Friday, February 17, 2017

Ginger Monette...Darcy's Hope at Donwell Abbey

Happy Friday to all of you! Darcy's Hope at Donwell Abbey is stopping by my place today. If you've been following the tour, you have probably noticed all the great reviews for this book! I certainly have and today the author answers some questions about the book itself and her inspiration for writing it. So for this post, we have an interview with the author, a blurb and an excerpt. Of course, you can take part in that wonderful giveaway. Be sure to use the Rafflecopter to enter.

If you want to check out the first visit to More Agreeably Engaged by Ginger Monette, follow this link. Darcy's Hope, Beauty from Ashes is spotlighted on that post. Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the interview.

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Q: What inspired you to write Darcy's Hope at Donwell Abbey?

Matthew Crawley of Downton Abbey! The war dealt him a tragic blow that played an important role in the storyline of season 2. I was really fascinated at how wealthy English families offered their lavish homes as hospital facilities during WW1. I began to imagine Darcy with his own wartime tragedy, then mixed it with the characters and homes from Austen's works and, voila, Darcy's Hope at Donwell Abbey was born.

Q: You've described Darcy's Hope at Donwell Abbey as a 'stand-alone sequel' to Darcy's Hope ~ Beauty from Ashes. That sounds like a contradiction of terms. Can you explain?

A: Darcy's Hope at Donwell Abbey picks up moments after Darcy's Hope ~ Beauty from Ashes ends. For those who have read Beauty from Ashes, the story will seem like a seamless continuation. For those that have not read book 1, book 2 can be enjoyed on its own, as the backstory from book 1 is woven into the content of Donwell Abbey as part of the dialog and internal thoughts of the characters. Some readers may experience minor confusions at the beginning, but soon the story moves into its own realm, making the specific backstory details somewhat inconsequential.

Q: Why did you break it up into two novels instead of just making it one continuous novel?

A: I chose to make them two novels because both books are complete stories on their own—with a definite beginning, middle, and end. And although Donwell Abbey can be read by itself, consensus among reviewers is that the overall experience is more enjoyable if Darcy's Hope ~ Beauty from Ashes is read first.

Q: That brings up another question. Some readers may be hesitant to read Beauty from Ashes due to its wartime setting. What would you say to those who don't do war stories?”

I would say it isn't a war story  : )  The Darcy's Hope saga is very much a romance in a wartime setting. Just like Downton Abbey, the war provides a dramatic backdrop against which the romance unfolds. The war's fast pace and ever-changing situations meant that nothing was predictable, and things could (and did) change in an instant. Readers have commented that they couldn't predict where either story was going! And much of that is due to the volatile nature of the setting.

Q:  Darcy's Hope ~ Beauty from Ashes is primarily set on the Western Front of WW1. Can we expect the same in Donwell Abbey?

A: Although Darcy's Hope at Donwell Abbey opens with Darcy still in Belgium, the setting quickly shifts to England. Most of the story takes place at Hartfield and Donwell Abbey, homes from Austen's novel Emma. And yes, the two homes are still in the Knightley family, and the descendants of George and Emma Knightley are important characters in this story.

Q: Did you face any particular challenges in writing Darcy’s Hope at Donwell Abbey?

A: Yes! Writing to accommodate the tragedy that befalls Darcy was an enormous challenge. But if I tell you what the injury is and the accommodation it required, I would be giving away a major spoiler!

Q: If this tragedy plays an important role but you can't elaborate on it, what can you tell us about the story?

A: It is a tender romance between Lizzy and Darcy with their romance central to the plot. In lieu of specific plot details, I've made up a list of 'notables' to whet readers' appetites and pique their curiosity. Here goes:

Notable scenes
-Breakfast at Pemberley
-Horseback ride for two
-Secrets at a cemetery
-Dancing on the terrace
-Excursion on a rowboat
-Drama at a pond
-A visit to a prison

Notable characters
-A meddling matriarch
-John Thornton
-Margaret Hale
-Colonel Brandon
-Marianne Dashwood
-Sarah Knightley
-A dog

Notable objects
-A newspaper report
-Lavender
-A factory smokestack
-A music box
-Morphine
-A garnet bracelet

Other notables
-Romance in the air for several couples
-Hands touching. (Yeah, lots of hands touching hands)

Q: I see your notable characters list contains several characters familiar to fans of Austen and Gaskell. Can you elaborate?

A: Elizabeth Gaskell's John Thornton saves the day,” and readers will catch a glimpse of his romance with Margaret Hale. And Austen's Colonel Brandon and Marianne Dashwood from Sense & Sensibility make an appearance.

Darcy's Hope at Donwell Abbey also contains some original but familiar” characters as well. Sarah Knightley is a spirited descendant of George and Emma Knightley, a couple from Austen's novel Emma. Dr. Matthew Scott is a creation of my imagination who debuted in my first book Tree of Life. I liked him so much, I've given him a similar role in Donwell Abbey. And finally, readers are treated to matriarch extraordinaire, Mrs. Knightley, who is on par with none other than Lady Catherine de Bourgh.

Q: Why only glimpses of these budding romances?

Because I have plans for all of the couples to have their own Great War Romance! If you would like to be kept abreast of the progress of these dear couples, please join my low-volume newsletter family at GingerMonette.com.  (And if you like period drama, Downton Abbey, and Jane Austen, join me on Facebook at Ginger Monette Author.)

Q: Anything else you would like readers to know about Darcy’s Hope at Donwell Abbey?

A: Yes, three things:

•Rest assured the story focuses on Lizzy and Darcy and has a happily-ever-after ending.
•It’s a clean romance that will keep you guessing until the very end! But do know that tense moments can occasionally prompt mild language, and there are some references to war that might be too intense for sensitive readers.
•And finally, in April of 2017, America will commemorate its 100th anniversary of participation in WW1. If you're like me, you learned almost nothing about this period of history in school. The Darcy's Hope saga is an entertaining way to get a glimpse of what our great-grandfathers experienced, and will give readers some context as they will undoubtedly be hearing a lot about this pivotal event that ushered the world into the modern era as we know it.

I hope readers will give the Darcy's Hope saga a try! I don't think they'll be disappointed : )

Thanks so much for hosting me on your blog!



*****

Thank you, Ginger Monette for the interview. I enjoyed your answers and the thought that went into them. Now, Readers, here is the blurb and an excerpt for this book.


Blurb
Darcy’s Hope at Donwell Abbey


1917. Amidst the chaos of WW1, Captain Fitzwilliam Darcy has won the heart of Elizabeth Bennet. Finally.

Then she disappears.

Still reeling from the loss, Darcy is struck by a battlefield tragedy that leaves him in a dark and silent world.

Sent to Donwell Abbey to recover, he's coaxed back to life by an extraordinary nurse. A woman whose uncanny similarities to Elizabeth invite his admiration and entice his affections.

His heart tells him to hold on to Elizabeth. His head tells him to take a chance with his nurse.

But Donwell Abbey holds a secret that just might change everything.

Escape to the era of Downton Abbey in this enthralling stand-alone sequel* to Darcy's Hope ~ Beauty from Ashes that includes appearances by John Thornton, Margaret Hale, Colonel Brandon, Marianne Dashwood, and descendants of George Knightley.

•*May be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel, but readers may experience some minor confusions without the context of the mystery of Darcy's Hope ~ Beauty from Ashes.
•Has a happy ending for Lizzy and Darcy.
•Romance is clean. Minor language and some recollections of graphic war scenes.


Excerpt: Darcy’s Hope at Donwell Abbey by Ginger Monette

Elizabeth bolted from the chair. “Fitzwilliam, wake up!” She nudged his arm in the darkened room, but he continued writhing with great heaving breaths. “Captain!” She squeezed his hand, but he jerked it away, whimpering.

On impulse, she slid her arms under his shoulders and held him close. Instantly his thrashing ceased.

Gently rocking him, she massaged the unbandaged hair at his temple and whispered against his cheek, “It’s all right. Just a dream.”

He breathing slowed, but his body remained tense. “My ribs...hurt.”

She lowered him back to the pillow, then tapped on his hand, Try to relax. All right now?

“Mmm.... Water. And morphine.”

She squeezed his hand and poured water into the hospital cup. She touched the pill to his lips then offered the porcelain straw.

He swallowed. “Who are you?”

Elizabeth froze and closed her eyes. How she longed to tell him the truth, then brush a kiss on his lips, assure him of her love, and promise to stay by his side.

She took his hand and spelled, Miss Thomas.

“Thank you...Miss Thomas.”

Elizabeth sank into the wing chair and released a heavy breath. Could she bear to be so close and yet so far away from Fitzwilliam?

*****

Heartbreaking!!! After the blurb and the excerpt, are you ready to read more? If so, guess what? The first book is on sale for $2.99 right now. Get started with it and then be ready for this one. That's what I plan to do! It is for a limited time so don't miss out on this special deal!



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Blog Tour Schedule


Link to webpage with tour schedule and hyperlinks: http://www.gingermonette.com/blog-tour-links





Feb 5  vvb32reads




















Feb 26  Linda Andrews


  
Link to webpage with tour schedule and hyperlinks: http://www.gingermonette.com/blog-tour-links

*****

It's giveaway time and what a nice giveaway! Open to US winners only, there will be three lucky winners. If you want to participate, fill out the Rafflecopter below the prize picture. Good luck to all!



a Rafflecopter giveaway
To contact the author or for purchase links, look below.

Author: Ginger Monette

Email: SperoBooks@gmail.com

Website: GingerMonette.com


Goodreads:  here or https://www.goodreads.com/search?q=ginger+monette

Book length: 347 pages     DHaDA Publication Date: Jan 1, 2017

Romance sizzle rating: mild. Clean story with minor language, and some graphic recollections of war.

Link to webpage with tour schedule and hyperlinks: http://www.gingermonette.com/blog-tour-links

Purchase Links for Darcy’s Hope at a Donwell Abbey:
            -Universal link that shows links to every outlet (including all international ones). books2read.com/u/3yP2Le
            -Amazon USAhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M6A76CZ/

Purchase Links for Darcy’s Hope ~ Beauty from Ashes:
            Universal link: https://books2read.com/u/47kXOj  

            -Amazon USAhttp://bit.ly/2cy01KFBlogTourAmaUS

16 comments:

  1. This sounds so lovely! Congratulations on two gorgeous books, Ginger!

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    1. Thanks, Nicole! I'm anxious to read your book, Northern Rain : )

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    2. You should definitely read, or listen to Northern Rain, which is what I'm doing, Ginger. Without giving too much away, the kitchen scene is delicious, Nicole!

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  2. Thank you, Janet, for the lovely feature! I've been so pleased that readers are loving the Darcy's Hope saga : )

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    1. You are welcome. It is a pleasure having you visit. I'm happy for you that it is so well received. That's wonderful and congratulations!

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  3. These are two of my top favourite books since the beginning of last year and both got ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star reviews from me. Yes, I wrote some reviews! They were so worth it.

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    1. So glad to hear that, Anji! I must read them.

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  4. This series is fantastic. I love how it feels so authentic for the time.

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    1. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Sophia. I'm glad to hear them.

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  5. Oh, Lizzy and Darcy in any era is pure romance! Thank you for the excerpt and giveaway.

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    1. I must agree, Eva. We just cannot get enough of Darcy and Lizzy, can we?

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  6. Great interview, Janet. Both books are fantastic, but 'Darcy's Hope at Donwell Abbey' is my favorite. :) Highly recommended.

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    1. She had some good questions and answers, didn't she. I enjoyed posting the interview, though I must confess, it was all done by MS. Monette.

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  7. Your interviews are always incredibly interesting Janet! You are really good at this!
    I loved the Darcy’s Hope series and getting to know a little more about it and Ginger through this interview, thanks for sharing it with us.

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    1. Wish I could take credit for this interview but I cannot. Ginger Monette does a fantastic job of setting up many different posts and letting you choose which ones you want to include. The credit is all hers.

      Thanks for stopping by.

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  8. Glad you all enjoyed the interview! This book is tricky to talk about without giving away major spoilers, so I tried to address questions readers had raised while giving some hints of what readers could expect.

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