Monday, January 26, 2015

P. O. Dixon...Lady Elizabeth

When I first started my blog almost two years ago, (February 2013), P.O. Dixon was my second guest. She visited in March with her newest release at the time, Love Will Grow. It was so exciting to have Ms. Dixon visit as I had read most of her books and liked them very much. I'm happy to tell you that she is visiting again -  too long between visits, isn't it - but so happy to have her here today. We have an excerpt from Chapter 1 of the newest release, Lady Elizabeth. Enjoy! Thank you, P. O. Dixon for the teaser and for the excellent giveaway.

~~~~~~~~~~

We all remember Darcy’s initial marriage proposal in Jane Austen’s timeless classic, Pride and Prejudice. Here are snippets of my favorite parts of the speech.

“In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed.”

Struggle indeed. The following excerpt is priceless:

He spoke well; but there were feelings besides those of the heart to be detailed; and he was not more eloquent on the subject of tenderness than of pride. His sense of her inferiority--of its being a degradation--of the family obstacles which had always opposed to inclination, were dwelt on with a warmth which seemed due to the consequence he was wounding, but was very unlikely to recommend his suit.

No such struggles as these exist for Darcy in Lady Elizabeth: Everything Will Change Book One—at least not in the beginning. Elizabeth is, after all, the granddaughter of the Duke of Dunsmore. In fact, by the end of Chapter Sixteen, Darcy and Elizabeth have agreed there will be no more misunderstandings between them.

But all is not as it seems. During his stay at Netherfield Park in Hertfordshire, Darcy learns of a tragedy that befell the Bennets, a family from a neighboring estate, over a decade prior. One of the Bennet daughters vanished in broad daylight from the streets of Lambton.

Will Darcy unravel the mystery behind the disappearance of the second-born Bennet daughter? What if it means losing the one woman who has captured his heart?

I hope you’ll enjoy the following excerpt from Lady Elizabeth:

Chapter 1 ~ Desperate Measures

Dunsmore, 1796

The brown-eyed little girl sprang to the window. Peering outside, she spoke barely above a whisper. “Where am I?” She spun around and faced the elderly man who found her what must have been days ago. “You said you were bringing me home.” Tears threatened to burst from her weary eyes. “This isn’t my home. I want to go home.”

A tall, proud man, with a noble mien, the Duke of Dunsmore looked down at the elegant woman standing next to him and responded to her questioning stare with the utmost compassion. “My dear,” he began, “the child is a bit overwhelmed. We must give her time to grow accustomed to her new circumstances.”

Now sobbing feverishly, the little girl tumbled to her knees. She wailed in protest of this unfamiliar place, these unfamiliar people.

“Your Grace, she is more than a little overwhelmed. She’s frightened,” said the beautiful lady with rich golden hair. Crossing the room, she lowered herself to the child’s eye level. She pulled a dainty handkerchief from her sleeve and gently dabbed the little girl’s tears. “There, there, my child. Do not be afraid.”

“Where’s my papa? Where’s my mama?” She tore her eyes from the kind woman’s eyes and threw a glance about the room. “Where’s Jane?”

“Oh, my precious child, it pains me to see you so saddened. Pray, what is your name?”

The forlorn child’s spiritless gaze fell to the floor. “My name is Lizzy.”

“Lizzy—what a beautiful name you have. I suppose it is short for Elizabeth. My own mother’s name was Elizabeth. Lady Elizabeth. As I am to be your mother, thanks to the kindheartedness of my excellent father, I think I shall use your given name. I believe that we shall call you, Lady Elizabeth—Lady Elizabeth Montlake.”

The child shook her head furiously. “No! I have a mother, and a father, and a beautiful sister Jane. She looks just like an angel! And we have a little baby … Mary!”

Her countenance riddled with concern, the elegant lady looked at the tall man. He shrugged. “The poor child does not yet realize what has befallen the family who cared for her. We must give her time.”

Another woman came into the room. “There you are, Miss Pruitt. Please take the child—young Elizabeth—up to her room.”

Her desire to comfort and protect the sweet innocent child evident, the elegant lady held out her hand. “I will come too, Miss Pruitt.”

A highly esteemed man, whose greatest purpose in life was protecting his family, the duke said, “No, my dear, I would have a word with you.”

Lady Sophia Montlake, the widow of the duke’s recently deceased son, objected. “Your Grace, I ask if that will wait. You must certainly see that little Elizabeth is upset. My presence is what I think she needs.”

“Very well, but do return to see me soon, for I have a matter of grave importance to discuss with you concerning the particulars of young Elizabeth’s coming to be here. There are certain arrangements that must be made.”

Lady Sophia took young Elizabeth’s hand and silently signaled her readiness to part to the young maid.

It was just as well that his daughter-in-law had left with the child. This gave her time to start forming an attachment with her new daughter. More importantly, it gave him extra time to rehearse the speech he had planned for her ladyship, as well as the rest of the world in general. His repeated questioning of the child had yielded quite a few findings. Included among those details that the duke was at liberty to share were her age and her birthdate. At least there was that bit of truth that would serve as the basis for her new life.
Available at Amazon


Contact Details

Newsletter:    Such Happy News
Blog:               http://podixon.blogspot.com
Twitter:           @podixon
Pinterest:       http://pinterest.com/podixon
Website:        http://podixon.com

~~~~~~~~~~

I like this new twist in the story so many of us love and want more and more of it. I am thankful to authors like you, P. O. Dixon, for continually giving us more. Thank you for visiting. It is an honor to have you stop by again and I wish you much success with this latest release. 

I want to add a bit here of my personal experience with the audio books by P.O. Dixon. I have several and have enjoyed immensely listening to them . When I am drawing, I love to listen to a good book. It is a wonderful way to 'read' a book, so to speak, while busy working. If you haven't tried one of her audio books yet, I strongly suggest that you give one a try. They are available at Audible.

Pam is having a giveaway and I know you will all be excited to hear about it. She is giving away one eBook edition of Lady Elizabeth, international, and one paperback edition, US mailing address required. Please leave a comment below to be entered in the giveaway. Also please let me know if you will be entering for the eBook or the paperback. Thank you for commenting and don't forget to include your email address for contact purposes should you be the winner. Giveaway ends at midnight February 1, 2015.

83 comments:

  1. Ah! From the excerpt it sounds like this might be a plot *loosely* based Lorna Doone - what a fantastic idea! I would love to win a copy of either the eBook or paperback. Thanks for the excerpt and giveaway! madeleine.everse@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Madeleine! I'm not familiar with Lorna Doone, but I'll Google 'Lorna Doone' to find out more. :) I'm glad you enjoyed the excerpt. Thanks so much for commenting for a chance to win a copy of Lady Elizabeth. Best of luck!

      Delete
  2. Congrats on your new release, Pam! What an amazing premise premise! Love the variations where Darcy doesn't get the chance to feel superior to Elizabeth :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Joana! I'm so glad you like the premise of Lady Elizabeth. Great comment about ODB. :)

      Delete
  3. Congrats on your latest release! And thanks for the excerpt.....very interesting!

    I'd be thrilled to win either version of the book. Thank you for the giveaway!

    Pamh5230(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Pamela! I am glad you enjoyed the excerpt. I hope you'll love the story. Best of luck in the giveaway contest.

      Delete
  4. Pam, your covers keep getting better and better. They are at the captivating level.

    Poor little girl. This first chapter about broke my heart. However, you always write your characters into a happily ever after so it doesn't stress me out too much. I do look forward to reading this. Any idea when the sequel will be available? I would love to buy both books and read them at the same time.

    Great post as always, Janet.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Joy! I'm glad you like the covers. Designing them is a wonderful creative outlet. I'm delighted to know you're looking forward to reading the series. The target release date for Book Two is February 28th.

      Delete
    2. Thanks, Joy. Glad you popped in. Doesn't Pam have beautiful covers! She always does such a good job. Glad to hear the target date for release of Book Two! Yay!

      Delete
  5. Wondering how a superior Elizabeth would react to Darcy and him to her - ebook version only for me unfortunately

    meikleblog at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great point, Vesper! It's one less barrier for Darcy to overcome ... at least in the beginning. I hope you'll love the story. Best of luck in the giveaway contest.

      Delete
  6. I enjoy listening Pam's audio books while I commute and am listening to Lady Harriette. Chapter 1 is heart-wrenching. Poor little Lizzy. What a generous give away. I'd love the paperback please. skamper25 (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for listening to and enjoying my audiobooks, Deborah Ann. Pearl Hewitt always does such an amazing job. Next up is Pride and Sensuality. Thanks for commenting for a chance to win a paperback edition of Lady Elizabeth. Best of luck!

      Delete
  7. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Looking forward to reading this! lesliebdougherty@gmail.com (int'l)

      Delete
    2. Thanks, Leslie! I hope you'll love the story. Best of luck in the giveaway contest.

      Delete
  8. Sounds great! I'd prefer the ebook. jcn @ CenturyTel.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Jennie! Best of luck in the giveaway contest.

      Delete
  9. Hi,I am a fan of your story, Having his cake. I am looking forward to your new story.Thanks for the giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're welcome, Chalida! Thanks so much for reading and enjoying my stories. I'm delighted to know you're a fan of To Have His Cake (and Eat It Too). It's my first story and one of my favorites. Best of luck in the giveaway.

      Delete
  10. Oh goodness! What an intriguing premise with Elizabeth coming from the right family connection (seemingly) ;) and what a moving first chapter. I look forward to reading her book.

    I am glad for the opportunity to try and win a copy. Papercopy would be my first preference.
    sophiarose1816 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much. I am delighted to know that you enjoy the premise of the story and look forward to reading more. Thanks for taking part in the giveaway contest. Best of luck!

      Delete
  11. I have read this excerpt on Pam's blog and really looking forward to find out more about this story. Thanks for the giveaway. I'm entering for the e-book version.

    evangelineace2020(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so glad you find the story intriguing. I truly hope you'll enjoy reading Lady Elizabeth. Thanks so much for commenting for a chance to win. Best of luck!

      Delete
    2. Thanks for commenting, Sylvia. Good luck with the giveaway.

      Delete
  12. Pam, as your most devoted Georgia fan I would love a signed copy of your latest masterpiece! Loved your story! What an imagination you have!!! Eagerly awaiting Book 2.
    Patt Saunders

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for your kind words, Patt. I truly hope you will love Book Two as much as you love the first part of the story. I look forward to sharing it with you. Best of luck in the giveaway contest!

      Delete
  13. Oh, my, this is a great variation. I have enjoyed P.O. Dixon's other books, and I know that this one and the remaining ones in the series will be wonderful. Thank you for the giveaway. I would be grateful for an ebook or paperback! evamedmonds(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for reading and enjoying my stories! I really appreciate your enthusiasm. Best of luck in the giveaway contest!

      Delete
  14. Love the P&P variations, fan fiction, etc. Looking forward to reading this very different plot. Thank you for the giveaway. Karen C Groves cranesnest@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're welcome, Karen! It's wonderful coming up with new paths to happily ever after for Darcy and Elizabeth. I hope you'll love this story. Best of luck in the giveaway!

      Delete
  15. Patkf2007 (at) Hotmail(dot)com
    Patkf2007@hotmail.com

    The cover is gorgeous!

    I would be fine with either paperback or ebook format.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I'm so glad you love the cover. I hope you will love this story. :) Best of luck in the giveaway contest.

      Delete
  16. This sounds like a good read. I'd like the paperback.
    dez3b at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Beth! I hope you'll love reading Lady Elizabeth. Best of luck in the giveaway.

      Delete
  17. Cannot wait to read this book. Great storyline. Of course all will be waiting for the next book. Great giveaway. I have the Kindle version. So would love the signed book.
    carol.perrin@att.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for getting a copy of the Kindle version, Carol. I hope you'll love reading the story. Best of luck in the paperback copy giveaway!

      Delete
  18. Here's to hoping I get one of these books, with so many new and wonderful stories my budget is not enough... Wonderful review!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I truly hope you'll have a chance to read Lady Elizabeth as well as all my books. It's but one of the reasons I'm grateful to Janet for hosting this giveaway. Best of luck!

      Delete
  19. It looks very interesting :)
    One question: what Austen Author do you like best? (do not say 'P.O. Dixon' :) )

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Ana! I'm glad you like the story's premise. As for your question, do you mean Austen authors in general or the wonderful group of authors at AustenAuthors.net ? :) Seriously, I have been inspired by so many talented JAFF authors, I'd have a hard time deciding whom I like best.

      Delete
    2. Ana, I'm not sure which author I like best. I'm also not sure if you mean from the group, Austen Authors, or in general. There are many really good authors in the JAFF community. It is such a pleasure to read a novel from the tried and true authors that have been publishing for the last few years as well as books from the new ones that emerge on the scene. Didn't really answer that, did I? ! Who is your favorite?

      Delete
  20. I always enjoy reading a P O Dixon book, there is always something that makes them stand out in my mind and this sounds like a very interesting twist. Please can I enter the giveaway for the international ebook copy? Babblingsofabookworm (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Ceri! I'm delighted to know you enjoy reading my books. I enjoy your commentary as well. Thanks for taking part in the giveaway for chance to win a copy of Lady Elizabeth. Best of luck!

      Delete
    2. You are entered for the eBook, Ceri. I hope you are healing and feeling better.

      Delete
  21. Wonderful excerpt. I have read others and look forward to more from you! Thank you for the giveaway. I would be thrilled with pb or ebook. (US)
    cherringtonmb at sbcglobal dot net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're welcome, Becky. Thanks so much for reading and enjoying my books. Thanks for commenting for chance to win a copy of Lady Elizabeth. Best of luck!

      Delete
  22. Thanks for sharing that excerpt! Such and interesting twist to the story. Looking forward to reading this novel. Thank you for the giveaways. I would love either versions. My email address is tdungnvu (at) yahoo (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm really glad you enjoyed the excerpt. I appreciate your taking part in the giveaway. Best of luck!

      Delete
  23. a definite 'must-read' for me!!
    I would like the print copy, please!!!

    cyn209 at juno dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad you're looking forward to reading this story! Thanks for commenting for chance to win. Best of luck in the giveaway!

      Delete
  24. Pam, I have ALL of your audiobooks published so far. They've brightened up my drive to and from work considerably these last few months. I am all anticipation for the next one! One wall of my recently redecorated study will forever be associated with the opening chapters of Still a Young Man (preceded by the final story from Jane Austen Made Me Do it) as audiobooks are a great way to take your mind off the tedium of painting walls! They're also a great way of getting a "reading fix" whilst cooking or gardening.

    This new work looks intriguing. If Elizabeth is the granddaughter of an Earl, then that definitely makes them equal. Even Lady C. can't object to that, surely?

    I'm in the UK so I'd love to be entered for the ebook, please.

    angmardee(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm delighted to know you enjoy listening to my audiobooks, Anji. Pearl Hewitt does such an amazing job with the stories. A new audiobook was released this week! It's Pride and Sensuality. Next up is Hope and Sensibility. I hope you will enjoy those stories on audiobook as well.

      Great point about Elizabeth's noble connections. I truly hope you will love this story. Thanks for commenting for chance to win. Best of luck in the giveaway!

      Delete
  25. P.S. I think I'm in love with young Ben from He Taught Me To Hope and it's sequels!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love hearing that, Anji! I started listening to Hope and Sensibility the other day in order to approve it for audiobook production. It's such a pleasure catching up with Ben, Darcy, and Elizabeth. :)

      Delete
    2. I am too, Anji. Isn't he a darling little boy. That is one of my favorite books, anyway.

      Delete
  26. I've read a couple of Dixon's books so far and really enjoyed them, and this one looks fantastic! I'd love to be entered in the giveaway for either the ebook or the paperback. Thanks! diaryofaneccentric at hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for reading and enjoying my stories, Anna! I'm glad to hear you like the storyline. Thanks for commenting for a chance to win and best of luck!

      Delete
    2. Thanks for stopping by, Anna. I have enjoyed Pam's books too and am looking forward to reading this one. Good luck in the giveaway.

      Delete
  27. Oooh, I think your books are terrific, and this one looks like it will be too! I sure hope I can win one of the copies. I have no preference as to paperback or e-copy. My email is GinnaSaisQuoi at verizon dot net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for your kind words! I'm glad you're looking forward to reading Lady Elizabeth. Best of luck in the giveaway contest. :)

      Delete
  28. What unique idea. Sounds so interesting. I would love a paperback. saganchilds(a)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad you like the story's premise, schilds. I truly hope you'll love the story. Thanks so much for commenting for a chance to win a paperback edition. Best of luck!

      Delete
  29. Sounds wonderful! I am dying to read it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much! I hope you'll love the story. Thanks for commenting for a chance to win. Best of luck!

      Delete
  30. Pam, it has been such a pleasure having you visit this week. I'm glad that your book has generated so much interest among my readers. Congratulations on its release and we will all be looking forward to the release of Book Two. Thank you for keeping us entertained and intrigued with your marvelous books.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for having me as your guest this week, Janet. I've had lots of fun reading and responding to all the comments. The warm reception has been extremely gratifying. I really appreciate all the enthusiasm for Book Two as well. :)

      Delete
  31. I can't wait to get this story! I hope I can win one because my budget is stretched to the limit.

    Congratulations on this new story Pam!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for commenting for a chance to win a copy of Lady Elizabeth. Best of luck in the contest. :)

      Delete
  32. Bought it and read it last week. Can't wait for book 3. Do not enter me into the contest.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for buying a copy of Lady Elizabeth, MaryAnn. I'm delighted you loved the story. Heartfelt gratitude for all you do! :)

      Delete
  33. Am looking forward to this new one. I am anxious for another great read. Thanks for a new release.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're welcome, LouAnn. I truly appreciate your enthusiasm for the story. Thanks for commenting for a chance to win. Best of luck!

      Delete
  34. I would love to win this as an ebook. I'm looking forward to reading the whole story!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for enthusiasm for the story, Allison. I truly hope you will love it. Best of luck in the giveaway contest. :)

      Delete
  35. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Thanks so much, Wendy. I've been looking forward to sharing this story for quite a while. I am glad you like the premise. I hope you'll love reading Lady Elizabeth. Best of luck!

    ReplyDelete
  37. I know that I'm a bit late to the party, but I am just tickled for you Pam. Your stories have matured until they are rich and a delight to read. Everything, from the front cover to the back is well done. Congrats on this release and those coming up. Best of wishes to you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Can you tell that I just reread one of your stories. I forgot to ask that you not enter me in the giveaway. I believe that I'm one of the first in line as soon as you announce it is finally on Amazon. (It was Pride & Sensuality by the way)

      Delete
    2. Thanks so much for your kind words, Joy! Best wishes for your current and future writing endeavors as well. :)

      Delete
  38. Have winners been determined yet for this giveaway?

    ReplyDelete
  39. Not yet. The giveaway is closed and I will be doing the drawing soon. I will then announce the winners. Thanks for checking.

    ReplyDelete