Saturday, September 17, 2016

Celebrate Regina Jeffers's Birthday with Mr. Darcy's Present!

Happy Birthday, to you! I'm so glad to have you here today and help you celebrate. (even if you are not too big on birthdays) Part of the celebration is...well, I will not spoil your surprise, but...what a great gift to have on this day! Congratulations. I know it will be a big success. I have read many of your books and am eager to read this one. As you know, I am a big fan of your writing.

Dear Readers, help me welcome Regina and send warm wishers her way.

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Today is my BIRTHDAY, but you will receive the present if you are one of the two winners of the giveaway below. I am 69 this year. In truth, I am not a big one for birthdays or holidays, in general. I would prefer to give and receive gifts for other reasons than counting 365 days. I give gifts throughout the years to loved ones.

Moreover, those who know me know I have a SARCASTIC sense of humor, and so instead of the traditional “Happy Birthday” song, I find the song from Arrogant Worms more appropriate…

Once a year we celebrate
With stupid hats and plastic plates
The fact that you were able to make
Another trip around the sun

And the whole clan gathers round
And gifts and laughter do abound
And we let out a joyful sound
And sing that stupid song

Happy birthday
Now youre one year older
Happy birthday
Your life still isnt over
Happy birthday
You did not accomplish much
But you didnt die this year
I guess thats good enough

So lets drink to your fading health
And hope you dont remind yourself
The chance of finding fame and wealth
Decrease with every year


If you wish to hear the whole song, you may do so HERE: http://www.streetdirectory.com/lyricadvisor/song/pwplw/the_happy_happy_birthday_song/

So, what PRESENT from me has arrived? It is something special. I think it is special, and I hope you do also. This has been a long hot summer in North Carolina, and so I am fast forwarding to Christmas. No time for Halloween or Thanksgiving! We need a little Christmas right NOW!  Therefore, I bear the gift of Mr. Darcys Present: A Pride and Prejudice Holiday Vagary.

Available on Amazon
The Greatest Present He Would Ever Receive is the Gift of Her Love…

What if Mr. Darcy purchased a gift for Elizabeth Bennet to acknowledge the festive days even though he knows he will never present it to her? What if the gift is posted to the lady by his servants and without his knowledge? What if the enclosed card was meant for another and is more suggestive than a gentleman should share with an unmarried lady? Join Darcy and Elizabeth, for a holiday romp, loaded with delightful twists and turns no one expects, but one in which our favorite couple take a very different path in thwarting George Wickham and Lydia Bennet’s elopement. Can a simple book of poetry be Darcy’s means to win Elizabeth’s love? When we care more for another than ourselves, the seeds of love have an opportunity to blossom.

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Words of Praise for Mr. Darcy’s Present
Jeffers takes a familiar story and reinvigorates it with humor, warmth, and wisdom. - Roses and Lilacs Reviews

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Scene from Chapter 1. Darcy had a “dangerous” encounter with an overturned coal cart.

Darcy? Darcy? Can you hear me? It was Georgiana and she sounded frightened. Please, William. Open your eyes.
He did not wish to leave Elizabeths image behind. There was still much he wished to say to her. It was imperative that he convince her to accept his hand, but he held a duty to Georgiana. And so he lifted his heavy lids to welcome the worried features of his sister.
Oh, William. Her sob of relief had her bottom lip trembling. I feared we had lost you. I could not bear it.
He wished to take her in his arms to comfort her, but try as he might, Darcy could not lift his arms.
Bingley nudged Georgiana from her place. You gave us quite a scare, Old Chap, his friend said with a reassuring smile. Do not worry if you cannot yet move about. Doctor Nott and Mr. Harvon could not agree upon your treatment, but it was decided that they would tie your arms to the bed frame. Broke you right wrist and suffered a blow to your head, as well as multiple cuts and bruises. Neither Harvon nor Nott wished you to bolt up unexpectedly and do more injury to yourself.
Darcy made himself form the word Water. His mouth was excessively dry.
Miss Darcy, fetch your brother some water, Bingley ordered. His friend remained sitting with one hip on the edge of the bed. At length, Georgiana handed Bingley the glass. Darcy could feel her worried eyes upon him, and so he made the effort to appear alert. I shant attempt to brace you. Let us use this spoon. Bingley held up the utensil before spooning the water into Darcys mouth. A coal cart toppled over on you, Bingley explained as he tended to Darcy. You will be quite stiff for a few days, but Harvon says your wrist is the worst of it. Once the laudanum wears away, Harvon will untie your arms. Miss Darcy says the opiate provides you nightmares, and no one wishes you thrashing about in the bed.
Darcy thought of his dream of Elizabeth. It was far from perfect, but certainly not a nightmare. Thank you, he said as he refused another spoonful of the water. Sheffield?
Your man is fine. He took Lord Joyners son to task for the youths lack of forethought. His lordship was less than pleased with Sheffields tongue lashing of his son until he realized young Mr. Joyner had struck Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. Bingley winked at him. Lord Joyner prays you will not withdraw your investment in the canal in which he holds the primary interest.
Darcy pronounced through stiff lips, Would be foolish.
My sentiments exactly, Bingley said as he sat the glass of water and the spoon aside. When you are well enough to consider the situation, the magistrate awaits your decision as to addressing a complaint against his lordships heir. But there is no need for you to place your mind to it at this time. Just rest. It will do young Joyner good to wait a few more days until he learns whether he faces charges of assault. I heard he has known great anguish at considering a charge of murder if you died. The wait will make him appreciate the privileges his fathers barony provides him. As to Sheffield, he tended you for the last two days. I sent him to his bed for some much required rest.
Two days? Darcy asked weakly.
The reason for your sisters distress, Bingley replied. Miss Darcy and I have fended off all those more curious than sincere. You have nothing of which to worry. The Matlocks and I will tend to Miss Darcy. For now, just rest.
Darcy attempted to nod his gratitude, but the movement sent a wincing pain shooting through his head. He squeezed his eyes shut to quell the piercing ache between his eyes. I am in your debt, he murmured through gritted teeth.
None of that, Bingley insisted. No soul can claim a truer friend.
Bingleys words had Darcy wondering if he had betrayed his friends trust by permitting Miss Bingley to separate Bingley from Miss Bennet. Was I protecting myself rather than my friend? he wondered. If Bingley claimed Miss Bennet, I will lose a friend, for I cannot bear to be in Miss Elizabeths presence and view her choose another. With that doubt planted firmly in his mind, he drifted to sleep only to return to the Netherfield ball and the disaster that marked his rejection.

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If you did not like the above song for birthdays, perhaps this one from Don McLean will be more to your suiting. Perhaps, Darcy could sing it to Elizabeth on her first birthday they celebrate together

If I could say the things I feel, it wouldnt be the same
Some things are not spoken of, some things have no name
Though the words come hard to me, Ill say them just for you
For this is something rare for me this feeling is so new
You see I love the way you love me
I love the way you smile at me
I love the way we live this life were in
Long ago I heard the song that lovers sing to me
And through the days with each new phrase I hummed that melody
And all along I loved the song but I never learned it through
But since the day you came along, Ive saved it just for you.

(You can hear the whole song HERE


NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY!!!! LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW TO BE PART OF THE GIVEAWAY. TWO WINNERS WILL WIN AN eBOOK COPY OF MR. DARCYS PRESENT: A PRIDE AND PREJUDICE HOLIDAY VAGARY. THE GIVEAWAY WILL END AT MIDNIGHT ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21.

Purchase Links:
Mr. Darcy's Present: A Pride and Prejudice Holiday Vagary is now available in PRINT and eBOOK formats.  






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Connect with Regina at

Regina Jeffers is an award-winning author of Austenesque, Regency, historical mysteries, and contemporary novels. She is a retired English teacher and an often sought after consultant for media literacy and language arts.
Regina Jeffers Website (excerpts, news and events, reviews, etc.)   
You may also find Regina at
Facebook   

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Thank you, Regina Jeffers, for sharing such a riveting excerpt with us! Poor Darcy! I'm happy he was not hurt seriously. It's also good to see Bingley taking charge! My interest is piqued in anticipation of how Mr. Darcy will receive his 'present'. What all will he have to go through to get Lizzy's love? Ahhh, what will she think when she receives a gift from him with a risque note, no less? Questions, questions...

Your blurb did just what it was supposed to do, make me want to read the book. I love your cover too. 

Again, I wish you a very happy birthday. It's a pleasure sharing time with you today.

Remember, you must leave a comment to be entered in the giveaway and please do not lose out by failing to leave me contact info. That would be such a shame. I have it for some of you but every week there are people not entered because I have no way of finding them. Help me make sure you are not one of them. Thanks and good luck to each of you.

64 comments:

  1. Happy birthday!

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    1. Thank you, Patricia. I appreciate your stopping by.

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  2. Oh Regina! Where do I start? Love the excerpt. So excited about your book. Congratulations! Happy birthday. Love you birthday song. Made me laugh. Thank you for the giveaway.

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    1. Becky, I have a very dry sense of humor that does not always play well in my writing, but this book is a bit different.

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  3. Happy Birthday to a lovely writer and a fabulous lady! I look forward to reviewing the book this week and I have to say I love this excerpt ladies.

    Best wishes for a great year and a great release!

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  4. A very happy birthday to you, Regina, and thank you for the "present" of this intriguing excerpt. Looking forward to reading it soon.

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    1. From one Regina to another, it was a great day! My granddaughter who will be 3 in October greeted me with "It's your birthday, Grandma." Nothing better!

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  5. Even though you're not much for birthdays, I hope you still have cake! For me, it's not a birthday without birthday cake, and that's why I look forward to having my birthday. Yummmm.
    I also look forward to reading this book. I'm eager to learn about the 'more suggestive' enclosed card. Love that idea.
    Ginna Say What at gee mail dot com

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    1. Ginna, I had carrot cake with my son, DIL, and grandkids. Carrot cake and red velvet are my favs.

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  6. Happy birthday, Regina!! And thanks for the giveaway. Intriguing excerpt, looking forward to reading the book :)

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  7. Oh man, Regina! I'm still laughing over the first song, sarcastic humor indeed. Your new holiday story sounds sweet. I was right there with Georgie and worried for a moment and now eager to know about his card and gift. Thanks for the excerpt.

    Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.
    sophiarose1816 at gmail dot com

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    1. Good evening, Sophia. Not everyone understands my humor, likely why Darcy is my go-to man. I assume he has a "cutting" tongue when someone irritates him.

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  8. First let me say I hope you had a wonderful birthday Regina. Also thanks for a lovely excerpt from your book and to you and Janet for the chance of a giveaway. I can't wait to read this ��

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    1. Good day, Glynis. I spent the day in the NC mountains at Skytop Apple Groves. My grandkids and I went apple picking.

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  9. Thank you, Claudine. I really enjoyed writing this book.

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  10. I appreciate your joining me today, Priscilla.

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  11. Happy Birthday!! I look forward to reading this book. And now I must go and listen to the Don McLean song...

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    1. Lynn, I am one of those people who do not object to those "cheesy" songs that a restaurant staff sing.

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  12. Happy Birthday!! I can't wait to read this book! I have head (and loved) all your others!

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  13. Happy Birthday!!!! Mine was on the 15th and I am still celebrating. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the teaser you shared with us today. Looking forward to reading the entire book.

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  14. Happy birthday! Mine is tomorrow! (18th) I tried to go purchase this on amazon and they have a limited availability thingy up so I couldn't get it! Hope I can get my hands on a copy soon!

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    1. Leah, the Amazon link was down for a bit because I went in and changed a few things. Autocorrect kept changing Longbourn to Longhorn and Mr. Bingley to Mr. Bangled. I thought I caught them all, but I did not. Everything should be fine now.

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  15. Loved the excerpt and excited about the book. Happy birthday!

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    1. Thank you, Beth. Once you get past a certain age, all birthdays are great!

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  16. I hope you have a wonderful birthday weekend!
    Kathy

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  17. Happy 😊 Birthday 🎂!

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    1. Hello, Amy. I am pleased you followed me over here.

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  18. Happy Birthday and congrats on the new release. Poor Darcy, injured & dreaming of Elizabeth...

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    1. Who else would Darcy dream of? Elizabeth is his other half.

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    1. Good morning, Ria. When I can spend the day with the grandkids, it is always a great one!

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  20. Happy Belated Birthday Regina!! Thank you for having this as the 2nd excerpt cause now I can worry a little less about my poor Mr. Darcy from the first one you gave us. Don't worry though, you still have me very much hooked and wanting to know what's going to happen next.

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    1. I am not the type to kill off the main characters, Amanda. LOL!

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  21. Regina,happy birthday! I hope that you're being extra nice to yourself ,wherever you happen to be,on this,your special day!

    If birthdays aren't your thing,perhaps you could coax yourself into buying something small,something that you've had your eye on for some time.....not today,but the next day you're strolling around in the shops.
    Go on,you deserve it!

    Loved the excerpt of your book! Am very much intrigued at the premise and like others,cannot wait to see Lizzy's reaction to her gift and the message on the card.

    Must say I think it's a great starting point and can only imagine the angst filled story that awaits us.
    Best of luck with the book!
    Wishing you a year ahead sprinkled with health,happiness and especially laughter!

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    1. Mary, last year for my birthday, I bought the small "Mr. Darcy" statue, like we see in 2005's Pride and Prejudice.

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  22. First of all Happy Birthday Regina!! Thank you for having a giveaway on your birthday. I look forward to reading your latest book.

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  23. First of all Happy Birthday Regina!! Thank you for having a giveaway on your birthday. I look forward to reading your latest book.

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  24. Poor Darcy, things can only get better, can't they? Happy Birthday, though I don't bother to celebrate either.


    meikleblog at gmail dot com

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    1. I am never one to write an unhappy ending for our favorite couple.

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  25. Looking forward to seeing how this sad episode is resolved into a HEA. Wonderfully engaging excerpt. Wishing you a very Happy (if belated) Birthday and many more of the same. Birthdays, I mean, not belated wishes. LOL! Best regards from a survivor of the long hot South Carolina summer ...

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    1. We are nearly 8 inches behind in rain in NC. That does not play well into the type of winter we may have.

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  26. Loved the excerpt and the song was so cute. Of course my husband says at every birthday, "Let's face it Jen, we are just rotting flesh." That guy! I hope you've had a grand day. Jen Red

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    1. Grand is not my style, Jen. I am very much a home body.

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  27. Regina, I hope you are enjoying your birthday weekend!

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    1. Hello, Caryl. It has been an interesting weekend, that much is certain.

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  28. Thanks for "sharing" your birthday with us. Your story teaser very effective, I must know the end:) I hope this was a good day for you!

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    1. My actual birthday I spent with the grandkids. That is always a good day.

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  29. Happy birthday, Regina! I loved the sarcastic birthday song. I'll have to share it with my mom; she has the same view on birthdays and getting older. ;)

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    1. Yes, I have many friends who are of the same nature. Thanks for joining us, Anna.

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  30. Happy birthday Regina. I hope you had a really fantastic day. Thanks so much for sharing this excerpt with us. Last year, I reached a significant milestone on my own birthday and very much appreciate the sarcastic version you've shared, especially the line "But you didn't die this year, I guess that's good enough".

    It's good to see another Christmas themed JAFF story. I must say how much I enjoyed Christmas at Pemberley by the way. I've got it as an ebook and audiobook. Do you have any plans to put this one out on audio too?

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    1. Not any time soon, Anji. I am getting some of my rights back from Ulysses Press and then I can decide how best to proceed.

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  31. A belated 'Happy Birthday', Regina, and congrats on the new release, it sounds wonderful. What a lovely story to curl up with in readiness for the festive season!

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