Faults of Understanding Paperback Release & Giveaway!

Hi, friends! Yes, I know. You thought the celebrations for this book ended weeks ago… but in honor of the fact that the paperback edition has finally released, I thought I’d treat you to one more excerpt and giveaway. 🙂

So far, all the scenes I shared pre-publication were from early in the book, but since this month’s blog theme is “Blossoming Love,” I’m going to fast forward a bit, to give you a little taste of what lies ahead for our favorite couple. ❤️️

As you may remember, Darcy and Elizabeth’s marriage got off to somewhat of a rocky start, to say the least.  But after a  tumultuous two months at Pemberley, Darcy’s anger and resentment have begun to thaw. And while he still hasn’t admitted his true feelings for Elizabeth (even to himself), in an attempt to please his new bride, Darcy has agreed to attend a Valentine’s Day ball at Lord and Lady Matlock’s estate. I hope you enjoy.

Faults of Understanding

Excerpt

Elizabeth allowed her husband to lead her to the floor where the waltz was already underway. Gazing at the swirl of couples moving in perfect harmony, she was temporarily transfixed by the beauty of the dance. A moment later, Darcy’s arm wrapped around her waist, and she felt the warm press of his palm against the small of her back as they joined the circle of dancers. Turning in his direction, she allowed her left hand to settle lightly on his right shoulder. They were still at least six inches apart, but the pose felt unspeakably intimate, and Elizabeth could feel a rush of heat creeping up her neck at the novel sensation of being held in such a familiar embrace.

However, before she could dwell on it further, Darcy stepped forward, and all thoughts flew from her mind as Elizabeth fixed her attention on following the movements of the dance. She worried briefly that she would embarrass herself, as she had only practiced the steps a handful of times, and never in a ballroom filled with other couples, but it soon became apparent that whatever skill she lacked, her husband more than made up for.

Mr. Darcy led as he did most things, with a quiet authority that put Elizabeth immediately at ease. He changed positions in a way that was natural and fluid, signaling in which direction he meant for them to go with a subtle tilt of his head, or the gentle pressure of his hand against her back. Before long, Elizabeth realized it was almost as though they had become one being, moving together in perfect unison. The room spun as the thrill of the dance took over, and a small laugh bubbled up her throat.

Darcy looked down at her, an answering smile brightening his features. “Enjoying yourself?” he asked.

“Oh, yes!” Elizabeth breathed. “It feels like flying!”

No sooner were the words out of her mouth than the couple dancing next to them careened in their direction, causing Darcy to tighten his hold, anchoring Elizabeth against his body as he swiftly pulled her out of the way. Elizabeth stumbled slightly at the abrupt shift in position, but Darcy effortlessly matched his steps to hers, continuing through the movements of the dance as if nothing out of the ordinary had occurred.

“Are you well?” he murmured against her ear when they were clear of the other couple, and Elizbeth nodded shakily. With their bodies now pressed together, she could feel the hard muscles of his chest as the vibration of his deep baritone reverberated through her body. Taking an uneven breath, she inhaled the subtle scent of shaving soap and starch, and her heartrate escalated. It briefly occurred to her that one of them should step back, as they were now dancing in what must be viewed as an indecently tight embrace, but for some reason neither of them altered their position, and they stayed as they were until the dance ended some minutes later.

***

The music ceased, and Darcy immediately stepped back, releasing his wife. Elizabeth stared up at him. Her cheeks were flushed a soft pink, and her eyes sparkled with laughter. God she was beautiful! For a moment he just stood there, transfixed by the picture she made, his body still reeling from the sensation of holding her in his arms. Other dancers drifted past them, making their way to the edges of the floor for a short respite before the musicians began the second dance in the set.

Pulling himself together, Darcy gently cupped Elizabeth’s elbow, leading her to a corner of the room where the dowager marchioness sat with another matron.

“You two made quite a handsome couple out there,” Lady Wheaton said, as soon as they arrived. “I trust you found the dance agreeable?”

“Oh, it was wonderful!” Elizabeth answered, laughter in her voice. “I have never danced a waltz before!”

Lady Wheaton’s gaze shifted from Elizabeth to Darcy and back again, a slim smile playing at the corners of her lips.

Darcy cleared his throat, turning to his wife. “May I get you some refreshment? We should have a few more minutes before the next dance begins.”

“Thank you, but no. I think I need only rest my feet. I have not sat out a dance yet.”

Darcy nodded, saying to his godmother, “Melanie? How about you? Some punch?”

“Yes, thank you, Fitzwilliam. I could do with some refreshment; however, I believe I will accompany you. I have been sitting too long in one attitude, and shall relinquish my seat to your lovely wife.”

Lady Wheaton stood, and Darcy offered her his arm as Elizbeth slipped into the seat she had vacated.

Making their way through the crowd, Darcy was pulled from his thoughts of Elizabeth when his godmother spoke beside him.

“She has been watching you, you know.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“Your wife. Elizabeth. Her eyes follow you, even when she is dancing with another. There is interest there, whether you believe it or not.”

At Melanie’s words, Darcy’s heart pounded as he attempted to school his features. “I am afraid I do not have the pleasure of understanding you,” he said stiffly.

“Oh, but I think you do.”

They had reached the refreshment table and Darcy stepped forward, accepting a cup from one of the footmen. After handing the libation to Lady Wheaton, the two moved to a quiet corner where they could converse with some degree of privacy.

“You are in love with her,” the dowager marchioness said simply, taking a sip of her drink. “And you are grieved because you do not believe she returns your feelings.”

Darcy started, struggling to compose his features. His godmother had always been known for her perception, but he was not prepared to have anyone speak to him so candidly, nor did he have any intention of discussing his marriage.

“People wed for many different reasons,” he answered carefully.

“Yes, yes. People do all sorts of irrational things, especially when it comes to marriage. They wed for money, for connections, for social standing. But we are speaking about you. And you did not marry Elizabeth for any of those reasons.”

Darcy looked away, his jaw tight. “No.”

When he said no more, his godmother regarded him with interest, before taking another swallow from her cup. “It can be difficult to find oneself in a marriage of unequal affection. Believe me, I know.”

Instantly, Darcy’s eyebrows rose. “You?” he asked incredulously. “I always thought yours was a love match.”

“Oh, it was. But it did not start out that way.”

“Ah. The marquess did not… that is…” Darcy felt his cheeks color and his godmother laughed at his discomfort.

“No, my dear. Frederick was not the problem. I was.” At Darcy’s look of surprise, she continued, “I fancied myself in love with another, but he was not of our station, and my father refused to consider the match. Frederick Rice was the second son of a marquess. His family was titled and ours was not. He was kind, but dull, or so I thought at the time.”

“But you agreed to marry him anyway?”

“I suppose you could say so. That is, I did not lock myself in my chambers or steal away in the night. Barring that, there was very little I could have said or done to prevent it. My father agreed, and so it was settled.

“What changed? Did you come to feel more for him once he inherited the title?”

Lady Wheaton shook her head, staring back at him with a lively expression. “Goodness, you do think well of me. No. I fell in love with him long before that. As it turns out, I was completely mistaken about Frederick’s character. What I had taken for tedium and monotony, in fact, turned out to be steadiness and stability, and a passionate nature he showed to no one but me. As I came to know him better, my feelings began to alter. But most importantly, he loved me, and he never missed an opportunity to tell me so.

“Still, it took time. Time for me to learn to be a good wife, and for Frederick to learn to be a good husband.” Handing her empty glass to a passing servant, she paused, studying Darcy with an inscrutable expression. “You are very like him, you know. And you are proud; all the Fitzwilliams are. But heed my advice. Do not let your pride keep you from expressing your true feelings. All living things need nourishment to grow. A flower will not bloom in the darkness.”

Across the room, the musicians had returned to the dais and the air soon filled with the sound of the violinists tuning their instruments.

Next to him, his godmother smiled. “But enough of that for now. It is time for your next dance, and we should not keep your lovely Elizabeth waiting any longer.”

~ Book Description ~

When Fitzwilliam Darcy makes an impetuous offer of marriage to Miss Elizabeth Bennet, he is convinced they have as good a chance as anyone for a harmonious life together. That is, until an overheard conversation changes everything, and Darcy realizes he is now joined in perpetuity to a woman who loathes the very sight of him.

Elizabeth Bennet’s expectations for matrimonial accord were never very high, having accepted Mr. Darcy’s proposal in a fit of pique, not love. Still, she is determined to make the best of her situation, despite having tied herself to such an arrogant, disagreeable man.

But life at Pemberley is not at all what she imagined, and Elizabeth soon finds herself with more questions than answers about the enigmatic gentleman she agreed to wed.

Trapped in a marriage founded on misunderstandings, Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy struggle with deepening attraction while confronting self-doubt and old betrayals. But is love enough to heal the wounds of the past? What will it take for two people bound by duty to find their way home to one another?

Okay, giveaway time! Since we’re celebrating the paperback today, I’m offering up a signed paperback, open to all US residents. (If I draw anyone outside the US, I will send the Kindle version). To enter the giveaway, just leave me a comment below. The winner will be drawn on July 1st.

Oh! And if you’d like to purchase a copy of the ebook or paperback, you can do that HERE. 🙂

Thank you for reading. Until next time!

JA

96 comments

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    • Sage on June 23, 2021 at 12:09 am
    • Reply

    This book sounds wonderful and I am ecstatic to get to read it!

    1. Thank you! I have a niece named Sage. 🙂 Wishing you the best of luck in the giveaway and I hope you enjoy the book if/when you get to read it. 🙂

    • Carie L on June 23, 2021 at 12:17 am
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    I already purchased the kindle version and loved it! Wouldn’t mind having a physical copy though ☺️… This is one my favorite scenes! I adore Lady Wheaton!

      • Simone on June 23, 2021 at 4:20 am
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      I loved the book. I’m still waiting for the audiobook!

      Have a nice day!

      1. Thank you, Simone! The audiobook will definitely be happening, eventually! Watch this space for further details. 🙂

    1. Thank you, Carie! I love Lady Wheaton, too, and this was a really fun scene to write. Best of luck in the giveaway, and I’m so glad you enjoyed the book. 🙂

    • C. Kepler on June 23, 2021 at 12:28 am
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    Loved your book and gave it 5 stars, but that was last week. Now I have to go read it again!

    1. LOL! Well, I hope you enjoy it just as much the second time around! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and commenting on the post!

    • Buturot on June 23, 2021 at 1:14 am
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    Thank you for this treat. Enjoyed the excerpt. Nice to know of a good counsel for Mr Darcy.

    Thank you for this chance to winm a copy of your book

    1. Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed the excerpt. This was definitely a fun scene to write. Wishing you the best of luck in the giveaway!

    • denise on June 23, 2021 at 1:18 am
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    what a wonderful and enlightening conversation between Darcy and his godmother

    1. Thank you, Denise! I loved writing Lady Wheaton. 🙂 She turned into such a fun character. Thanks for stopping by and best of luck in the giveaway!

    • Katherine Garcia on June 23, 2021 at 1:39 am
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    Yes Darcy please do nourish that love!

    1. LOL. Thanks, Katherine! Don’t worry, he will. 🙂

    • Barbara on June 23, 2021 at 1:51 am
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    Sounds wonderful.

    1. Thank you! Wishing you the best of luck in the giveaway!

    • Sarah P on June 23, 2021 at 4:17 am
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    Great excerpt. Loved Darcy’s conversation with his godmother, things appear to be looking up. Also loved Elizabeth’s description of Waltzing as feeling like flying.

    1. Thanks so much, Sarah! Yes, things take a turn (for the better) during this ball, but it will take a little while longer for D & E to find their HEA. Hopefully it will be worth the wait! 🙂

    • SamH. on June 23, 2021 at 5:06 am
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    Congratulations on your release! I have purchased my paperback copy and am looking forward to receiving it.

    1. Thank you, Sam! I hope you enjoy the book!

    • Glynis on June 23, 2021 at 6:01 am
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    Listen to your Godmother Darcy! Look at Elizabeth? Take note of her emotions and act accordingly! I think it’s definitely time to fly together!
    I’ve read some great excerpts and fabulous quotes from this book and it’s definitely at the top of my shopping list! Thank you for sharing.

    1. Thank you so much, Glynis! Don’t worry, there will be a guaranteed HEA for Darcy and Elizabeth. 🙂 Wishing you the best of luck in the giveaway. I hope you enjoy the book if/when you get to read it!

    • Debbie on June 23, 2021 at 6:31 am
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    This story sounds interesting. A definite must read. Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful excerpt and for the give away.

    1. Thank you, Debbie! Best of luck in the drawing!

    • DarcyBennett on June 23, 2021 at 7:06 am
    • Reply

    Would love to win this. Thanks for the chance!

    1. Thank you! Best of luck in the drawing!

    • Nancy Anderson on June 23, 2021 at 7:54 am
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    This book is on my list of must reads. Planning on getting it soon.

    1. Thanks so much, Nancy! I hope you enjoy it! 🙂

    • Nancy Anderson on June 23, 2021 at 7:58 am
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    This book is on my list of “must reads”. Will be purchasing it for a birthday gift for myself.

    • Cyndy on June 23, 2021 at 8:14 am
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    Congratulations on the release of the paperback! This sounds like a most interesting book. The early marriage scenario is a favorite of mine.

    1. Thanks, Cyndy! The early marriage scenario is one of my favorites, too. 🙂 Wishing you the best of luck in the giveaway.

    • Elizabeth Litton on June 23, 2021 at 8:21 am
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    This sounds like a great read! Congratulations!

    1. Thank you so much, Elizabeth! Good luck in the drawing!

    • Mihaela on June 23, 2021 at 8:26 am
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    Loved the waltz !

    And Melanie spoke some meorable words there…. 😉

    I just got the paperback delievered at the door as well, yay!

    1. Thank you, Mihaela! And, yay! I’m so glad you were finally able to get your hands on the paperback! 🙂 I hope you enjoy it for the third (or is it more??) time! 🙂

    • ForeverHis on June 23, 2021 at 8:29 am
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    Such a lovely excerpt. It leaves the reader full of hope that all will turn out well. And I love the imagery of the waltz–how very romantic. Thanks for entering me in the drawing.

      • Glory on June 23, 2021 at 3:58 pm
      • Reply

      Looking forward to the rest of the story 😁

      1. Thank you, Glory! Good luck in the drawing!

    1. Thank you! I really wanted to write a waltz into this book, even though technically it may not have been danced in England quite as early as 1811. But I was willing to take some creative license with that! Best of luck in the giveaway! 🙂

    • Laura H on June 23, 2021 at 8:59 am
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    I enjoyed reading this excerpt from your book. I would very much enjoy reading the entire story, so please enter me in the in give away. Thank you.

    1. Thank you, Laura! Best of luck in the drawing!

    • Sheila L. Majczan on June 23, 2021 at 10:11 am
    • Reply

    I would love to win a copy of this story. I have always loved stories in which ODC marries for reasons other than love…compromise or convenience, etc., which make for some angst which is right up my line. Thanks for a chance to win a copy. I enjoyed the excerpt. Thanks for sharing.

    1. Thank you so much, Sheila! Wishing you good luck in the drawing and I hope you enjoy the book if/when you get to read it!

    • Mary A Coble on June 23, 2021 at 10:50 am
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    I hope Darcy does not wait too long before acting on what his godmother has said. It seems as if Lizzie is changing her mind as well. Sounds like a lovely blossoming of love ahead – with a few more angsty bumps along the way. Good luck with the paperback release. Thank you for the giveaway.

    1. Thanks so much, Mary! Yes, there are definitely some more bumps in the road before D & E begin to fully understand each other, but I do guarantee a HEA! 🙂 Thanks for commenting and best of luck in the giveaway.

    • Joy Friday on June 23, 2021 at 10:55 am
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    How kind and perceptive of Lady Wheaton to prompt Darcy to appreciate and learn to love his wife. There’s hope for ODC! Thanks for the generous excerpt and the chance to win your book.

    1. Thank you, Joy! Yes, Lady Wheaton was such a great character to write! She is a very wise woman. 🙂 Of course, it will take a little while longer for D & E to reach their HEA, but they will get there! Thanks for stopping by and best of luck in the giveaway!

    • Lisa C on June 23, 2021 at 11:06 am
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    Love this excerpt! Will have to search out the others until I either win a copy or click the “buy” button. Thanks!

    1. You’re welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed it! I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you in the giveaway. 🙂

    • Robin G. on June 23, 2021 at 11:53 am
    • Reply

    I love a waltz scene! Thank you for sharing this excerpt.

    1. I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Robin! Thanks for stopping by to read and best of luck in the giveaway! 🙂

    • Joan on June 23, 2021 at 12:05 pm
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    This is exactly where I am in the book when I stopped reading last night! It was such a lovely scene. It is nice to see that Elizabeth realizes that Darcy is not a bad man and that Melanie knows that he is in love with Elizabeth. I am waiting to find out who Robert is and whose picture was removed from the wall at Pemberley.

    1. LOL! That’s so funny! And you’re very perceptive to wonder who Robert might be. 🙂 Don’t worry, you will find out (if you haven’t already!). I hope you’re enjoying the book so far. 🙂

    • Meg on June 23, 2021 at 12:12 pm
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    I’m in the process of reading this wonderful novel on my kindle app, but would a paperback copy to share with people in my retirement village. I’ve not read but a couple of chapters so far, but have internalized their difficulties and hope the resolution to be lengthy and heartfelt. You have successfully pulled me into their journey. Thank you!

    1. Aww… Thank you so much, Meg! I’m so happy to hear that you’re enjoying the book so far, and I love the fact that you want to win a copy to share it with others! I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you in the giveaway. 🙂 Happy reading!

    • Jennifer on June 23, 2021 at 12:48 pm
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    Sounds wonderful, I think I would like to be dancing at that ball. Thank-you for the giveaway. Although I have many books on my kindle, my first love is always a paper copy of a book, there is just something about the feel and smell of the paper. Yes, I know I’m odd. Thanks again

    1. LOL. You’re not odd! Lots of people love the feel and smell of a paper book. 🙂 Best of luck in the giveaway and I hope you enjoy the book if/when you get to read it.

    • Laura Jimenez on June 23, 2021 at 1:16 pm
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    I just finished the book. Loved it! The story flows in such a way that that the depth of it I could experience completely and immerse myself in it. Just sad it ended. But looking forward to your next one!

    1. Thank you so much, Laura! That makes me so happy! 🙂 And I know how you feel. I’m always sad when a good book ends. 🙁 And then I know I have to wait for the author to publish another one. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. 🙂

    • LeslieGB on June 23, 2021 at 1:44 pm
    • Reply

    I love the excerpt Jennifer and can’t wait to read more. Looks like Elizabeth is understanding more about the man she married… –Leslie

    1. Thank you, Leslie! Yes, both D and E are beginning to thaw a little bit and there will be plenty of romance around the corner. 🙂 But they have a little more work to do before they get there. Thanks for stopping by and best of luck in the giveaway.

    • Linda A. on June 23, 2021 at 1:54 pm
    • Reply

    What a great scene! Thank you for sharing.

    1. Thank you so much, Linda! Wishing you all the best in the giveaway.

    • Wendy T on June 23, 2021 at 2:49 pm
    • Reply

    Wishing you every success with your new Austen variation!

    1. Thank you so much, Wendy! 🙂

    • Katie on June 23, 2021 at 5:15 pm
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    What a lovely scene! I look forward to reading this story!

    1. Thank you, Katie! I hope you enjoy it if/when you get to read. 🙂 Wishing you good luck in the giveaway.

    • Jan DeVries on June 23, 2021 at 8:33 pm
    • Reply

    I bought the Kindle version, but would treasure a signed paper copy that I could share as well as re-read!

    1. Aww… Thank you, Jan! It’s always nice to hear that people appreciate signed copies (and that they want to share). I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you in the drawing! 🙂

    • Ginna on June 23, 2021 at 8:34 pm
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    That was a nice excerpt. Thank you.

    I am looking forward to enjoying this book. Regarding the giveaway, I would be happy with an ebook or a physical copy. I just want to read it!

    1. Aww… Thank you, Ginna! I hope you enjoy the book if/when you get to read it. Thanks for stopping by and I wish you all the best of luck in the drawing.

    • Sarah on June 23, 2021 at 9:07 pm
    • Reply

    A bumpy road ahead no doubt, but a few more dances may help. A delightful excerpt!

    1. Thank you, Sarah! I’m glad you enjoyed it. Yep, it’s been a bumpy road indeed but I promise a HEA. 🙂 Best of luck in the giveaway!

    • Colleen on June 23, 2021 at 9:51 pm
    • Reply

    This book looks quite interesting. I am soooo looking forward to reading it!

    1. Thank you, Colleen! I hope you like it if/when you get to read. Wishing you good luck in the drawing!

    • Jen D on June 24, 2021 at 2:48 am
    • Reply

    That was truly a wonderful scene, as I could vividly picture it in my mind. The growing affection between Darcy and Elizabeth in this dance was just charged with sparks that are starting to increase in number and intensity. Thank you for sharing this excerpt and the chance at the giveaway.

    1. Thank you, Jen! I’m so glad you enjoyed the excerpt. That scene was a lot of fun to write. 🙂 I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you in the giveaway! 🙂

    • Lois on June 24, 2021 at 4:34 am
    • Reply

    The book sounds wonderful! I’d love a copy .

    1. Thank you so much, Lois! Maybe you’ll win one. 🙂 Wishing you lots of luck in the drawing.

    • Patty Edmisson on June 24, 2021 at 7:41 am
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    Lovely excerpt. I like Darcy’s godmother. Now for her to have a similar conversation with Elizabeth.

    Congratulations on the release.

    1. Thank you, Patty! I love Lady Wheaton, too. 🙂 And as a matter of fact, she does have a similar conversation with Elizabeth later in the book. You’ll have to read it to find out more!

  1. Lovely excerpt! I’m glad Darcy has such a perceptive godmother to help him understand his feelings — and Elizabeth’s! Congrats on the release of the paperback, Jennifer!

    1. Thank you so much, Christina! 🙂

    • Kim P. on June 24, 2021 at 9:28 am
    • Reply

    Oh my! What a lovely scene. Must. Read. More!!

    1. Thank you, Kim! Best of luck in the giveaway!

    • Eva Edmonds on June 24, 2021 at 1:02 pm
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    I felt like I was waltzing with Darcy! Thank goodness that his Godmother is making him aware of his own feelings and also Elizabeth’s. Thank you for the wonderful excerpt and giveaway.

    1. Thank you so much, Eva! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. 🙂 Best of luck in the drawing!

    • Jennifer Redlarczyk on June 24, 2021 at 2:16 pm
    • Reply

    Loving this book and would love a paperback copy. Thanks for our giveaway!

    1. Thanks so much, Jen! I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you! 🙂

    • Xena Anne on June 24, 2021 at 7:31 pm
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    That waltz sounds heavenly!

    1. Thank you, Xena! 🙂 Best of luck in the giveaway!

    • Danielle C on June 24, 2021 at 10:54 pm
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    I really enjoyed “Conquering Pride” so I am really looking forward to this new book! I love how you make Lizzie just sassy enough to be fun but not annoying. Now if only I could find the same balance between sassy and crazy! 🙂

  2. I love the excerpt, Jennifer. I adore the waltz and how Darcy is protective of Elizabeth and made sure that he is not hurt. It’s great that his godmother is perceptive of his true feelings for wife and vice-versa though Darcy doesn’t realises it. I look forward to the day when both confess their love for each other.

    • Lisa Alden on June 26, 2021 at 10:06 pm
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    Loved the excerpt . Looking forward to the audiobook version!

    • abqnmfox on June 27, 2021 at 5:52 pm
    • Reply

    Excited to read!

    • Madenna Urbanski on June 29, 2021 at 9:01 pm
    • Reply

    I would be honored to receive a copy of your book! I love the premise and a can’t wait to read the rest.

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