Coming Soon ~ The Journey Home To Pemberley

Good morning! I hope you’re having a lovely and relaxing summer, and that you’re ready to party at the 10th Annual Austen in August, hosted by www.thebookrat.com.

I’m delighted to say that this post (along with the other ones that I’ll share with you later this month) is part of the Austen in August celebration of all the things we love about Jane Austen’s novels and her world. Many thanks, Misty, for the wonderful welcome and the opportunity to take part! So come and join the fun, and have a very Austen summer! (If you’ve read the first excerpt already, you can find the second one here).

August is a great time to go on tours of pleasure, dear ladies and gents, and I hope you have your trunks packed and your carriages ready.

Now, what about Elizabeth’s travels – or Mr Darcy’s? And what about the eventful summer following their sojourn in Kent and his disastrous proposal?

Can you hear a ‘what if…?’ (or maybe several) tiptoeing towards this conversation? If so, then you’re absolutely right:

WHAT IF Mr Gardiner’s business did not get in the way, and Elizabeth could travel all the way to the Lakes with her aunt and uncle?

WHAT IF she and Mr Darcy did not run into each other at Pemberley, but somewhere deep in the Lake Country?

WHAT IF they talked – not a stilted exchange of civilities, but a long, proper, uninterrupted talk?

WHAT IF their long, proper, uninterrupted talk was in the middle of the night, in the smallest room of a secluded Lakeland inn (and Mr Darcy happened to be quite as informally attired as in a certain wet-shirt scene?)

If you’re thinking that Mr Gardiner stormed in and demanded they marry… well, fortunately (or unfortunately) Mr Gardiner was otherwise engaged.

So where did they go from there?

I hope you’ll enjoy finding out. Please join Elizabeth and Mr Darcy on their…

 

JOURNEY HOME TO PEMBERLEY

PART ONE

PROLOGUE

“Steady on, lad,” Darcy muttered, wishing he were atop one of his own trusted mounts instead of his uncle’s skittish thoroughbred who bridled and snorted, mightily reluctant to push forth through the milky fog – or rather the stream of low-lying clouds descending from the hilltops into the steep valley.

Darcy tightened the reins. They felt slick in his grasp, dampened like everything else by the fine spray blowing in the air, part mist, part light drizzle. He could see very little of the road ahead. Still, the stone walls that bordered it were of some assistance in the matter.

The stallion seemed of a different mind. Either that or he took umbrage at the tightened reins, for he tossed his head again and paused to stamp a forehoof in protest.

“There, now,” Darcy sought to soothe him.

Diffuse light flickered in the grey skies, followed by the steady rumble of a distant roll of thunder. Darcy grimaced. So he would have his promised wet ride after all.

Rain caught up with him sooner than expected. What had begun as a gentle patter turned swiftly into a downpour. Lightning flashed again and again, and the rumble of thunder grew increasingly louder. Bowing his head into the slanting rain and into the wind that threatened to make away with his hat, Darcy felt compelled to own that the innkeeper might have had the right of it: he would have been wiser to take lodgings with the old fellow for the night.

No sooner had he negotiated a sharp bend in the road than the brightest fork of lightning split the skies, startling both horse and rider. With a high-pitched neigh of terror, the stallion shied and reared up, fell back on his fours shuddering uncontrollably, bucked, then reared up again.

The rider’s fast reflexes were not enough to keep him in the saddle. The wet reins slipped from his grasp, and he was thrown off for the first time in upwards of eleven years. He caught the top of the stone wall as he fell, hit the ground with a groan, then remained motionless and silent.

The stallion still snorted and shook, pounding his hooves, then gave yet another shrill neigh and, of his own accord, made an about-turn to clatter apace uphill along the track, back towards the country inn and the remembered sights and scents he had come to associate with comfort and safety. Mercilessly whipped by the cold deluge that kept falling from the skies, the stallion galloped as fast as his legs would carry him – further and further away from the dark valley, from the dreaded spot where the hair-raising flash had struck, and from the deeply unnerving inert shape that lay prostrate in the pouring rain.

 

CHAPTER 1

Earlier that day…

The wind blew his hair back and sent his cloak billowing behind him as Darcy left the unprepossessing inn where he had found an hour’s rest and modest fare. The low, squat building stood perched close to the summit of the pass, a weather-beaten shelter for the intrepid souls who dared venture over the rough and inhospitable terrain. Few did, if any. Most Lakeland travellers sensibly chose the safer and tamer thoroughfares that kept to the valleys. There was nothing tame about the route across the hills. The road – in truth, little more than a track – snaked in hairpin bends up the steep slope on his left, only to then negotiate the equally treacherous incline down the other side, towards Ullswater.

Darcy was headed in the opposite direction – back to his ancestral home, having spent the best part of a fortnight roaming aimlessly on horseback over a bleak Lake District.

It was a bleak summer, in more ways than one. Of late, the weather had begun to match his state of mind – uniformly dark since April, when a brief interlude at the parsonage in Hunsford had blasted his best hopes. His offer of marriage had met with a refusal. A harsh refusal. Vitriolic. One devil of a way for him to learn that the woman he loved beyond all reason not only did not return his sentiments, but held him in profound contempt. He had expected a favourable answer, tenderly bestowed. Instead, she had sent him away with a host of bitter reproaches ringing in his ears.

A great many days had elapsed before he could relinquish the deep sense of ill-usage and acknowledge that her reproofs were justified.

He sighed. He could see his errors now and the flaws in his character and judgement, but it made no difference. He could not change what had come to pass.

Darcy turned around with somewhat of a start when the heavy door opened noisily behind him. It was the innkeeper – and about time, too, he inwardly grumbled.

“I asked for my horse. He is long in coming,” Darcy observed, rather too brusquely.

“He’s being readied as we speak, sorr. But as I said afore, I reckon ye’d best leave him to his oats an’ take shelter here for the night.”

Darcy gave a quiet snort. No wonder the man was so keen to have his custom – indeed, any custom. The inn was empty, as far as he could tell. Given its exceedingly remote location, that was no wonder either.

He resolved to remunerate the fellow more generously than was warranted for the simple fare and his mount’s comforts, but all he said was, “No need. I will reach Ambleside by nightfall.”

“Mayhap, but ye won’t have an easy ride, an’ ye can be assured of a wet one. That’ll catch up with ye in no time at all,” the innkeeper muttered with a nod towards the ceiling of ominous dark clouds that hung very low over the Ullswater valley, hiding the summits opposite, as though the hills had been severed in half.

Darcy frowned. In all likelihood, the storm clouds would soon descend over the pass into the next valley, obscure the road and slow his progress. He shrugged. Be that as it may. He was in no humour to find himself marooned in a godforsaken country inn.

He had found it hard enough to tolerate being marooned at Ashford, his uncle’s seat some thirty miles away. Very much against his every inclination, he had given in to his cousin Richard’s prodding and travelled there along with his sister, so that they might spend some time with their Fitzwilliam relations, reluctantly acknowledging that he owed her this.

Georgiana deserved better than being cooped up at home with a morose brother, Colonel Fitzwilliam had teasingly observed, and however much he had resented Richard’s words and manner, Darcy could not fail to concede him the point. Georgiana did deserve a vast deal better than months upon months at Pemberley with no society but that of an elderly companion, a lovelorn brother, and the odd caller from neighbouring estates.

Despite his best efforts, she simply would not be persuaded to journey north with their cousin and leave him behind, so Darcy had no option but to shoulder his duty and, for his sister’s sake, countenance conviviality at Ashford for a while.

Three weeks turned out to be more than he could bear. Too much noise there, too much bustle, and far too many people. Far too many queries too – kindly, but decidedly unwelcome – into the cause of his long silences, his dark mien and his altered manner. Was he unwell? Troubled? Weary? Bored? Was there aught amiss at Pemberley?

‘Yes’ was the answer, to all of the above. He was far from well, he was profoundly weary of the bland sameness of daily life, and nothing was right at Pemberley or anywhere else ever since Elizabeth had refused his offer of marriage. But he could not tell them that. He would not even share his burden with his cousin, despite their longstanding closeness and Colonel Fitzwilliam’s overt and covert efforts to loosen his tongue.

Since he would not reveal the truth, Darcy had resorted to shameless dissembling: he claimed that one of the letters sent forth from Pemberley had brought tidings of an urgent matter of business that required his attention. Not a grave cause for concern, he had insisted, just some tedious affair that should be addressed before it grew too tangled.

The same fabrication was dispensed to all, even his dearest cousin and his sister. Richard looked supremely unconvinced and Georgiana doubtful, but they held their peace and let him have his way. Albeit more vocal in their disappointment, the others did likewise.

Thus, at the end of the three intolerable weeks, one of his uncle’s thoroughbreds had thankfully taken him away from Ashford at a gallop. The carriage was left behind. The colonel had undertaken to escort Georgiana home around mid-August, then ride his father’s stallion back to Westmorland. Not that the noble creature would be missed. There were a fair number of thoroughbreds in Lord Malvern’s stables.

Yet, unbeknownst to those concerned, Darcy did not hasten towards Pemberley. For the following fortnight, he was accountable to no one. So he rode deep into the Lake Country instead. The long way back. The scenic route, he had scoffed with a wry twist to his lips, little interest as he could muster for the picturesque just then. What he sought was not rugged beauty but oblivion – or at least a modicum of peace.

It came as no surprise that, several days later, peace still eluded him and oblivion was not to be found. No matter. It was just as he had expected. And now it was high time to put an end to the indulgence. Head home. See to his duties. Live his life without her.

Darcy winced and donned his hat, but there was a firm set to his jaw as he tugged his gloves on. Enough, now. He had no business to loiter in a secluded country inn. He should reach Ambleside by nightfall, and Pemberley by the coming Wednesday. He had dallied in the wilderness for long enough.

* * * *

“He’ll see no further than a yard ahead within the hour,” muttered Simon, the lad who saw to odd jobs about the place and looked after the horses – the innkeeper’s only hired hand ever since Minnie, his scatterbrained and rather slovenly maid, had left his employ to settle in Rydal and marry.

The older man shrugged.

“As mulish as they come, he was. These young bucks, they think they know everything. He’ll come back if he has any sense, or push through an’ get soaked. Just as it pleases him. Told him there’s no crossroads all the way to Ambleside, so by me reckoning he’ll get there if he don’t end up in a ditch.” The innkeeper rubbed his shoulder to ease the pain that had begun to plague him in his old age and darted a wary look at the dark clouds, then glanced down into the valley. “Off wi’ ye, then, me lad. Go within an’ eat yer supper. You’ll have time, but not much to spare.”

“Why’s that, then?” Simon boldly asked, before he peered along the winding road and spotted the yellowish dot, a slowly moving patch of colour. A carriage, by the looks of it, struggling at a snail’s pace up the slope.

He gave a smirk of appreciation. Old Jonas Timms was in his sixties, yet still as keen of eye as any. Well, like as not, this lot won’t be itching to rush forth. By the time they reached the inn, had a warming drink and a bite to eat, they’d be fools to set off again so late in the day and take their chances with the fog and the fading light. So Old Jonas and his missus would have some custom that evening after all.

© Joana Starnes 2019

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Thanks for stopping by to read the first excerpt from The Journey Home To Pemberley. I hope you’d like to find out what happens next, and that you’ll visit to read the following instalments. Also, there’ll be a cover reveal soon, and of course there’ll be Giveaways.

 

189 comments

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  1. This is very exciting! Can’t wait to read it!!!

      • Joana Starnes on August 2, 2019 at 1:20 am
      • Reply

      I’m so glad you liked the excerpt, Melanie!

      Have a lovely day and thanks for reading.

    • Leslie Waters on August 2, 2019 at 12:36 am
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    I love the story so far and will be anxiously waiting for the next part.

      • Joana Starnes on August 2, 2019 at 1:14 am
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      I’m so glad, Leslie!

      Thanks for reading and hope you’ll like the next part too!

    • Teresa on August 2, 2019 at 12:50 am
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    I love it! (As long as Darcy survives his night in the cold, but then again, if he didn’t, no story…) the carriage has to hold the Gardner’s and Elizabeth, I’m assuming.

      • Joana Starnes on August 2, 2019 at 1:17 am
      • Reply

      Oh yes, it HAS to be Mr Gardiner’s carriage! And Darcy has to be brought in from the cold 🙂 (Sooner rather than later, hopefully).

      Thanks for reading, Teresa!

    • Pallavi on August 2, 2019 at 12:57 am
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    Cant wait to read the bok in full!

      • Joana Starnes on August 2, 2019 at 1:18 am
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      Thanks, Pallavi! I hope you’ll like it.
      Thanks for stopping by to read the first excerpt!

      • Sharon on August 2, 2019 at 10:05 am
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      I’m sitting listening to the birds and katydids and a bell chiming at the local church reading this. I’m enthralled a MUST read this book! Thank you for this opportunity, Joana💋 Spell broken …

      1. I’m sitting here imagining what you’re describing, and it’s so beautiful and peaceful! Thanks, Sharon!

        I’m so happy you liked the post! Have a wonderful weekend and lots of fun this summer.

    • Luisa1111 Donaldson on August 2, 2019 at 1:04 am
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    I like it when ODC get together early in the story, especially to share their thoughts. Looking forward to reading more.

      • Joana Starnes on August 2, 2019 at 1:24 am
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      Me too, I love it when they get to talk and understand what the other is thinking and feeling. Thanks for stopping by to read the first excerpt, Luisa, and I hope you’ll like the others too.

    • Terri Conley on August 2, 2019 at 1:42 am
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    Very much looking forward to the new work live a good read. Which I know I will get it

      • Joana Starnes on August 2, 2019 at 2:00 am
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      Thanks for reading, Terri, and I hope you’ll like it!

    • Callie on August 2, 2019 at 1:54 am
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    The plot sounds intriguing! Looking forward to this book’s publication in September!

      • Joana Starnes on August 2, 2019 at 2:01 am
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      I’m so glad you’re finding it intriguing, Callie. Thanks for reading and have a lovely summer!

        • Joan Brand on August 2, 2019 at 3:41 pm
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        Intriguing opening! No wonder Darcy could not see the truth concerning Elizabeth and her feelings for him. He sees and hears what he wants, which this time blew up in his face. Hopefully, the returning horse will alert the innkeeper to Darcy and his need for a rescue. I can’t wait for the next installment.

        1. “He sees and hears what he wants, which this time blew up in his face.”
          So true, Joan! Didn’t it just!

          Thanks for stopping by to read this. I’m so glad you found the opening chapters intriguing! I hope you’ll enjoy the next ones too. And yes, no worries, the search party will be set up sharpish 🙂

    • Glynis on August 2, 2019 at 2:00 am
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    How do you do it Joana? One chapter and I’m already loving (and feeling so sorry for) Darcy. Poor, poor man! I do hope Elizabeth finds him and looks after him . I’m intrigued by the mention of the good talk in the inn but disappointed Mr Gardiner didn’t see them and force a marriage.
    Fortunately I know that it will happen eventually and I do believe you’ve mentioned some torture of ODC before that occurs in this book? Such a shock!
    I forgot to ask if I will need tissues? 😏
    Thanks for sharing this teaser, I look forward to reading this book. Thanks also for the very generous giveaway (I don’t have audiobooks so please don’t include me in that part)
    Can’t wait to see the cover! 😀

      • Joana Starnes on August 2, 2019 at 2:17 am
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      I’m so glad you liked the post, Glynis! Thanks so much!!

      LOL after all my other books with bedside scenes, I thought it was about time I wrote one where those involved were ODC. Or rather, one where E looks after D. So I’m hoping you’ll like it 🙂

      Oh yes, everything would’ve been so much simpler for D & E if Mr Gardiner stormed in and sorted them out from the start. But then there would’ve been no misery sandwich for me to share around :)) (nice and fluffy layer of courtship at the bottom, a layer of misery in the middle, nice & fluffy layer of sweet scenes on top). Hope you won’t find the misery too hard to stomach. Yep, thought the ODC torture might come as a shock 😉

      Thanks for reading and for this lovely comment, and hope you’ll like what’s coming.

    • Simone on August 2, 2019 at 2:01 am
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    Thank you, Joana. A new story with a beginning that offers many possibilities. At this point we don’t know about Elizabeth and her feelings for Darcy. Did they alter from the last time she has seen him? What do you have in store for odc? The story has to fold out a little more to understand the journey you are taking us.

      • Joana Starnes on August 2, 2019 at 3:17 am
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      Thanks so much for reading, Simone! The excerpt I’ll post next Friday will say something about Elizabeth and her feelings, but rather than keeping you guessing till then, I hope you’d like to hear that she’s more angry with herself than with him by now, and her views have softened considerably. As for the journey, it doesn’t run smooth, but I hope you’ll like it. All the best and have a great weekend and a lovely summer.

  2. Good excerpt, Joana. Look forward to the whole story. 🙂

      • Joana Starnes on August 2, 2019 at 2:36 am
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      Thanks, Gianna, I’m so glad you liked it! Hope you’ll like the rest too.

    • Christina Boyd on August 2, 2019 at 2:05 am
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    Goodness! I love when circumstances put ODC together in out of the way places…of that is who o think it is in the carriage…?

    Type, type, type. Go Joana, go.

      • Joana Starnes on August 2, 2019 at 2:38 am
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      Sure is, Christina 😀 . Has to be :))

      Thanks so much!! I’m on it!

    • Leeza on August 2, 2019 at 2:21 am
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    I enjoyed that. I’m eager to read the rest. You’ve titillated and tantalized with so many possible ways this story can go. Can’t wait.

      • Joana Starnes on August 2, 2019 at 3:22 am
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      Thanks so much for this, Leeza! I’m so glad you enjoyed the first excerpt and I hope you’ll also like the next. Best wishes and thanks for reading!

    • Tzivi on August 2, 2019 at 2:22 am
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    Looking forward to reading more of this story and intriguing premise!

      • Joana Starnes on August 2, 2019 at 3:23 am
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      I’m so pleased to hear the story intrigues you, Tzivi. Thanks for reading and all the best!

    • Liz Gosney on August 2, 2019 at 2:32 am
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    I am hooked already. I love your writing style.

      • Joana Starnes on August 2, 2019 at 3:24 am
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      I’m so happy you liked it, Liz! Best wishes and thanks for reading!

    • Peggy on August 2, 2019 at 3:03 am
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    Oh, will Elizabeth and the Gardiners find Darcy on the road? This story sounds very interesting. I do look forward to reading it!

      • Joana Starnes on August 2, 2019 at 3:27 am
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      Mr Gardiner sure has something to do with it, Peggy. As for the TLC poor Mr Darcy needs so badly… 😉
      Thanks for reading and hope you’ll like the next excerpts too.

    • Nikita on August 2, 2019 at 3:39 am
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    Fantastic story as usual

      • Joana Starnes on August 2, 2019 at 3:47 am
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      I’m so glad you liked the excerpt, Nikita! Thanks!!

    • Sarah P on August 2, 2019 at 4:18 am
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    Like all your other stories, I’m hooked within the first chapters.
    Must admit I prefer stories where ODC have a chance to actually talk to each other and have more normal interaction with each other, with less emphasis on brooding looks and impertinent comments.
    Can’t wait to read where this story takes us.

    1. Thanks so much, Sarah, I’m ever so glad you liked the first chapters!

      Oh, yes, they’ll have plenty of time to talk!

      Not many impertinent comments in this book, but sadly I can’t make any promises about the brooding looks 🙂

      Have a great weekend and thanks for reading!

    • Agnes on August 2, 2019 at 4:48 am
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    I’m delighted to hear that you are close to releasing a new book! I look forward to reading it, although this excerpt had an ominous note because of Darcy lying unconscius on the road. Will there be any memory loss involved?
    Thanks for the giveaway!

    1. No memory loss, Agnes, don’t worry! He remembers *everything*. And he won’t be lying unconscious on the road for much longer 😉
      Best of luck in the giveaway and thanks for reading!

    • Sara on August 2, 2019 at 5:47 am
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    You made me curious now. Would love to read the whole book!

    1. I’m so glad you liked the opening chapters, Sara! I hope you’ll like the rest of the book too. Thanks for reading and have a great weekend!

    • Sophia on August 2, 2019 at 6:45 am
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    Another Starnes novel… and I’m hooked by the way! I can’t wait to see what happens to poor Darcy, and the Gardiners at the Inn I’m the Lake District! I can’t wait! Another “what if” premise, and this is very promising!
    I’m putting in my vote for a kindle version of this promising book 😃😃

    1. Thanks so much, Sophia! Fear not, nothing terrible is about to happen to poor Mr Darcy (at least not yet 😉 ). Thanks for stopping by to read this. All the best and good luck!

    • Jami on August 2, 2019 at 7:31 am
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    Oh my gosh, Joana!! So exciting! What a beautifully written excerpt!! ❤️

    1. Thanks so much, Jami!! I’m so happy you liked it!

    • Pam Hunter on August 2, 2019 at 7:33 am
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    Wonderful chapter! I can’t wait to read more!
    Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the book.

    1. Thanks for reading, Pam! I’m so glad you liked the opening chapters!

      Best of luck in the giveaway and thanks for taking part.

    • Carol on August 2, 2019 at 8:01 am
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    It’s going to be another gem in your pocket!
    My mind is already in it “ poor Darcy” mode!
    Thanks so much for sharing!!

    1. Thanks so much, Carol, I’m ever so glad you liked it! Poor Darcy indeed :))
      Hope you’ll like the following excerpts too.
      Have a lovely weekend and thanks for reading!

    • Jennifer Redlarczyk on August 2, 2019 at 8:01 am
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    I definitely want to read this book! Great excerpt and I can’t wait for more. Thanks for sharing! Jen Red

    1. Thanks so much for the thumbs up, Jen, I’m so glad you liked it! Can’t wait for your delicious story either. All the best and happy writing!

    • Leslie on August 2, 2019 at 8:10 am
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    Great beginning! I look forward to reading your latest.

    1. Thanks, Leslie! Wonderful to hear you liked the opening chapters. Hope you’ll like the rest too. All the best and have a lovely weekend.

    • NANCY L DUELL on August 2, 2019 at 8:21 am
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    What a great premise . I cannot wait to read more.

    1. So happy you like the premise, Nancy! All the best and thanks for reading!

    • Rosa on August 2, 2019 at 8:34 am
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    I’m so disappointed the book isn’t yet out! Looking forward to next installment. I love all your novels! Thank you. 😍

    1. You’re so kind, Rosa, thank you, I’m so happy you love my novels!! I hope you’ll enjoy this one too. Wish I could release it sooner, but looks like it’ll have to be around mid-Sept. Have a great summer and thanks again!

    • BeckyC on August 2, 2019 at 8:38 am
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    Oh Joana! Wonderful except. You definitely have my attention! A must read for me! Congratulations and thank you for the giveaway!

    1. Thank *you* Becky, for reading this and for the thumbs up. I’m ever so glad I have your attention :)). Hope you’ll like the next chapters too and best of luck in the giveaway!

    • Alison on August 2, 2019 at 8:40 am
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    Oooo, love a story that begins with gloomy weather and chance meetings! Looking forward to your next installment!

    1. Ah yes, chance meetings and being safe from the bad weather, tucked away somewhere nice and cosy 🙂
      Can’t say that poor Mr Darcy is cosy at the moment, but don’t worry, he’ll be rescued before long.
      Have a lovely weekend and thanks for reading!

    • Sharon on August 2, 2019 at 10:06 am
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    I’m sitting listening to the birds and katydids and a bell chiming at the local church reading this. I’m enthralled a MUST read this book! Thank you for this opportunity, Joana💋 Spell broken …

    1. Thanks so much for sharing this with us, Sharon! Such a lovely, peaceful picture!
      I’m so happy you liked the start of the book. I hope you’ll like the rest of it too. All the best and good luck in the giveaway!

    • Eva Edmonds on August 2, 2019 at 10:23 am
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    I am so excited that Joana is publishing a new book. I could sense Darcy’s devastation and loneliness. Can’t wait to read more! Thank you for the generous giveaway.

    1. Thanks so much, Eva! I’m ever so glad you liked the post.

      Poor Mr Darcy indeed… Well, I hope you’ll be pleased to know his disposition is about to improve. At least for a while 😉

      Best of luck in the giveaway and thanks for taking part!

    • Danielle Gill on August 2, 2019 at 10:44 am
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    I’m hooked!!! Can’t wait to read the next installment!

    1. Thanks, Danielle! I hope you’ll like the next ones too. All the best and have a lovely weekend.

    • Patricia Edmisson on August 2, 2019 at 10:50 am
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    Ah, such a different mode of beginnings. I am liking what I have read thus far. Sounds like someone will have to hunt for Darcy when a riderless horse shows up.

    Congratulations on newest book. This will be added to my TBR pile.

    1. I’m so glad you liked the start of this, Patricia! Don’t worry, a rescue party will be set up soon 🙂

      Best of luck in the giveaway and thanks for reading!

    • Robin G. on August 2, 2019 at 10:55 am
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    I am looking forward to reading this book. Thank you for sharing the beginning!

    1. Thank *you* for reading, Robin! I’m so glad you liked it.

      Best wishes and have a great weekend.

    • KateB on August 2, 2019 at 11:09 am
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    Sounds delightful, I love stories with Darcy and Elizabeth meeting in different and more romantic or difficult circumstances. Especially if one of them rescues the other. I’m looking forward to to reading this book. When are you planning the release?

    1. Thanks so much, Kate, for your kind words! Romantic circumstances coming up pretty pronto :)).

      I’m so glad you liked the start of the book. I hope it’ll give you a happy sigh or two (in between making you want to throw the kindle across the room 😀 ).

      I’m hoping to release it around mid-Sept, fingers crossed. Have a great weekend and all the best!

        • KateB on August 2, 2019 at 4:37 pm
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        I know that the Queen of torturing Darcy won’t make it easy on D&E. But don’t worry Joana, I own multiple Kindles 😈

        1. LOL Kate!

          Phew. Thank goodness for that 😀

    • Morghan on August 2, 2019 at 12:21 pm
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    Gah! More! I must have more! I love the premise of this!

    1. Huge thanks, Morghan, I’m so happy that you like the premise!

      Hope you’ll like the following chapters too. Thanks for reading and have a wonderful summer!

    • Louisa on August 2, 2019 at 12:29 pm
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    Wonderful. Eargerly awaiting the next part.

    1. Thanks, Louisa, I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
      Best of luck in the giveaway and thanks for stopping by to read the post!

    • Sonja on August 2, 2019 at 12:59 pm
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    Loved the excerpt and premise. Can’t wait for the rest!

    1. Wonderful to hear that, Sonja, thanks!!

      Hope you’ll like the rest too. All the best and good luck in the giveaway.

  3. You are such a tease! A big, naughty tease!!! You know I’ll be bugging you about this one… 😉

    1. Yep 😀 That’s me, a big, naughty tease!! Please do, can’t wait :))) And can’t wait for yet another fabulous read from you. Take care and happy writing!

    • Ginna on August 2, 2019 at 1:17 pm
    • Reply

    Yay, you have another book for us to read! I hope it will be coming out soon.
    Thank you for the giveaway offer, and I look forward to more excerpts.
    As for the giveaway, if we are allowed to express a preference, I am not interested in audiobooks, but the other prizes sound terrific.

    1. Mid-Sept, I hope, Ginna. Thanks for asking and for stopping by to read this. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I hope you’ll like the next chapters too. Best of luck in the giveaway and have a lovely weekend.

      • Tara on August 3, 2019 at 12:38 am
      • Reply

      Can’t wait to read the rest!😍 I love your writing style, and the plot sounds ever so intriguing.
      The old innkeeper and simon seem like very interesting characters as well, will we be seeing more of them and their backstories?

      1. Thanks so much, Tara! I’m so happy to hear you love my writing style and that this plot sounds intriguing.
        The old innkeeper and Simon will show up again (Simon just in passing, carrying the trunks again, the poor guy) but the innkeeper goes off to make a guess or two (and be off the mark). His wife had a better grasp of the situation 😉

        Best wishes, good luck in the giveaway and thanks for reading.

    • Amy Z on August 2, 2019 at 1:20 pm
    • Reply

    Hmmm… wonder who might be trundling up the lane toward the Inn… LOL. Can’t wait to read more. Excellent opening.

    1. :))) Who indeed?

      Thanks for reading, Amy, I’m so happy you enjoyed it. Hope you’ll like the rest of the book too. Have a great weekend and best of luck in the giveaway!

    • Muriel on August 2, 2019 at 1:40 pm
    • Reply

    Hi Joanna, you have such a wonderful writing style that I can’t helped but be charmed! No surprise that I have read all your PP variation books and you top the list of my fave authors in this genre.
    First installment – well, yes, I’m hooked so I’m looking forward to the next one. Anticipating the reunion (of sorts) of D&E.

    All the best,
    Muriel

    1. Thanks SO much, Muriel, for your wonderful words! I’m over the moon that you like my writing style and that I’m one of your favourite authors. You absolutely made my day!! Thank you!!

      I’m so glad you liked the first installment, and don’t worry, the reunion IS coming up! Shame that Mr Gardiner won’t be around to demand a prompt marriage and help them cut to the chase. But then, that would’ve made for a *very* short story 😉

      All the best, have a nice and relaxing weekend and huge thanks again!

    • Meg on August 2, 2019 at 2:19 pm
    • Reply

    Wow, what a fantastic beginning. It is generous for you to offer give away copies, but if I’m not so lucky to win one, I’ll be certainly purchase one when available. I love you description of the road in the Lakes. I took a tour of the district, loved it, and was driven over one of the high roads in a rainstorm on a one lane road with two way traffic. Luckily the Mountain Goat guide was a skilled driver. What gorgeous country and a great place for ODC to meet after Rosings.

    1. I’m so glad you liked the opening chapters, Meg, and that you took a tour of the Lake District and saw it at its most spectacular! It’s a gorgeous part of the country indeed, and the inn isn’t fictional either. Not sure if you saw the link I posted on Facebook this morning, but if you copy-paste this into your browser it’ll take you there:

      http://www.kirkstonepassinn.com/about.htm

      If you’re in the Lake District again and you get the chance to stop there, you won’t be disappointed. They even have a Darcy suite, complete with four-poster bed and everything 🙂

      Thanks for reading and for your ever so kind words. Best of luck in the giveaway and have a great summer!

    • Sara on August 2, 2019 at 2:35 pm
    • Reply

    Having immensely enjoyed your previous novels, I was so pleased in anticipation of another that it equalled the thrill of the upcoming release of Sanditon and the intriguing plans for a new Pride & Prejudice movie. I hope the publication date is not set too far into the future?
    So many JAFF versions reach their happy conclusions through plot manipulation and bizarre twists and turns of circumstances that the ones that take the time to develop character relationships patiently and skillfully are rare treasures indeed. Imitating Austen’s sparkling dialogues is not an easy feat either.
    I love what you have so far revealed about the story and know from experience that you will never disappoint on the characterization or witty dialogue. I await next Friday’s installment with great pleasure.

    1. Oh my goodness, Sara, you’re so kind!! Thanks ever so much for your wonderful words about my books, I’m so happy you enjoyed them!

      Thanks for reading this installment, and I hope you’ll enjoy the next ones as well. Best of luck in the giveaway and thanks again for your fabulous encouragement and support, much, much appreciated!!

    • Nan on August 2, 2019 at 2:47 pm
    • Reply

    Great beginning. I look forward to what will happen next. I have enjoyed your other stories, so this will definitely go on my to be bought list!

    1. I’m so glad you enjoyed my other books and that you liked the beginning of this one! Thanks for reading, Nan, and all the best!

  4. What an intriguing start! I look forward to reading the rest of this. I loved all of the other books. Thank you for sharing.

    1. Thanks so much for your kind words about my books, Donna! I’m so happy you loved them.
      I hope you’ll like this one too. Thanks for reading and best of luck in the giveaway!

    • Mary A Coble on August 2, 2019 at 2:59 pm
    • Reply

    A beginning to draw one in for sure – dare we suspect who might be arriving in the carriage? Will the persons therein be part of finding/identifying the lost/hurt rider?

    I cannot wait Joana. This looks to be another excellent story from your pen.

    1. I’m so glad you liked the opening chapters, Mary! Huge thanks for your ever so kind words!

      Oh yes, I think we can suspect who’s arriving in the carriage, and also that the persons therein are about to become involved in all of the above :))

      Hope you’ll like the book. Thanks again for the thumbs-up and have a lovely weekend!

  5. You’re off to a great start, Joanna! Looking forward to the next chapter!

    1. I’m so glad you liked the beginning of the story, Regina! Hope you’ll like the rest too. All the best and thanks for reading!

    • Anji on August 2, 2019 at 4:30 pm
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    Oh more, please! Pretty please? Let that carriage (it HAS to be Elizabeth and the Gardiners) get to the inn before the weather closes in. Having experienced a couple of Lake District passes earlier this year in glorious spring weather, I hate to think what they’d be like if it was rather less clement. It felt as though we were driving up a wall rather than a road. Wouldn’t fancy it on horseback! Let’s hope the Earl’s horse finds its way back to the inn and raises the alarm with its lack of rider. Elizabeth to nurse Darcy back to health? Can’t wait!

    1. Thanks so much, Anji, for reading the post and leaving this lovely comment! Oh yes, it has to be the Gardiners’ carriage! And it is :))

      Goodness, yes, the weather can be pretty fierce up there. I’ve seen the Kirkstone Pass on a day just like the one in the story. Luckily, we were in the car, not on horseback, so no mishaps to report. As for the TLC, you read my mind :)). Hope you’ll like the scenes when you read them. All the best and lovely chatting with you again!

    • DarcyBennett on August 2, 2019 at 5:47 pm
    • Reply

    Enjoyed the excerpt and look forward to more.

    1. I’m so glad you enjoyed the excerpt, DarcyBennet! Thanks for reading and all the best.

    • Jana M on August 2, 2019 at 6:52 pm
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    Dear Joana, I love everything you write and am so glad to hear that there is a new, intriguing, variation on the way. I have yearned for a “what if “ where Darcy & Elizabeth are able to have a real conversation. And I believe you are the perfect author to write it! Can’t wait!

    1. Thanks so much for your wonderful words, Jana! I’m so happy that you found the opening chapters intriguing, and I hope you’ll enjoy the rest of them as well, especially our dear characters’ real conversation 🙂 . Huge thanks again for your ever so kind encouragement and support!

    • Lynley on August 2, 2019 at 6:55 pm
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    Another one to look forward to. Joana, your books are always so engaging and a pleasure to read. I’m sure this one will be too. I am always amazed by the depth of characters and the new slants on my favourite story, and your versions are among the best.

    1. Many thanks for stopping by to read the post, Lynley! I’m so happy you like my books and that you’re looking forward to this one. I hope you’ll enjoy it. Have a lovely weekend and thanks again for leaving this wonderful comment. Much, much appreciated!

    • Rose on August 2, 2019 at 10:39 pm
    • Reply

    I always enjoy your stories — I’ll be watching for this one to release.

    1. I’m so glad you liked them, Rose! Thank you! All the best and thanks for reading.

    • Mary B on August 2, 2019 at 11:44 pm
    • Reply

    I like the way you impart information through the conversations of minor characters and a vision of the surroundings through the responses they engender in the character experiencing them. Makes for a smoothly flowing and narrative even in spite of the changes of locations. Thanks for posting it.

    1. That’s such a wonderful thing to say, Mary! Thanks ever so much for your kind words about my books! I hope this one will also please and entertain you. Huge thanks and have a beautiful summer.

    • Willem Jan Goossen on August 3, 2019 at 3:16 am
    • Reply

    Can’t wait to read this new story, You and Abigail Reynolds are my favorite Austen-authors. Each of your books gets picked up as “pre-announced”.

    1. Thanks ever so much for your wonderful words, Willem. I hope you’ll enjoy this one too. Best wishes and thanks for reading!

    • Laura H. on August 3, 2019 at 10:02 am
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    Thanks for sharing this excerpt. I am hooked! I’m looking forward to reading the rest. Thanks again!

    1. Thank *you* Laura! I’m so glad you liked the excerpt. Hope you’ll like the rest as well. Best of luck in the giveaway and thanks for stopping by to read the post.

    • Debbie B on August 3, 2019 at 10:37 am
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    As usual, Joana, you’ve come up with an irresistible premise and written it beautifully. I want to know what happens next and am miffed with you for making me wait!!!

    Always love your work. Congrats on another completed novel under your belt.

    1. Thanks so much for your fabulous support, Debbie, and the wonderful words about my books! I’m so glad the premise caught your eye (and sorry about the wait!! :)) ).

      All the best and have a lovely weekend!

    • Joanna Randall on August 3, 2019 at 10:40 am
    • Reply

    Great set up! I love the storms that are brewing on many levels! Can’t wait to see how it plays out!

    1. Loved this, Joanna – ‘the storms that are brewing on many levels.’ Thanks so much for reading and I hope you’ll like how it plays out. Best wishes and have a great summer!

    • Diana Shand on August 3, 2019 at 12:29 pm
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    This is such an exciting moment to be able to see a first glimpse of this work in progress.
    Joana, you tantalise your fans with this prologue and chapter one of your new book. I wish I could have it already and I dream of the narrated book (dare I hope by Stevie Zimmerman).
    Despite having come up with so many phenomenal variations you always manage to top it somehow.
    Publication day can’t come soon enough ❤

    1. I’m so happy you liked it, Diana! I hope it’ll come out in audiobook too, fingers crossed. Huge thanks for your kind words and wonderful support and have a fab time at the Kirkstone Pass Inn if you happen to stop there this summer.

    • John Rieber ( aka John Karlsson)) on August 3, 2019 at 5:28 pm
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    Marvelous Writing, Joana! Reminds me of a lightning storm in the mountains of Colorado, when I was on maneuvers with the 5th Infantry Division (pre-Vietnam), commanding a small patrol. I love stories in which Elizabeth comes to Daddy’s rescue (after the disastrous proposal, but before Lydia’s “elopei justment.”

    1. Thanks so much, John! I’m so happy you liked the scenes and the premise! Now, I’d better own up that the lightning strike was CGI-ed 🙂 (I copy-pasted it on the photo, as I think you can tell). My run-of-the-mill camera wouldn’t have reacted so quickly and I don’t think we get such big flashes of lightning very often. That storm in the mountains of Colorado must have been spectacular!

      Thanks again for your kind words and for stopping by to read this.

    • Marrie on August 4, 2019 at 2:53 am
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    I used to live on the Kirkstone Pass, I can fully imagine the sort of weather you have described. I can feel the cold Lakeland rain as it breaks through all barriers and soaks you to the skin, just an average day in the lakes. Great excerpt, can’t wait for the next one xx

    1. Thanks so much, Marrie, for sharing this. It’s so wonderful to hear that this was your home ground and you can picture every twist and turn in the road! I’m so glad you liked the excerpt. Thanks for reading and all the best!

    • Sarah on August 4, 2019 at 3:27 pm
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    I hope the next installment is soon! I really enjoy when the environment/weather becomes almost a character in its own right, I find it easy to get lost immediately in the story if I can draw on strong sense memories of a similar experience. From the clouds descending, you had me in this one. Can’t wait to read more!

    1. Hi Sarah

      The next installment is coming up on Friday the 9th. I’m so glad to hear you were drawn into the story, and I hope you’ll enjoy the next chapters too. Thanks for stopping by to read the post! Best wishes and have a lovely summer.

    • Sarah B on August 4, 2019 at 3:42 pm
    • Reply

    A very intriguing what if…Looking forward to more.

    1. I’m so glad you found the opening chapters intriguing, Sarah.
      Thanks for reading and best of luck in the giveaway!

    • Buturot on August 4, 2019 at 4:04 pm
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    I am looking forward to reading your new book Joana. I don’t think i have read a variation that ventured with EB travelling further than the original. This will be interesting. There were some view points that I have read that stated EB may have been swayed by the beuty of Pemberley… So now, that is eliminated, then we can just say she is swayed by the dashing Mr Darcy: his apparent changed manner as well as his looks Thank you for the chance to win such generous gifts and wonderful books.

    1. We can definitely say she’s swayed by the dashing Mr Darcy in this one, Buturot, and his changed manner and pretty much everything about him 🙂 . Hope you’ll enjoy their interactions up in the Lake Country and beyond. I’m so glad that this is a new premise to you, Elizabeth travelling further north than in the original. Best wishes and thanks for reading!

    • J. W. Garrett on August 4, 2019 at 4:22 pm
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    Joana my dear, that excerpt was delightful. Oh, I want to read that. I haven’t tried audio yet, I think I’m too ADD to do two things at once. I can’t chew gum and walk at the same time. I had to spit out my gum just to type this. LOL! Blessings on the launch and success of this work. You are amazing. Good luck to everyone in the drawings. Thanks for the generous giveaway.

    1. Thank *you* ever so much, Jeanne, for your wonderful words and your fabulous support! Thanks for the morning giggles too. So multitasking is a no-no. Right, got it 😀 . I’m so happy you liked the beginning of my new book and I hope you’ll like the rest too. Have a great summer and all the best!

  6. Sounds so intriguing and exciting at the same time. If it is as good as any of your other novels, it will be a great read for all your followers. I hope love will blossom and our couple will find love ever after though all the trials and tribulations they will endure! Thank you for the great preview of what is to come!!!! Looking forward to reading the whole novel!!!

    1. Huge thanks for your wonderful words about my books, MaryAnn, you’re ever so kind. I’m so happy you liked them, and that you enjoyed the opening chapters of this one too. Oh yes, our favourite couple will find love and their ‘happily ever after’! That’s what I love most about reading and writing JAFF, that it’s a done deal and the happy ending is a must. Hope you’ll like my new take on their journey towards it. Best wishes and thanks for reading!

    • Maisha on August 4, 2019 at 10:01 pm
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    I am so excited for this book! I’ve loved every book of yours that I have read!

    1. So wonderful to hear you loved my other books, Maisha! Hope you’ll like this one too. Thanks for stopping by to read the opening chapters and best of luck in the giveaway!

    • Linny B on August 5, 2019 at 1:11 am
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    Hi Joana,
    Your books were some of the first I read and introduced me to the wonderful world of JAFF!
    Excited to read your new story and so generous of you with so many giveaways. Congratulations on another exciting story.

    1. I’m so happy that my books were some of the ones that introduced you to our favourite genre, Linny! Huge thanks for letting me know and for stopping by to have a peek at my new book. Hope you’ll like it. All the best and good luck in the giveaway!

    • Claire on August 5, 2019 at 3:33 am
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    LOL! I’ve actually read and listened to a lot of your works. I can’t wait for this one. Thank you for the generous giveaway

    1. Thank *you*, Claire, for reading the post. I’m so glad you liked the opening chapters and hope you’ll enjoy the rest too. Best of luck in the giveaway and thanks for taking part!

    • LilyBernard on August 5, 2019 at 11:36 am
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    Your ‘what ifs’ are very intriguing! Looking forward to reading this one!

    1. Thanks, Lily! I’m so glad you found the ‘what ifs’ intriguing. Hope you’ll like the full story. Thanks for stopping by to read the post and best of luck in the giveaway!

    • Beatrice on August 5, 2019 at 12:26 pm
    • Reply

    As a serious and committed fan of yours, I only read a few lines before rushing to see if this was available to pre-order. It wasn’t. Some of us us cannot wait, please have mercy on us.

    1. Huge thanks for the faith in my new book, Beatrice! Much, much appreciated! Sorry it’s not available on pre-order… I’d have opted for that, but books made available for pre-order can’t be changed during the last 10 days or so prior to release. Now, ‘tweak’ might as well be my middle name, and I know I’ll be tempted to tweak it up to the last minute. I’m hoping to release it by 15 Sept, fingers crossed. There’ll be a launch post here on the day when it’s going live, to announce the release and the giveaway winners. Thanks again for your wonderful support, best of luck in the giveaway and hope you’ll like this book too.

    • Tricia Knight on August 5, 2019 at 1:45 pm
    • Reply

    Joanna you are amazing. Can’t wait wait for this. We are thirst for more over the pond here. British Columbia loves you.

    1. Love you back, British Columbia! Thanks ever so much, Tricia, for your wonderful words!! All the best, good luck in the giveaway and have a great August.

    • Cheryl Kepler on August 5, 2019 at 5:25 pm
    • Reply

    This looks to be another interesting, exciting, romantic, story and I cannot wait to read more. Soon, please! I love all your stories.

    1. Thanks, Cheryl! I’m so happy you love my books and that you enjoyed the beginning of this one as well. Hope you’ll like the full story. All the best and thanks for stopping by to read the post!

    • Angelyn on August 5, 2019 at 6:18 pm
    • Reply

    So exciting, cannot wait to read more.

    1. Thanks, Angelyn! More of it coming up on Friday. Hope you’ll like the next installment too. Best wishes and thanks for visiting.

    • Teresita Garcia on August 5, 2019 at 8:22 pm
    • Reply

    That seems like an amazing plot. When is it that it comes out?

    1. Around mid-September, Teresita (fingers crossed 🙂 ). I’m so glad you liked the first chapters! Please pop by on Friday to read some more. Best of luck in the giveaway and thanks for taking part!

    • Claire Ferguson on August 5, 2019 at 9:23 pm
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    Oh i’m so excited that you’ve written a new book!! Can’t wait to read it! Love when Darcy and Elizabeth meet in the middle of the night! I’m glad Mr Gardiner was otherwise engaged!!

    1. He was, Claire. For hours and hours 😉 . Huge thanks for your kind words and for your excitement, and hope you’ll like the book!

  7. Wow, Joana!! What a beginning!!!

    Poor Darcy!! Of course, Elizabeth and her lovely relations will come across him and nurse him back to health, right? 😉

    We shall see!!!

    Thank you for your oh-so-generous giveaway, even if the amazing chocolates have to remain on your side of the Pond!! (They look almost too beautiful to eat…but I am sure I could manage in a pinch, LOL!)

    Congratulations on your near-release!!

    Warmly,
    Susanne 🙂

    1. Hi Susanne

      I’m so happy you like the beginning!

      Oh yes indeed, ‘Poor Darcy!! Of course, Elizabeth and her lovely relations will come across him and nurse him back to health, right? 😉’ Right! And we wouldn’t have it otherwise :)))

      I know the feeling about the chocolates. Eating them is a bit like destroying a piece of art. Still, I expect I might be able to force myself too :D.

      All the best, thanks so much for your support and have a lovely August!

    • Mo on August 6, 2019 at 6:19 am
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    Wonderful. Another Joana Starnes book. I can hardly wait to purchase it and fit it in with all the other Starnes books. I love your writing style.

    Please keep writing.
    Mo

    1. Thanks so much for the encouragement and support, Mo! I’m so happy you love my writing style. Hope you’ll like the next book too. Have a lovely summer and best of luck in the giveaway!

    • Roseanne on August 6, 2019 at 9:33 am
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    Loving this start!! I really love your writing style Joana and am so excited to have this to look forward to in September when the kids are back at school and I can curl up on the couch to read with a sneaky cuppa and a biscuit ! 😂

    1. So, so glad you loved the start, Roseanne!! I do hope you’ll like the rest of the story, and the wedding bouquet as well 🙂 . It might take quite a few cuppas & biscuits to get to the wedding day (because I’m making them go all round the houses as per) so let me thank you now for your wonderful suggestion! There are lots and lots of lilies of the valley in the wedding bouquet, and ODC have you to thank for that.
      All the best and have a lovely August!

    • hollis on August 6, 2019 at 3:44 pm
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    Joanna, I’m coming late to the party, but I love the beginning of your book. I speak few days in San Antonio way my sister and had no access to my email and this post was the last one but the very best one to read. Your books are always so refreshing to read and I cannot wait to read the complete book.

    1. Hollis, you’re so kind!! Huge thanks for the wonderful words about my books! I’m so happy you enjoyed them and that you loved the beginning of this one. Hope you had a great time in San Antonio. Have a nice and relaxing summer and all the best!

    • Talia Sommer on August 7, 2019 at 6:43 am
    • Reply

    Love the storm idea! Looking forward to reading this one. 🙂 Congrats on the book!

    1. Isn’t it nice to be tucked somewhere safe and warm and sit there listening to a good storm raging outside? Not every day, just once in a while 🙂

      Thanks for reading, Talia! I’m so glad you liked the opening and I hope you’ll like the full story too. Best of luck in the giveaway and thanks for taking part.

    • Deborah on August 7, 2019 at 9:15 pm
    • Reply

    Excellent! How are we ever to wait weeks for release?! Thank you Joana, for many hours of pleasure immersed in your remarkable work, and the chance at a great giveaway too 🙂

    1. Thanks so much for the kind words about my books, Deborah! I’m so happy you liked them, and that you liked this excerpt too. Sorry about the wait 🙂 . I would’ve liked to release this in June, same as ‘Mr Darcy’s Legacy’ last year, but the details just couldn’t be ironed out in time. Best of luck in the giveaway and thanks for reading!

    • Diane Lynne C. on August 8, 2019 at 10:02 pm
    • Reply

    I’ve fallen in love with your story ………again. Looking forward to the next installment and the next and the next and …….

  8. Thank you, Diane!! The next installment is up today, and then there’ll be another one on Friday after the next, on 23 Aug (the TLC chapter 😉 – at last! ). I’m SO glad to hear you’ve fallen in love with my story! Have a lovely day and thanks for reading!

    • Beverly Summers on August 9, 2019 at 11:13 am
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    Just saw your Facebook post announcing Part 2 of this excerpt and could not resist the temptation to check it out. Because I hadn’t heard about The Journey Home To Pemberly, I had to start with Part 1, and I am not disappointed! I have a couple of your Audible books in my library and I love them, but reading this reminds me of how enjoyable it is to sit comfortably in a quiet place and lose myself in the written word. 🤓

    1. I’m so glad that Part 2 led you to Part 1 and that you sat quietly and comfortably and enjoyed them both, Beverly! Thanks for checking them out! Hope you’ll like Part 3 as well. Best wishes and have a lovely August.

    • Heather L Workman on August 10, 2019 at 10:29 am
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    I am swiftly turning into as great a fan of Joana Starnes as I am of Jane Austen herself. Writing JAFF must have major challenges and there is so much of it being published that falls short of Austen’s insight, social/political commentary, and ironic humour. But Joana’s works rise to those standards. It is such a joy to read them.

    1. Oh my goodness, Heather, thanks ever so much for your amazing words! I’m so happy you’re enjoying what I write, and I’m hugely honoured by such praise! You’re so very kind!! Best wishes and thanks for reading my books!

    • Lesley McKenna on August 12, 2019 at 6:37 am
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    Wonderful start Joana. As usual, your writing is impeccable and going by the beginning of this much anticipated new work of yours, The Journey Home to Pemberley will be another delightful read. I love these glimpses into the new works of some of the best authors of JA variations.

    Thank you for introducing us (so far) to another fascinating Darcy.

    I will be on tenterhooks waiting for the book to be on sale through Amazon. Have you a rough time for publication? You are defending amongst my top 5 authors. And the best part—you’re a Brit! I’m Australian, but I should have been born somewhere in the mid to north of England. 😄. Definitely an Anglophile.

    Lesley. 🤗

    1. Thanks for reading the post and for leaving this wonderful comment, Lesley! Sorry about the late reply, I was away from the www for a bit. I’m hugely honoured to hear I’m among your top 5 authors, thank you so much!! I guess I could say I’m a Brit by association :). I’ve been living here for most of my adult life and I think I’ve fallen in love with Jane Austen’s England when I was about 12 (pretty much as soon as I first read P&P). I remember chatting with my gran about our favourite books and adaptations while she was making apricot jam. She was a *huge* fan of Vivien Leigh & Clark Gable in ‘Gone with the Wind.’ My take was that P&P was the best book ever, but she stuck to her guns and we agreed to disagree (and then we sampled the jam :D). I just couldn’t figure out how it was possible that she didn’t like P&P better! But then again, this was even before the Garvie-Rintoul adaptation, and my favourite Mr Darcy of all time was probably just starting acting school 😉 . Goodness knows what my gran would say if she knew how hooked I still am on all things P&P after all these years. I guess she’d be amused & bemused.

      Thanks again for reading the excerpts. I’m so glad you’re enjoying them and I hope you’ll like the full story too. Fingers crossed, it’ll be out on all Amazon sites on 12 September.

      That’s so lovely, what you said, that you feel you should have been born in the mid to north of England! Mr Darcy’s part of the country is so gorgeous (and I can’t help thinking that his gorgeous self makes us love Derbyshire all the more). Take care, have a lovely week and all the best!

  9. I can’t wait to read this one.

    1. Thanks, Tina! I’m so glad you liked the excerpts. Best wishes and thanks for reading.

    • Chelsea K. on August 17, 2019 at 6:22 pm
    • Reply

    Thank you for this very generous giveaway as well as sharing your newest book with us here. Congratulations on your new book, it sounds like another really interesting story to add to my overflowing TBR List.

    1. LOL I know the feeling, Chelsea, my Kindle is overflowing too! So many great books published recently or in the pipeline! Yummy & so tempting. I hope you’ll enjoy this one too. Thanks for your ever so kind words and for reading the excerpts! Best wishes and best of luck in the giveaway.

    • Sheila L. Majczan on August 24, 2019 at 4:55 pm
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    I just found this and so happy I did. I had heard mention of the fact that you were writing a new book and as I loved all your others truly look forward to reading this new one. So Darcy is lying by the roadside. Has he lost his memory? Will he become deathly sick? Will the horse returning to the Inn’s stables cause the Innkeeper to look for him? Thanks for this chapter. Thanks for a chance to win all those prizes.

    1. I’m so happy you found it, Sheila, and that you enjoyed it!! Huge apologies for the late reply! (Off into the wilderness, camping with my family for the tail end of the school holidays). No flooded campsite this year, thank goodness, and no Lakeland storms either. Poor Mr Darcy, I’m so cruel to him again! But no, don’t worry, he won’t become severely ill, and when he wakes up he’ll remember *everything* (much as he might wish he didn’t). Hope you had a lovely summer and wishing you all the best!

    • Constance Wessman on August 26, 2019 at 6:26 am
    • Reply

    I’ve been away from my Austen fanfiction for awhile due to a family emergency I. How lovely it was to find this in my inbox! It perked me up to read this and I long to see how it plays out!

    1. I’m so glad you liked finding this in your inbox, Constance! Thanks for your wonderful message and sorry about the ever so late reply! (I was away from the www camping in the wilderness – or as close to wilderness as we can find in the UK these days 🙂 ). Best wishes and thanks for reading!

  10. That’s one splendid way to start a P&P variation, Joana. I think it will turn out to be a delightful read. Btw, if I’m not mistaken I think I’ve read the prologue in one of the Austenesque blogs but I can’t remember where.

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