Double Book Launch!

My big double launch day is finally here! And I do mean FINALLY. One of these two books has been waiting a very long time for publication.

It really started about eight years ago. I’d had about the best fun of my life writing my first two JAFF novels, and now I was diligently pursuing their publication. Although the odds were against me, I was hopeful. But what if the whole Jane Austen thing didn’t pan out? I didn’t want to stop writing; I was totally hooked by then. So I asked myself what other genre I would be interested in pursuing.

I’ve always been intrigued by the idea that a single choice in life can change everything that happens subsequently. For example, what if rather than choosing to go to college A, where you met your future spouse, you had selected college B? Would you have ended up marrying someone else instead, and consequently having different children? Yikes! Even a minor decision (such as where to eat lunch, what to order, or what route to take getting there) might make the difference between an ordinary day and winding up in the hospital from food poisoning or a car accident. Of course, being the romantic that I am, I’m thinking you might meet that certain someone wonderful in the hospital, which you never would have if you hadn’t gotten sick/injured. The possible variations are endless.

But let’s take it one step further. What if there were a way you could turn back the clock and make a change, perhaps to correct the biggest mistake of your life?  Is there a certain point where you turned left and now wonder what would have happened if you’d turned right instead? Or would you use your second chance to choose a different life entirely?

Well, the Jane Austen thing did catch on for me, I’m happy to say. But in the meantime I’d written my first book of what I’m calling my Crossroads CollectionLeap of Faith has been patiently waiting its turn for publication ever since.

second-chance-at-the-dream_kindleAt the Crossroads Center, they’re in the business of granting second chances.  And their newest client is Ben Lewis, a former star athlete who never recovered from the death of his dream to make it big in the big leagues. Now he’s being offered the opportunity to return to 1991 and try again, this time without the illness that originally ended his baseball hopes.  What’s the catch?  He will pay for his second chance by forfeiting his memories of the first… and possibly along with them, the love of his life. Can he find his way home to the woman he’s long forgotten but never stopped missing? Or will reaching for the brass ring with both hands cause the treasure he once possessed to slip forever from his grasp?

 

 

Yes, there’s a modern setting. Yes, there’s baseball and a time-travel element. And yet, Leap of Faith really isn’t so different from my other stories, dealing with love and the forces that bring people together… or keep them apart. Romance is job one, in other words. (In the beginning, I actually tried to make this book about something else, but I just couldn’t do it!) Still, I wasn’t sure my JAFF-readers would be willing to make the “leap” with me to a modern story about a baseball player, even if he does remind me a lot of Mr. Darcy – tall, dark, brooding good looks. You can see it, can’t you? Anyway, to help you along a little, I decided to take one of the minor character’s from Ben’s story – a Jane Austen obsessed college student named Hope – and give her her own book!

I’m counting on Leap of Hope (which is totally JAFF) to bridge the gap between what you’ve been used to from me into this new series. Actually, I call it a “collection” instead because the books don’t have to be read in any particular order. Each one is complete in itself. But whichever book you read, you’ll meet the hero/heroine of the next/previous book on their common ground: the Crossroads Center. Of course I’m hoping you will decide to read both. Then you can tell me which character you meet at Crossroads you think should get the next book!

chance-at-an-austen-kind-of-life_kindleAt the Crossroads Center, they’re in the business of handing out second chances. And their newest client is Hope O’Neil – college student and Jane Austen devotee, who has always believed she’d be more at home in the past, wearing corsets and courted by men in cravats. But can a modern girl really fit into a world with no electricity, cell phones, or indoor plumbing? Hope is about to find out when her wish for an Austen kind of life is unexpectedly granted. Although she envisions her second chance will be like something straight out of Pride and Prejudice – complete with her own Mr. Darcy and a romantic happy ending – she gets more than she bargained for in this delightful romp through Regency England… a lot more.

 

 

Thank you for sharing this exciting day with me, and happy reading!

(These books are currently available in paperback and Kindle. See full covers and read the prologue to Leap of Hope on previous Austen Variations posts.)

 

 

41 comments

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    • Chelsea K on February 28, 2017 at 12:56 am
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    These books sound really interesting and I would love to be entered in the giveaway for a set of the print copies (I do not have a Kindle).
    Thanks for the giveaway.

    • Florence Solowianiuk on February 28, 2017 at 1:37 am
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    This is quite an intriguing premise. I can recall “crossroad” instances in my own life, and have wondered how certain things would have turned out. Please enter me in the giveaway for a Kindle set of copies.

    • Lisa G on February 28, 2017 at 4:27 am
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    These books look just like my ‘cup of tea’ . A chance to see where a second chance can lead. Looking forward to reading these two even if I don’t win. Thank you.

    • Glynis on February 28, 2017 at 6:47 am
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    These sound really good. I often wonder how my life would have turned out if I had made different decisions at times. It’s very intriguing. Thanks so much for the giveaway and good luck with both books.

    • arjanne on February 28, 2017 at 8:02 am
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    This looks like a really interesting series. That’s what I so love about all the Jane Austen variations: change one thing and you get a totally different story. I would love to read these books; I love Darcy & Lizzy, but it’s also nice to read something else once in a while! Thanks for the giveaway, I would love to win a paperback set (I don’t have a Kindle).

    • Shelley Hoisington on February 28, 2017 at 8:19 am
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    These books sound very intriguing. Will your soulmate always be your soulmate if you change your destination? I would love a modern story for a change. Thank you for a chance to enter the giveaway.

    • Betty Campbell Madden on February 28, 2017 at 9:14 am
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    Many of you know that because of anesthetic complications, I limit my reading to P&P stories and have read well over a thousand of them that I own, plus KU and FF copies. I was leary of this series, but at the same time I could not resist Shannon’s writing, which I consider exquisite. Fortunately, the two books can be read out of order without affecting the pleasure, so I started with the second book. I confess: I was hooked and moved on to the second read/first book. And I’m eagerly waiting for the next many in the series. I suspect you will be as well.

    We’ve heard of nunneries. Are there “writeries” to which we can commit our favorite authors, so they can devote hours each day to their talent? I have a list of several people I’d like to send.. . .Or perhaps I’m being greedy for more of the best works of this genre. But if not, pack your bags, Shannon.

    1. You’re very sweet, Betty, and I would love to take you up on your offer to send me to a “writery.” I always have more stories in me than I have time to write them!

    • DarcyBennett on February 28, 2017 at 9:16 am
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    I am also a huge fan of this idea and have always been drawn to stories that have this premise. So I am so excited about these books and have placed them on my wishlist. Thanks for the giveaway.

  1. Congrats on the new releases! They both sound fantastic.

  2. My collection of JA Fanfic books has been growing. The new shelving was required. I’am admitting that I’am addicted. I only have one book of your-The Darcys of Pemberley but have 3 others on my kindle. Please keep writing. I was hoping since the 7th is my birthday. I would be lucky and win.

    • Jennifer Redlarczyk on February 28, 2017 at 10:41 am
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    The books sound awesome. And hearing that you worked on them for so long is admirable. Best wishes with your new publications. Jen Red

    • Linda Clark on February 28, 2017 at 10:46 am
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    Time travel stories has often intrigued me. If only we were truly offered the chance to make the changes in life our rearview 20/20 vision gives us. I wouldn’t mind a P&P story a long those same lines…with having the beginning run true to Jane’s original then adding a mysterious step back in time! You definitely have my interest with these two new books, Shannon. Enter my name in the drawing please…

    • Theresa Mattina on February 28, 2017 at 11:23 am
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    Interesting premise! Thanks for the synopsis and giveaway

    • Beverlee on February 28, 2017 at 12:43 pm
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    These sound fascinating. I’ve experienced too many weird coincidences in my life to believe that there’s no such thing as fate. Little nothing events somehow seem to conspire to lead to something bigger… something that’s intended to be. Congrats on the double release!

    • LaMonica M on February 28, 2017 at 12:48 pm
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    I’m intrigued! Always praying success for you & your talents! I would love to read these 🙂

    • Linda A. on February 28, 2017 at 1:55 pm
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    Congratulations on the publication of your books! I have always wondered about a couple of crossroads in my life and wondered how it would have changed if I had done something different. Amazing how one little thing can make such a big impact. Thank for the chance to win copies!

  3. Both of these books sound absolutely wonderful, Shannon!! Congratulations on their publication at long last!! Yay!!! Celebrating with you!!! \o/

    Crossing my fingers that I can win a Kindle set! Such a generous give-away!!

    Thank you!

    Warmly,
    Susanne 🙂

    • Priscilla Teh on February 28, 2017 at 2:21 pm
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    These books sound so good!! I really want to read them. I love modern JAFFs.

    • Carole in Canada on February 28, 2017 at 3:18 pm
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    First, CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Second, I will take that ‘leap of faith’ with you as I have enjoyed everything you have written!

    My husband and I were recently talking about what if paths that our parents had taken, would we still meet…things are meant to happen a certain way…

    I am not on on any of the social media sites other than Goodreads. Thank you for the chance to win these books!

  4. They sound really cool. Thank for the nice giveaway 🙂

  5. ‘What if….’ Your premise of ‘the results of choice’ and possible alternate ‘outcomes’ grabbed both my memory and my imagination. At age 86 I can look back over my own life and see the moments that, insignificant at the time, eventually proved to be keys to my future. Your books may offer glimpses into others lives but also bring to mind a contemplation of our own ‘life story’. I would love to read them and share your offered ‘book bounty’ on my FaceBook page. Thanks.

    • Lori T on February 28, 2017 at 6:09 pm
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    This idea sounds amazing! Can’t wait to read them. Congrats on thepublications!!

    • Debbie Blackman on February 28, 2017 at 6:48 pm
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    Thank you. I’ve been waiting for these books for ages and can’t wait. They sound so lovely and interesting

  6. Sounds very interesting as we all have crossroads in our lives. Some of us find the correct special someone to spend the rest of our days right away and know it right from the beginning while some folks have a hard time with many crossroads to find the right one! This does seem like it will be a big success since it will be intriguing to read and see the “what ifs” that are in the novel.
    THanks for the giveaway and best wishes with the series!

    • Beth on February 28, 2017 at 9:13 pm
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    Sounds great!

    • Yvette on February 28, 2017 at 11:23 pm
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    I can’t wait to read them !

    • Ruth on March 1, 2017 at 11:08 am
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    Congratulations on your releases which sound captivating and special. Best wishes.

    • StephanieL on March 1, 2017 at 11:30 am
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    I think this concept sounds amazing. How many of us long for mulligans in life? I mean really! I would love the Kindle version!

      • Debbie Blackman on March 1, 2017 at 2:09 pm
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      I’ve never won anything but I would love to be entered in the draw LOL. Either way thank you for the lovely books you have written and I will be loving these ones

  7. Thanks for the giveaway. They both sound delightful.

    • KateB on March 2, 2017 at 9:30 am
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    They look like fun books. Thanks for the giveaway. 🙂 Please, count me in for Kindle edition.

    • Lynn Char on March 2, 2017 at 2:22 pm
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    I love second chances and while there are things in my life I’ve always wondered “what if” about, it always scares me that the one thing I change would change too much about my here and now. Perhaps I’m just too happy?

  8. Congratulations, Shannon! These books sound amazing! Great covers, too!

    • junewilliams7 on March 3, 2017 at 1:24 am
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    These sound like fantastic stories! Just one moment to do over… what a tough choice, when it’s easy to name a dozen or more events that I’d like to do over. Now, is there going to be another book, to make this a trilogy? “Leap of Love” to finish the 1Corinthians verse.

    • Jane Odiwe on March 3, 2017 at 6:21 am
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    I love a bit of time travel-these books sound fabulous Shannon- congratulations!

    • Eva E on March 3, 2017 at 8:52 am
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    It sounds like you were still able to weave Regency England into one of your books so the research for your JAFF writings paid off! I love the premise of these books. It is scary to think of “what if” we made other choices. Thank you for the incredible giveaways.

    • Laura H. on March 5, 2017 at 6:23 pm
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    I love the second chance idea of the books and would really enjoy reading them both. Thanks for sharing with us and the chance to win them!

    • tgruy on March 8, 2017 at 9:34 pm
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    I find this new concept (or should I say concepts?) very interesting. I hope I would get very lucky and win them!

    • Anji on March 9, 2017 at 3:11 am
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    A bit behind the times, I know, but having a major catchup on my blog reading right now. I appreciate I’ve missed the giveaway but as I already have copies of both books, I just wanted to pop in to wish you somewhat belated best wishes and good luck with the launch, Shannon.

    The college A vs college B is something that could so easily have happened to me. College A in Yorkshire or college B in Bath. Most other Janeites wouls have jumped at college B, I’m sure, but having visited both universities, looked at the style of course on offer for my chosen degree (pharmacy), the accomodation available for students etc. I chose college A in Bradford, West Yorkshire. It also had the better reputation in my subject I discovered. There, I met my future husband and we’ll be celebrating our ruby wedding anniversary this year, so absolutely no regrets about it whatsoever, but I very occasionally wonder what would have happened if I’d have gone to Bath instead.

    Looking forward now to reading Leap of Faith, which I’ll be starting later today. Leap of Hope was wonderful!

    • StephanieL on March 10, 2017 at 3:47 pm
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    Thanks Shannon!!

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