Sorry, there is no excerpt from the book today, but there is a giveaway! (Details at the bottom of the post.) This is more of an announcement of the pre-release of the kindle version of the book, accompanied by the cover reveal and the book’s title. The kindle pre-order has gone live, and the link on amazon to pre-order is here!
When I began writing this story, I knew there would be an injury due to a fall at Pemberley, so I named it “Falling at Pemberley.” I actually began writing it with the idea that Elizabeth would fall and injure herself, but that actually became a little constraining. Keeping her presence from Mr. Darcy could only happen by hiding under the bed coverings. There was much more opportunity if someone else fell and got hurt. Unfortunately for him, Uncle Gardiner became the fall guy!
The other thing that had not been planned, but came out of nowhere from my muse was that Mr. Darcy had an unusual pastime, or hobby, or talent. In the story, when Elizabeth discovers what that talent is, she asks him if this was an accomplishment of esteemed gentlemen. If you’ve read the chapters here, you know he carves birds from wood. If you have not read the chapters, here is the link to Chapter 1.
When that idea presented itself, I had to look up the different birds in the UK and found the magpie. In reading about their personalities, I thought they sounded just like Elizabeth (they are social and one of the more intelligent birds), and I got the idea that Mr. Bennet had a nickname (or pet-name, or perhaps bird-name would be more accurate) for each of his daughters, and Elizabeth’s was a magpie.
Then I discovered one more thing about magpies, and that was the little saying that went along with how many magpies you see. It goes, “One is for sorrow, Two is for mirth, Three for a funeral, and Four for a birth.” There were a few other variations, but I chose the version first recorded in 1780. Some of the poems numbered higher, but I decided four was enough to use in the book.
So the book’s title became Mr. Darcy’s Magpie. If you’ve read the chapters here, you know he began to carve a magpie, but did not finish it.
So we have the title and now for the book cover reveal. I again asked my sister to paint the picture, and I was pleased with it. Here is the cover:
As I said, the kindle of Mr. Darcy’s Magpie is now available for pre-order on amazon here. It will be released on September 28, with the paperback and other formats to be released on or around that date.
It’s been fun to share the chapters with you each week, to read your comments, and to see the direction you believed it might go. I have a few more stories in the works, but nothing really ready to comment on at this point.
I want to thank all you readers in the Jane Austen community for your encouragement and support. And always, if you buy the book and enjoy it, we love reviews!
A Giveaway!
I will be giving away 2 copies of the books chosen from those who comment below by Saturday night at midnight. Paperbacks to US and Canada, and ebook Internationally. I will announce the winner next Monday on my post here as well as on the facebook group page. Good luck!
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Wow I cannot wait for your book!! Congrats Kara!!! Best wishes Barbara
I can’t wait to read the rest of the story. So many quandaries to be solved before ODC find their happy ending. I like the new title and the lovely cover. BTW I was amazed at Mrs Reynolds overstepping her duty in forcing the Gardiners and Elizabeth to leave Pemberley. Congratulations and thanks for the giveaway,
What a lovely cover! I’ve restrained myself and not read any chapters so far, so as not to spoil the joy of reading the book in one go. Looking forward to the release!
Love the cover and title! We have a family of magpies who visit us each morning, they often come walking down our driveway like they own the place! Looking forward to reading this one! ♥️
Thank you! I have enjoyed every chapter so far. Looking forward – with very little patience 😊 – to the rest.
Already pre-ordered it.
Thank You Kara! For sharing chapters of your intriguing story here. I have never commented before on this site but as this was end of your posting story here , I came out of my hibernation. Want to tell you that I thoroughly enjoyed it and also all the comments which other readers posted here. Used to wait for Mondays for new chapter. Only sorry that I have to wait for reading further story now.
There was a suspense regarding course of action of ODC , angst too but overall like Elizabeth a sweetness which couldn’t affront but bewitch everyone. Liked the new name ‘ Mr Darcy’s Magpie ‘. I am sure Mr Darcy will soon be able to complete the carving of his Magpie and put her on his study table to constantly give him company even when Elizabeth would be busy in her other duties as mistress of his lovely home.
All the best for publication of your beautiful story.
Would love to see how the rest of the story plays out!
My grandma used to have a domesticated magpie. Therefore I was always fascinated by them. She was called Keka and so smart, she could even say a few words. She wasn’t in a cage or anything, but free to come and go.
I think it’s a clever element to the story and can’t wait to read the rest!
I’ve been loving this story from chapter 1 and the title really fits. We have magpies in our garden and for the first time this year we had a baby magpie come daily to our feeders. I am looking forward to the finished book, good luck!
We don’t have magpies in my area of the US, but they certainly seem to be entertaining birds. Can’t wait to read your book.
First of all, Congratulations on the completion of this book, the upcoming release and your sister’s wonderful artwork for the cover. I read all the chapters as you put them up on Austin Variations each Monday and left comments a few times. You really know how to create angst between our central characters. Each week I’d look for signs of it resolving…and it didn’t. Today youve told us of the evolution of the final title of your heretofore “work in progress: “Falling at Pemberley”. It was more than just a little interesting to learn your thoughts leading up to the change. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the story. Thank you for another great read.
Loved reading the chapters you did post on AustenVariations.com. I would love winning a copy of the book, so I can finish reading this story. Thanks for the giveaway.
Congratulations on finishing your book! Thank you for the give away! I am looking forward to rereading it.
Kara, thank you for having shared these wonderful chapters with us! I have loved following this story, and I am so looking forward to reading the rest! The 29th can’t get here fast enough!
I’m excited to read the rest of your book. Though I have read other fanfics based on an injury at Pemberley, I really like the idea of Uncle Gardiner being the one injured at Pemberley. That alone makes the whole scenario more clever and unique, and I look forward to seeing the direction you took it.
Thank you for your story. I have enjoyed the excerpts. Please continue writing these great stories!
I can’t wait to see what happens. You left us at such a critical point. What a fun read this has been.
Thanks to you I’ve learnt another English word, magpie! I can’t wait to read what happens next to E&D though I can say they end together. Thank you!
I have enjoyed reading your story. I’d like to know what happened next and how you bring Darcy and Elizabeth together again. Thanks again for sharing and the drawing!
Hae enjoyed reading the story so far, and I like the cover
Can’t wait to read the final version of this story. Love the new title and the cover
You are so clever and have such interesting unique elements in your stories that I am looking forward to the ending of this one! A few years ago I was lucky to win one of your hard copies and would love to win this one too (ebook or hard copy).
Congratulations on adding another story to your growing flock of successes.
That is a great cover — and easily identified at Amazon. Not so many bird paintings there.
and it’s been fun to read the chapters you have shared each week! Thanks so much for your marvelous stories. I can’t wait to read the full novel. Loove the title!
Enjoyed each chapter; can’t wait to finish the book.
Lovely cover.
Thanks for hosting the giveaway.
Looking forward to reading the rest of the story. I love the title you’ve chosen!
Congratulations on another successful book. You always come up with cleaver story-lines. (Of course…. you are a Kara. ;-)) I am eager to read the rest of the tale.
Oh, what a beautiful cover. Man… your title is amazing. After I read it… I thought, of course that is the title. It fit so well. I can just see him working on that carving in his hands longing for Elizabeth and when it all through, putting it down. I imagine he will pick it up again and complete it. I certainly have enjoyed the excerpts and look forward to reading the rest. Thanks for sharing and blessings on the launch and success of this work.
This new book sounds great.
Can’t wait for the 28th — it was so much fun to follow your title through the creation phase! Thanks for the opportunity to discover the storyline right along with you. 🙂 I look forward to learning how it resolves.
Very interesting title. Good luck with the book!
So excited to read your new book!
Very interesting title. Good luck with your writings
I cannot wait for this to be released! I want to know what happens. Thanks for letting us see a sneak peak. We don’t have magpies where I live so …had to look it up for the full effect 😀
Lovely cover – you have a very accomplished sister! Please enter me in the draw.
Wonderful feature and giveaway which I would enjoy. Thanks.
I have enjoyed the excerpts and am looking forward to the new book. Congrats!
What an unusual book title! I look forward to enjoying reading it. I, too, have not read any of the chapters in order to enjoy it all in one binge read. Thanks for all of your works that you share with us.
Hi Ginna! I don’t know if you got my email about winning a copy of the book. (Maybe it went to spam?) Anyway, congratulations, and let me know if you got the email. I’ll need your mailing information for the paperback.
Congrats on the release! Your sister is very talented, the cover is lovely.
I haven’t read any of the chapters yet because I love your books and knew once I started I would want to keep reading more so now that there is an actual release date for it I might start. Congratulations on your new book release and thank you for the chance to win a copy! Your description here sounds really interesting and I look forward to reading this book.
Love your books! Love the new chapters that you’ve been posting! Love the cover! Love the giveaway opportunity! (Are you feelin’ all the love here?) May this be another hugely successful book release!
I am sooooo looking forward to seeing what happens next in this book, Kara!! Thank you sooooo much for sharing so many chapters with us; you brightened my Monday mornings considerably!
I love your sister’s painting–so gorgeous!! How nice to have such an accomplished a cover artist in the family!! 😀
I am crossing my fingers and wishing hard to be one of the recipients of the giveaway!! And I write reviews for Goodreads and my blog! 😉
Thank you again!!
Warmly,
Susanne 🙂
Congratulations on your new book! I have to confess that I haven’t been following the postings here as those pesky things called Real Life and Work have been preventing me reading as many blogs as I would like.
We get quite a number of magpies in our garden here in Yorkshire. A couple of years ago, a young one decided to adopt my husband and followed him around everywhere for several days. In fact, we nicknamed it ‘Fido’ as it was almost like a puppy in that respect. In the end, we had to take it to a bird rescue centre as it simply wasn’t fending for itself any more and even kept coming into the house! We kept in touch with the centre and they told us that they did eventually manage to release it back into the wild.
That stone archway in your lovely cover picture reminds me of a feature at a place we know well not far from us – the World Heritage Site at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal. The feature is called the Serpentine Tunnel and hopefully this link https://goo.gl/images/Znr55k will take you to a photo of the downhill end entrance. The tunnel is curved and you can’t see one end from the other. It can be quite spooky!
Thanks for giving us a chance to win a copy and good luck with the launch!
I’ve been enjoying this story! I would love to win a copy of the book. Congratulations and thanks for the giveaway!
Beautiful cover! Congratulations on the new book. Thank you for the chance to win a copy.
SO Proud of you, dear Kara Louise. You have a great gift and you bless many. I hope many of your fans will share the news and get the word out. Let’s get multiple sets of 3 magpies out there bringing love 💕 all around the 🌎
Thank you so much for sharing all those chapters with us! You are by FAR my favorite author when it comes to P&P variations!
What a beautiful cover! I enjoyed reading the first few chapters and can’t wait to read the rest of the book.
Love reading these behind the scenes details! Thanks for the giveaway, too; I look forward to reading it!
I can’t wait, it’s a must have. Congratulations Kara. I’ve just preordered.
I hope to speak English correctly.
Thank you very much for bringing me a touch of dream before each publication, I often wondered the night after reading the next chapter what turn the story was going to take. Now I only have to continue this adventure by pre-ordering the book. I was born on September 12, I hope my son understood my hints to get the book as a gift.
Congratulations on another P&P book. I love them all. Much success on the launch, too. Great title.
Wonderful – another Kara Louise book to add to my collection! I wish you every success with this new book, and I look forward to reading it (no matter how it gets here).
Thank you so much.
Best,
Lilyane
I’ve read your books, some, many, many times from before there were ebooks. This new one looks just as appealing and will be soon. A freebie would be nice. . ..
Congratulations on this book. I look forward to reading the rest of this story once it is released.
Can’t wait to read the rest!
Love the new title!! Congratulations and can’t wait to read it completely through!! Thank you for the great giveaway!
So excited to read your new book, have loved all the others. I’m intrigued as to how the magpie symbolism will play out and can’t wait to watch Darcy and Elizabeth fall in love all over again <3
I’ve enjoyed all of your postings, and look forward to reading the entire book.
How lucky you are to have such a talented artist/sister to create beautiful covers for your amazing books. Is all of your family artistically talented, or just ou two? I, too, have thoroughly enjoyed your posts, and can’t wait to read the entire book! It would be wonderful to win it! But either way, I’ll read it!
Your stories are always so intriguing. I believe it was you who first got me hooked with Pemberley’s Promise. Thank you, I’ve been reading P&P stories ever since. I did not realise that your sister paints your covers, what a wonderful way of supporting each other. I’m looking forward to reading the remainder of this story.
Thank you so much Kara for the update. Thank you also for sharing aboiut the magpie (never heard of it until you mentioned in the story- I would have thought it has something to do with food).
Loved the way you started the story with the fall and how it unfolded all the events after. can’t wait for it’s release.
Thank you sharing the story in austen variations.
Hi Kara! Thank you for the giveaway! I was following this story online and am really curious to know what is going to happen to ODC. Congratulations on your new book!
Thank you Kara for this giveaway! I really Liked thé chapters you already give us online! Cant wait to read the rest!
I love the beautiful cover painted by your sister. She and you are both very talented!
What a beautiful cover! I very much look forward to readin Mr Darcy’s Magpie!! I’ve already added it to my wish list
I have preordered. Your books are what got me into JAFF in the first place!
Thank you for the chance to win your newest book. The idea for this story and what you have revealed behind it in this post intrigues me!
I have read some of your earlier novels and enjoyed them so much on ebook that I also purchased the paperbacks.
Beautiful cover! Thanks for sharing the story so far and I look forward to read it entire.
I love magpies. They are some of the most intelligent birds…related to ravens and crows which are the only birds who make and use tools. I definitely agree Elizabeth’s father might have called her a magpie. I love the cover, your sister is so talented. This book is on my wish list (I love all your stories), and I will definitely be purchasing the paperback due to the artwork. Thank you for sharing the beginning of the book to whet our appetite for its release and for your generous give away.
Congratulations. I have been reading along with this one, and I am looking forward to see how things get resolved. Thank you for the enjoyable reading very week, I will miss it.
Pre-ordered! Love the Magpie painting your sister did! I’ve really enjoyed the story and look forward to rest of the book :).
Great cover and, I expect, great story behind it..
Thanks.
can’t wait to read how the story turns out.
Looking forward to another great Kara Louise read. Thanks for writing!
I have loved reading this so far and can’t wait to finish it!
Thank you and your sister for sharing your talents! Your stories are always entertaining. I’m just going to have to reread a few while waiting for the rest of this book. I’m looking for Darcy’s Voyage now….
What an excellent and unique title – and what a lovely cover! And I can’t wait for reading the continuation of thie story! Thansk fro the chance to win in a giveaway!
I love this beautiful cover, Kara. Do you have a bigger image uploaded somewhere? One of my hobbies is to save covers of Austenesque titles that I like.
The premise of this book sounds wonderful. It releases a day before my birthday so I’m gonna treat myself and get the book if I don’t win this giveaway. Thank you for the generous prize.
I love your cover! You and your sister are so talented. Excited to read rest of story. Thank you for sharing with your readers.
I can’t wait till the release… I came across this web site for the first time amd LOVE your story! Thank you for sharing it.
Congrats! I had a neighbor that carved wooden birds when I was growing up. He was internationally recognized in this hobby and had them all over his front patio. I hadn’t thought of him for decades. Thanks for the trip down memory lane. Hope your book is a fabulous success.
I have enjoyed following this story and looked forward, with anticipation to each new posting. I love the cover! Your sister did an excellent job and the title is perfect. Can’t wait for the release of the book. Thanks, Kara Louise, and I wish you much success.
Congratulations on your new book! I have read all the chapters you published here and thought I would have to wait until december or even next yeat to finish it but I will have to wait just for a few more weeks! Yay! I’m from Chile and I would love to win one copy of your book. I cannot wait to read it. Love your P&P variations.
Looking forward to reading this!
You big tease! Looking forward to reading this book. You know any pie will do! Hahaha!
I must confess that I have to get used to the new title. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the WIP, and, yes, the new title is very representative of the book. Congratulations on the new soon-to-be release. Many of us are looking forward to reading the rest of the book. Thank you for the giveaway.
I grew up with magpie birds all over my property. Dad called them Holstein pheasants, so I thought they were called that for years. Can’t wait to read it!
Can’t wait to read this one! Your sister did a wonderful job with the cover! Lovely!
I do like the new title and the cover. There are magpies near me and a few weeks ago I looked out one morning to see 7 young magpies strutting around in front of my house.
I look forward to re reading the chapters you posted followed by the rest.
Can’t wait to read your new release!
Oooh, I hope I’m not too late to enter the giveaway. Actually, I just got back from England were I visited ‘Longbourn’ and ‘Meryton’, so I’m totally in the mood for the book!
l enjoyed reading so much your excerpts. another wonderful book from a great author Looking forward to a great read now that your book is on sale . Best wishes for a best seller option.
I enjoyed reading the chapters you shared with us, and look forward to reading the book in it’s entirety.