Wednesday, July 4, 2018

My share in the conversation...The Darcy Legacy

Available on Amazon
Joana Starnes is such a sweet person and promoter
of all things Austen. I feel it an honor to call her a friend.
I have been following her writing career from the beginning
and love all her books. I was extremely excited when I heard she
had another book almost ready to release! I could hardly wait
to get my hands on it and READ! Here I am today, taking part
in the blog tour for The Darcy Legacy, Joana's latest. It is a book
that I highly recommend. My review of the book is below under
"My share in the conversation..." Thank you for joining me today.
I would love to hear your thoughts on my review or on the book,
if you have read it or plan to read it.

Joana has a fabulous giveaway. There are going to be some
very lucky winners. Thank you, Joana, for your generosity.

Before getting to my review, I posted the book description,
the author links, and author biography.

*****

Book Description:


‘Pemberley’s ancient halls harbour many secrets. Which one will affect Fitzwilliam Darcy
and the love of his life? How is Mr Bennet to enjoy the comforts of a well-stocked library,
when his wife’s premature demise had left him with the task of finding suitable matches
for their daughters? What of a misleading encounter on a muddy lane in Hertfordshire,
that renders a country-town assembly rather more tolerable than some might have thought?


Shades of mystery, meddlesome relations – not least a drenched Adonis – raillery, old errors
and a very recent union make for a challenging courtship when Fitzwilliam Darcy is not
on his own ground. Yet when love is the reward, challenges make it more worth the earning.
“A fraught courtship? So, let it be fraught,” Colonel Fitzwilliam said with a nonchalant flourish
of his hand. “A good challenge never hurt anyone.”’


Author Links






Author Biography


Joana Starnes lives in the south of England with her family.
Over the years, she has swapped several hats – physician,
lecturer, clinical data analyst – but feels most comfortable
in a bonnet. She has been living in Georgian England
for decades in her imagination and plans to continue
in that vein till she lays hands on a time machine.


She is the author of eight Austen-inspired novels:
From This Day Forward ~ The Darcys of Pemberley,
The Subsequent Proposal, The Second Chance,
The Falmouth Connection, The Unthinkable Triangle,
Miss Darcy’s Companion, Mr Bennet’s Dutiful Daughter
and The Darcy Legacy, and one of the contributing authors to The Darcy Monologues,
Dangerous to Know and the upcoming Rational Creatures (due in October 2018).
______________________________________________________

My share in the conversation...

The Darcy Legacy is an utterly delightful novel. It is a fresh, unique approach, and different from anything I’ve previously read by Joana Starnes. She still tortures Darcy, just a little, but not with her usual vigor! Of course, she gives him his HEA, but he still has to earn it.

The book begins at Pemberley in 1806, shortly after the elder Mr. Darcy’s death. We get a glimpse of life there before Fitzwilliam Darcy makes the fateful trip to meet Mr. Bingley at Netherfield. Strange happenings are afoot at Pemberley. Objects are moved, ink is repeatedly spilled on the desk, and papers are scattered. What can be the meaning of this? Is there truly a ghost haunting the estate. According to the servants, yes, there is!

Move forward to 1811 when Darcy is going to Hertfordshire at Bingley’s invitation. While trying to find Netherfield, he comes across Elizabeth. This meeting, of sorts, is priceless. I laughed out loud, but I laughed even more when he glimpsed her at the Meryton Assembly. Did the Fitzwilliam Darcy just deliver a Mr. Collins action? I believe he did! That was so unexpected and well done. Different from canon, Darcy and Lizzy do dance, and it is rather pleasant. In the days that follow, they get better acquainted, getting on quite well.

When Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam travel to Kent, there is a different group at Rosings. This makes for some fun reading and happenings. Elizabeth is there but not as Charlotte’s guest. Darcy eventually attempts his proposal, and as usual is making quite a mess of it. As he blunders along, he has unexpected outside help. He thinks he’s losing his mind, and he very well may be. Oh, how I adored this! Although it had some comical moments, it ended up being quite touching.

All the characters in the book are engaging. Colonel Fitzwilliam is hilarious and is the perfect counterpart to Darcy. Mr. Bennet’s actions were a big surprise, but were to my liking. Anne deBourgh was a nice and agreeable person who had a few surprises of her own. I even “kind of” liked Lady Catherine, well, only part of the time. She had her moments.

Joana Starnes never fails to deliver. Her writing is so good and makes me live everything with her characters. I experience what they are experiencing. I get totally absorbed in Joana’s books. I enjoyed every aspect of The Darcy Legacy and will be reading it again. The book begins with a bang and comes full circle at the end. It is such a tender and loving ending, and gave me a feeling of complete satisfaction. I loved it!

Thank you, Joana Starnes, for such a well-written story full of twists and turns, a fun and awesome read.

Giveaways


Joana is offering 10 copies of The Darcy Legacy for your readers, 20 audiobook codes,
each one is good for one of her audiobooks and a $25.00 Amazon gift card.
Thank you for your support with these giveaways. The giveaway runs until midnight, July 16, 2018.





a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour Schedule


July 2 / Austenesque Reviews/Excerpt Post & Giveaway
July 3 / Diary of an Eccentric/ Guest Post & Giveaway
July 4 / More Agreeably Engaged/ Book Review & Giveaway
July 5 / Of Pens & Pages / Guest Post & Giveaway
July 6 / So Little Time... So Much to Read/ Guest Post & Giveaway
July 7 / My Love for Jane Austen / Excerpt Post & Giveaway
July 8 / Babblings of a Bookworm/ Book Review & Giveaway
July 9 / My Vices and Weaknesses/ Book Review & Giveaway
July 10/ Obsessed with Mr. Darcy/ Book Review & Giveaway
July 11 / Pemberley to Milton/Book Review & Giveaway
July 12 / Just Jane 1813/ Tour Finale & Giveaway


Be sure to stop by all the blogs participating in the tour. Joana Starnes is sure to have some fantastic posts for us. I, for one, am looking forward to each one. Thank you, Claudine Pepe, for inviting me to participate in the blog tour. Thank you, Joana, for giving us another awesome book. I'm sure it will be a huge success.


54 comments:

  1. I really love these blog tours - each day we get a glimpse of a different aspect of the book. Thanks for the insightful review - and thanks for the generous giveaway, Joana!

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    1. Thanks for following the blog tour, Agnes, and stopping by at Janet's blog today. I'm so glad you liked the review!

      It's such a wonderful review, Janet, thanks SO much! I'm over the moon that you liked the book! Thanks for taking the time to read it so quickly, for writing this fabulous review and for hosting me here today. Much, much appreciated!

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    2. Thank you, Agnes. I'm so happy you stopped by.

      Joana, you are welcome. I'm glad you liked the review. I couldn't wait to get my hands on your book and once I started reading, I didn't want to put it down. Thank you for giving us another one of yoyur treasures!

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  2. Great review, Janet! I'm only a little way into Joana's latest as I write this, so Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth havn't even met yet, but I'm loving the unique approach to this dearly loved classic. Joana's writing never fails to entertain me. Another 5 star offering as far as I'm concerned!

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    1. Thanks for coming to read Janet's wonderful review, Jane. I hope you'll like their meeting, and what follows afterwards. Thanks for reading and for the wonderful words!

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    2. Thank you, Jane! I'm thrilled that you stopped by. It's good to hear from you. Isn't this a unique approach! I agree with you on Joana's writing. She's awesome!

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  3. Apart from Joana's books being a must read, I love that the Colonel will have more that just a bit part

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    1. I'm SO glad you do :)). I think I can say the same of both the dear colonel and Mr Bennet: I owed them a book where they have prominent and pleasant roles (after repeatedly killing the first off and portraying the second as Darcy's rival).

      I hope you'll like the parts they play.

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    2. I love the Colonel, too, Vesper. He plays an awesome part in this one.

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  4. This is the third time I have tried to comment so let's hope this is lucky.
    Love the review Janet. Love all Joana's books but from what I have read so far I think this will be my favourite of them.
    My daughter and family fly back to Australia next Wednesday so I may have to buy it to cheer me up.

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    1. Yay, Glynis! Third time lucky!!

      I'm so glad you liked Janet's review. Thanks SO much for the vote of confidence, I do hope you'll like the book and that it'll give you a few giggles. Can't wait to hear what you thought of it. Lots of hugs and have a wonderful time with your family!

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    2. I'm glad this comment came through, Glynis! I'm also happy you loved the review! I adore all of Joana's books too. She is such a good writer.

      This book should cheer you up after your family leaves. I'll be thinking of you.

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  5. Thank you for the review of this book, it sounds like a great read.

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    1. I'm so glad you think so, darcybennet! Best wishes and I hope you'll like it.

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    2. Thank you. I hope you get to read it soon.

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  6. And it keeps getting more interesting ;)

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    1. So happy to hear that, Maria! Thanks for stopping by to read Janet's wonderful review and best of luck in the giveaway.

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    2. It is so very interesting, Maria. Hope you get to read it soon. I'm about ready to start all over again!

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  7. What a lovely review, I’m so curious about this new book Joana! Mr Darcy doing a Mr Collins, it sounds super fun :)

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    1. I'm so glad you liked Jane's fabulous review, Jo's Daughter! Thanks for stopping by to read it. As for Mr Darcy doing a Mr Collins, I think you might like the following excerpt on this blog tour ;)

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    2. Thank you and yes, it was super fun. I laughed so hard at that scene. I give Joana Starnes a big thumbs up for thinking to give that part to Darcy and the reason for it, too! Everything about it was most excellent!

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  8. 'Utterly delightful',Janet?

    A novel that gave you a 'feeling of complete satisfaction'??
    I'm so happy to hear that Joana's book was such an enjoyable reading experience!!
    I'm really looking forward to reading of the humorous banter between Darcy and Richard and seeing the Herculean efforts Darcy goes to in courting Elizabeth!
    I loved reading your thoughts on this story and the fact that you intend to immerse yourself again within its pages tells me all I need to know!!!
    Thank you for sharing your thoughts,Janet!
    Joana,sending you warm wishes from across the pond! ☘

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    1. Thanks so much for following the blog tour, Mary, and for leaving this lovely comment in response to Janet's wonderful review. Hope you'll like the book. Have a fun week and best of luck in the giveaway!

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    2. Oh, Mary, I hope you get to read it soon! Yes, utterly delightful and I did feel so good when I finished this one. I had a smile on my face and thought this one came full circle in such an excellent way! Awesome read! Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts!

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  9. Loving the blog tour! You definitely provide the angst, swooned worthy moments, and most importantly the HEA after for Darcy & Elizabeth! Love when Colonel Fitzwilliam has a major role in Darcy life... although you did make it harder in one of your novels... ��

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    1. ...and I know exactly which one you mean :)))

      I solemnly declare that before I throw in the towel I shall write that sequel, Dung, I SHALL!! I know I've been saying this for a while, but I've never given up on it.

      I'm so glad you're loving the blog tour and thanks so much for following it. Take care, all the best and Happy 4th!

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    2. Glad you stopped by, Dung. Oh, wouldn't that be an awesome sequel! I'm all for that!

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  10. You kind of liked Lady Catherine sometimes??? Joana what have you done?!!!

    Loved your review Janet and I am looking forward to reading another unique story by the ever talented Ms. Starnes! Thank you for a chance at the giveaway!!!

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    1. Thank YOU, Carole, for your ever so kind words, and for stopping by to read Janet's review. I'm so glad you liked it! Thanks for following the blog tour and best of luck in the giveaway.

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    2. HaHa! Yes, what did she do? You may decide when those "sometimes" were when you get a chance to read the book. Glad you like the review, Carole. Thanks for stopping by and good luck!

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  11. I love Joana's books so this is a must read for me!

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    1. I hope you get to read it soon, Becky. You will love it, I'm sure!

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    2. Hi, Becky! Thanks so much, I'm so happy to hear you love my books. Hope you'll like this one too!

      Thanks for visiting to read Janet's awesome review and best of luck in the giveaway!

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  12. A well written review as usual, Janet. Ghosts in Pemberley? I hope it will not scare the lights out of Georgiana. I'm not worried about Darcy as he is capable of handling anything that comes his way... except perhaps a marriage proposal.

    Congrats on the release of the variation, Joana. Thank you for the generous gifts.

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    1. Thank you, Sylvia. I don't think Georgiana is scared. I love your comment about Darcy not being able to handle a marriage proposal! lol

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    2. LOL that's SO funny, Sylvia!! Ghosts, Wickham, whatever - no problem for Darcy, he can handle any of these. Marriage proposal - not so much :D

      Thanks for coming to read Janet's wonderful review and for hosting me on the blog tour. Can't wait!

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  13. Great review Janet. I loved this book too, a lot of interactions that made me laugh.

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    1. Thank you, Kate! I'm happy to hear you loved it too, and laughed at many of the interactions.

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    2. So happy you loved it Kate! It's so wonderfulto hear that, thanks!!

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  14. Congratulations on your new book, Joana! I am really looking forward to reading it! ;)

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Daniela. Good luck.

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    2. Thanks, Daniela, I'm so glad it caught your eye :)

      Best of luck in the giveaway and hope you'll like the book.

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  15. I love your books Joana. I am so looking forward to reading your new book!!!!

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    1. I'm glad you stopped by, Joan. I hope you get to read Joana's book soon. It's awesome.

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    2. Thanks, Joan, you're so kind! Over the moon to hear you loved them. Hope you'll like this one too. Thanks for stopping by to read Janet's wonderful review and best of luck in the giveaway.

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  16. I look forward to reading about E&D's meeting. Sounds like it will be quite enjoyable. And I always like books which make me laugh.

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    1. So glad, Ginna! I hope you'll like E & D's meeting and get a few giggles along the way. Best of luck in the giveaway and thanks for reading!

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  17. Good to hear, Ginna. You should love this one, then.

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  18. Congratulations on this release. It is on my TBR pile.

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    1. So glad to hear that, Patty! Thanks for stopping by to read Janet's fabulous review and I hope you'll like the book. Best of luck in the giveaway!

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  19. Thanks so much for this tour and the opportunity to find out about another great book my family can read. We have a list now and it keeps growing with so many loving to read. Thanks also for the giveaway!

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