Good morning, and I hope you’re safe and well. Thanks for stopping by for a chat. You bring your tea or your coffee, and I’ll bring the snacks. Virtual ones, but hey, what can we do?
A while ago, I was searching through Regency cookbooks for some nibbles that could feature in a scene in my new book – that would trigger that scene in fact, and give Mr Darcy the chance to have a late-night chat with Elizabeth. Not in his private book-room this time 😉. Instead, they are left alone in his sister’s sitting room. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Since this month’s theme is Fabulous Food, I’d better start with the nibbles. What do you think of almond macaroons? I found this recipe, and the old script made me think of the tongue-twister with the sieve of unsifted thistles:
“To one pound of blanched and beaten ∫weet almonds, put one pound of ∫ugar, and a little ro∫e water, to keep them from oiling, then beat the whites of ∫even eggs to a froth, put them in and beat them well together, drop them on wafer paper, grate ∫ugar over them, and bake them in a moderate oven.”
I’m not sure if we can lay hands on rosewater, but let’s hope it works without it too. So if you’re stuck for things to do, maybe you’d like to make a batch of almond macaroons and have them to hand for later, when you’ll get to that scene in the book.
So, do we have a title?
Yes we do, and I think you can guess it from this peek at the cover:
We also have a blurb:
What if Mr Darcy’s first proposal was interrupted by a bearer of ill tidings?
The worst tidings: an elopement!
Ah, but whose elopement would allow Elizabeth and Mr Darcy to spend quite so much time together and overcome their prejudices and his stubborn pride?
Would you like to find out? Then, as Mr Bennet would say, read on:
A TIMELY ELOPEMENT
(Excerpt from Chapter 1)
The room was small and received precious little daylight – it was on the wrong side of the house – and the walls covered in dark and absurdly pretentious paper-hangings seemed to close in on him as Fitzwilliam Darcy dropped his hat and gloves on the nearest table and strode towards the fireplace.
He frowned. Many would say that the step he was about to take was ill-judged in the extreme. Madness, they would call it, sheer madness. Yet it could not be helped. Nay, it could not be helped.
He ran his hand over his mouth and chin, drew a deep breath and turned around to face the only sunlit corner of the parlour, where Elizabeth sat bathed in a golden glow, at the table by the window. His eyes warmed as he took in the enticing sight.
‘Fitting, the soft light which through yonder window breaks: it is the east, and she is the sun,’ he thought, and a hint of a smile tugged at the corner of his lips when he found himself paraphrasing the Bard like a besotted youth. Nevertheless, she was a ray of sunshine. He had thought as much from the earliest days of their acquaintance. She was all that was bright and good. Her cheerful disposition – the warmth of her love – the heat of passion: she stood to bring all that into his life, and more besides. True companionship. A blissful and rewarding union. A life with her would undoubtedly provide more than ample compensation for the censure that his choice would hasten to attract.
Lips tightened, Darcy banished all thought of naysayers and the forthcoming storm. He was his own man after all, and nobody’s fool. And who but a weak-minded fool would be swayed from his course of action in something quite so personal as this? Of course, he would do his duty – he always had and always would – but henceforth he would do it as he saw it. With Elizabeth beside him. He would secure his heart’s desire – secure her – and if the world at large could not understand that happy men did their duty better, then the world could go hang!
All of a sudden, the words were out, as though of their own volition:
“In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.”
His lungs filled with air and a blessed sense of peace washed over him, now that the deed was done and the long-withheld avowal was out into the open. Every trace of doubt and all his natural and just misgivings fell away like a discarded coat, leaving him almost giddy with relief, and his heart lighter than a feather. He gave a faint, dismissive little shrug as he continued:
“In declaring myself thus, I am fully aware that I will be going expressly against the wishes of my family, my friends, and – I hardly need add! – my—”
‘Damnation!’
The expletive was held back more by luck than judgement, and instead of giving full vent to his displeasure at the interruption, Darcy merely turned around to glare at the opening door. The young maid – blameless recipient of his vexation – dared not say a word, but bobbed a flustered curtsy and stepped out of the way to make room for Colonel Fitzwilliam.
All that the newcomer was allowed to offer was a brief greeting, before Darcy forestalled him:
“This is not a good time,” he said crisply. “I would appreciate it if you gave us a moment.”
The flash of apologetic comprehension in the colonel’s eyes told Darcy that, although he had not taken his cousin into confidence, not fully, Fitzwilliam had astutely grasped precisely what it was that he had interrupted. Yet, instead of making himself scarce with due haste, he grimaced and advanced into the room.
“I hope you will forgive me,” he said to both, his mien suitably contrite, “but you are needed at Rosings, Cousin. I thought I might find you here—”
“And so you have,” Darcy cut him off. “Pray let Lady Catherine know I will attend her as soon as—”
It was his turn to be unceremoniously interrupted:
“It cannot wait,” Fitzwilliam declared without equivocation. “We have reason to fear that Anne has eloped. To own the truth, with Wickham!”
* * * *
Can’t wait to hear what you think!
If all goes well, the Kindle version will be released on Friday, 5th June 2020, with the paperback and the audiobook to follow. I’d like to put the eBook on pre-order but, as usual, I think I’ll find it very hard to follow the rules and stop myself from tweaking it till the last minute.
Please visit Austenesque Reviews on 28 May for the cover reveal, but until then, I hope you’ll come back next Monday for the rest of Chapter 1.
If you’re in the mood for baking, here comes an update you might find helpful: The old-fashioned macaroon recipe isn’t very specific on cooking times (and anything along the lines of gas marks must have been a distant dream for Regency cooks), but Debbie Stone Brown and her daughter-in-law Sarah have kindly offered a few tips. Debbie told us that her daughter-in-law is a professional pastry chef at Crème de la Cocoa in St. Augustine, Florida, and macaroons are among her many specialties! Then Debbie checked with Sarah, and thanks to them we now have some tips from the chef: the macaroon recipe above is ‘pretty much spot on compared to the way they’re made now. Rosewater is a specialty item that is still used for some macaroons, but almond extract probably can be substituted for this. “Moderate” oven is around 320-350°. “Beaten” almonds is almond flour or meal. Hope this helps those of you who want to make these yourselves!’
Many thanks, Debbie and Sarah, and happy baking, everyone!
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Can’t wait to read this book!
Author
Thanks, Callie! I hope you’ll like it.
Looking forward to seeing that develop. Thank you for the excerpt, and congrats on publishing another book!
Author
Thanks for stopping by to read the excerpt, Robin! Come back for more on Mon 25, and I hope you’ll like the developments 🙂
Google rosewater for cooking
I did not read the details but it may even be available at Walmart!
I look forward to the new book. I will by it as soon as it is released.
Author
Just googled it, Ruth. I should’ve tried that yesterday, when I set up the post. It looks like rosewater’s easily found, so I’m good to go and bake the macaroons. I’ll post a picture, if they last that long 😀
I’m so glad you’re looking forward to the book! Thanks and I hope you’ll like it.
It is nice to have a (virtual) tea/snack time wih you all!!!
Thank you for the excerpt. . Am smiling right now. I can imagine how FD felt and his facial expression when he got interrupted. Looking forward to the next excerpt.
Please include me in both the ebook and audiobook drawings. Thank you so much for the chance to win a copy
Author
Thanks for coming for snack-time 🙂 . I’m so glad you liked the excerpt. Hehe, Darcy must have terrified Mr Collins’ maid with his scowl. Wonderful to hear you’re planning to come back for the next excerpt. Please do, and I hope you’ll like it. Have a good day and best of luck in the giveaway!
Congrats on the new book. Can’t wait to read.
Author
Thanks, Anita! I hope you’ll like it. Best of luck in the giveaway and thanks for visiting.
If you have a grocery which sells Indian and Asian food, you should be able to find rosewater. The macarons sound delicious.
Author
They do, don’t they? 🙂 Oh, that’s a great idea! I’ll try the Indian food shops. I know at least a couple and they’re not too far, so it’s worth a shot.
Oh, why couldn’t Darcy have stopped himself after his lovely declaration! And then the interruptions … He may need a good sugar rush when it all comes down on him. This is going to be fun. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the ebook.
Author
LOL Luisa, that’s so true 😀 . So I guess he’ll be very glad of the macaroons.
Thanks for reading and for taking part in the giveaway. Best of luck!
Darcy would not have appreciated the unfortunate interruption, but it will give Lizzy a bit more time to think and possibly react – though all will have changed with the Cornell’s statement about Anne and Wickham… Darcy only thinking about himself and his needs, Elizabeth will be totally surprised… and not happy. A great start! I can’t wait to read more…
Author
Elizabeth could certainly do with more time to think and react (just as he could do with guarding his tongue 😀 ). Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Mary! Can’t wait to see what you think of the second excerpt. See you next Monday!
I cannot wait for this book to be released! At least Darcy didn’t go through the entire horrid second half of the proposal. A welcome but unfortunate interruption. Thanks for a chance to win a copy of the book 🙂
Author
My pleasure, Pallavi. Thank *you* for stopping by to read the excerpt and best of luck in the giveaway!
I look forward to reading more of this chapter to know the reactions of Darcy to this news, and Elizabeth’s to both sets of news.
Congratulations.
Author
Thank you, Patricia! Yes, more will be revealed in the next excerpt 😉 . Thanks for reading and see you next Monday!
This sounds wonderful! I cannot wait to read it! And, if you are in the neighborhood, I have rosewater in my cupboard. I use it to make baklava.😊
Author
Oh yessss! Baklava. Love it! And I know it’s a thing in Greek and Turkish cuisines too, so I’ll check out a few more shops.
I so wish I was in your neighbourhood, Anngela, or you in mine! I’m so glad you came to the UK when you did. Who knows how long we have to wait until travel goes back to normal. Thanks, have a good week and stay safe!
Thanks for the sneak peek of your new book! I’ve read all of your books and frequently play your audiobooks in the background as I work. As for the recipe, does one make rose water by simply soaking petals? I’ll have to consult the Google 🤣
Author
That’s another wonderful idea, Paige! Just found a recipe: https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/rosewater
No excuse now, I really have to bake those macaroons :))
Thanks for your lovely message! I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed my books and that the audiobooks are keeping you company as you work! Best wishes, best of luck in the giveaway, and hopefully see you again next Monday!
Phew! At least Darcy didn’t get to the ‘insulting her family’ part! Plus, if Wickham must elope with someone, Anne could be the best choice. It relieves Darcy from Lady Catherine demanding he marries her (well possibly not but at least he can refuse on the grounds that he won’t endure the possibility of Wickham’s child inheriting Pemberley! 😏 also on the plus side – Lady Catherine can hardly point fingers at Elizabeth’s family failings!
I’m especially loving the idea of a ‘private book room’ moment, no matter where it takes place 😍😍
I’m totally loving this book already Joana!
Alas I will have to read it without the snacks! 😥 obviously I have pounds of almonds and sugar, I have dozens of bottles of rose water 🤔 but I can’t get any flour for love nor money! 😱. Hopefully Pemberley will be open again soon, social distancing will ease and we can discuss it over scones 😏🤞. Take care and happy tweaking! 😘
Author
Ah, Glynis, you read my mind! Of course D couldn’t endure that possibility. And LOL, there should be less finger-pointing now, shouldn’t there? 😉 . So sorry about the flour. We had a 2kg pack from around Feb, when one of my kids went into baking frenzy and then quickly gave up, but you’re right, the home baking shelves are pretty empty at supermarkets. Oh, for the Pemberley cream tea!! I can’t wait to discuss and dissect Mr D’s love life with you in the Pemberley cafe. Hope we can do it soon.
This sounds like it is going to be a very interesting journey. I can’t wait to see how it goes. The almond macaroons sound good. I haven’t made but do make raffia cakes for meeting. They are great those who need gluten free goodies.
Author
I haven’t baked almond macaroons either. Just coconut ones, and something similar, where walnuts were used instead.
Thanks for reading the post, Lynn, and I hope you’ll like where the story goes 🙂 . Of course, we all know where it goes, so scratch that. I hope you’ll like how it gets there.
Hello Joana,
a new book coming in june ? What wonderful news!
We had to cancel our holiday like million other people. I have time to bake not only virtually. We have an almond tree planted in our garden 5 years ago but we have to wait another 1-2 years for fruits. I love old recipes. They are often easy to make without many different ingredients.
I like to drink a cup of coffee and hear more of your new story….
Simone
Author
Thanks, Simone! I’m so glad you like my news 🙂
So sorry about your holiday plans. Not a good year for travelling, but excellent for baking (at least it should be, if ingredients aren’t out of stock). Old recipes are so fascinating! And that’s so true, some are incredibly easy to make. The only thing that flummoxes me sometimes is the vague guidance on cooking times, but then those poor cooks had to put up day in-day out with oldfashioned equipment and trial-and-error methods, so it’s not like they could give me an exact oven temperature & gas-mark 🙂
I’d love to chat with you over cups of coffee! I hope we run into each other in the Austen world. All the best until then, and happy baking!
Poor Darcy! But, perhaps he was interrupted at an important moment before he ruined things with Elizabeth. Looking forward to this one, Joana, and how much trouble Wickham stirs up…again. 🙂
Author
LOL Gianna, I’ve been trying for years to exclude Wickham from the equation, but he’s catching up with me 😀
All the best and thanks for reading!
Thank goodness Darcy was interrupted before he went any further in his disastrous proposal! Looking forward to reading more of the Wickam-Anne relationship and learning how Darcy and Elizabeth make their way to each other in context of your clever plot twist. Congratulations on another book!
Author
More coming up next Monday, Catherine, and I hope you’ll like what you see 🙂
Thanks for stopping by to read the excerpt and best of luck in the giveaway!
This sounds like a very interesting fun read. I’m looking forward to the next excerpt.
Author
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Catherine! Thanks for reading and see you next Monday for the next installment!
Oh my, you really sucked me in! I normally avoid extracts, I prefer to wait until the book is out and I can read it all but I couldn’t help myself! Now I cannot wait! I love the premise of this book already, so now impatiently await publication.
Author
Hi, Hazel
Thank you!! I’m so glad you like the premise! Can’t wait to hear what you think about the rest of it.
Hope you and your family are comfortable and safe, and that it won’t be long until you can take another trip to the UK. All the best and chat soon!
We are absolutely fine here, my hobbies are such that I am happy at home. Not likely to be in the UK this year, so here’s to next year!
Author
Here’s to next year, Hazel! Hope it’s a good one!
Yay! A new Joana Starnes book!! Can’t wait to read it!
Author
Thanks, Claire! I hope you’ll like it.
Well that was a cliffhanger to leave us with. Wickham and Anne, now that’s a turn up for the books.
Thanks for giving us the opportunity to win a copy of your latest story, can’t wait to find out what happens next.
Author
Thank *you* for reading the excerpt, Sarah! I’m so glad you’re looking forward to the next bit. See you next Monday and can’t wait to hear what you think.
Love this twist. Can’t wait to read it. 🙏🤞
Author
Thanks, Beth! I hope you’ll like it.
Ooooh that sounds marvelous! If looks could kill the Colonel would be toast!
Author
LOL Michelle! Totally 😀 😀
Thanks for the giggles and I hope you’ll like the book.
Can’t wait!!!! You’ve made my day!!!
Author
I’m so glad!! Thank you, Christina!!!
Anne eloping with Wickham? I love it! I can’t wait to read this! I’ve been SO looking forward to your next book, Joana. I’m glad I won’t have to wait much longer. ❤️
Author
Thanks, Pam! I’m so happy that you like the premise! Can’t wait to hear what you think of the rest of the book!
All the best, and have a good week!
Macaroons AND an elopement AND an interrupted proposal. Lady De Bourgh and D will be totally at odds. Poor E. Can’t wait. Thanks for the giveaway chance.
Author
None of them are having a peaceful & pleasant day, macaroons or no macaroons :))
Thanks for reading, Sharon, and best of luck in the giveaway!
I’m looking forward to reading this! Looks good, as always.
Author
Thanks, Linda! I’m so glad you think so!
Congratulations on another new release! I am looking forward to it!
I like books that give Anne a little bit of life, though I do hope she doesn’t end up with Wickham. I can’t wait to find out!
I would like to listen to the Darcy Legacy on audio. It is one of my favorite books of yours so far!
Author
Hi Audrey
Huge thanks for the thumbs-up! I also like books that give Anne a bit of life. She could easily go either way, I think. She could be mutinous and rebellious and quietly undermine Lady Catherine, or she could take a leaf out of mummy’s book and cause more trouble for ODC than Lady Catherine herself. IMO, having Lady Cat for a mother makes either version of Anne plausible 😀
I’m so happy that The Darcy Legacy is one of your favourites. You’d love Stevie Zimmerman’s narration. All her audiobooks are fantastic!
Can’t wait! Thank goodness the dear colonel interrupted before Darcy blundered on, but me thinks more obstacles ahead and they’re not all Wickham.
Author
Thanks, Meg, and I hope you’ll like what you see 🙂
Oo! This looks like fun! Interesting that he’s prevented from saying his own better judgement. LOL. I would like to be entered in the ebook and audiobook giveaways. If I win the audiobook, I’d like The Falmouth Connection. That one veers so far from the original story but I love the opportunity it affords to see a completely new dynamic in their relationship.
Author
I’m so glad you think this looks like fun, Emily! Then I hope you’ll be pleased to hear that he’s still suffering from a bad case of ‘foot in mouth’ and he’s bound to slip up now and then 😉
Thanks for reading the excerpt and taking part in the giveaway! ‘The Falmouth Connection’ does go a long way away from Longbourn and Pemberley in many ways, and it’s so great to hear you’re looking forward to the completely new dynamic. Have a good week and best of luck in the giveaway!
Anne and Wickham – oooooh! Love all your books and look forward to reading this one. Thanks for the giveaway.
Author
Thank *you*, Lily, and oooooh indeed 😀
Best of luck in the giveaway and thanks for taking part.
Having my morning coffee with you and your macaroons. Then to know you will release a new book! Well the sugar rush is on! Thank goodness the Colonel interrupted when he did before Darcy dug himself into a bigger hole! I wonder if Anne was meeting Mr. Wickham while out driving her phaeton?! Let’s hope Elizabeth finds out sooner than later how vile Mr. Wickham really is. Oh such a tease! I will be sure to have my coffee ready on the the 28th when we have the full cover reveal and another excerpt! Oh such teasing delights!
Glad to hear you are safe and well and thank you for a chance at the giveaway.
Author
I’m so glad to hear you’re safe and well too, Carole! Thanks for having your morning coffee with me and my macaroons!
Hehe, bless him! If he wasn’t the heir to Pemberley, Mr Darcy could have had a very successful career as a civil engineer. Or maybe he could have gone into mining with Mr Poldark. He seems to be an expert in digging *very* big holes 😀 😀
Thanks for this lovely message and I hope you’ll like the following excerpts too. Some of the things you’re wondering about will be answered next Monday. And yes, that sounds like a plan, have your coffee ready for the 28th. Or your hot chocolate. Or your soothing camomile tea 😉
Looking forward to reading this book. Anne eloping, how interesting.
Author
Thanks for reading the excerpt, Debbie! I’m so glad you like the premise!
Oh. My. Goodness!! You surely have laid the foundation here for what will surely be an unusual Darcy-and-Elizabeth adventure! I’m looking forward to reading what follows, Joana. Thanks for sharing your opening gambit.
As for the macaroons, I have to share your recipe with my daughter-in-law for her opinion. She’s a professional pastry chef, and macaroons are among her many specialties – I think she made four different varieties for her own wedding reception! I’m curious to see how different a recipe for a REGENCY macaroon is from the ones typically made today.
Author
Thanks, Debbie! I’m so glad to hear you liked my opening gambit :))
That’s so fascinating, how the recipe for macaroons has stood the test of time. And having a professional pastry chef for your daughter-in-law looks to me like the perfect recipe for a delicious wedding reception!
Awesome news, that you have a new book out, Joana! I had no idea, so color me thrilled!
I love almond macaroons. They’re very hard to find, so I really enjoy them whenever I do come across one.
The characters for your elopement are quite unexpected. This should be a good read!
Thank you for the generous giveaway. I would love to win an ebook.
Author
I’m so glad this sounds tempting, Ginna! And that you love almond macaroons. I’ve been talking about them all day, I really need to go and fire up the oven and bake some already 😀
Thanks for stopping by to read the post and put your name in the hat! Take care and best of luck in the giveaway!
OK — I’m hooked on this premise and can’t wait for the story.
Can I substitute brownies for the Macaroons? Fresh out of rosewater!
Author
I love brownies too, Rose, so yes please, substitute away! I might have gone for brownies in the book, but they sound a bit modern and I haven’t found a good match for them in old cookbooks either. I’m so glad you like the premise! Can’t wait to see what you think of the rest of the book!
Have a good week and thanks for reading!
Interesting variation! Look forward to to reading how your story develops.
Author
Thanks for reading, Marie, and I hope you like the rest of the story too.
I would love to read my giveaway or listen to it while I eat delicious macaroon s.
If possible, I’d like the audio book to ne “The journey home to Pemberley”
Author
I like the sound of that, Michell 😀
Thanks for reading the excerpt and best of luck in the giveaway!
Looks like another great book. I have all your books, and will buy this one because I know it will be great.
Please enter me in both giveaways, and I look forward to being able to read this soon!
Author
I’m so glad you like my books, Cyndy. Thank you! I hope you’ll enjoy this one too. Best of luck in the giveaway and thanks for taking part.
Timely indeed! I wonder what Wickam would think of his elopement helping Darcy!
Author
Ssshh, Roxey, he might hear you and turn the carriage around 😀
Nah, surely not! Looking after #1 must be more important to him than anything else.
I wanted this book before even reading the excerpt…however as a diabetic I don’t bake like I used to so…no macaroons for me…sorry. I do look forward to any book by you, dearest author.
I am wondering how Wickham had access to the lady as she is usually closely attended by Mrs. Jenkinson who reports to Lady Catherine?
Author
So sorry that the macaroons are off-limits, Sheila. But I do hope you’ll like the book, not least Anne’s devious attempts to evade supervision 😉
Huge thanks for the kind words about my books. Have a good week and take good care of yourself!
My goodness, look at all these comments. WOW!! You are much loved, Joana and these people want your new book. Yep, I foresee much snatching and grabbing when that baby is launched. I am so excited for you and I am looking forward to seeing this cover. I love covers. This starts out funny in a way because we hear his thoughts as the Colonel burst in and interrupts the DHP [Disastrous Hunsford Proposal]. A GR friend of mine coined that phrase and I love using DHP. Looking forward to reading your story. Blessings, my dear on the success of this new work. Stay safe and healthy.
Author
DHP – I love that, Jeanne! Stay safe and healthy too, and huge thanks for your wonderful support, as always!
A new Joana Starns book to look forward too! How delightful! Your Darcy is always a favorite for me to read! I can’t wait to read this one!
Author
Thanks so much for your kind words, Jill! I hope you’ll like this version of Darcy too. Eventually 😉 (when he learns his lesson and stops being a prideful and sanctimonious prig). Best of luck in the giveaway and thanks for stopping by.
Yay! A new book from you. Congratulations! Love the excerpt and it sounds interesting. Excited to read more. Stay safe .
Author
Thanks, Shelley! I’m so glad you loved the excerpt. Stay safe too, thanks for reading and best of luck in the giveaway.
Wow! An excellent start! Will be watching for the release. I like the pacing and the way the paragraphs are laid out – It really works!
Author
Hi, Dave, it’s so good to see you! Thank you, I’m so glad you like the opening and the pacing. Looking forward to chatting with you some more. All the best and stay safe!
Can’t wait to read this. Also, rose water can be made I believe by par boiling and cooling rose petals in water.
Author
Thanks for the tip, Tamara, and for stopping by to read the post! Take good care of yourself and see you again soon!
I really enjoy your style and wholesomeness and look forward to reading all your books. The Journey Home to Pemberly is next on my list; I’d settle for the audio if I won a code 😊. Your photos and recipes are fantastic complements to your writing… thank you for going the extra miles!!
Author
Thanks for your kind words, Brenda, and for stopping by to read this! Have a good week and all the best!
Anne and Wickham! In your capable hands, the unlikely couple is going to lead us into another great story. I can’t wait until the book is released. Even if I don’t win a copy, I’ll get one. Thanks for sharing!
Author
I’m so glad you liked the excerpt and the premise, Tina. Thanks for stopping by and best of luck in the giveaway!
A new Joana Starnes book is an EVENT in my book-loving life! Looking forward to reading more about Anne and Wickham (though I can’t imagine it, really??? lol).
Author
LOL indeed, Laurie. How would Wickham cope with having Lady Cat as his mother-in-law, for his sins 😀 ?
Thanks for your wonderful words about my books and best of luck in the giveaway!
What a cliffhanger. Congrats on the release! I would love to win either the ebook or audiobook, if it’s the latter, my choice would be Miss Darcy’s Companion.
Author
Thanks for reading, DarcyBennet! Best wishes and good luck in the giveaway.
enjoying tea and snacks with you! Can’t wait to read the rest. Hope you and yours are safe and well.
Thanks for the giveaway
Author
A pleasure, Jen! Thanks for stopping by for tea and snacks 🙂 . Hope you and yours are safe and well too, and best of luck in the giveaway!
Oh Joana, this is a fabulous concept!! Anne and Wickham!! Lady C will be inconsolable. I’m so delighted you have a new book coming out, am such a fan of your writing. I’ve recently taken to audiobooks again, such a lovely escape from these strange and stressful times so I’m looking forward to collecting your books on audio. Roll on launch day !! Best wishes,
Author
LOL I think so too, Lady Catherine would be inconsolable. And unbearable 😀 (but no news there 😉 ). Huge thanks for your kind words, Roseanne, and for stopping by to read this. I’m so glad you liked the post and that you’ve taken to audiobooks again. I hope you’ve already listened to many of Stevie Zimmerman’s productions, she’s SO good! Fabulous voice and such a wonderful rendition of the full scale of emotions. Take care, stay safe and all the best.
Hurray, a new Joana Starnes book!! What a shock, Anne and Wickham. What a slimy weasel. Well, I’d love a chance at the ebook giveaway, thank you. I have all your audio books, so I’m good there. I’m really looking forward to this one coming out.
You should be able to get rose water through any decent baking catalog online. I see your beautiful floral photos on Facebook, so maybe you do have a great resource for rose petals. What I found particularly interesting about the recipe you wrote out for us was the ‘wafer paper.’ Obviously I don’t know my Regency food history, but that sounds like the parchment paper we use today and I didn’t think it was that old. I’ll be down the rabbit hole now for the next foreseeable future. See you in June.
Author
The rabbit hole is such a great place to be, Michelle, isn’t it? So fascinating! I’m not sure about wafer paper either, but that was my guess too, that it must have been some sort of greaseproof paper. I do have a couple of rose bushes in the garden, and I was thinking of plundering them at a push, but I’ll try my luck at a couple of food shops first. Thanks for the tip and for reading the post. Hope you’ll enjoy finding out what the slimy weasel is up to 😀 . All the best, and good luck in the giveaway!
Sigh, Joana… “His lungs filled with air and a blessed sense of peace washed over him…”
by the time I reached “his dismissive little shrug” I could feel the relief wash over me as well, even though I knew he would shortly blast it to pieces. How do you do it – bring us along as if we are there in body and mind ourselves? Thank goodness the wait is not a long one! I would gladly give up my share of macaroons, real or virtual, to have your new book in my hands now 😉 Thank you for the generous giveaway chance!
Author
“… even though I knew he would shortly blast it to pieces.” LOL Deborah, we can definitely trust him to put his foot in it eventually, can’t we 😉 ?
Huge thanks for your wonderful words about my writing! You’re ever so kind to say that, and I’m so happy you feel this way. Thank you!! Have a lovely week, stay safe and see you again next Monday!
So fun. I don’t do audible and can hardly wait to read. See you soon. GW spells trouble.
Author
“GW spells trouble.” So true, Jen 😀 . He always does, doesn’t he?
Thanks for stopping by to read this. All the best, and lots of inspiration!
Oh my. Not sure if the Colonel’s interruption was at just the right time or if he was one minute too late.
Congratulations on the new book!
Author
Thank you, Linda. LOL he might have been 😉
Thanks for reading and best of luck in the giveaway!
Anne and Wickham! I would not want to be about when Lady Catherine was given the news. What delicious options open up with that twist! I’m delighted Darcy is partially saved from himself as well.
I’d love an audio book, if I need to pick one title I think I would go for The Journey Home to Pemberley.
Author
Hehe, Lady Catherine must have been foaming at the mouth. I wouldn’t want to be in her employ when she’s given bad news. In fact, it would be a sorry fate indeed to be employed by Lady Catherine at the best of times 😀 .
I’m so glad you liked the excerpt, Sarah! Thanks for reading and best of luck in the giveaway!
I know I’ll read it; I’d like to win it.
Thanks for the opportunity.
Author
Thank *you*, Betty, and I hope you’ll like it.
Thanks for stopping by to read this and best of luck in the giveaway!
I thought it would be Georgiana’s elopement – but perhaps that would be the obvious. However, I have found that you do not give us the obvious. Thank you Joana for the chance to win a copy of your latest. I look forward to another good read – as always from you.
Author
I’m so glad you think so, Mary, and that you liked the excerpt. Huge thanks for your kind words about my books and I hope you’ll enjoy the rest of this one too. Thanks for putting your name in the hat and best of luck!
What a delightful premise! I adore interrupted proposal scenes! Poor Darcy… he doesn’t know how it is a blessing in disguise! It seems to me that this is one of your more ligthearted stories – or is it among those with high angst level?
Thanks for the giveaway! if I should happen to win an audiobook, I’d like The Falmouth Connection.
Author
LOL Agnes, poor Darcy indeed. He doesn’t know just how lucky he is. But sure enough, he’s going to find out before too long 😉
I’m so glad you like the premise. I love interrupted proposal scenes too. It’s nice to imagine Darcy not having the chance to make an utter fool of himself, so it’s great to have his Hunsford proposal interrupted (or his DHP, as Jeanne called it – disastrous Hunsford proposal). But I wickedly enjoy books where his ‘good’ proposal(s) are interrupted too. A frustrated Darcy is such fun to read and write about, and I love a good bit of angst. Having said that, I think this is fairly low-angst, for me at least 😀 But I can’t wait to hear what you think. Best of luck in the giveaway and thanks for reading.
By the way, I’m making rose water tonight using rose petals from our garden. Thanks for a great at home activity with my daughter (if I can get her to join, that is – teenagers being what they are)!
Author
Thanks so wonderful, Agnes! Hope you and your daughter have a lovely time together.
If you have some more petals to spare, I found this:
https://www.frombritainwithlove.com/rose-petal-jam/
It looks very pretty and I bet it’s yummy!
I am very excited about your new book. It appears that Darcy was stopped (thankfully) from inserting his foot in his mouth with his proposal for Elizabeth. Let’s hope that he learns to gain her respect before he finishes the proposal. Great idea of Anne eloping after Wickham. Ummm…….Lady Catherine will not like this. Thank you for this giveaway and for an audiobook giveaway. I would like to have in my audio library The Unthinkable Triangle.
Author
LOL I loved this, Eva! ‘…inserting his foot in his mouth…’. He’s desperately keen to do that on a regular basis, isn’t he? 😀
I’m so glad you liked the excerpt. Thanks for stopping by to read it and best of luck in the giveaway!
Thank you for replying.
Author
An absolute pleasure, Eva. Thank *you* for visiting!
Oh wow, Wickham and Anne! Cant wait!
Author
Thanks for reading, Angie, and best of luck in the giveaway!
That was definitely a surprise. Can’t wait to read more.
Author
Can’t wait to see what you make of it, Marguerite! Best of luck in the giveaway and thanks for stopping by.
Oh, goodness! A chance to not destroy all his happiness! Squeeee!
But how could Anne eloping with Wickham force Darcy and Elizabeth together – surely she is ‘wholly unconnected’ ??
I’m excited to read more.
I have all your books in ebook form but none in audio book. I think Falmouth Connection is one of my favourites, though it is hard to pick one. I would love to own any of them in audiobook form.
Thanks for writing Joana.
Author
Thank *you* for reading, Lynley! I’m so glad you liked the excerpt and it’s wonderful to hear that ‘The Falmouth Connection’ is one of your favourites. Stevie Zimmerman’s production of it is beautifully done, like all her narrations, and I hope you’ll enjoy it. Best of luck in the giveaway and huge thanks for your kind words about my books.
Thank you for sharing this with us. Interesting idea to have Anne eloping with Mr. Wickham. I’m sure Lady Catherine has a lot to say about that match… I would love to read the entire story. Thanks again for sharing with us.
Author
I’m so glad you liked the excerpt, Laura! LOL Lady Catherine always has lots to say about everything, doesn’t she? And when something like this happens, she’s bound to surpass herself 😉 . I hope you’ll like the full story when you read it. Best of luck in the giveaway and thanks for taking part.
I don’t bake anything but still will love to win this book!
Author
Thanks for reading! I hope you’ll like the full story too. Best of luck in the giveaway and thanks for stopping by!
I would love to know what they mean by a moderate oven. One of the health food stores has (or had) rose water, so I might try the recipe if it still has it.
The excerpt was really good. I don’t know which audiobook I want if I win; because I’ve not read or heard any of your works, and I would to know your style.
Thank you for the contest, the excerpt, and the recipe!
Author
Thanks, Jen! I’m so glad you liked the excerpt. I hope you’ll like some of my other books too if you read them. If you’re in Kindle Unlimited by any chance, you’ll find them all there. Stevie Zimmerman produced the Audible versions, and she’s such an awesome narrator! If you discover that you like my style, you’ll love her productions. Have fun with the recipe if you find rosewater. It’s quite vague about cooking times and everything, but luckily we’ve had some tips from an expert. One of the ladies who read the excerpt, Debbie Brown, told us that her daughter-in-law is a professional pastry chef. Debbie checked with her daughter-in-law, who kindly let us know that the recipe is quite close to the way macaroons are made now, that a moderate oven is around 320-350° and that ‘beaten almonds’ is almond flour or meal. Have a lovely weekend and happy baking, if you go for it!
Oh boy, what a plot! Can’t wait to read read your latest. June can’t come fast enough.
Looking forward to your angst & swoon worthy moments!
Author
It’s so nice to chat with you again, Dung! I’m so glad you like the plot. You’ll never believe this, but this book isn’t very angsty. (or at least that’s what I think, but hey, what do I know, my angst meter is way off 😀 ).
Hope you’ll like the angst that’s in it, and the swoon-worthy moments. Stay safe, and I hope one day we’ll meet up at Pemberley again!
I love your books! Your style is very distinctive. Looking forward to this one.
Author
Thanks for your wonderful words about my books, Stephanie! I’m so happy you led them. Best of luck in the giveaway and I hope you’ll enjoy this one too.
Wonderful excerpt. You definitely have my attention. I have most of your audio and would love a chance to win Darcy Legacy or Journey Home. Thank you for the giveaways.
Author
Thrilled to have your attention, Becky! I’m so glad you liked the excerpt and that you’d like to listen to ‘The Darcy Legacy’ or ‘The Journey Home…’ Stevie Zimmerman produced them both beautifully! Have a good week and best of luck in the giveaway!
Very entertaining and lots of fun and laughs coming, I am sure!
Author
Thanks, Cheryl! Can’t wait to hear what you think of the full story. Best of luck and thanks for reading.
I’m looking forward to reading this one! Thanks for the chance to win 😊
Congratulations on the upcoming release, Joana! I would not have thought that Anne would agreed to elope with Wickham. I didn’t think she would fall for his sweet words but then she is too sheltered and may not have experience fortune hunters who are after her wealth.
Please put my name in for the e-books of A Timely Elopement.
Can’t wait! I live your books! Thanks for the little tidbit to get us excited lol
[…] stopping by last Monday for a peek at my upcoming book. If you missed that post, you can find it here. But in a nutshell, this is the […]