It is so nice to have Robin Helm as a guest. Her latest release, More to Love, is today's spotlight. Robin shares an excerpt and has a giveaway. Thank you, Robin. Welcome!
Excerpt:
After
telling Sarah her plan, Elizabeth crept stealthily through the hallway, down
the stairs, and out the front door. The sun had set hours before, but the moon
was full, and she knew the way to Oakham Mount as well as she knew her own
name. Unafraid, she set out at a brisk pace.
As
she continued deeper into the trees, she heard a twig snap behind her and
looked back. ’Tis only a small animal. No
one is there.
Another
sound, and she stopped to listen, turning slowly. Footsteps. Something large.
Her
breathing increased. Between me and
Netherfield. I cannot go back.
She
bolted at full speed, hoping to find a place to hide, but her fear drove her
forward. I shall run all the way to
Longbourn, if I must.
Only
a few steps into the open space surrounding Oakham Mount, she tripped and fell,
sprawling on the ground, hitting the side of her head on a large rock.
Just
before she fainted, Elizabeth thought she heard someone call her name from a
great distance. I know that voice.
As
she came back to herself, she opened her eyes and saw golden hair surrounded by
a halo. “Are you an angel, come to take me to Heaven? Have I died?”
“Thank
God!” replied the angel, kneeling next to her. “You are most certainly alive,
Miss Elizabeth, though you gave me quite a scare.”
She
tried to sit up, but the strong angel stopped her, holding her by the shoulders
as he leaned over her. His face is in
shadow. I want to see him. She lifted her hand to touch his cheek. There is stubble. Do angels have beards like
mortal men?
He
untied her bonnet and carefully removed it from her head. I am safe with him.
She
felt his fingers in her hair, lifting her head a bit, removing the pins and
setting her curls free.
“Let
me help you sit up slowly. I would not have you faint again, but I must check
your head. You fell and bumped it.”
“Who
are you?” she asked.
She
felt his hands moving gently across the back and sides of her head, stopping
over a tender spot.
“Do
you not remember me? I am Thaddeus Beckett, a physician. Fortunately, your
bonnet and hair must have protected your head somewhat when you fell. You have
quite a lump, but there is no blood.” His voice was filled with relief.
“A
physician? Not an angel?”
His
laugh was low. Melodic. “I assure you that I am a flesh and blood man – not an
apparition and most certainly not an angel.”
He is glorious.
“You are beautiful.”
The
man stopped and looked down at her. His voice was soft. “You are the most
beautiful woman I have ever seen. You are the angel.” He gathered her up in his
arms, holding her as if she were a child.
Tears
filled her eyes. “You speak of my sister, I think.” Her voice broke. “You must
put me down. I am far too heavy for you to carry.”
“Where
did you get such a preposterous idea? You are perfect.”
Elizabeth
shut her eyes, and the tears ran down her cheeks. “Mr. Darcy refused to dance
with me. He said there was too much of me.”
Mr.
Beckett clenched his jaws, striding towards Netherfield with Elizabeth in his
arms.
She
put her head against his chest, listening to the steady beating of his heart,
wanting nothing more than to sleep.
His
deep voice rumbled against her cheek as he muttered, “The man is an idiot.”
*****
Robin is giving away one eBook, international and 1 paperback, US only, of More to Love. To enter tell us what you think about the excerpt. Don't forget to leave me a way to contact you should you be one of the lucky winners. The giveaway will end at 11:59 AM central on the 16th of March. Good luck to everyone.
Thanks, Robin, for including More Agreeably Engaged in your stops.
I always eagerly await your new works, Robin. Thank you, again.
ReplyDeleteHi, Betty. What a kind thing to say! Good luck, my dear.
DeleteI read this as you were posting it, Robin, and loved the tie in to the issues young girls so often have with body image. Truthfully, I think all women have a certain angst about it, so your story truly resonates with us all.
ReplyDeleteHi, RS. I'm so glad to hear you love the story. Some readers haven't like a less than perfect Elizabeth, but I related to her. I hope others will, too. Good luck!
DeleteFinally, a story about real women and the men who love us.
ReplyDeleteThat captures exactly what I wanted to portray! Best of luck to you!
DeleteI love that cover. She is absolutely beautiful. Well, I was stunned that Lizzy was outside after dark. Guess I'd have to read the story to find out why. And also why the gentleman was out at that hour. Great first encounter though. I have this on my wish-list and look forward to reading it.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, JW. That's my younger daughter. We did a photo shoot with her last August.
DeleteLizzy has her reasons, and the fault can be laid at Darcy's door.
Good luck in the giveaway.
Interesting...
ReplyDeleteI'm curious now after that teaser. :)
I'd love to hear what you think of it, Sophia Rose. Good luck in the giveaway!
DeleteLoved the excerpt! The doctor sounds lovely. Competition for Darcy, perhaps?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win a copy of the book!
Pamh5230 at yahoo dot com
Hi, Pamela. Mr. Beckett is stiff competition for Darcy. Some readers pulled for him to win. Good luck!
DeleteHi, Pamela. I'm so happy you liked the excerpt. By the way, the competition was real. I struggled with it.
DeleteGood luck in the giveaway!
Sounds like Mr. Darcy has some real competition for her affections. Thanks for the giveaway! jadseah4(at)yahoo
ReplyDeleteHello, Darcy Bennett! The struggle was indeed real. Lol! Good luck!
DeletePoor Elizabeth! I agree with Beckett: Darcy is being an idiot :(
ReplyDeleteThank you for the chance to win a copy.
stluc3@sbcglobal.net
Hi, there, Pig Pen. Darcy had a lesson to learn: Don't judge people or situations or anything else based on appearance. Good luck!
DeleteSounds like a great read. I love the cover. Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeleteTighefan42atgmail dotcom
Hi, Tammy. This story was from my heart. I hope you like it. That's my baby girl on the cover.
DeleteGood luck in the giveaway!
Why on Earth was Elizabeth heading for Oakham Mount in the dark? Why was someone (presumably Mr Beckett) following her? and how is this going to affect Darcy?
ReplyDeleteI can’t wait for my next book buying spree as this is on my list!
Thank you so much for sharing this excerpt :)
Elizabeth definitely had her reasons, Glynis. Mr. Darcy has a great deal to answer for.
DeleteI'm glad you liked the excerpt.
Good luck!
I really loved this excerpt! Wow. Can't wait to read the entire book. A new man in Elizabeth's life. How interesting is that.
ReplyDeleteHello, Joan. The librarian at my church started reading it and couldn't put it down. She said I kept her awake. Made me laugh.
DeleteMr. Beckett is my favorite original hero. Mrs. Bailey is based on a lady I know, a wonderful who makes beautiful, yummy cookies.
Good luck!
Heh heh, if we didn't know that EB is supposed to end up with FD, this would have been a beautiful beginning. I wonder what's going to happen with our good doctor.
ReplyDeleteVery nice post. Thanks for sharing with us.
ReplyDeleteIf Darcy did really say that Elizabeth is fat, then he really is an idiot. Anyway it is lovely to see another man caring for her. Hope this would make Darcy envious and change his opinion of Elizabeth.
ReplyDeleteUseful and informative post you have shared with us . A lot of thanks for this post .
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ReplyDelete