Monday, May 29, 2017

My share in the conversation and more :)...The Darcy Monologues

The Darcy Monologues Blog Tour makes it stop at More Agreeably Engaged today. My post is a review of the anthology and a surprise intro by J. Marie Croft of my dear friend, Jan Hahn. I think you will enjoy the short question and answer session with Jan. I know I did and I was thrilled that Claudine sent this special part to me. Thank you, Claudine.

*****

For my review of The Darcy Monologues, I do not intend to give a recap of each short story. Instead I will stick to an overall assessment of the book, as a whole.

For anyone interested in having an anthology with plenty of lovely short stories to read, then I highly recommend The Darcy Monologues. Not only will you be able to get a little reading time worked into a busy schedule but the choice of authors is outstanding. There are times when it is difficult to have much reading time and a short story satisfies the need to read and gives that ‘feel good’ feeling I so love from a well-written book. In this anthology, a reader will find plenty to love.

If you are bent toward reading Regency, there are some wonderful stories to gratify. For those that prefer modern retellings or variations, the selection for those is awesome too. I generally prefer stories to be set in Regency times, but I must say that the modern retellings in this anthology are excellent.

The stories were well-written but I expected nothing less from this A-list of authors. I found them to carry the plot of each story and come to a good resolution. I would think that might be more difficult with less pages to tell a story but each author carried it off remarkably well. Each felt complete and left me feeling content.

From the last days of Darcy’s bachelorhood to a mature Darcy reminiscing on a life well lived and well loved, the diversity of storylines make sure there should be something extra special for every reader. These tales made me laugh and made me cry. That they are all written from Darcy’s point of view is the ‘icing on the cake’ This is a book that I will pick up again and again. Well done to all of you!

*****

The “Hahn Hiatus” is over! by J. Marie Croft

Few writers in our genre are such true proficients as award-winning JAFF storyteller
Jan Hahn.

Hahn’s widely popular The Journey (the pièce de résistance of her oeuvre, in my opinion) is almost impossible to put down. All her novels beg to be devoured in one delicious sitting.

The lady knows how to take readers on a journey – a wild, breathtaking roller coaster ride filled with emotional ups and downs. And, oh, the places she’ll take you on those journeys! Her plots are imaginative (daring, even), yet characters remain faithful to those created by Austen. Best of all, Hahn’s riveting, angsty, heart-wrenching stories have believable and oh-so-tender happily-ever-afters.

But her last novel was published ages and ages ago … in 2014!
For three years I have waited!
 Aargh!

Jan Hahn, why must you insist on torturing me?



Ah, but the Hahn hiatus will soon be over, for within the pages of The Darcy Monologues is her latest offering – a Regency short story titled Without Affection. Yeah, right. I bet there’s affection aplenty therein, and I can’t wait to read it!

I’d love to write romantic JAFF adventure like Jan Hahn does; but, alas, I have not her storytelling knack. What I do have is admiration of her skill and a healthy dose of envy.


To top it off, she seems like a very genteel kind of lady with a keen sense of humour … someone I’d like to meet.


What a lovely introduction, J. Marie Croft, for a truly lovely lady. You are correct in your assessment. Jan Hahn is a very genteel lady and she does have a keen sense of humour. She is also a kind and generous person. As many of you know, Jan and I are personal friends and have been for many years. She has stood with me through many ups and downs and never passed judgement. That is a true friend indeed. When Claudine sent me the extras for my post and I saw who and what I had the pleasure of including with my review, I was excited. (and J. Marie, I happen to have heard that Jan H. loves your writing style and your wit! 'smiling') Like you, I'm thrilled that the 'Hahn Hiatus' is over too. I look forward to more!

Okay, okay. I'll quit rambling and get on with the interview. I'm quite sure you would rather be reading it. Enjoy! 

How did you come to be inspired by Miss Austen as both a woman and then, as a writer?

Jane Austen did not take the easy way out. She had opportunities to marry, but she refused to do so simply for security. She endured poverty rather than marry without affection. I found her example both modern and inspiring.

Austen’s writing is the ideal. From Elizabeth Bennet to Emma Woodhouse, her characters sparkle with their own particular attributes and flaws. She makes me laugh out loud in one chapter and bite my fingernails with apprehension in the next. Her prose has a beauty of its own. Her snarky wit is delightful. The only problem? I always want more of Darcy and Elizabeth’s story. That’s why I borrow her timeless characters and repeatedly write my own variations of their love story.

Can you offer readers a brief description of your story and tell us why you chose to set your story in the Regency era?

My story takes place in the twilight years of Darcy and Elizabeth’s long life together. Their love for each other remains paramount even at their mature ages. Darcy muses over their journey together and recalls a time when their marriage became troubled over an issue he had never imagined would happen to them.

I set all my stories in the Regency era because I have a difficult time thinking of Austen’s characters in any other period. I love the civility, balls, dress, and graceful way of living found in Austen’s Regency world. I acknowledge that war, poverty, and misery existed, but Austen doesn’t dwell on it. Her stories take place in cottages, mansions, and verdant woods. Wordsworth said it best: I find the world is too much with us, and I long to escape to Pemberley’s drawing room. That’s not to say I do not have great admiration for those clever authors who transport my favorite couple to another time and place.

This year we're coming up on the 200th anniversary of the publications of “Persuasion,” and “Northanger Abbey.” What were you trying to capture of Jane Austen in your story, Without Affection in The Darcy Monologues?

I attempted to capture Jane Austen’s affinity for a marriage based on love, and in particular, Darcy’s enduring love for Elizabeth. His is the deepest kind of love, and he not only is willing to support her, but to sacrifice for her. Darcy’s tendency to rush in and fix things creates conflict in the marriage, but it stems from his all-encompassing love for his wife. Of all Austen’s heroes, I consider Darcy and Wentworth her best. Their love for Elizabeth and Anne survives even when they’ve been rejected. I can’t help but wish Jane Austen had found such a love of her own.

The reactions to this upcoming release have been overwhelmingly positive from readers and I think that’s also in response to Mr. Darcy’s tremendous popularity throughout the past two centuries. Why do you believe that modern-day woman still find him so appealing?

In essentials, Mr. Darcy is a good man, and, in the words of Flannery O’Connor, we all know a good man is hard to find. We may date bad boys, but heaven help us if we marry them.  Darcy being rich and handsome certainly makes him attractive, but I love Elizabeth for wanting more. His character makes all the difference to her. And since he bumbles about in the beginning, insulting people and hiding his good points, a great story is born.

Did writing this story make you appreciate something about Jane Austen all over again?

It reawakened my love for writing. I confess I’ve taken far too long a leave of absence since my last book was published. Having a deadline made me devote my time to my craft, and I fell in love with Austen and Darcy all over again.


Jan, I just love ending this interview by sharing your six-word memoir…

I married my own Mr. Darcy.

Now that the “Hahn Hiatus” is over, what can readers look forward to reading from you in the future and how can readers stay in touch with you?

Writing from Darcy’s viewpoint is a challenge, but several years ago, I wrote a book in his words, and I’m in the process of re-writing parts of it. I’m also suffering over my sequel to The Journey that has tormented me far too long. I’m determined to finish it.


*****

Buy Link: Amazon US

The book description reads as follows:

“You must allow me to tell you...”

For over two hundred years, Jane Austen’s Mr. Darcy has captivated readers’ imaginations as the ultimate catch. Rich. Powerful. Noble. Handsome. And yet, as Miss Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” is established through Elizabeth Bennet’s fine eyes, how are we to know what his tortured soul is indeed thinking? How does Darcy progress from “She is tolerable: but not handsome enough to tempt me” to “I thought only of you”? 

In this romance anthology, fifteen Austen-inspired authors assemble to sketch Darcy’s character through a series of re-imaginings, set in the Regency through contemporary times—from faithful narratives to the fanciful. Herein “The Darcy Monologues”, the man himself reveals his intimate thoughts, his passionate dreams, and his journey to love—all told with a previously concealed wit and enduring charm. 

Stories by: Susan Adriani * Sara Angelini * J. Marie Croft * Karen M Cox * Jan Hahn * Jenetta James * Lory Lilian * KaraLynne Mackrory * Beau North * Ruth Phillips Oakland * Natalie Richards * Sophia Rose * Joana Starnes * Melanie Stanford * Caitlin Williams

Blog Tour Giveaways

There are two special giveaways.

One winner will win the grand prize of 24 paperback books, each one autographed by the author, and mailed to the winner’s home. Please see the enclosed graphic for the list of books included in this giveaway.




The second winner will win their choice of either a Pride and Prejudice pocketbook or a Pride and Prejudice Kindle Fire Case with stand - Pride and Prejudice Book Cover Case for Amazon Kindle Fire 7" and 6" - Kindle Fire / Fire HD / Fire HDX tablet. Please see that attached graphic for these choices. All giveaways are international.



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Author Biographies

Formally trained as a fine artist and illustrator, Susan Adriani discovered her passion for storytelling over a decade after she graduated from a local art college near her childhood home in New England. Susan is the author of The Truth about Mr. Darcy and Darkness Falls upon Pemberley.

Sara Angelini is a lawyer living in the San Francisco Bay area with her husband, three kids, two dogs, a frog, some fish, and a few hundred stick bugs. She never went to veterinary school but if she had, she would have been a true proficient. She enjoys writing from Darcy’s point of view in a way that shows his humor and vulnerability. Her first book, The Trials of the Honorable F. Darcy, was published in 2008. She is the co-founder of www.austenunderground.com, where her other Pride and Prejudice-inspired works can be read.

Karen M Cox is an award-winning author of four novels accented with romance and history: 1932, Find Wonder in All Things, At the Edge of the Sea, and Undeceived. She also wrote “Northanger Revisited 2015”, which appeared in the anthology Sun-Kissed: Effusions of Summer. Originally from Everett, Washington, Karen now lives in Central Kentucky with her husband, works as a pediatric speech pathologist, encourages her children, and spoils her granddaughter. Like Austen’s Emma, Karen has many hobbies and projects she doesn’t quite finish, but like Elizabeth Bennet, she aspires to be a great reader and an excellent walker.

J. Marie Croft is a self-proclaimed word nerd and adherent of Jane Austen’s quote “Let other pens dwell on guilt and misery.’ Bearing witness to her fondness for Pride and Prejudice, wordplay, and laughter are Joanne’s light-hearted novel, Love at First Slight, a Babblings of a Bookworm Favourite Read of 2014, her humorous short story, “Spyglasses and Sunburns,” in the Sun-Kissed: Effusions of Summer anthology, and a playful novella, A Little Whimsical in His Civilities, Just Jane 1813’s Favorite JAFF Novella of 2016.

Award-winning writer Jan Hahn is the author of four Austen-inspired novels. She studied music at the University of Texas but discovered her true love was a combination of journalism and literature. Her first book, An Arranged Marriage, was published in 2011, followed by The Journey, The Secret Betrothal, and A Peculiar Connection. She agrees with Mr. Darcy’s words in Pride and Prejudice: “A lady’s imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony in a moment.” She is a member of the Jane Austen Society of North America, lives in Texas, has five children and a gaggle of gorgeous grandchildren.

Jenetta James is a mother, lawyer, writer, and taker-on of too much. She grew up in Cambridge and read history at Oxford University where she was a scholar and president of the Oxford University History Society. After graduating, she took to the law and now practices full time as a barrister. Over the years, she has lived in France, Hungary and Trinidad as well as her native England. Jenetta currently lives in London with her husband and children where she enjoys reading, laughing and playing with Lego. She is the author of Suddenly Mrs. Darcy and The Elizabeth Papers.

Lory Lilian fell in love with Pride and Prejudice thirty-three years ago and discovered the charm of Jane Austen fanfiction exactly twenty years later. She lives in Bucharest, Romania, is a proud mother of an amazing daughter, and addicted to anything Austen. After a career in business, she dedicates her time to reading and writing. Lory is the author of six bestselling books: Rainy Days, Remembrances of the Past, His Uncle’s Favorite, The Perfect Match, Sketching Mr. Darcy, The Rainbow Promise, and A Man with Faults. JAFF readers call her the “Queen of Hot Mush” and she loves it.

KaraLynne Mackrory is no newbie to the writing world. She made her debut as an author at the tender age of 13 when she wrote her first set of bad poetry. As a young adult, she steered clear of bad prose and achieved a degree in social work. Years later, she has published four Austen inspired novels so full of romantic sensibilities as to give you a swoon and hopefully a few laughs. Her books turned out better than her poetry and are: Falling for Mr. Darcy, Bluebells in the Mourning, the IPPY award-winning Haunting Mr. Darcy, and Yours Forevermore, Darcy.

Beau North is the author of Longbourn’s Songbird, The Many Lives of Fitzwilliam Darcy, and a contributor to the anthology Then Comes Winter. Beau is a native southerner who now calls Portland, Oregon home with her husband and two cats. She attended the University of South Carolina where she began a lifelong obsession with literature. In her spare time, Beau is the co-host of the podcast Excessively Diverted: Modern Austen Onscreen.

Mild-mannered business woman by day, hopeless romantic by night, Ruth Phillips Oakland was always a fan of the fictional gentleman from Derbyshire, but it was her discovery of Jane Austen fanfiction in 2006 that inspired Ruth to become a writer. Ruth has written dozens of short stories posted online and the published novel entitled, My BFF. Ruth lives in New England with her favorite husband of over thirty years and is thrilled to be included in this anthology with so many of her favorite authors and friends.

Natalie Richards is a writer, blogger, and singer. She started her book review blog, Songs & Stories, in late 2010 after falling in love with Jane Austen fanfiction. Her writing can also be found on Figment, the Darcy & Lizzy Forum, TeenInk Magazine, and in the Austenesque anthologies Sun-Kissed: Effusions of Summer and Then Comes Winter. She resides with her family in the Oregon countryside and currently works as a waitress and babysitter.

Sophia Rose is a native Californian currently residing in Michigan. A long-time Jane Austen fan, she is a contributing author to Sun-Kissed: Effusions of Summer and Then Comes Winter anthologies. Sophia’s love for writing began as a teen writing humorous stories submitted for creative writing class and high school writing club. Writing was set aside while Sophia pursued degrees and certificates in education, special education, family history, and social work leading to a rewarding career. Health issues led her to a greater opportunity to read, beta, and review books, and return to writing stories that lean toward the humorous side and always end with a happily ever after.

Melanie Stanford reads too much, plays music too loud, is sometimes dancing, and always daydreaming. She would also like her very own TARDIS, but only to travel to the past. She lives in Canada with her husband and four kids. She is the author of SWAY, a retelling of Jane Austen’s Persuasion, shortlisted for the Kobo Emerging Writer Prize, and the short story “Becoming Fanny” featured in the anthology Then Comes Winter. Her second novel, Collide, inspired by Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South, is coming soon. You can find her at melaniestanfordbooks.com, on Twitter @MelMStanford, and on Facebook  @MelanieStanfordauthor.

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 seven 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, and Mr Bennet’s Dutiful Daughter. You can connect with Joana through her website http://www.joanastarnes.co.uk/ and on Facebook via All Roads Lead to Pemberley.

Caitlin Williams is an award-winning author of two novels, Ardently and the best-selling The Coming of Age of Elizabeth Bennet, both of which spin the plot of Pride and Prejudice around but keep the characters just the same. Originally from South London, Caitlin spent thirteen years as a detective in the Metropolitan Police but is currently on a break from Scotland Yard so she can spend more time at home with her two children and write. She now lives in Kent, where she spends a lot of time daydreaming about Mr. Darcy, playing with dinosaurs, and trying not to look at the laundry pile.

Christina Boyd wears many hats as she is an editor under her own banner The Quill Ink, a contributor to Austenprose, and a ceramicist and proprietor of Stir Crazy Mama’s Artworks. A life member of the Jane Austen Society of North America, Christina lives in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest with her dear Mr. B, two busy teenagers, and a retriever named BiBi. Visiting Jane Austen's England was made possible by her book boyfriend and star crush Henry Cavill when she won a trip to meet him on the London Eye in the spring of 2017. True story.

Spotify Playlist

Each author has contributed a song based on her story for this Spotify playlist. Click on the link below to listen to these songs.

PinterestBoard - check this out for lots of fun pictures

To follow The Darcy Monologues on Twitter, use the hashtag, #TheDarcyMonologues.


 Blog Tour Schedule

April 3 / My Jane Austen Book Club / Launch Post & Giveaway
April 10 / Babblings of a Bookworm/ Book Review & Giveaway
April 17 / The Reading Frenzy / Guest Post & Giveaway
April 20 / My Love for Jane Austen / Guest Post & Giveaway
April 24 / Margies Must Reads  / Book Review & Giveaway
May 1 / From Pemberley to Milton / Book Review & Giveaway
May 8 / Just Jane 1813 / Excerpt Post & Giveaway
May 15 / Austenesque Reviews  / Book Review & Giveaway
May 22 / Austenesque Reviews  / Guest Post & Giveaway
May 25 / Of Pens and Pages  / Book Review & Giveaway
May 29 / More Agreeably Engaged  / Book Review & Giveaway
June 5 / So Little Time  / Book Excerpt & Giveaway
June 12 / Diary of an Eccentric / Book Review & Giveaway
June 19 / Book Lover in Florida / Book Excerpt & Giveaway
June 26 / My Vices and Weaknesses  / Book Review & Giveaway
July 3 / Savvy Verse & Wit / Book Review & Giveaway

*****
There is much to see and read during the blog tour and many of you have been following its progress. I hope you are enjoying all the posts and will get a chance to read the book soon, if you have not already. Thank you, Claudine and Christina, for a such a well organized blog tour! Best Wishes, Christina, with the book.



69 comments:

  1. This was a great post Janet! I fully agree with the points you mentioned regarding The Darcy Monologues and I could not agree more with J.Marie!
    I have only read The Journey this month and I was completely amazed by it! I had loved A Peculiar Connection, and The Journey is just as good! I confess to be eager to have something else from Jan to read as she has become one of my favourite authors! Her writing is incredible and I love how she develops her characters feelings.
    Thank you for hosting her today and for sharing her interview, I'm glad to know that some works are under progress ;)

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    1. Thank you, Rita, for your kind comments! And many thanks to J. Marie Croft for fangirling about me. I was so surprised, especially since I'm such a fan of hers! Talk about wit - she's the queen of funny Austen-based stories. I love her story in The Darcy Monologues. And, of course, many, many thanks to dear Janet for her review and for all she does for the Austen community.

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    2. Thank you, Rita! It is a fantastic anthology and I loved your review of it, too.

      I'm so glad you got to read The Journey. It is fantastic, isn't it. I'm also very happy there are some works in progress. :)

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  2. Thank you,Janet, for hosting us today on this Memorial Day here in the US.

    I am so happy that you enjoyed the collection of stories. And I loved your interview too. J Marie Croft's FanGirl feature is exactly how I feel about both of those supremely talented authors.

    I remember following Jan H's "work in progress" on line and anticipating "Jan Hahn night" --usually a Sunday--when she would post her next offering. I feel blessed to have her work in this collection. I mean it when I declare this a "DreamTeam". Happy reading.

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    1. And I remember Christina's comments way back then. She was always an upper and still is! She put tons of work into this book, and her encouragement helped me get my little story done. I think that's the quickest I've ever written anything. I feel fortunate to have been included in a book with so many good writers. Thanks!

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    2. You are welcome, Christina. It was my pleasure. Wasn't J. Marie Croft's fangirl feature perfect? I loved it and her short story in the book too! It made me laugh out loud numerous times.

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  3. I did get a chance to read The Darcy Monologues and I gave it a good review on both Amazon and Goodreads, I enjoyed a good part of this book but when it come to the more modern stories, for me I just don't think they translate. Especially when they use modern and or vulgar language. You will find something for everyone and it is worth checking out. Please enter me I would love the Kindle cover the most but will be happy if I win at all. :)

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    1. Thank you for your review on Amazon and Goodreads, Julie. I'm glad you enjoyed the book, and good luck in the drawing.

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    2. Thanks for stopping by Julie. I'm glad to hear you gave the book a good review. I will look for it. Good luck in the giveaway.

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  4. I too always want more and more of Darcy and Elizabeth. Especially when Darcy is sharing his feelings as in this glorious book.
    I had pre ordered it so started reading it the day it came out and I absolutely loved it.
    I enjoyed all the stories so much that I can't pick a favourite. I will definitely be reading it time and time again.
    Thanks to you Janet and also to J. Marie and Jan for this lovely post.

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    1. Thank you, Glynis! I've seen numerous posts by you during our blog tour. You're one of the most faithful fans supporting The Darcy Monologues, and we appreciate you.

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    2. I'm the same, Glynis. I can never seem to get enough Darcy and Lizzy. I think we are in good company, don't you. :)

      Thank you and I'm glad you stopped by.

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  5. I love this review post, Janet! Thank you for welcoming not only a great writer to your blog, but your dear friend too. We all appreciate your time and support with this review.

    I'm just thrilled you loved this book and I hope your readers are able to enjoy it very soon too! I agree that fans of Regency and contemporary stories will savoy this collection.

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    1. I loved Janet's review, too, Claudine. You, Janet, and Rita, along with other great bloggers, continue to support Austen writers with your great posts. This community would not be what it is without all of you!

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    2. Thank you Jan! I'm sure Claudine agrees with me when I say we only do our best to try to support the wonderful Austen authors that are out there and who give us so many pleasurable moments! If it were not for the authors we would never have this wonderful community, and we do our best to give them back what give to us thought their books :)
      And when we have a book filled with the stories of so many talented people, there aren't enough words to express the happiness we felt while reading it :)

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    3. Thank you, Claudine. I'm glad you are pleased with the review. (You too, Jan) If I'd said all I thought about, the review would have been way too lengthy! lol

      I loved the book and know I will be rereading the stories in no particular order, time and time again.

      Thank you, Jan. Having posts that include so many great writers make it fun for all. Blogging is a small way that we can give back a little of what you authors give to us.

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    5. Janet, Claudine, Rita... So thrilled that you all enjoyed this collection. From beginning to end, TDM has been a labor of love. To work with such talented authors that I have admired for so long has been a blessing.

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  6. Loved this post from two of my favorite authors--J. Marie Croft and Jan Hahn. Delighted to hear that you're writing again, Jan, and I'm looking forward to reading the anthology.

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    1. Thank you, Debbie! Hope you enjoy TDM.

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    2. They are two of my favorites too, Debbie. Isn't it wonderful to know that Jan H is writing again!

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  7. So many wonderful authors and books! Thanks for every one's generosity. Would so love to read all of the books (those that I haven't already - many of them are on my to-read list).

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    1. Thank you, Priscilla. Good luck with the giveaway!

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    2. I hope you get a chance to read them all. That is quite a list, of authors and books!

      Good luck in the giveaway.

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    3. Thank you, Priscilla - best of luck on the giveaway!

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  8. Thanks, Janet, for hosting today’s blog tour stop, for your engaging spotlight on Jan Hahn, and for your most agreeable review.
    Jan, it was my pleasure to ‘fangirl’ over you, and it’s an honour to have a story in the same anthology as your heart-wrenching Without Affection. Oh, the tears I shed while reading it! Now, dear lady, keep writing … faster, faster! Heh, if that’s what it takes, maybe your fans – of which I am obviously one – should set a deadline for your next manuscript. ;-)

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    1. Thank you, Joanne. I'm thrilled to be part of the blog tour. I'm also happy you found the review 'agreeable'! :)

      I loved your story and laughed out loud numerous time. Yours made me laugh and Jan's made me cry. So many emotions and feelings were brought out in the various stories. Those are some of the marks of excellent writing.

      I also adored your FanGirl feature. It was neat! I'm glad that you were part of my post today.

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  9. Ha! Fun intro to Jan by Joanne. I agree that The Journey was le sigh.

    Enjoyed getting to know Jan better through the interview and thanks for the review and post, Janet. :)

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    1. Wasn't it, Sophia! I loved it.

      You are welcome, Sophia Rose and I enjoyed your story too! Thank you for stopping by.

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    2. Thanks so much, Sophia! I appreciate your remarks.

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  10. Janet, I think it's safe to say that anyone who reads Jan's stories has to be a romantic at heart! (Joanne's piece about her writing is absolutely spot on...but Joanne has her own talent and weaves some pretty fantastic stories of her own.) Thanks so much for featuring Jan, Joanne, and the Darcy Monologues today on your lovely blog!

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    1. You are welcome Susan. It was my pleasure.

      I agree with your statement of having to be a romantic at heart! All of you are talented ladies and spun tales I will enjoy reading over and over.

      I appreciate you visiting today.

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    2. Thank you, Susan! I confess I am a romantic, and when I'm not in a romantic mood, Darcy can certainly change my mind.

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    3. I'm always happy to stop by, Janet - your blog is lovely!

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    4. Jan, I can relate to that...Mr. Darcy is absolutely perfect for finessing a little romance from me, too. ;)

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  11. Amazing post here, Janet! I remember gushing over Jan at an author Q&A on A Happy Assembly a few years back: "I love your writing! I think I've read "An Arranged Marriage" about 20 times!" Then "Ok, I'm done now!" I had to give the other readers "a chance to exhibit" :D I know exactly how Joanne feels about the "Hahn Hiatus" - it was wonderful to read Jan again in The Darcy Monologues. Thanks for hosting a stop on the blog tour!

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    1. Thank you. It was such an honor having Jan and J. Marie featured! I loved it. Your comments about gushing brought a smile then a laugh at the other readers having 'a chance to exhibit'! So funny! It is great to see her writing again.

      It was my privilege to host a stop. You all had such good stories! Thank you for stopping by.

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    2. Karen, thank you so much! I remember that Q&A and how nervous I was to participate. Everyone was so kind, though, and I had a lovely time. Good ol' days!

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  12. I am so excited that Jan Hahn is writing again!

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  13. Thanks for the review, Janet! I'm only 1.5 stories in and already think this is outstanding. My only problem is the Americanization of the Regency authors' spelling and usage. This leads to a feeling of a lack of authenticity I know many of these authors fight against when publishing on their own. But the writing is incredible. As you said, so much talent gathered together!

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    1. You are welcome, Linda, and I agree, the book is outstanding. As regards your thoughts on Americanization of the Regency authors’ spelling and usage, note the paragraph beneath Christina’s Introduction at the beginning of the book. She explains the reasoning behind the choice of writing style for the anthology. You are right on the writing being incredible. It truly is, but, how could it not be with all that talent combined in one book? Thanks and I appreciate you stopping by.

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  14. Loved this post. This has been such a great tour, and I can't wait to feature the book on my blog next month.

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    1. Thank you! I hope you enjoy reading it!

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    2. It has been a great tour, hasn't it! I look forward to your post next month!

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    3. Thank you, Anna - we're excited about being on your blog!

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  15. This was a wonderful interview. So many great authors in the book which I plan to read soon. Thanks, Jen Red

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    1. I'm so glad you stopped by, Jen. Isn't this quite a list! I hope you get a chance to read it soon.

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    2. Thanks, Jen! Hope you enjoy the book.

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  16. Thanks for the post Janet. I started reading The Monologues yesterday, but I haven't got to Jan's story yet. I love all the stories I've read so far. :)

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    1. Thanks for your comments, Kate, and good luck with the giveaway.

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    2. You are welcome, Kate. I'm glad you are getting a chance to read the book. The stories are all so good. Glad to hear you love them all so far, too.

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  17. Thanks Janet for a lovely post! The project has been so much fun and it is wonderful that readers are now able to enjoy it:-)

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Jenetta. I've enjoyed working on this book with you.

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    2. Thanks, Jenetta. I appreciate you stopping by. From what I'm hearing, the readers are loving the anthology.

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  18. Beautiful!! Thanks so much, Janet, for the wonderful review, and Jan and Marie for the great posts and your wonderful books that have given me so many happy hours. Please keep writing!!!

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    1. I just loved your story Joana. 🌹

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    2. Thank you, Joana! I'm thrilled that our stories are in the same book.

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    3. You are welcome, Joana. Your story was awesome! I expected nothing less! You keep writing too! :)

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  19. What a lovely post!!!

    Must say that I read The Journey many months ago and loved it!!
    The thought that there's a sequel in the pipeline simply gladens my heart!! ��

    I treated myself to TDM but alas,life has been very busy of late and each night I'm so wrecked that I don't have the time or energy to indulge in any reading.......which for me,is unheard of!!!

    Sending good wishes to all concerned with this post!! Cheers! ☺️

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    1. Thank you, Mary! I'm so glad you loved The Journey. When life slows down, I hope you'll enjoy TDM, too. Thanks for stopping by.

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    2. Hi Mary. I'm so happy you stopped by. I hope you get to start reading TDM soon. I also hope you get some time to rest and not be so busy. That's tough. Take care of yourself. I have something coming your way soon, I hope! It has been a struggle on my end!

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  20. Sorry to be late to this particular stop of The Darcy Monologues party, Janet. Somehow, I managed to skip a week, probably because it was a holiday weekend here, too.

    Thanks for your lovely review and for such a heartwarming fangirl post about Jan from Joanne. The Q&A was fascinating too. I've got two of Jan's books on my TBR list (one of them is The Journey) and I really must get around to reading them, probably after, rather than before, TDM itself!

    I must say, that I really covet the Peacock bag! I revently acquired a Peacock cover (similar to the one in the giveaway) for my Kindle and it looks totally gorgeous. Everyone who sees it comments on how beautiful it is and then wants an explanation about the Peacock edition of P&P itself. When I tell them how much one would cost to buy nowadays, their jaws hit the floor! The prize I really covet is the books, however, even though I'd probably have to buy a new bookcase to accomodate them! The fact that they're signed makes them even more special and thanks to the authors for doing such a wonderful thing.

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