Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Loving Mr. Thornton (and Gaskell) with Trudy Brasure

You, my friends, are in for a treat today! My guest is Trudy Brasure and she has two books, A Heart for Milton and In Consequence, that are retellings of North and South. I have read both and enjoyed them a lot. If you love North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell, you need to read both of these books! You will fall in love with Ms. Brasure's John Thornton all over again!

Trudy Brasure has spent the past six years studying and discussing North and South and Victorian literature. She is also known worldwide to the avid North and South fans for her knowledge of and insights of Gaskell's story and characters. In her post today, she shares with us why she loves John Thornton and Elizabeth Gaskell. I think you will love her reasons. I did!

Please join me as I welcome Trudy Brasure to More Agreeably Engaged. She has a great giveaway too! 

Available on Amazon
Available on Amazon



















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Loving Mr. Thornton (and Gaskell) with Trudy Brasure

Thanks to Janet for this wonderful privilege and opportunity to share my enthusiasm for another favorite literary hero: John Thornton. The great challenge for me is to condense into a short blog piece why I’m head over heels for Mr. Thornton and Elizabeth Gaskell’s story!

I fell in love with John Thornton as most of us do, through Richard Armitage’s breathtaking portrayal of Gaskell’s romantic hero in the BBC’s 2004 adaptation of North and South. It was Thornton that started it all for me – writing, reading classic literature, and joining discussion sites – and I’ve only grown to love him more as I’ve studied the character from Gaskell’s book these past six years.

Why I love Mr. Thornton:

He’s as solid as they come. His integrity, honesty, and humility are unquestionable. He is responsible to the core. His self-discipline and self-sacrifice are exceptional and ongoing. He pursues doing what is right, evolving his concept of what is right as Margaret comes along.

He is an independent thinker and doer. He doesn’t have a title or family name to rely on; his character alone thrusts him into greatness. He thrives on the activity of accomplishing and striving. He’s not after wealth or status as others are. He embraces change, and is proud and eager to usher in the future.

He is vulnerable. Despite his status as Milton magistrate and successful and stern mill owner, he has a tender heart which he keeps well hidden. We see the master come undone – years of practiced self-mastery rendered useless – whenever and wherever Margaret is concerned. He has never loved before, and is stricken quite forcefully. Who can resist a man who falls so utterly and is so completely unprepared? His passion, devotion, and constancy are the stuff of legends.

Why I love Gaskell:

One overriding element that distinguishes Mr. Thornton from other classical romantic heroes I’ve read is that Gaskell actually allows us inside Thornton’s head. And what a gloriously romantic place to be! The reader is given an intimate view of the desperate anguish that Thornton goes through in wanting Margaret to love him. It’s exquisite. I can’t thank Gaskell enough for this profound perspective.

Passion. I love the passion involved in Victorian literature, where emotions are vividly described and the sentences are jam-packed and convoluted – much like the layers of real-life emotions!

Touch. Gaskell is not afraid to use physical touch to create tremendous emotional impact in the middle of all the Victorian posturing and propriety. Thornton notices the first time their hands touch, Margaret throws her arms around his neck at the riot, and he “clasp[s] her close” at the very end. And then there is that “delicious silence.”

Beyond the powerful elements that make up the romantic side of her novel, I absolutely adore Gaskell for her humanitarian views and progressive themes of equality and individual freedom of thought. She constantly challenges her readers to look beyond the surface of our outward differences to see our common humanity. Her emphatic vision of social equity can be found in all her novels. (I never pass up an opportunity to recommend Wives and Daughters!) Unity, compassion, and equality are her constant themes. She also champions the freedom of the individual, promoting thinkers instead of those who blithely follow society.


What I hoped to accomplish with my own writing:

I enjoy touching on the social themes Gaskell brings out in her story, but it’s the personal romance that takes center stage in my variations. North and South is full of trials and hardships; the happy ending is finally found on the last two pages! I wanted to share my vision of the joy and deep contentment that John and Margaret would experience in sharing their lives together after all they had suffered.

I especially wished to show how finding love would affect John Thornton. I count no less than four times where Gaskell describes Thornton’s aching longing to feel Margaret’s arms around his neck once more. Clearly, this is a man who wants to love and be loved! I wanted to describe his bliss in receiving the affections he had thought would never be his.

My writing endeavors to recreate the atmosphere and emotional intensity of Gaskell’s story. Both my stories are unabashedly romantic! And I delight in writing a tortured Thornton as well as a happy and passionately tender husband.

I hope you will read A Heart for Milton and In Consequence if you haven’t already done so!

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Author Bio:

Trudy Brasure is a hopeless romantic with a longtime penchant for the Victorian Era. She lived a relatively normal life as a stay at home mother before she stumbled across the BBC’s North and South in 2009 and discovered her talent for writing. She is now an avid Gaskell fan and proponent of all things Thornton. She lives in a sunny section of the San Francisco bay area, where she continues to write fiction and essays pertaining to cotton mill masters who fall violently in love.


If you love North and South, I invite you to come talk with me about the themes and characters at my North and South blog: MoreThanThornton.com


MoreThanThornton.com     (Be sure and check out Ms. Brasure's blog. It is great!)

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Thank you, Trudy, for sharing your thoughts with me and my readers. After reading both of your novels, I believe you have fulfilled your endeavors. You did recreate the emotional intensity and atmosphere of Gaskell's story and yours are very romantic! I hope many Austen fans will read both your books if they have not already done so. Can we be looking for another novel from you soon???


Now it is giveaway time! Ms. Brasure is giving away two books, winner's choice of either of her books, A Heart for Milton or In Consequence, and winner's choice of eBook or paperback. Isn't that great!? Even better, the giveaway is international...Western Hemisphere/Europe! Please be sure to leave contact info! I want everyone that leaves a comment to have the chance of winning but I must be able to reach you. If I do not already have your contact info, you need to leave it for me in the comment. Thank you in advance! This giveaway will end at 11:59 PM on the 23rd of May. Good luck to all!

63 comments:

  1. I have read A Heart for Milton and In Consequence on Kindle a few years ago and really enjoyed both. I'm loving Richard Armitages John Thornton, and through the film became a lover of the novel too.
    I'd be thrilled to own a paperback copy of A Heart for Milton and give it a much needed reread!

    kewinkler at gmail dot com

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    1. Yes, Richard made us read N&S. He's helped make Gaskell better known. So glad you enjoyed my novels, and are eager for a reread!

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  2. John Thornton is everything you say, Trudy, he's such an admirable character. He deserves to find love after spending his whole life being devoted to his family but he's not expecting to be knocked sideways by it as he is, and that makes him even more swoonworthy! I first fell in love with book Thornton, but adaptation Mr Thornton is even more handsome so it's even easier to love him!

    I would like to join Janet in her question - what are you working on at present, Trudy, and when do you think it will be available? I've read 'In Consequence' but still need to read 'A Heart for Milton'. :)

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    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    2. You're one of the rarer ones, Ceri, for having read the book first.
      My next book is a slow work in progress. I'm hoping for a release sometime next year. I reveal a little about the premise at From Pemberley to Milton here: https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpress.com/2016/03/07/interview-with-trudy-brasure-giveaway/

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    3. Thanks, Ceri, for popping in. Glad you feel the same about John Thornton. I absolutely love the adaptation with Richard Armitage. He became the character in the novel. Thanks for joining in my question. Now we will be anxious for this new release but must we wait until next year??? :)

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  3. love Gaskell's books, but I have not read (yet) any of these 2 books by Ms. Brasure, and yes isn't John Thornton wonderful


    meikleblog at gmail dot com

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    1. Yes, he is! ;)
      Glad you love Gaskell, too.

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  4. I realize now that my favourite books were all written and set in Victorian times. It was only this year that I first read North & South - even though I've loved the mini series for almost a decade and have rewatched it regularly - and it quickly joined the ranks of my top books.

    It is a pity that Gaskell is not a name you hear about as much, at least where I'm from. It was so amazing to find she was a personal friend of my other fav authors of the time.

    Trudy's books swiftly found their way into my 'to read list'. Everyone who has read them recommends them and every piece of writing or analysis I find penned by her is always so spot on, revealing her deep understanding of the original work. John's thing for Margaret's arms was something I wished was featured more in the TV adaptation. It always reminds me of Christina Perri's song entitled 'Arms'. Those lyrics are a perfect fit.

    As I haven't yet read any of the books I'd enjoy either one in a paperback copy.
    Contact: deni_mar07@hotmail.com

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    1. I really wonder why Gaskell isn't better known. Maybe because she was a female expounding on topics that weren't supposed to be her realm (politics, economic distress, religious dissent)?
      I'm glad you enjoy my essays on N&S topics. Thomas Hardy is my second favorite author. I just really enjoy Victorian literature.

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    2. Maybe it is. That's exactly the appeal of her writing, though.
      I haven't actually read any of his work. I'll have to look into it. It's great, isn't it? ^_^

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  5. John Thornton is an incredible round character! He has an amazing development during "North & South" and he eventually understands the differences between him and Margaret and, most important, accepts them much easily than her.
    He is truly amazing *^*
    I had already seen your books on amazon, but I would love to have a paperback version of either of them :3

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    1. Thornton is incredible in the way he is wiling to listen to Margaret.
      Thanks for commenting!

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  6. I just love Trudy's work! She truly understands Gaskell and North and South! Can't wait to read the new book!

    V.moraes.ab at gmail dot com

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    1. Thanks for your support of and enthusiasm for my work! :)

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  7. I love North and South and love Mr Thornton just as much! Can't wait to read Trudy's new book and thanks for the giveaway.
    priscillateh at hotmail.hk

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    1. It's not hard to fall in love with John Thornton!

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  8. Ah yes, loved the post. I didn't really need any persuasion to love this story or the pair of characters. I got swoony over John Thornton from the moment I read about how much he sacrificed and did well for his family and for his workers, but it was fun to see him fall for a woman like Margaret.

    I recently one a book from Trudy so don't put me in the giveaway, Janet. Thanks!

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    1. Yes, John's self-sacrificing ways are so admirable. This is one of the ways in which he and Margaret are so alike, and one of the reasons they both deserve some good loving and attention from someone who really sees their worth!

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    2. Thank you, Sophia, for visiting and sharing your thoughts. I will take you out of the giveaway.

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  9. I just saw the movie last month thanks to a generous GR friend and I really loved this story. I did see many parallels with Austen's work, but if you're going to emulate someone, why not Austen? Once I read N&S, I will try some fanfic too. Thanks for sharing because I've heard great things about Trudy's books!!

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    1. It's a true friend indeed, who makes you watch N&S! ;)
      I hope you enjoy the novel. You get to know who Margaret is so much better. And then there are all those Thornton thoughts...!
      I'm glad the word of mouth on my books is good. :)

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    2. Oh Claudine, I'm so glad you got to see the movie! Wasn't it wonderful! I've lost count on the number of times I've watched it. I loved the book too and thought the few differences between the two were interesting, especially the first meeting of John and Margaret.

      Thanks for dropping by and commenting.

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  10. John Thornton is a generous,loyal man with integrity. He is also a pragmatic, successful self- made man, strong in his convictions He is responsible, He takes care of his mother and sister, the successful running of his mill and his employees(the "soup kitchen" to make sure his employees can get a decent meal is proof of that). He worked hard taking care of his family after his father died and is rightfully proud of it and his accomplishments and standing in Milton society. He also has feelings of unworthiness when it comes to Margaret (but she has yet to open her heart and appreciate the man before her)He has depth of feeling the "Look back at me scene" still breaks my heart.

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    1. Very well stated. I agree on all counts. :)

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    2. Isn't that a touching scene? My heart breaks for him every time I watch it.

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  11. I love Elizabeth Gaskell's books, especially North and South! And I adore the movie!
    I already added your books to my wish list and I hope I get lucky!

    tgruy at netscape dot net

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    1. Thanks for adding my stories to your wish list! Maybe you won't have to buy one of them. :)

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  12. I love North and South, both the book and the series! Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us!

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    1. Thanks, Rose. It's always my pleasure to share the Thornton love!

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    2. It's great to hear a JAFF author loves N&S too! I already knew you did am glad you stopped and said so here! :)

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  13. oops, forgot contact info
    anippolito@icloud.com
    Trudy, I read A Heart for Milton and loved it , thank you!

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  14. wonderful Q&A... Love Thornton's character in N&S... and of course I can't help but picture him as Richard Armitage.

    The variations sound like lovingly written stories.

    denise

    dholcomb1 (at) aol (dot) com

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    1. Armitage will be the definitive Thornton for at least half a century. And that kiss.....
      Thanks for your interest in my stories. I hope you'll find the opportunity to read them someday. :)

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  15. I liked BBC's adaptation very much and the biggest credit for that should go to Richard Armitages's portraying of John Thornton. Thornton proved that there are other (or at least there is another) worthy romantic heros capable of such great passion, constancy and devotion to the loved ones, apart from Mr.Darcy (no matter how much I like the latter it is always nice to see some alternatives):))) I have not yet read any variation of North and South, but would be very much interested in reading one. So I am grateful for this generous giveaway and will consider myself very lucky to win ebook of A Heart for Milton.
    oloore (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. I agree that Richard Armitage's performance is the single most compelling factor in the BBC adaptation. He was able to convey all the intensity of emotion found in Gaskell's John Thornton -- often without even saying a word!
      I hope you'll try a few North and South novels. It's great fun diving back into the world of John and Margaret!

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  16. What a treat, this lovely interview and the very generous giveaway! Just as we can't have enough of Elizabeth and Mr Darcy, we can't have enough of Mr Thornton and Margaret. I adored the film, what a shame that Richard Armitage didn't have more roles like that, it was beautifully done!

    I wholeheartedly agree with Trudy about the magic of a touch in Mrs Gaskell's novel, and how she gave us a clear picture of what Mr Thornton was thinking and feeling (what a beautiful line 'his heart beat thick with longing love'!!).

    Looking forward to more of Trudy's books and thanks for this lovely post!

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    1. Thank you, Joana. You can never have enough of John and Margaret. And wouldn't we ALL love to see Richard Armitage do another romantic role!!
      Thanks for you interest in my books. And for good measure, I'll share one of my favorite lines from Gaskell's original. It's one of those convoluted sentences I was talking about!

      "Well! He had known what love was - a sharp pang, a fierce experience, in the midst of whose flames he was struggling! but, through that furnace he would fight his way out into the serenity of middle age, - all the richer and more human for having known this great passion."

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    2. Wouldn't it be fantastic if Richard Armitage would do more romantic roles? He played this one so perfectly and I agree wholeheartedly with both of you. His expressions spoke more than words. I love both your quotes! sigh!

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    3. Joana, I just had to add one more thought...I bet you could torture poor Mr. Thornton as much as you do Mr. Darcy! lol

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  17. Lovely interview Trudy! I am looking forward to seeing your next book when it comes out. I do not need to be entered in the giveaway, I believe I already own both books. Happy writing!

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  18. Thank you, Nicole! I'm so glad you have added to the collection of quality fan fiction for N&S. Gaskell's story has so many fascinating characters and deep themes to explore. It's a story that deserves the attention of talented authors. If only my imaginations could be transferred to paper more quickly! :)

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    1. If only! Gaskell left some large footprints. 😊

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    2. So happy for both of you talented ladies to have wonderful stories for us to read.

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  19. I've recently listened to the audiobook of North and South, which I totally loved. Having read it first some years ago now and seen the dramatisation for the first time only in the last couple of years (shock horror!) I obviously had Richard Armitage and Daniella Denby-Ashe very much in mind as I listened.

    And now I've also RECENTLY discovered that there's another world of fan fiction out there in addition to JAFF. I've heard of Trudy Brasure's books but not yet read either of them so it would be fantastic to win one, paperback for preference. Thanks for making it international!

    angmardee (at) hotmail (dot) com

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    1. I will have to check into the North and South audiobook. I would love that too. Thanks, Anji. I'm quite sure I would visualize Richard Armitage and Daniella Denby-Ashe too.

      Isn't it great to have the N&S variations and retellings too? I love them. Good luck with the giveaway.

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    2. I haven't heard it myself, but I've heard rave recommendations for the Juliet Stevenson audiobook of N&S.
      We need more N&S fan fictions. There are too few for the avid fan.

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    3. I completely agree! I will look up the Juliet Stevenson audiobook. I like her voice. Thanks.

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    4. My version of the North and South audio IS the Juliet Stevenson one. I can highly recommend it to everyone. The only improvement I can think of would be to have RA vpicibg John Thornton's words and thoughts.

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    5. 'Voicing'! Darn touch screen keyboard on my phone.

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    6. 'Voicing'! Darn touch screen keyboard on my phone.

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  20. Trudy, I remember reading a post you wrote, maybe on your blog, about there actually being a real kiss at the end of the book. Could you maybe tell my readers why you believe that to be so, or would it be too long? I found it very interesting and went back to reread that scene in the book.

    I am so happy to see all the comments about John Thornton and to know how many of the Jane Austen community love him too. That is good news. I love the book, the movie and the few N&S fan fiction novels that I have read. Now we just need to spread the word more about the N&S fan fiction! :)

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    1. Yes, there definitely IS a kiss at the end of N&S! I love the ending of the book because Gaskell combines so many elements in just two pages! There's panting hope; a long,silent hug; mutual apologies, and then some playfulness between them!
      John pulls out the dried flowers from Helstone he's been carrying around with him for over a year (sigh!) and then Margaret grabs for them but he demands 'payment' first. And this payment seems to involve some "delicious silence." I don't think there's much room for doubt as to what "delicious silence" means!
      I love her word choice there. "Delicious" indicates so much, physically and emotionally.
      I recommend reading the last two pages carefully, imagining the emotional impact of each part, line by line.
      It's a gorgeous ending!

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    2. Thank you so much for giving this insight, Trudy. I think it is truly 'delicious' if I may borrow from Ms. Gaskell. I loved your thoughts when I first read them and appreciate you sharing them now. I completely missed this on my first reading. Yes, the word choice of "Delicious" does indicate much and is so romantic. I think I will go back and read those last two pages again right now, very carefully, as you suggest! Thanks again.

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  21. He ' s a self made man.he built his mill working hard, not using anything else except his skills,he's loyal ( he recognizes when he acts wrongly), he loves Margaret unconditionally...what else we can desire from a man?

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    1. I believe you described several great reasons for loving John Thornton. I agree with your thoughts!

      Thanks for stopping by. If you want to be entered in the giveaway, you need to leave me contact info!

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    2. Yes, i think one of greatest aspects of Thornton is his self-reliance. He rose to great heights on his own merits. (With the initial aid of his mother.)

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  22. Trudy, I devoured both of your books and have them both in print and Kindle. Like Ceri, I read Elizabeth Gaskell before I watched the mini-series. Richard Armitage? Oh dear. I mean, OH DEAR!!!

    The kisses at the train station are pure magic and 100% swoonworthy. Sigh!

    I'm greatly looking forward to reading your next story and wish you would take up the challenge to spend some writing time with Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth. Wouldn't that be lovely.

    Best wishes,

    Joy

    BTW, thanks for this guest post, Janet. Delightful!

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    1. Thanks, Joy! Print and Kindle?! I'm honored.
      Richard as Thornton is utterly devastating. A pure masterpiece role. And if there were a Hall of Fame for screen kisses, he would be venerated for centuries as the master.
      I do hope to contribute more Thornton fiction some day. I've also thought of a Wives and Daughters completion/continuation.
      If I were to do any Austen FF, it would probably be Persuasion - my favorite!

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  23. In what order would you recommend these books to be read...thank you just want to make sure I read them in the right sequence.

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    1. Hi, Meddy! My books aren't connected stories. "A Heart for Milton" is more of a continuation story to the original (with a twist). So that may be the first one to read. "In Consequence" is a what-if that changes what happens at the riot.
      Thanks for your interest in my books. :)

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