Conceit & Concealment is here! I can’t remember the last time I was this excited about a release. This book is special for me in a lot of ways. It’s the longest book I’ve written, weighing in at a hefty 126,000 words, and I could have gone on longer because it was such fun. Like all my books, it’s primarily a story of Elizabeth and Darcy falling in love despite the obstacles, but the background is an alternate history where Napoleon conquered England in 1805 (and yes, that almost did happen!).
Here’s the blurb:
Six years after Napoleon’s invasion of England…
Fitzwilliam Darcy is a traitor. He even admits to collaborating with Napoleon’s troops. And Elizabeth Bennet despises all traitors.
But Elizabeth can’t make sense of Darcy. He doesn’t act like a traitor. He risks his own safety to save young women from the French. And how can she despise a man who loves puppies? Something about him doesn’t add up – and she finds him far too attractive.
Then Darcy’s carefully constructed world crumbles, and he must entrust his closest-held secret to Elizabeth. To protect that secret, Elizabeth must disappear entirely, leaving her family and Darcy behind, to plunge herself into the dizzying world of fashionable London and the dangers of the Loyalist Resistance. Nothing will ever be the same again.
Darcy is determined to find Elizabeth. Now that she knows the truth about him, there’s nothing to keep them apart – nothing, that is, until the day Darcy is forced to choose between his country and the life of the woman he loves…
The e-book is already available for Kindle, Nook, iBook, Kobo and more, but the paperback has been delayed owing to technical issues. If all goes well, it should be ready in a week or so. My new kitten has already approved the cover. (Yes, I have a new kitten! You can see more pictures of her here)
Of course, we need an excerpt as well! I’ve already posted the first six chapters starting here, and if you haven’t read those, you absolutely must start there. There’s also a seventh excerpt in a separate post for those who have been chomping at the bit for more.
Original excerpt – for readers new to the book
New excerpt – here there be spoilers!
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I have purchased it already and it is on my reading list Looking forward to sitting down and having a very satisfying time
always great value Ms Reynolds (I a dance with Mr Darcy had me from the very first line)
Author
Thanks, Terri!
Goodness!!!
Author
Guess you must have read the excerpt! 😉
I’ve read the excerpts with great interest, and look forward to reading the book. This sounds like a very original variation. One has to wonder what the world would be today had Napoleon actually conquered England.
Author
I’ve wondered about it, too. I think Napoleon would have eventually fallen in any case, but the effects of being conquered would have been substantial, and it would definitely have changed the course of the British Empire.
I had this on pre-order as I was hooked when you first posted the chapters here. This is a unique setting and I am so excited by it. What creativity you’ve shown. Sadly, I am at work today so will have to wait for this evening to check my Kindle and start reading, I foresee a late night ahead!
Author
I hope you enjoy it, Debbie!
I’ve been waiting for this one with great anticipation! I must find out how Darcy gets out of his predicament from the sixth excerpt and whether we’ll ever see the real Georgiana! And…oh my gosh. o.O Your kitten is adorable. Thanks for the read, Abigail!
Author
I hope it lives up to your expectations!
Thoroughly enjoyed all seven chapters so far. I am particularly fond of alternative histories and an England conquered by Napaleon makes for some interesting scanrios. Ccombined with my favourite characters and your wonderful writing it has been added to my ‘must have’ list.
Author
It’s been such fun researching and writing an alternate history that I’m having trouble settling down to the idea of writing in the real Regency again!
I am looking forward to reading this! The first chapters were fascinating and left me curious for the rest of the story
Author
Thanks! I hope you enjoy it!
Can’t wait to read it. It’s just up my alley — alternative reality, adventure, and Darcy. Bring it on, Abigail!
Author
Thanks! And you helped to inspire it!
Looks like a nice long summer vacation read! Looking forward to it!
Oh wow, I love war-time/post-war romances!! Would so love to read this book. And look at those gorgeous stamps! Thanks for the fab giveaway!
I have enjoyed reading the first chapters of this story. I’d love to have it in my collection. Thanks for sharing the excerpts with us!
Congrats on the new book and the new kitty! I’ve so been looking forward to reading your latest!
I nearly bought this yesterday but now I will wait to see if I’m lucky enough to win a copy. I have read all the chapters and am so eager to see what on earth Elizabeth can do next. I hope Darcy is able to find her and help soon. I look forward to seeing how this all works out.
All your other books have a happy ending for ODC so I am having to assume this will too? Thanks for sharing Abigail and good luck with this book.
I can’t wait to add the actual book to my collection of Abigail Reynolds’s fabulous variations. Would love to win the ebook in the meantime. Congrats on a very inventive concept. The chapters you have revealed have me hooked. Now on to chapter 7.
Author
Of course it has a happy ending for ODC! Actually, it has happy endings for a great many people – though Napoleon is not one of them. 😉
Interesting concept. I haven’t read the first chapters but hope to do so soon
This is a different take on all your books. I can’t wait to read it. I have all your books and have enjoyed them all. Thank you for writing these amazing books.
Congrats on the new release! The idea of an alternative history with D&E sounds fantastic!
Can’t wait start reading. Thank you for the chance to win prizes too. Your kitty 🐱 is adorable!
Congratulations on the new release, Abigail! The story sounds amazing!
I’ve got my pre-ordered copy — reading, reading, reading!
Love all of your books Abigail. Can’t waut to read the next one!!
Yay! I pre-ordered and was super excited to see it pop up in my email box. I’m hoping to devour it this weekend!
Deliciously intriguing! Many thanks for the excerpts and the giveaway.
Congratulations on the release of the book, it sounds intriguing. 🙂 Such an unexpected setting. I haven’t read the excerpts, your books are so good that they need to be read in one go. 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway, It’s already on my to buy list.
And I adore your kitten. Is she a Maine Coon? I have a black and white one, and they are adorable. 🙂
Author
I love Maine Coons! This kitten is a Turkish Van type. I’d never heard of the breed before my late cat Snowdrop fell into my life, but they’re wonderful cats.
Interesting twist. I can’t wait to dive in!
Enjoyed the first six chapters so I look forward to reading this
Got my pre-ordered copy, but am at my work place, so 7 hours to wait before I get home and start reading….
I wasn’t too sure about the concept at first, but now I’m hooked! Can’t wait to find out what happens. Thank you for the chance to win a copy! And congratulations on the release!
Author
So glad to hear you’re hooked! I hope other readers who aren’t sure about it will give it a try, too.
Love the excerpts. Can’t wait to read the book. Thanks for the giveaway!
I loved the first chapters. I’ll enjoy reading the book!
Abigail, you definitely win the prize for most unusual variation idea ever! Give yourself some J.A. stamps.
I can hardly wait to read this one (but I will, because I’d love to win a copy, too). I’ve very much enjoyed the excerpts. Looking forward to reading the whole thing – and it will be in one shot, because I can already tell that I won’t want to stop, once I start!
Author
Thanks! I wish I could come up with another unusual idea because I loved writing this one.
Congratulations on the new release, I can’t wait to read this variation! Those stamps are beautiful!
Congratulations Abigail, on the new release and kitty! Your new release looks exciting and can’t wait to read it!
I’m excited to read this one, sounds fun!
Congratulations on the book launch!! Haven’t read the newest excerpt yet but can’t wait to read it and the full book! (I already have it ordered so I don’t need a copy of the book, but I’d love to be entered to win the stamps). Congratulations! And have you decided on a name for the new kitten yet?
Congratulations on the new release, I can’t wait to read this variation!
Can’t wait to leave work for home to read the rest of this variation.
Congratulations, Abigail, on the new release!!! I was hooked from the very first chapter!! I mean, who wouldn’t fall in love with a man who loves puppies and calls one “Queen Titania”? 😉
I wish you wonderful success with this release! I think it’s your best book yet! (And yes, I’m fairly sure that I’ve read them all!) 😀
Warmly,
Susanne 🙂
I am so excited about the released of this book. It has such a unique concept. Absolutely looking forward to reading this book. Thank you for the super generous go e away.
I’ll be reading it as soon as I finish editing for a couple of other top P&P authors. I certainly would like to win those stamps. Thanks for years and years of reading pleasure. P&P variations are pretty much all I can read, and I devour the good ones, such as yours.
I can’t wait for the paper back. I love all your books. Just finished the one I got for my birthday. Those stamps though are beautiful I would love to win those.
I just bought the eBook and can’t wait to get further than the chapters you posted here. Kitty is ADORABLE!!!!!!
I have been looking forward to this one! Can’t wait to read the adventure/roller coaster you take us on in this book.
So exciting! I love the premise for this book and am really looking forward to reading it.
I love your kitty, she’s so gorgeous! I hope she’s settling in well.
Nice! Darcy seems like a traitor but I am betting he is really not. Cannot wait to see what happens! And your new kitten is beautiful – I just got a new one 11 days ago, she’s just 8 weeks old! Erika Messer hopefuldelights1 (at) yahoo (dot) com
Author
Oh my! Mine is 13 weeks, and she seems tiny! I hope you’re enjoying your baby as much as I am!
I always enjoy reading your posts and books!
Getting this book just made my to-do list. Love the escape your books offer.
woo-hoo a new book – you never disappoint and this one certainly doesn’t! Anxious to read the rest.
Congratulations on your launch and your new precious ball of fluff!
Wowzers! Oh Abigail, I see a PBS Masterpiece Theatre miniseries here. I have always enjoyed your writing, but this shows some real growth and creativity. I can’t imagine how much research went into this, let alone plot and dialogue. I am really looking forward to dropping all my responsibilities so I can read the whole thing in a deliciously long sitting. Congratulations!
Congratulations on your new book (which I have been waiting with baited breath for) and the new fluffy addition to your family.
WOW! What a cliffhanger. I’m all anticipation.
WOW
I can’t wait to ready this! Love Abigail Reynolds, all of her books. I stumbled across her books years ago while working st Borders and can’t get enough.
i can’t stand it – I’m so excited! I love all your books, and it looks like you have another winner (how lucky are we?).
Congratulations!
Ohh looking forward to reading more of this, intrigued by the blurb, pity I have to pack up my house! May need to make a nest in the packing boxes and hide away for a bit to read.
I have this on my wishlist on Amazon. Would love to get this book.. Thanks Abagail for another great read.
These excerpts have been really intriguing. So much more than “just” a romance. (Though I’ve certainly enjoyed your other variations as well) and your new kitty is adorable!
Tweaking history! I like it! Please tell me it is coming out in paperback as well?! You know I have to read an actual book.
This sounds fantastic and I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy! Thanks for the giveaway and for the excerpts.
this really caught my eye, can’t wait
Abigail, I found your books last December and, since then, I have read all. I was expecting this one very anxious. Even my husband was asking me when would be out, because he knew I was anxious. Please, continue writing a lot! I just wished the book was available for Google Books, at the Google store. Thank you!
Happy Launch Day! I’m so, so excited for you and to see this fabulous book out and about. 🙂 Congratulations!
You have drawn me in! I cannot wait to read the rest. This is a wonderful and compelling story.
Is it a spoiler to be surprised that Lizzy didn’t stop for Jane? But of course that would have caused more complications.
I once read an alternate-universe short story in which Napoleon had conquered England, but Jane Austen met Daniel Boone at a party on Napoleon’s Royal yacht and together they conspired to rid the country of its new ruler. They blew up the Royal ship with Napoleon in it, then they escaped down the Thames to start a new life together in America.
I bought the book and stayed up all night reading it.
Congratulations, Abigail. From the blurb, I am guessing that Darcy is so mysterious that he reminds me of the Scarlet Pimpernel. I am off to read the excerpts now. Thank you for the giveaway.
I would really love to read this! Love the stamps too!
Sorry I am late to your party! Congratulations and I can’t wait to read this in the near future! I loved following the chapters on line. Since I will be getting the book, I would love to have a chance at the stamps! Thank you for the generous giveaway!
Can’t wait to snuggle up with Bella to read this next chapter of Elizabeth and Darcy…..Congrats to whomever wins those stamps…I treasure a stamp and coin commemorative of Jane’s bicentenary I found in a antique shop in Lyndhurst, Hampshire a few years ago
I’m reading it now and its great!
Oh my goodness! So excited to finish the rest of this story. The excerpt so far has been excellent. Hoping to finish the story soon!!! Rewatching the BBC series with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle. All the feels…
Congratulations on a wonderful book.I loved all the history and the romance. I devoured it and have been rather tired since then! So very well done. Thank you for the enjoyment.
Also, my great, great, great, I forget how many greats, Uncle was on board The Victory with Nelson so I thought of him a couple of times!
Congratulations! I’m glad you’re excited because I’m definitely excited Conceit & Concealment has been released. I’ve just downloaded I and hope to find enough time to finish reading it this weekend (I’m expecting lots of twists and turns and that I won’t want to put it down).
PS Those stamps look amazing. I didn’t know there were any from the 1970s.
I did not read the spoiler! I have been following your excerpts and am quite fascinated with this very different variation. Thank you for the giveaways.
I read the excerpts in winter and was looking forward to reading the whole story as soon as possible. Today I had a day off, and I just kept on reading until I finished. It is interesting, romantic and full of suprises. It makes me think about surfaces, sacrifices and enemies in a new light.
Thank you, Abigail!
I had pre-ordered this so I read it and posted my review (5 stars). I think this is your best book yet, Abigail. I will be rereading it for sure. Congratulations on this launch.
It’s always a pleasure to read your books! Entertaining YES, well written YES, absorbingYES!
I’ve read and loved all your books. Would be awesome to win a copy of your new book. With my 2 y/o around that grants me so much down time, I should have the book finished in about a year if I start now, lol. I am sure it is very good as all your prior works have been.
I love all of your books! Thank you for being one of my favorite authors ❤️
I don’t think I entered previously, but if I did, my apologies. It’s a great variation!
I own all Abigail’s books and read them every year at least once. It is a pleasure to read al the amazing books! Thank you for bringing all the Jane Austen characters to life.
Oooh! Great plot! I, too, think it sounds very original and am intrigued. Thanks for the opportunity to win. Those stamps are awesome.
I am looking forward to reading your new book!!
It definitely looks like one I would enjoy! How could it not be, with a name like Darcy😀😀😀
Thank you for a fun drawing!
I’m excited for this new book! You’re my favorite Austenesque author.
I just finished reading this two days ago. I loved it! My newest favorite from you now.
I’m new to this page, but a long time Austen lover! I’m so excited to see what journey your books will take me on!!
Oh snap!! Fingers crossed!!! 😍
Sounds like a wonderful plot- I love the idea of a further ‘French’ invasion 💛 Sounds like a must read!
Off to read the excerpt now…
Pride and Prejudice is my favorite book! I love the twist you’ve put on Darcy and Elizabeth’s story. And your kitty is adorable!
Yes i want them all!
I’m intrigued! Can’t wait for the paperback!!!
Love to win a copy of that e-book lady, your novels are always a great read! I think this is the only one of your books I don’t have. 😊
I’ve never seen the 1975 stamps before 😀
Love all of your books. Looking forward to reading this one.
Sounds like an interesting book.
It looks so interesting, I can’t wait until my book come. I couldn’t order via my own country so I ask my aunt who lives in Washington to buy it and send it to Indonesia. No matter how hard or long way to achieve the book, I believe it will be worth the time and the effort because I have already read all of your books and ALL of them are SO GREAAT! I’m so excited!!! 😍
I think my aunt had sent me the ebook, now its on my mail. I really can’t wait to finish it, and somehow I really wish to have the paperback too! Thanks Abigail Reynolds. Jane Austen must be proud of you and your works!
I can’t wait to read more about this book. Hoping to win too!
This book is on my reading list, I’m secretly hoping my husband will pull it off my list as a pre-birthday gift. I think your cover is gorgeous and the photo with your new kitten is adorable. Thank you for writing and keeping the world of Lizzy and Darcy alive in whole new ways.
Currently enthralled by Mr. Darcy’s Journey. I love the Luddite rebellion storyline. Having trouble putting it down! I have been reading every ebook variation from Ms. Reynolds I can get.
Not sure if I’m in time for the giveaway, as I’m a bit behind in reading my blog emails. Anyway, just had to pop in to say “Good luck!” with the launch, Abigail. It’s been a glorious spring for bluebells in the woods around where I live in Yorkshire and I’ve been reminded of a certain scene from Conceit and Concealment every time I’ve seen them. Hence the large number of bluebell photos on my Facebook page recently!
I already have a set of the 2013 stamps – they’re mounted in a frame which stands on the bookcase in my study, and they look wonderful. A great addition to any Janeite’s collection of Austen memorabilia.
The first six chapters of C & C were amazing and I’m off to read chapter 7 right now!
I’d be honored to win any of the prizes. I’m glad to meet another Janeite.
Wow! What a unique story line… Can’t wait to finish! Loved meeting you in Boston at the Retreat 2 years ago! You are an amazing author and I have many of your books in paperback, ebook, and asudible form!!
I can’t wait to get this next week when I get paid. I have taught English at the high school and college level for 30 years. Jane Austen has always been my favorite author. These stamps would look awesome framed on my wall. Thank you for giving! <3
I love all your books! I can’t wait to start reading this one. Thank you for all the wonderful stories😊
I got the book and still can’t wait to start reading it!
I’m ready for a really great read, Abigail! Take me on an adventure with Elizabeth and Darcy!