. Darcy’s point of view in which just this sort of humbling takes place:

“What do you hear from Mr. Bingley, sir?” she asked.

Bingley! I did not want to talk about Bingley. I mumbled a vague reply that I had left him in London, to which she mused aloud that she had thought he might have since left town. To my horror, she then related to me in the most knowing manner that her sister had been in London, had tried to reestablish a connection with that family, and had been rebuffed!

I formulated a pathetic explanation that I thought he might indeed have left for Scarborough, only to be exposed by my artless sister who blurted out unhelpfully, “But I saw Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst very lately, and they made no mention of leaving London.”

As my face flushed at having been caught out, I was then treated to a verbal mauling the likes of which took my breath away.

Oh lord. Elizabeth is about to unleash her wit on poor Mr. Darcy! If you would like to find out just what she said to him on this and many other occasions in this retelling, sign up to win a free copy of The Last House in Lambton. I hope you will discover that an imperfect Darcy is more loveable than ever.

I have really enjoyed having both Elizabeth and Darcy´s point of view. I always like how Darcy reacts with Elizabeth, and example that you can find on the excerpt that Grace Gibson has shared with us.

As you have read in the blurb, Elizabeth is pretty empty and bored, however, perhaps she was to hasty to help her aunt´s relative. It is not even closed to what she had in mind, she actually has to work (gasp!). Although it is Elizabeth and we know she is strong and all but she is up for a scare at the beginning. Hopefully, she also gets Mrs. Reynolds’ help even before she sees Darcy. I will not tell you about their meeting at Mrs. Reynolds’ office but I can say I find it funny and a bit endearing (and it won´t be the last time Elizabeth has to ask for her help).

Elizabeth has to learn so much about managing a household that she realises how deficient her education in that aspect it. However, without knowing it, this will be very useful to help her with her relationship with her mother and will aslo be useful for her sisters.

When Elizabeth starts seeing that Darcy is actually caring, she is quite stubborn to accept help, as it can be read on the blurb, however, she knows she has to accept the offer from Darcy to protect also her “aunty”, but this may be seen as something that it is not. Yes, you are reading it well, it could be mistaken. Fortunately, Georgiana is there and Elizabeth is able to rest because she is not the only one helping her aunty.

There is a point when Elizabeth returns home that I do not like. She is the one making the decision for others, or another, when she used to dislike Darcy doing that.

Anyway, I have really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend you. It is a nice read, it is not angsty per se but many things happen around this couple.

Moreover, you will then meet the neighbour in the second to last house in Lambton ;D

Follow the blog tour, you will get so much more from this book!

November 7   Babblings of a Bookworm

November 8   My Jane Austen Book Club

November 9   Austenesque Reviews

November 10 From Pemberley to Milton

November 11 My Vices and Weaknesses

November 12 Interests of a Jane Austen Girl

What about buying the book? Here you have a link:

Amazon Universal Link

Meryton Press is giving away an ebook copy of The Last House in Lambton to one person commenting on this post. Let me know what you think of the book so far, or my review. The contest is open until 23:59 (CEST) on the 17th of November 2022. Good luck!

What a beautiful and amazing cover, Janet!!

“Kiss me Goodnight, Major Darcy” by Georgina Young-Ellis, excerpt, review + giveaway

The wind ruffled Darcy’s hair. “You’re beautiful.”

Happiness surged through Elizabeth’s body like electricity. This moment was as close to perfection as she had ever known.

1943. World War II has torn the continent since 1939 and tested families, the Bennets included. Elizabeth and Jane nurse wounded soldiers and civilians in a London hospital. The other sisters volunteer as best suits their inclinations. Mr. Bennet rattles about Longbourn. Wickham sniffs about the edges of the estate—and the Bennet daughters.

Even the ever-present threat of death from the skies cannot prepare Jane and Lizzy for the most devastating news. The words one never wishes to hear are delivered by two officers, each scarred by years on the front lines. In the dark days that follow, devotion is tested, and affection blooms.

Kiss Me Good Night, Major Darcy drops Jane Austen’s timeless characters into the midst of the most horrific conflict in human history. Their trail twists and encounters those who would turn sacrifice to their profit. Follow the women of Longbourn as they navigate the rocks and shoals of wartime Great Britain to endure misunderstandings and discover lasting love.

What do you think? You may have read this blurb before but we are getting so much more today from Georgina! Muchas gracias, Georgina.

Georgina lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband, Jon, who is an artist and professor of Media Arts. In 2015, they moved from New York City, where they lived for eighteen years, to Portland Oregon. Their son, a professional musician and sound engineer, still lives in Brooklyn. Georgina is a member of the Screen Actors Guild and was a stage actress for many years. Born and raised in the Southwest, she went to school in New York, graduating from New York University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater. She’s also a language professor and, of course, a writer, recently graduating from Portland State University with a master’s degree in Spanish Language and Literature. In 2022 she was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship to identify and connect with emerging female writers in Mexico and support them to free their literary voices.

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Blog: Nerd Girls, Romantics, and Time Travelers

Enjoy the diary entry and the excerpt that Georgina is sharing with us 🙂

Hi Ana, thanks so much for hosting me on your blog! For this post, I’m sharing a diary entry by Mary. It’s not in the book, but it’s what I imagine Mary might write about at the point in the story in which the excerpt takes place. Just so the readers know, the excerpt that follows the diary entry is taken from quite early in the book, before Lizzy has caught on to what a cad Wickham is. Don’t despair, readers, she comes to her senses soon enough! In the meantime, let’s see what’s on Mary’s mind.

Dear Diary,

Joining up with the Women’s Land Army is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I was such a homebody before, such a bookworm. Oh, don’t get me wrong, I will never give up my beloved books and my scripture study, but now I’ve found a whole other purpose in life: being outdoors in the fresh air and reveling in God’s beautiful creation. Not only that, but I’m doing my part for the war effort by tending the fields while the farmers are on the front lines. You know what they say, “Dig for Victory!” I’ve come to feel so strong, so purposeful. I feel there’s nothing I couldn’t tackle now, nothing I couldn’t undertake. What on earth will I do when the war is over? I shouldn’t say that. There is nothing I could want more than for this terrible war to end, but then what? Go back to being meek little Mary, staying at home and hoping beyond hope that a husband might come along for me one day? I don’t have the stomach to work as a nurse or hospital volunteer as my sisters do, but maybe I can become a secretary. Or a school teacher. No, that doesn’t suit. I must do something that aids mankind. Something that contributes to the greater good like I’m doing now. And as for a husband, surely I’ll only meet a worthy candidate if I’m out in the world, serving, and striving, and working for the greater good. No, no more thoughts of husbands. Heaven forbid I sound like Lydia! For now, I must go to sleep for I’ll be up with the sun. Oh, the glory of each new day and all it brings!

Love,

Mary

Excerpt:

Lizzy wondered: What could Papa’s motives be for wanting Wickham to walk out alone with me? Lizzy looked at her father and squinted, but he innocently smiled back at her. Did he think George Wickham was a good match?

“Very well, then,” Wickham said enthusiastically, “let’s be off.”

Lizzy grabbed her hat, and they ventured out into the sunshine.

Before long, Wickham spoke. “I heard it was Major Fitzwilliam Darcy who delivered the news to Miss Bennet about Captain Duncan’s death.”

“He and Captain Bingley. They were wounded in the same grenade explosion that killed Robert.”

“Yes, I did hear something to that effect. I heard Darcy’s eye was injured, and Bingley’s arm.”

“You ‘hear’ a lot of things,” Lizzy teased. “Where do you get your information?”

“Oh…well, I don’t know how much you know about my relationship with the Darcy family, but it goes way back.”

Lizzy was surprised. “I know nothing. Family friends, then?”

“Used to be. Used to be quite great friends. I was practically raised by the Darcy family.”

“Really?”

“Yes, my father was Pemberley’s steward when old Mr. Darcy was still alive. I don’t mind telling you, I was quite the favorite of old Mr. Darcy’s. I dare say Fitz was rather jealous.”

What can I say to this? she wondered.

George Wickham went on. “Mr. Darcy made sure I had as good an education as Fitz. I should have been accepted into the Officer’s Academy, but I was not.”

“I don’t understand. What happened?”

“I can’t say for sure. But it was the same year that Fitz and his good pal Bingley were accepted. I always had the feeling Fitz pulled some strings and blackballed me. I can’t prove it, but I wouldn’t doubt it. He ruined my chances simply out of resentment.”

“That’s astonishing! I can’t believe he would do such a thing. Not that I know him well at all. It’s just so…ungentlemanly.”

“Humph, don’t let him fool you. He’s not the ‘gentleman’ he makes everyone think he is. It takes more than money to make one a gentleman, don’t you think, Elizabeth?”

“Of course.” If Private Wickham was correct about Major Darcy, the man was a vindictive bounder!

Wickham continued. “In fact, I find it a little suspicious that Darcy and Bingley were sent home from Italy with such relatively minor injuries.”

“Are they minor?”

“Compared to others who are not treated with such deference. I suspect Darcy’s cousin—Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam—had something to do with it.”

“A colonel!”

“Yes, with a lot of influence. He’s the second son of an earl, and you know how those birds feather each other’s nests. I think he pulled strings to get his cousin, and his cousin’s best friend, out of harm’s way.”

“I can’t imagine either Major Darcy or Captain Bingley would agree to that.”

“I’m sure they wouldn’t have had a say in the matter.”

Lizzy pondered this for a moment.

“I have no beef with Charlie Bingley, you understand. He’s not a bad chap. We were friends until Darcy turned him against me. I’m still friends with his sister, Caroline. We correspond now and then. It’s through her that I know what I know about Fitz and Charles.”

“Charles said Caroline and Georgiana, Major Darcy’s sister, are friends as well.”

“Ah, Georgiana…a sweet kid, but kind of a pain in the neck if you ask me.”

“Really?” Lizzy said with a laugh.

“Yes, she always had a crush on me. A schoolgirl thing, nothing more,” he added quickly.

Lizzy nodded. Who would not be charmed by the handsome and friendly George Wickham? “The farm where Mary works is just up ahead here.”

“What beautiful countryside!” he exclaimed.

“I agree. Mary works some days here since Mr. Tidwell’s eldest son was called up and others on neighboring farms including Papa’s.”

Private Wickham nodded with interest.

Up ahead were Tidwell’s fields, dotted with women bent to their work. A tractor lumbered across a newly plowed area. The woman operating it waved at them. It was Mary!

Lizzy ran toward her with Wickham close behind.

Lizzy called out to her. “Mary! What are you doing?”

“I just learned to drive it!” Mary replied, yelling across the intervening distance. Some of the women scattered to get out of her way as she veered in their direction. “Sorry! Sorry!” Mary called to them.

“Oh goodness, I’m not sure it was a good idea to let Mary operate that monster,” Lizzy said to Wickham. The gears loudly complained, and the tractor came to an abrupt stop. Lizzy and Wickham edged nearer as if it were an unbroken horse waiting to lash out.

“I’m still getting used to it,” Mary said with a grin.

“I can see that,” said Lizzy.

Wickham chimed in, “I’m impressed! A lady driving a tractor! What’s next?”

Mary responded with importance, “Women have been doing this kind of heavy farm work for years. Where we’re needed, there we are.”

Wickham’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “Are you a suffragette?”

“Goodness, that’s an old-fashioned word, Private Wickham,” said Mary, who had also met him last Christmas. “We’ve had the same voting rights as men for more than ten years, now!”

“Yes, I know,” he said. “And I’m sure you’re exercising it.”

“I’m not old enough, but I will. You can count on it.

“Well, Mary, we don’t want to interrupt your work, but do be careful,” Lizzy admonished.

“Don’t worry about me,” Mary said, starting the tractor motor up again with a roar. “I can handle this thing.”

The tractor jolted forward, and Lizzy jumped backward.

Mary drove off across the field, now empty as her fellow workers had found safer employment elsewhere on the farm.

It is not the first time I read a Pride and Prejudice variation set during the WW2 but fortunately authors have amazing minds and there can be so many things happening. Georgina Young-Ellis is not an exception and I have enjoyed reading Kiss Me Goodnight, Major Darcy.

Darcy and Bingley have to take some news to a Bennet member and they meet there, in the worst circumstances. However, first impressions are always happening and Elizabeth is not indifferent.

They meet occasionally and one of those times is a ball, however, as usual, Wichkam has to be around. He met the Bennets a few months ago and he, as the blurb says, sniffs around a lot. He is very annoying and, as we know, a cad. I liked the first encounter between Wickham and Darcy in this book, even if Darcy thinks it is a rendez-vous between the Bennet sisters and him.

I have enjoyed their encounters and, as per cannon, Elizabeth believes Wickham and tries to find only bad things on Darcy. However, she may not be indifferent to him… (obviously 😀 ) By the way, what would be the insult from Darcy?

Characters which have surprised me positively: Mary, you have already read a lot on her diary and the excerpt that Georgina has shared, but she is pretty great. Charlotte, Elizabeth’s friend, who is so helpful to some of those in need and does anything she can. Anne de Bourgh, she grows a backbone and she is a great asset to people.

You may ask yourself about the title and I will not say anything apart from that is said at the end of the book, everything that surrounds that moment is awesome: where they are, why they are there, who they are with. Lovely moments!

Thank you for reading this post. I highly recommend you to check the previous posts to get to know more about Kiss Me Goodnight, Major Darcy.

June 27 From Pemberley to Milton

June 28 My Jane Austen Book Club

June 29 So little time…

June 30 Interests of a Jane Austen Girl

July 1 Babblings of a Bookworm

July 2 My Vices and Weaknesses

What about buying the book? You can do it here:

Amazon US Amazon CA Amazon UK Amazon DE Amazon ES

During this blog tour, Meryton Press is giving away six ebook copies of Kiss Me Goodnight, Major Darcy. To participate click the link below and follow instructions.

Rafflecopter – Kiss Me Goodnight, Major Darcy

“Bloomsbury Girls” by Natalie Jenner, review of the audiobook

BOOK TRAILER

I recommend you to click on the link above this, you will see the book trailer of Bloomsbury Girls. It gives a peak of this lovely book.

In case you cannot watch it now, you have next the description of the book with the girls from Bloomsbury 🙂

Natalie Jenner, the internationally bestselling author of The Jane Austen Society, returns with a compelling and heartwarming story of post-war London, a century-old bookstore, and three women determined to find their way in a fast-changing world in Bloomsbury Girls.

Bloomsbury Books is an old-fashioned new and rare bookstore that has persisted and resisted change for a hundred years, run by men and guided by the general manager’s unbreakable fifty-one rules. But in 1950, the world is changing, especially the world of books and publishing, and at Bloomsbury Books, the girls in the shop have plans:

Vivien Lowry: Single since her aristocratic fiancé was killed in action during World War II, the brilliant and stylish Vivien has a long list of grievances–most of them well justified and the biggest of which is Alec McDonough, the Head of Fiction.

Grace Perkins: Married with two sons, she’s been working to support the family following her husband’s breakdown in the aftermath of the war. Torn between duty to her family and dreams of her own.

Evie Stone: In the first class of female students from Cambridge permitted to earn a degree, Evie was denied an academic position in favor of her less accomplished male rival. Now she’s working at Bloomsbury Books while she plans to remake her own future.

As they interact with various literary figures of the time–Daphne Du Maurier, Ellen Doubleday, Sonia Blair (widow of George Orwell), Samuel Beckett, Peggy Guggenheim, and others–these three women with their complex web of relationships, goals and dreams are all working to plot out a future that is richer and more rewarding than anything society will allow.

Natalie Jenner is the author of the instant international bestseller The Jane Austen Society and Bloomsbury Girls. A Goodreads Choice Award runner-up for historical fiction and finalist for best debut novel, The Jane Austen Society was a USA Today and #1 national bestseller and has been sold for translation in twenty countries. Born in England and raised in Canada, Natalie has been a corporate lawyer, career coach and, most recently, an independent bookstore owner in Oakville, Ontario, where she lives with her family and two rescue dogs. Visit her website to learn more.

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

As you may have read on the title of the post, I am review this book but I have listen to it. I am not going to tell you much just yet. First, we have some words from the author about Bloomsbury Girls, both the story and the audiobook.

Dear readers,

I am immensely grateful for the outpouring of affection that so many of you have expressed for my debut novel The Jane Austen Society and its eight main characters. When I wrote its epilogue (in one go and without ever changing a word), I wanted to give each of Adam, Mimi, Dr. Gray, Adeline, Yardley, Frances, Evie and Andrew the happy Austenesque ending they each deserved. But I could not let go of servant girl Evie Stone, the youngest and only character inspired by real life (my mother, who had to leave school at age fourteen, and my daughter, who does eighteenth-century research for a university professor and his team). BloomsburyGirls continues Evie’s adventures into a 1950s London bookshop where there is a battle of the sexes raging between the male managers and the female staff, who decide to pull together their smarts, connections, and limited resources to take over the shop and make it their own. There are dozens of new characters in BloomsburyGirls from several different countries, and audiobook narration was going to require a female voice of the highest training and caliber. When I learned that British stage and screen actress Juliet Stevenson, CBE, had agreed to narrate, I knew that my story could not be in better hands, and I so hope you enjoy reading or listening to it.

Warmest regards,

Natalie

SOME ADVANCE PRAISE

“In a London still reeling from the ravages of World War II and the changes war has brought to English society, three young women take their futures into their own hands. With Bloomsbury Girls, Natalie Jenner has penned a timely and beautiful ode to ambition, friendship, bookshops, and the written word.” —Janet Skeslien Charles, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Library

“In post-war London, Bloomsbury Books survived The Blitz until Vivien Lowry, Grace Perkins, and Evie Stone set off their own bomb on the stuffy all-male management. What ensues is the most delightful, witty, and endearing story you will read this year. Natalie Jenner, bestselling author of The Jane Austen Society, proves that she was not a one hit wonder. Like Austen, her second book is even better than the first.” —Laurel Ann Nattress, editor of Jane Austen Made Me Do It 

Would you like to buy the book or the audio book? Here are some links you could use.

PRINT & DIGITAL BOOK

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY |

BOOKSHOP | GOODREADS | BOOKBUB

AUDIOBOOK

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY | BOOKSHOP | GOODREADS

As the advanced praise says, three women who want to have their future on their own hands. However, it is not easy until you are decided. These ladies are very different from each other both in personality and how their life has gone so far. However, they have their dreams and getting to know each other (for several years or barely a couple of months) is the trigger to a better chapter in their life.

The men in the book are also extremely different and some have their own dreams or their own frustrations (Alec 😉 ) However, they are secondary but play an important role as they are the ones that, intentionally or unintentionally, could stop these ladies from dreaming and having those dreams come true. However, I am sure that they would have done it because even if these three ladies are our main protagonists, also knowing the ladies mentioned on the description opens a huge world of possibilities to Evie, Grace and Vivien. These ladies are and have been independent even when married (money may help but it is not the only thing needed), and for instance, Vivien likes what she is learning from them.

I am not going to get into the romantic sides of Bloomsbury Girls but I have to say that I have enjoyed the different relationships and how they… ended?

Moreover, I like the descriptions of the society at the time and the different descriptions of places in London, and the daily life of these characters flows easily while listening to Juliet Stevenson.

“The Murder of Mr. Wickham” by Claudia Gray, review

A summer house party turns into a thrilling whodunit when Jane Austen’s Mr. Wickham—one of literature’s most notorious villains—meets a sudden and suspicious end in this brilliantly imagined mystery featuring Austen’s leading literary characters.

The happily married Mr. Knightley and Emma are throwing a party at their country estate, bringing together distant relatives and new acquaintances—characters beloved by Jane Austen fans. Definitely not invited is Mr. Wickham, whose latest financial scheme has netted him an even broader array of enemies. As tempers flare and secrets are revealed, it’s clear that everyone would be happier if Mr. Wickham got his comeuppance. Yet they’re all shocked when Wickham turns up murdered—except, of course, for the killer hidden in their midst.

Nearly everyone at the house party is a suspect, so it falls to the party’s two youngest guests to solve the mystery: Juliet Tilney, the smart and resourceful daughter of Catherine and Henry, eager for adventure beyond Northanger Abbey; and Jonathan Darcy, the Darcys’ eldest son, whose adherence to propriety makes his father seem almost relaxed. In this tantalizing fusion of Austen and Christie, from New York Times bestselling author Claudia Gray, the unlikely pair must put aside their own poor first impressions and uncover the guilty party—before an innocent person is sentenced to hang. 

How do you like a mystery? If you like one or you want to try this genre, you have here a mystery with a lot of Jane Austen’s characters.

If you like Clue, you will like The Murder of Mr. Wickham by Claudia Gray. You may suspect almost everyone in the house!

AMAZON US | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY | BOOKSHOP GOODREADS | BOOKBUB | AMAZON UK | AMAZON CA | AMAZON ES

I am glad to introduce you to Claudia Gray, you may know her thanks to her writing that varies from science fiction to this book where Jane Austen meets Agatha Christie (Austenprose).

Claudia Gray is the pseudonym of Amy Vincent. She is the writer of multiple young adult novels, including the Evernight series, the Firebird trilogy, and the Constellation trilogy. In addition, she’s written several Star Wars novels, such as Lost Stars and Bloodline. She makes her home in New Orleans with her husband Paul and assorted small dogs. 

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

What do you think of the blurb? How come the two youngsters of this house party play detective? Well, justice is the answer but I am not going to say what that means. Yes, Jonathan Darcy is “worst” than his father when he was younger. However, it is great to get to read his thoughts, as the thoughts of many other characters.

I have liked how the story and the discoveries have gone, however, the magistrate was quite lacking on discernment. To be honest, in the book, his role has been described as more of a on paper job as there was not need to do much until this event, but it was still lacking. You may be surprised to know who he is.

The couples (the Darcys, the Brandons, the Knightleys, the Bertrams and the Wentworths) all have their own problems before the murder, however, these problems may be accentuated after the murder. These issues are very different from couple to couple.

The epilogue is something that I have enjoyed, I would have just hoped to have a bit more about some people… two of them specifically and know what more happened to them.

Mini-review of “The Arranged Marriage” by Gillian Hawser

A story of courage and independence, The Arranged Marriage focuses on Perpetua Mordaunt, the diffident, shy and plain daughter of the Duke of Staplefield. 

It is the duty of all daughters to marry, but even knowing this Perpetua is horrified when she is forced by her father and narcissistic mother into a marriage with a man she hardly knows to save the family fortune and reputation. Trapped, unable to get her confident and beautiful siblings to understand her distress, the only option that appears open to her is to become a governess so after the last words fade from the ceremony, she runs away to Bath. 

Here she is directed to The Registry where she hopes to obtain a position. Rejected, desperate, she is rescued by a Mrs Lumley and her beloved daughter, Dora, who wishes for Dora to obtain some town polish. Petty blossoms under the adoring society – but when she sees her husband at a party, she realises not all problems can be run away from.

Gillian Hawser: Twitter Instagram IMDB

The Arranged Marriage: Amazon UK Amazon CA Amazon US

Nice reading although with the premise that she runs away after marrying which sounds a bit strange. However, this gives room for some of the things that happen once she encounters her husband and mainly that first conversation/argument once they meet again.

Perpetua, Petty, actually finds positions that are pretty different but in the second one she sticks to what she feels is right, to protect that girl despite of being quite selfish and because of that girl there is the last and main event that could be called an adventure if it would not be something bad.

I did not really enjoy all the descriptions of all the women mentioned to be super beautiful, one more than the previous one. It seemed quite annoying to read that several times.

3.5-4 stars

“The Siren of Sussex” by Mimi Matthews, review + US giveaway

Dear all,

I hope you keep well, have you realised that we are at the end of January 2022 already? I wish you have had a nice month and perhaps you are still following your New Year’s resolutions, if any. I hope one of yours is to keep reading. Therefore, I have a recommendation today: The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews. In case you are not sure, this is not an Austenesque/JAFF book but it does not mean that it is not good!

Apart from my review, if you live in the USA, you could win a great prize full of goodies, moreover, the blog tour is huge! You can read many reviews if you do not trust me 😉

Let me then, introduce you first to the author and welcome her to My Vices and Weaknesses.

USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning proper Victorian romances. Her novels have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, and Kirkus, and her articles have been featured on the Victorian Web, the Journal of Victorian Culture, and in syndication at BUST Magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes a retired Andalusian dressage horse, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats.

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK 

PINTEREST | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

The Siren of Sussex is the first book on the series of Belles of London, and what I know about this book (review waiting below for you) and the blurb of the second book (and what I know about the two protagonists!!), I believe this series is pretty interesting.

In case you are wondering why I am saying this, let’s also read advanced praise of this book:

“…a tender and swoon worthy interracial, cross-class romance in Victorian London…Readers will delight in this paean to women’s fashion and horseback riding.”— Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Matthews brings the Victorian era to vivid life with meticulously researched details and an impossible romance made believable and memorable.”— Booklist, starred review

“Matthews deftly underscores racial and gender discrimination in Victorian London in this excellent start to ‘The Belles of London’ series; rather than overshadowing, it propels the romance. Romance aficionados who love fashion and animals will delight in this tender romance and will be excited to see Evelyn’s friends in future installments.” — Library Journal, starred review

“Unflinching, tender, and moving, the delicately crafted The Siren of Sussex might just be my favourite work from Mimi Matthews; it certainly is one of my favourite historical romance reads this year.”— Evie Dunmore, USA Today bestselling author of Portrait of a Scotsman

Great comments of this book, but I think it is time for me to let you know what this book is about and then you can read my opinion.

Victorian high society’s most daring equestrienne finds love and an unexpected ally in her fight for independence in the strong arms of London’s most sought after and devastatingly handsome half-Indian tailor.

Evelyn Maltravers understands exactly how little she’s worth on the marriage mart. As an incurable bluestocking from a family tumbling swiftly toward ruin, she knows she’ll never make a match in a ballroom. Her only hope is to distinguish herself by making the biggest splash in the one sphere she excels: on horseback. In haute couture. But to truly capture London’s attention she’ll need a habit-maker who’s not afraid to take risks with his designs—and with his heart.

Half-Indian tailor Ahmad Malik has always had a talent for making women beautiful, inching his way toward recognition by designing riding habits for Rotten Row’s infamous Pretty Horsebreakers—but no one compares to Evelyn. Her unbridled spirit enchants him, awakening a depth of feeling he never thought possible.

But pushing boundaries comes at a cost and not everyone is pleased to welcome Evelyn and Ahmad into fashionable society. With obstacles spanning between them, the indomitable pair must decide which hurdles they can jump and what matters most: making their mark or following their hearts?

What do you think about Evelyn and Ahmad? I am not expert on anything equestrian but I like how this blurb chosen the language related to horseriding as it is a main feature of this book. I will tell you more on my review…

Did I mention that I like the semantics of the blurb? with all the horse-riding jargon? Well, as you can imagine, the dressmaking or fashion lingo is amazing in The Siren of Sussex. You may think that it makes sense as the main protagonist is a tailor, yes, but that does not take away the amazing descriptions that you read about the clothing, be it riding habits or gowns, or the cloth that is used, etc. Exceptional! and I do not even know half of the things that are describe about these attires!

Let’s go with the protagonists now:

I believe that Evelyn has a strong personality with the naivety that woman had at the time. However, she has always a plan. It may not work, it may need to change, to be altered but she knows what she wants and tries to go for it. Although it is not easy. Even more when she starts getting fitted by the tailor who makes amazing habits for the Pretty Horsebreakers. She is not one of them but she wants to outshine them as she is the better horsewoman.

On the other hand, we have Ahmad, the tailor. He is not naif, he has already endured a lot in his life and he just wants the chance to show his work, his extraordinary work. He is sparing with words but what he says something he means everything and there is no doubt of what he says. Let’s say that in a few occasions, you can melt (or at least I wanted to melt).

Evelyn has a plan when she arrives in London for the Season, it is not a selfish plan at all, she wants to do the best for her family (I am not writing the reason why she is the one that has to look after her family, you can read the book). Fortunately, she is not alone, she gets to befriend the Three Furies, I like them very much, they are very different from each other but the four of them have a view of the world that perhaps is not exactly what the polite society deems conventional. They do not care as they behaves and are still ladies but if they want to laugh out loud when they are together, they do (these “small” things that they do differently is what makes them odd for some).

Ahmad is more of a solitary wolf, although his cousin is always there, and he has some friends from his past that are in his life to support him if needed. He also has enemies, mainly one that could jeopardise his objective of opening his own dressmaking shop. Would that person end with all his work and his dream?

As you can read on the advanced praise, the racial and class topic is key in this book too and I believe Mimi Matthews has done a great job to integrate it in a clear way. You can see how Ahmad is treated even by servants when he is a tradesman himself, however, he is not English, well… “full English” (like the breakfast 😦 ) If you were not “pure” English, then you were less than other people. Regarding this topic, the insight on Ahmad’s life and also what we read of the interaction with others reflect very well this issue.

Characters that I have dislike: a Lady and Stephen (I leave it there). You will be able to read why. I think I have disliked Stephen more than the lady who is vindictive.

I have like too many other characters, so I will not write the whole list.

I cannot wait to read more about the Belles of London!!

Are you interested in buying the book? Here you can do it:

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY

BOOKSHOP | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

Mimi Matthews is doing a giveaway package for US residents only. One winner will get:

Signed print copy of The Siren of Sussex
Horse scarf
Pewter sidesaddle brooch (made in Sussex, England!)
The Siren of Sussex tote bag
Three candles in scents: Fresh Hay, New Saddle, and Winter Ride
Box of Ahmad Tea (60 count, assorted flavors)
The Siren of Sussex bookmark

To participate click on the link below and follow instructions:

Rafflecopter – The Siren of Sussex

Terms and conditions:

Entrants must be 18 years or older. The giveaway is open from 12:01 am Pacific time 1/4/22 until 11:59pm Pacific time on 2/7/22. The winner will be announced on Mimi’s blog – mimimatthews.com – at 8:00 pm Pacific time on 2/8/22.

You can get to know more about The Siren of Sussex if you check the blog tour:

So many reviews and a couple of interviews! I also like to participate in this huge blog tour because I have got to know a lot of reviewers and their blogs that I did not know about.

Jan 10    Cogitations and Meditations (Review)

Jan 10    Heidi Reads (Review)

Jan 10    Reading is My Superpower (Review)

Jan 10    Austenprose (Review)

Jan 10    Eli’s Novel Reviews (Review)

Jan 10    Robin Loves Reading (Review)

Jan 11    Culturess (Review)

Jan 11    Gwendalyn’s Books (Review)

Jan 11    Syrie James (Review)

Jan 11    Wishful Endings (Review)

Jan 12    Amanda’s Book Corner (Review)

Jan 12    Quill Ink (Review)

Jan 12    Relz Reviewz (Review)

Jan 13    Book Confessions of an Ex-Ballerina (Review)

Jan 13    Roses are Blue (Review)

Jan 13    The Lit Bitch (Review)

Jan 14    History Lizzie (Review)

Jan 14    Life of Literature (Review)

Jan 14    My Bookish Bliss (Review)

Jan 15    The Caffeinated Bibliophile (Review)

Jan 15    Books and Socks Rock (Review)

Jan 16    Heather Moll (Review)

Jan 16    The Bashful Bookworm (Review)

Jan 17    Eleanor Lynn (Review)

Jan 17    Bookworm Lisa (Review)

Jan 17    Novel’s Alive (Review)

Jan 18    The Calico Critic (Review)

Jan 18    Nerd by Nature (Review)

Jan 18    Bobs & Books (Review)

Jan 19    The Secret Victorianist (Review)

Jan 19    Savvy Verse & Wit (Interview)

Jan 19    Captivated Reading (Review)

Jan 20    Vesper’s Place (Review)

Jan 20    Nurse Bookie (Review)

Jan 20    A Bookish Way of Life (Review)

Jan 21    Clarissa Harwood (Review)

Jan 21    Library of Clean Reads (Review)

Jan 21    Bonnie Reads and Writes (Review)

Jan 21    Christian Chick’s Thoughts (Review)

Jan 22    The Literature Chick Book Blog (Review)

Jan 22    Red Headed Book Lady (Review)

Jan 23    Inkwell Inspirations (Review)

Jan 23    Stacy’s Books (Review)

Jan 24    Elizabeth Mahon (Interview)

Jan 24    Jocelyne Reads Romance (Review)

Jan 24    One Book More (Review)

Jan 24    Lady with a Quill (Review)

Jan 24    From Pemberley to Milton (Review)

Jan 25    Confessions of a Book Addict (Review)

Jan 25    Stephanie Barron (Review)

Jan 25    Laura’s Reviews (Review)

Jan 25    Reading with Emily (Review)

Jan 26    Bringing Up Books (Review)

Jan 26    A Darn Good Read (Review)

Jan 26    Lis Loves Reading (Review)

Jan 27    My Vices and Weaknesses (Review)

Jan 27    Katie’s Clean Book Collection (Review)

Jan 27    Lu Reviews Books (Review)

Jan 28    The Reading Frenzy (Interview)

Jan 28    View from the Birdhouse (Review)

Jan 28    Austenesque Reviews (Review)

Jan 28    By the Book (Review)

Jan 29    Cup of Tea with that Book Please (Review)

Jan 29    Chicks, Rogues, & Scandals (Review)

Jan 29    Rosanne Lortz (Review)

Jan 30    Charlotte Brentwood (Review)

Jan 30    Leah Garriott (Review)

Jan 30    Just Another Teen Reading Books (Review)

Jan 30    Literary Time Out (Review)

“Threads of Magic” by Monica Fairview, review + giveaway

Hello to all!

I was pretty eager to read this book, the second one of the series Mr. Darcy’s Magic after Dangerous Magic (my review here) and it has not disappointed, but I will tell you more about it on the review below. Even if it is a standalone book, I highly recommend you to read the first book and I cannot wait for the third book!

In a magical Regency England, two powerful magicians strive to find a balance between love and duty as they confront enemies who might well be their closest friends.

Elizabeth Bennet may be a heroine, but by defying some of the most powerful mages in England, she has made enemies who will stop at nothing to embroil her in scandal.

So when she is accused of endangering the Royal Mages through her reckless actions, she no longer knows who to trust. Even the gentleman she loves is taking their side. It seems the only person who believes her is the captive French mage who is imprisoned in the cellar at Netherfield.

Meanwhile, Fitzwilliam Darcy is willing to fight to the death to defend Elizabeth, if only she would stop getting herself into trouble. Why does she always have to break the rules? And why does even her sister Jane cause him so many problems?
Join us in this magical Jane Austen Regency variation. Set mostly in Meryton, with familiar beloved characters from Pride and Prejudice, you will once again be enchanted by Elizabeth and Darcy’s struggle to find true love against the backdrop of England’s war with Napoleon.

What do you think? I will just say that Darcy is literally willing to fight to the death to defend Elizabeth, isn’t it, Lord Matlock??

Let me (re)introduce you to the author: Monica Fairview

Discover Mr. Darcy’s world! Author of Jane Austen Variations and Pride and Prejudice fantasy, Monica Fairview has been writing Austenesque novels since 2009. A confirmed Jane Austen addict, Monica Fairview has been a literature professor and an acupuncturist, and is now having fun writing novels set in 19th century England, featuring bonnets and handsome gentlemen in cravats. 

Born in London, Monica lived in the USA for many years. She lives not far from Box Hill, where Jane Austen’s Emma goes for a picnic. Monica loves to chuckle, read, and visit historical places. Sometimes she enjoys doing nothing at all. When she has the time. 

As I said, I was looking forward to knowing what was going on with Elizabeth and Darcy as Royal Mages and Twins, etc. However, if I am honest I wanted to know how their relationship was flourishing… or not. I have to say: obstinate, headstrong girl and boy!!

They are still in a war with France and apparently the French Imperial Army seems stronger than the English one, we see this at the beginning mainly after we get to know that they could attack without being seen… that was a bit confusing in itself and also because of the attitude of the English mages afterwards (I cannot say what happened during that attack!) These are other obstinate people (the more the merrier, they say…)

The issue here is how much Elizabeth is hated or ignored or just simply isolated from everyone as she is not understood, well, her magic is not understood and somehow feared. Darcy loves her but he is too much the first Darcy we get to know even on Miss Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, and that makes Elizabeth’s life even worst.

Fortunately, we have two important characters in this story who may be nice to Elizabeth, both mentioned in the blurb, the French Mage (yes, the enemy) and one from the original P&P: Jane (she is always nice though). I cannot wait to read the third book because I am expecting her to appear even if it is in a small role, because what has happened in this book cannot be the end of it (please, Monica!)

Do not call me a traitor if I say that I actually like the French Mage, well, maybe he is not actually French, that’s why I may like him more (let’s say that we speak the same languages). I like what we get to know of his magic too.

There is a happy ending but so far we cannot see a HEA and that’s good because it means we need to read more.

The release is on the 20th of January and if you would like to buy this book, you can pre-order it here:

Amazon US Amazon CA Amazon UK Amazon ES Amazon DE

Monica is giving away one ebook copy to a winner that comments on this post. Have you read Dangerous Magic? If so, what did you like the most? If you have not, have you read any JAFF/Austenesque fantasy variation? Let us know.

The giveaway is open internationally. It will close on the 20th of January 2022 at 23:59 CET. Good luck!

Review of”Her Sisterly Love” by Lucy Marin

Hello to all checking this post,

Here you have my review of Lucy Marin‘s latest book: Her Sisterly Love.

Let me know if you have read it and what you think about it.

Longbourn is actually a nightmare for the Bennet sisters. Her parents literally hate each other and they argue in from of the girls and can be aggressive to each other. Therefore, for many years now, Jane and Elizabeth have taken care of the girls’ education and wellbeing. Both of the older girls but Elizabeth is the stronger force.
New neighbours come to the area: Mr Bingley and family and his friend Mr Darcy. Mr BIngley, as per canon, is enamoured of Jane from the beginning and Darcy is intrigued by that lady that seems to pay great attention to her sisters and to the appalling behaviour of her mother.
Due to the fact that Elizabeth is more like a guardian/parent and something that happened a few years before the start of the story, she is more cautious and she may not believe everything that Wickham tells her, even if she is very curious about what he tells her.
Darcy is soooo sweet trying to confort Elizabeth during the ball. Everything starts being a bit different from here.
I recommend the book for its sweetness and flow of the story. I believe that everybody can like this story because of Elizabeth’s dislike of Darcy changing to puzzlement, then to friendship and finally to love is lovely to read. Moreover, Darcy’s willingness to improve everybody’s opinion of himself is well explained.
In addition to the main two protagonists, seeing Mary, Kitty and Lydia in this way makes it very enjoyable too. Lydia is still Lydia in essentials but with proper manners and common sense. She is great.
Jane was not my favourite character but I did not dislike her, I just found her a bit annoying at the beginning of meeting Bingley when talking about him to Elizabeth and Elizabeth telling her to guard her heart.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

If you are interested, you can pre-order this book on:

Amazon CA Amazon UK Amazon US

Mini-review of “The Wedding Setup” by Sonali Dev

Hello, we are starting “strong” this year. Why do I write the inverted commas? Because I have read a short story only, but a lovely one!

I was looking forward to read more from Sonali Dev and I also have a couple of books waiting for me to read. Have you read anything by her? I recommend you to read her. She has JAFF/Austenesque books and non-JAFF too (not everything is JAFF in my blog 😉 )

MINI-REVIEW

So much feeling in a short story.
Grief can blind everyone and make everything numb.
I have liked this story very much as it shows how losing somebody can make us believe what we are supposed to do without asking anything or anyone and, in this case, putting everyone else before us.

I got the ARC on NetGalley for an honest review.

https://sonalidev.com/

You can pre-order this short story on: Amazon UK Amazon US Amazon CA

“Blinded by Prejudice” by KaraLynne Mackrory, review + giveaway

Hello!

I am really happy to be back, I have not been reading much lately and I am super glad that I accepted to do a review for KaraLynne Mackrory’s latest publication: Blinded by Prejudice.

For those first words, you can imagine that at least I liked the book, yes, you are write but I will tell you a bit more later. Let me introduce you to the author. I have read almost half of her works and I recommend them all!

THE AUTHOR

KaraLynne began writing horrible poetry as an angst filled youth. It was a means to express the exhilaration and devastation she felt every time her adolescent heart was newly in love with “the one” and then broken every other week. As her frontal lobe developed, she grew more discerning of both men and writing. She has been married to her own dreamboat of a best friend, Andrew, almost 20 years. Together they have the migraine inducing responsibility of raising five children to not be dirt bags (fingers crossed), pick of up their socks (still a work in progress), not fight with each other (impossible task) and become generally good people (there’s hope). She loves escaping into a book, her feather babies (the regal hens of Cluckingham Palace), and laughter.

She has written five books, a novella and participated in many anthologies. Her works include: Falling For Mr. Darcy; Bluebells in the Mourning; Haunting Mr. Darcy: A Spirited Courtship; Yours Forevermore, Darcy; BeSwitched; The Darcy Monologues; Rational Creatures; & Sun-Kissed: Effusions of Summer.

Anad what about her latest release? Blinded by Prejudice. You may get ideas and I am not sure if all of you would get who is blind(ed). Let me show you the blurb and then we chat a bit more:

Into what kind of hell had I emerged from under those ruins?

Elizabeth Bennet anticipated nothing more than a pleasant day among friends and relations when the pleasure trip to the ruins of Bodden Chapel commenced. But what began as mere diversion turns frightening when the walls of the ancient church tumble down around them, endangering lives, demolishing pride and propriety, and bringing a hero into focus. 

As the earth begins to tremble, Fitzwilliam Darcy sees Elizabeth Bennet is in mortal danger and acts on instinct to save her. But when the dust settles, there are unforeseen consequences to his actions, including a serious injury to his eyesight.

I could not be married to a man who could need me the rest of his life, but never love me.

Bound together under the most strained circumstances, Darcy and Elizabeth embark on a future neither one of them saw coming. Time can heal all wounds, but will time allow them to see through hearts made clear and eyes no longer blinded by prejudice?

What do you think? I can tell you that for me the blurb does not hook me as much as the reading. Yes, this blurb intrigues me but I am not expecting many things that will happen. After reading Blinded by Prejudice, I can see that writing these three paragraph must be a nightmare not to spoil bits of the story.

BLOG TOUR

Before reading my review, I highly recommend you to check the previous posts of this book tour. I hope you enjoy them a lot (and the ones coming!) Go and check the first chapter on Jane Austen State of Mind! and then keep reading on Probably at the Library!!

Jane Austen State of Mind
Probably at The Library
From Pemberley to Milton
Savvy Verse & Wit

You can but the book here if you cannot wait 🙂

Amazon US Amazon ES Amazon CA Amazon UK Amazon DE

REVIEW

As you can imagine from the blurb, there is a big accident while in Bodden Chapel. I am not going to enter on details but the accident creates a change on the lives of Elizabeth and Darcy (or maybe more than one change!) However, one of the changes, due to society, cannot be forgotten. While they are being rescued, there are many bits that I love and I think that it reveals where Darcy is in relation to Elizabeth and his feeling. I am going to just point out that this happens before the Netherfield Ball, the Militia has not arrived to Meryton yet.

Facts: he likes her, no doubt there, or more. She is attracted to this handsome man but dislikes his personality.

How are we going to have… SPOILER ALERT!!

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a Happy Ending!

(I had to write my usual “spoiler alert”, it has been too long)

He does not seem the same person after the accident and she tries to be nice but she is pretty stubborn and closes her heart as she is, basically, afraid.

They spent some weeks of post-accident and get to know each other a bit more but, the stubborn lady thinks that this “new man” will disappear as soon as he heals. What happened? That the first encounter they had seemed to show that fact and she is not happy. He is not happy either after that encounter.

Let me tell you that, as it normally happens with these two, there must be a misunderstanding. An a big one! Elizabeth, as she is scared, she interprets whatever she wants from eavesdropping in a conversation between Darcy and the Colonel. This ends in a bad week for everybody, mainly two of the characters. How is it resolved? I will not tell you! This is the last bit I tell you about Darcy and Elizabeth.

I just want to inform you that there are another two couples formed after the accident, or during 🙂 One of the couple is not a surprise, let’s be honest but the other one, OMG! They are entertaining, I am not sure if that’s the word I want/need to use.

Golden moments for Mr Bennet and Colonel Fitzwilliam! (nope, I will not tell you why)

Quills & Quartos is giving an ebook copy of Blinded by Prejudice to one of the readers of My Vices and Weaknesses who comments on this post. It is an international giveaway and the winners will be announced at the Quills and Quartos Facebook and Instagram pages a week after the blog tour is over. 

Good luck!!