The past six weeks were busy ones for me, launching Colonel Brandon in His Own Words and then tagging along with him on a whirlwind, 10-stop book tour. If you missed any of the festivities, look here for more book info, an excerpt, and a full list of tour stops with links. But now for the final event on Colonel Brandon‘s itinerary. Ta-da! THE AUDIO BOOK IS HERE!
8/13/22 UPDATE: WINNERS of the drawing are Leeza Stetson, Carol OBrien, DarcyBennett, lesliegb, and Natalie. Congratulations! To claim your Colonel Brandon audiobook, email me here: shannon (at) shannonwinslow (dot) com, subject line “audiobook winner.” Be sure to tell me which you have access to – Audible US or Audible UK (you do not need an account to claim your book).
As the title implies, Colonel Brandon tells his whole story …in his own words – in his own voice, you might say. So when I went looking for just the right narrator, I couldn’t help fantasizing about how amazing it would have been if I could have hired the great Alan Rickman for the job! He’s the voice of Colonel Brandon in my head.
Alas, that was not possible. But I did find someone with, not an identical but, an equally resonant voice: a very talented narrator by the name of Aaron Smith. He’s new to the JAFF arena, but I think you’ll agree he did a wonderful job! Find the audiobook with sample (as well as paperback and Kindle formats) here.
To celebrate the new audiobook, I’m giving away 5 copies! Just leave a comment below about why you love audiobooks, Colonel Brandon, or both. Winners (determined by random drawing) will be announced August 13th – here as an update to this post and on the Austen Variations Facebook page. I hope you will enjoy hearing Colonel Brandon’s full story. He is a worthy hero and the very best of men!
Before moving on, I want to thank an army of friends who helped me along the way. I couldn’t have successfully launched this book without you! I’m talking about trusty beta readers, proof readers, ARC recipients, blog tour hosts, and everyone who took the time to share my news or post an early review, not to mention the scores of others who have supported me by purchasing the book. THANK YOU ALL!
But now it’s time for me to look ahead. I’ve got a few ideas rolling around in my head for my next book, but I haven’t decided yet which to work on first. Should I write another ‘in His Own Words’ book (Mr. Knightley in His Own Words? Colonel Fitzwilliam in His Own Words?). Or I’ve had a prequel to P&P, featuring the courtship of Mr. & Mrs. Gardiner alongside the courtship of Mr. & Mrs. Bennet, in mind for a long time. Or I think a P&P / Romeo and Juliet mashup would be a lot of fun. What do YOU think I should write next – one of these or something else altogether? Tell me (and read a potential prologue to the Gardiner/Bennet prequel) here!
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Congrats on the audiobook and looking forward to a new voice joining the ranks of wonderful voice actors who bring these stories to life for all of us.
Cornel Brandon is a truly exceptional man. He loved and lost, and raised the child of the one he loved as his own When Maryanne Dashwood enters the picture he sees a chance for love. Then then Maryanne gets distracted by the villainous Willoughby.
Audio books open a whole panorama of a 🌎 to me. Better than movies most of the time, you can listen about fairy tales, mermaids,, impossible adventures and so much more! While driving or cleaning a bathroom!
Wow, the narrator does a great job conveying Colonel Brandon’s character in the sample audio clip! Alan Rickman is a tough act to follow, to be sure. My very first audiobook experience was The Darcys of Pemberley, and now I’m completely hooked on audiobooks!
I would LOVE to hear from Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr. Knightly.
I feel like we are told VERY little about the good Colonel in the original work and not a whole lot more about Mr. Knightly.
Audiobooks are wonderful for several reasons. First, they allow you to read while you do other things. They also allow you to read while doing nothing. They’re like story time for adults. Someone reads to you, enveloping you in the story, and all you need to do is listen.
What could be better than listening to the truly charming and perfectly gentlemanly Colonel Brandon. Delightful!
I have not tried audiobooks yet, BUT I must say that I am glad you have Alan Rickman’s profile for Colonel Brandon. No one else could ever fill his shoes for this part.
I would love to learn more about Mr Knightley (Jeremy Northam), and Mr Darcy.
Now here is where I have a conundrum because I happen to love all 3 of Pride and Prejudice film versions (Lawrence Olivier, Colin Firth, and Matthew Macfayden). Each of these men brought special scenes to their role to be always be remembered in our hearts.
I would also like to learn more about Mr Bingley. He had such a nice temperament, how did he still have that with being around those sisters of his? (Depending on which version you watch, and/or read in the story. )
Mr Darcy’s sister, Georgiana, and his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam? Whatever happened to them?
Author
I’ve written quite a bit about Mr. Darcy, Georgiana, and Colonel Fitzwilliam, so no need to wait for future books. 😉 Let me suggest “Fitzwilliam Darcy in His Own Words” and “Miss Georgiana Darcy of Pemberley” specifically. Thanks for your comments!
Thank you so much! I’ll check them out!
I’m with you, I think of Alan Rickman when I think of Col. Brandon. But after listening to the sample, I agree his voice does resonate.
Congratulations on this new release!
I started listening to Audiobooks recently, they helped to keep me company when the whole family was home, but working remotely. The house had to stay quiet so that they could do their work, gosh I was lonely while they were on their Zoom meetings.
I enjoyed listening on my (mostly)daily walk, while I do chores around the house, and when driving!
Now that are a part of my daily life!
Congratulations on the success of CBIHOW! I loved this book and have the audiobook now, which I’m looking forward to listening to very soon. Aaron Smith sounds amazing. Please encourage him to do more JAFF! If I can only pick one of your possible options, my pick would be a Colonel Fitzwilliam IHOW. Whatever you decide, I’m sure I’ll be reading it!
I love audiobooks! I’m a mom of 3 children under 5 years old and I have very limited time for reading so audiobooks are the perfect solution. I listen while cleaning and even when I shower, not a moment to loose!
I love to listen to audiobooks and JAFF variations are my favorite! I’m looking forward to hearing Colonel Brandon’s POV. Colonel Fitzwilliam’s own words would be a wonderful future project!
I love audiobooks because I can listen while doing other things (cleaning, exercising, getting ready, etc.)
I listened to a sample – What a fantastic choice for Col. Brandon’s voice.
Congratulations on this release!!
I love that JAFF is getting more audiobooks published.
Author
Glad you like the voice of Colonel Brandon, Sam! Yes, I got into the audio game early on, and all eleven of my JAFF book are available in that format.
Love audiobooks. There is something about reading aloud that forces the reader to consider every word choice without speeding through just to get to the action. I take in so much more hearing it read, than my impatient eyes can see. Would love to hear what Mr. Knightly thinks!
I love Colonel Brandon! And Alan Rickman is my Colonel Brandon as well! I love audio books too. I can listen while I work or while jogging or biking – a great way to multitask or take a boring or mundane job and make it more enjoyable.
Wow! This sounds like it is going to be an awesome book! Can’t wait! And totally agree…Alan Rickman will forever be the voice i hear when i read S&S. Spinoffs and prequels are so enjoyable…it is always interesting to see where the author takes the characters, for example, in Death at Pemberly; i thought the author did a great job connecting characters and backstories. Looking for to listening to your audiobook!
Audiobooks have been lifesavers for me- I haven’t had time to sit and read my books so I have learned to love audiobook oks- I can “read” a book while still doing work around the house and while running errands.
Also- Colonel Brandon (especially the Alan Rickman version) has alway been my favorite Austen hero!
Congratulation Shannon on the Audiobook release. I love audiobooks because it allows me to do other things while reading (listening) to a book. I often listen to books while I’m knitting, gardening, out walking or cleaning the house. I find that I often re-listen to an audiobook, though I rarely re-read a book. I’m so glad that more JAFF authors are creating audiobooks. I look forward to listening to Colonel Brandon in His Own Words. Thanks for the giveaway. –Leslie
I love audiobooks because I want to hear them and, therefore, I will walk! I always need an incentive. I would like to know Col Brandon’s thoughts of why he chose the sister he did. Kudos on this new audiobook.
I love audiobooks because they extend my reading time. I always listen to one while driving and doing chores. And a good narrator can make a good book even better. Congratulations on the release.
I would love another ‘in his own words’ story, Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr. Knightley sound great.
I have long thought Colonel Brandon is far too often overlooked as an Austen hero. I am really looking forward to your story, especially as an audiobook. I love audiobooks! I listen to audiobooks because I can do so while I am doing daily life stuff when I couldn’t read a book. I listen while I walk dogs, wait for kids’ at their many activities, do house and garden work, etc. I also find that listening makes the story more “alive” to me and more memorable. Can’t wait to listen to anyone you think might be even a bit like the wonderful Alan Rickman! Congratulations on the audiobook!
I love audiobooks as they keep me entertained and calm during my commutes in heavy traffic.
I love audiobooks so I can keep reading while I exercise and cook. Colonel Brandon is a fascinating character, and I would like to hear what he has to say for himself.
Shannon you’ve done it again! You e given the world another amazing book! Thank you so much for sharing you love for Austen and imagination! It brightens the day! Listening to your books on audio helps with my long commute to work as well as my mundane house hold chores. I sometimes find my self sitting and listening to the audio book while having a glass of wine and flipping through the pages to follow along. It brings your story to life. We appreciate all your hard work and dedication in your amazing stories! Thank you again
I love audiobooks because I can do most anything while listening. My favorite thing is putting puzzles together while I listen to a book. Then I’m doing both things I love at once.
Author
That’s my favorite combo too, Brenda!
Congratulations!!
I would love to see more of the ‘in His Own Words’ book series’.
Since Jane said so little about these men, it is such fun to imagine what exactly was in their mind.
And you always make that happen so beautifully!!!
Massive congratulations on the new audio book Shannon. As a working mum who is an David reader, to keep my heart and mind healthy, audiobooks have been a lifesaver! No matter where I am, I can enter the beautiful world of Austen and the stories beyond and embrace all my favourite characters. I would absolutely love to listen to your new audiobook as I have with many of your other wonderful books! Thank you for all you do!
Congratulations! Doing the gentlemen’s POV is a very clever idea. Your head must be exploding with wondering which one to do next!
I’m with you, I think of Alan Rickman when I think of Col. Brandon. But after listening to the sample, I agree his voice does resonate.
Congratulations on this new release!
Coming out of hiding to say congratulations, Shannon! The book looks wonderful! Hope you’ve been doing well. All the best, Christina
Author
Hi, Christina! Sorry you missed the drawing but hope you’ll read (or listen to) CBiHOW anyway. I’m doing well, thanks. Still haven’t decided what to write next, though! Haha! Thanks for saying hello. 🙂