Mrs. Collins' Lover...Bronwen Chisholm

Dear Readers, we are being treated to another first on More Agreeably Engaged. Bronwen Chisholm is my guest and this is her first time here. Bronwen is the author of Mrs. Collins' Lover and she is going to talk to us just a little about her book; then she interviews Mary Bennet. You will enjoy hearing what Mary has to say with her insightful answers, although you may have a few questions you wish you could ask her yourself. I do. :) I guess we will just have to read the book to find our answers. 

Thank you for stopping by, Bronwen. I turn the floor over to you.

*****

Hello! I am so pleased to be here with you today at More Agreeably Engaged. You may or may not know that I have recently released a new novel, Mrs. Collins’ Lover, and one of my characters was able to join us to share her insights into the story. Before we begin, I would like to share a bit about the book.

Elizabeth Bennet was raised with a strong belief and faith in God's plan for her life. She knew He had a plan, even if the details were hidden from her. But, when placed in an untenable situation, she turned instead to the arms of a man to find brief moments of joy. Finally, when able to realize the happiness which was always intended for her, the weight of her guilt over her past sins convinces her of her unworthiness. Only through reconciliation with the Lover of her soul can she truly fulfill the life He planned for her. But first, she must forgive herself in order to find redemption.

Remember: In order to be redeemed, there must be sin. This story is intended for mature audiences.

Trigger Warning: There are incidents of abuse in this story.

B: Elizabeth and Darcy were unable to join us (other than their children, no one has seen much of them since their wedding), but their sister, Mary Bennet, was more than happy to fill in for them. Thank you, Mary, for taking the time to speak with us today.

M: Yes, well, your request was quite unique, and I thought it might be interesting to participate.

B: You might be aware that many readers have a, shall we say, rigid view of you and your sister Jane. In this story, the two of you have stepped out of those normal roles. What do you think caused this?

M: Life, of course. Even in Miss Austen’s original work, I believe the reader can see how Jane learned not to be quite so trusting. Life and Miss Bingley taught her that lesson. In this story, your readers do not have the opportunity to see what was happening in Jane’s life. Would you want my mother visiting nearly daily asking if you were with child yet? It would drive anyone mad, even sweet Jane.

B: I can see your point. But what of you, Mary? Jane Austen painted you as having strong religious views and quoting Fordyce’s Sermons to Young Women. You seem to have stepped away from that now.

M: I would have to answer in the same manner: life. When Lizzy returned to Longbourn for Jane’s wedding, there was such a change about her. I hardly recognized my impertinent older sister, but she seemed to be doing everything Mr. Fordyce would have expected of a wife. I missed her, though she was before me. I could not accept this was what God intended.

B: That must have been difficult for you.

M: For a time. My first instinct was to protect Lizzy. I did speak to my father, but he appeared as defeated as I felt. Instead of being dependent upon a man’s interpretation of the Bible, I returned to the source. In discussing it with Papa and our rector, I became hopeful that I could help Lizzy once she was ready. In the meanwhile, I prayed for her nightly.

B: You are a good sister, to all your sisters.

M: Some are easier than others.

B: Well, I thank you for taking time to speak to us. Please pass along our love to your family.

M: Thank you for having me. Oh, I nearly forgot. Lizzy asked me to say hello from her and Darcy. They hope everyone enjoys their story.

And now, a GIVEAWAY! Just make a comment on this blog and Janet will pick 1 lucky winner to receive an ebook copy of Mrs. Collins’ Lover. Good luck! And I hope you enjoyed our visit as much as I did. I can’t wait to read your comments.

Bronwen Chisholm began her writing career working on suspense romance, but finally became a published author with her Pride and Prejudice variations. She takes great pleasure in searching for potential “plot twists” and finding the way back to a happy ending.

Her love of writing has led her to several writing groups, and she is currently serving as the vice president of the Riverside Writers and organizes the Riverside Young Writers.

For more information, visit her at www.bronwenchisholm.com.

7/31 Austen Authors

8/9   Babblings of a Bookworm

8/10 Diary of an Eccentric

8/12 From Pemberley to Milton

8/14 More Agreeably Engaged

8/17 My Love for Jane Austen

Thank you for visiting my blog, Bronwen. I enjoyed your interview with Mary, and I thank you both for sharing it with us. I am intrigued.  I hope you will come back again soon. You are welcome anytime. I wish you the best with your new release.

Dear Readers, don't forget to leave a comment. The giveaway will end on August 19th at midnight. Good luck to all.