Saturday, February 8, 2014

My Share in the Conversation...The Subsequent Proposal

The Subsequent Proposal by Joana Starnes

To find a book combining my two favorite Jane Austen novels was exciting. For the book to be an exceptional read too, only completed my joy.  The Subsequent Proposal by Joana Starnes is just such a book linking the characters from Pride & Prejudice with those of Persuasion. An added treat is Ms. Starnes's ability to eloquently use Regency language. Not only can she write in the language of the era but her first-hand knowledge of the country shines through in her words making for an intensely gratifying novel.

When I first read an excerpt from The Subsequent Proposal, I own to having experienced immediate angst! To think of Mr. Darcy betrothed to Anne Elliot was difficult indeed, although their personalities probably would have made for them a suitable match.  Then to have Captain Wentworth courting Elizabeth Bennet, this book became even more provocative. I had to read it. Nothing else would do.

The relationship that develops between Darcy and Anne Elliot is understandable. It is one born of kindred spirits and of broken hearts from past loves, loves not returned. (or so it seems) Georgiana gets on well with Anne so that is another plus in Anne’s favor. Always the gentleman and rescuer of those he cares about, Darcy wants to relieve Anne Elliot of the injuries she has suffered at the hands of her family. His thoughts on Sir Walter Elliot and Miss Elizabeth Elliot (especially the latter) are funny and spot on!

When Darcy returns to Netherfield to the aid of Mr. Bingley, his whole world is turned upside down…again! Joana Starnes gets in Darcy’s thoughts and took me with her. I felt his despair, anguish, jealousy, guilt and his deep, abiding love.  It is a journey not to be missed.

To say that Darcy and Captain Wentworth are jealous of one another is an understatement. Imagine two favored heroes of fiction who love violently (when at last they love), seeing their lost love with another man─each being ‘that’ other man. From that stems their extreme dislike. I loved their interactions as they were so true to human nature.

At this point I will say no more for fear of spoilers. This book is too delicious to risk giving anything away. I will only add something I read on a blog, a quote from the author herself, “but I just can’t go away without saying that, in this wonderful JAFF world of ours, I believe there is another truth, just as universally acknowledged:  no matter what crazy obstacles are dreamed up and heartlessly set before them, Elizabeth and Darcy should never be apart!” I agree wholeheartedly and I highly recommend this novel to any fan of Jane Austen, Pride & Prejudice and Persuasion. This book is well worth the read and does not disappoint! I found it extremely difficult to put down. Well done, Ms. Starnes.

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

In conjunction with this review author Joana Starnes is giving away one digital copy of The Subsequent Proposal to a lucky winner and the giveaway is international.  We want to hear your share in the conversation so please leave a comment to be entered.  Good luck to all. Giveaway will end at midnight, February 14, 2014. 

37 comments:

  1. I also feel a bit of angst thinking of Mr. Darcy betrothed to Anne Elliot!! I love them both and they really don't need anymore heartbreak than they have already suffered surely? But then my favourite Austen men together in one book - Darcy AND Wentworth? I can't miss that! :)

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    1. Brenda, just keep in mind the author's quote above. :)

      Yes, to have Darcy and Wentworth in the same novel, definitely makes for a 'can't miss' book! I hope you get a chance to read it soon. Thanks for stopping by and good luck.

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    2. Hi, Brenda!
      Sorry about the angst :) and I hope it's not too much!
      Thanks for visiting and commenting, and good luck!

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    3. Isn't there a rule...a really good book MUST have a little angst? That and a great writing style keep those pages turning! :)

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  2. I love this story! I read it only recently as well and I enjoyed it a lot! The style of writing was brilliant and having Darcy and Wentworth in the same story... perfect! Great review! (Do not bother entering me into the giveaway as I already have it :) )

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Sophie! It was such a good story wasn't it. I agree that the writing is brilliant. You can't ask for much better than those two gentleman in the same story.

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    2. You are welcome :) it really was a brilliant story! Just the other day I met with Joana Starnes for we discovered we lived near each other and it was so interesting to hear her talk about her story first hand; what she hoped to achieve and her inspritation! I can't wait for her next story!

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    3. How neat that you got to meet her. I bet you both had a wonderful time visiting. I'm sure hearing what she hoped to achieve and her inspiration made for an interesting conversation. I'm anxious for that next one too!

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    4. Hi, Sophie!
      Thanks so much for your kind words! I had such a great time meeting you last week and we must do it again very soon, we only scratched the surface :) !!!

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    5. Janet, yes I had a great time! We had a lot to talk about!
      Joana hello! You are welcome! You know how much I loved the story! :D it was a lot of fun meeting up and you are right we barely scratched the surface and will have to meet up again very soon! There are plenty more topics we must discuss! :)

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  3. After reading Joana previous book and loving it I was brought this book. So looking forward to reading it as I keep reading such good reviews (so please don't enter me in the giveaway)

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    1. Let me know what you think after you read it, Susan. I will be anxious to hear your thoughts. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

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    2. Hi, Susan!
      You're so kind!!!! I'm so glad you liked my first book and I do hope you'll like the second one too! Thanks so much for popping by!

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  4. Joana, this is a book I look forward to reading very much -- combining my two favorite Austen books and sets of characters, too! A novel premise!--(pun only partially intended) -- and it sounds like you have combined them beautifully. And Janet's review, from which her enthusiasm shines, only raises my interest more. Congratulations!

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    1. Love your pun! :) Joana does a fantastic job of combining the two books and through Darcy's thoughts. I hope you get a chance to read it soon, Tess. Thanks for your comments and good luck.

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    2. Thanks so much for stopping by, Tess, and for your wonderful words! I'm so glad I caught your interest and I hope you'll like it!

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  5. So glad you loved this book, Janet! It was definitely quite an experience to go on Darcy'y emotional journey! Loved it!

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    1. It was an emotional journey, wasn't it, Meredith! I loved it too. Thought it was so perfect when the green-eyed monster reared his ugly head with Darcy and Wentworth! Thanks for dropping by.

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    2. Thanks so much for all your help, Meredith, and I'm SO HAPPY you liked it !!!
      I guess I was a little cruel here and there with our favourite heroes, but I hope they'll forgive me :)

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  6. I already have a copy, do don't enter me in the giveaway. I enjoyed the book and the turns the story took between Anne, Darcy, Captain Wenteorth , & Elizabeth. Loved finding the twists and turns and the angst Darcy felt.

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    1. I'm glad you came by and had your share in the conversation, Deborah Ann. I enjoyed all those twists and turns too. It kept me turning those pages!

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    2. Hi, Deborah Ann
      Thanks so much for popping by to let me know you've enjoyed it, MUCH appreciated! I'm so glad to hear that!

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  7. What a shining review! I am looking forward to reading this one. I must prepare myself for the emotional turmoil though as was quoted nothing should keep these two apart. I can't wait to read the resolution for both couples.

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    1. Thank you. I hope you get to read it soon. Yes, that quote will get you through to the wonderful end!

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    2. The review is amazing, isn't it? Thanks so much, Janet, and thanks for all your help and very kind words!!!!
      As for the happy-ever-after-guarantee, I just HAD to let people know that the unthinkable just CAN'T come to pass, and I hope it helps :)

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  8. Loved your review. Sooo many books. So little time!!! But I would love a copy of this!

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    1. I'm glad you liked it Diana. I understand about so many books. I'm behind in both my reading and reviewing. I'm trying to catch up a bit on reviews right now; then I will start back to reading! Good luck in the giveaway.

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    2. Hi, Diana
      So glad you loved the review and that my book caught your interest!
      Thanks for stopping by and good luck!

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  9. This book intrigued me when I first heard about it. I find the premise daunting in ways because I adore both these stories and it's so odd to think of Wentworth with Lizzy and Darcy with Anne even for a little while. But that very thing is also what has me so curious about the story. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and for the giveaway opportunity.

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    1. I found it a bit daunting too, Sohpia, but I was so intrigued by it that I wanted to read it. It was wonderful. Joana Starnes gets in Darcy's head and you are right there with him. I hope you get to read it. I think you will be glad you did!

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    2. Thanks for popping by and sharing your thoughts, Sophia Rose and Janet, thanks so much for such lovely words, you're wonderful!!!!
      Good luck, Sophia Rose and if you read it, I hope you'll like it!

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  10. Lovely review, Janet! This books sounds just wonderful. I only ever hear good things about it...can't wait to read it! Thanks for the giveaway!!:)

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    1. Thanks, Kelli! I hope you get the chance to read it soon. Good luck with the giveaway too!

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    2. Hi, Kelli!

      Thanks for your kind words and I do hope you'll like it! Good luck!

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  11. This book sounds so intriguing! I admit Darcy with Anne is very strange, but Wentworth with Elizabeth?! I can't wait to read it! Thanks for the chance! :)

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    1. It is very intriguing and a great read. As I already mentioned, I highly recommend it. Good luck with the giveaway.

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    2. Hi, Maria!

      Let's face it, Darcy and anyone but Elizabeth is strange, bad, horrid and downright cruel, but I promise it gets better :D
      I so hope you'll like it!
      Good luck in the giveaway!

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