Thursday, March 8, 2018

Cover Reveal...The Child by Jan Hahn

My guest is not only an excellent author but also a dear friend. I'm thrilled to host Jan Hahn and the cover for her soon to be released novel, The Child.  This long awaited book is set to release around the 16th of March and her blog tour will follow soon after. I can hardly wait to see what all Jan has in store for us. I'm excited for the fun to begin!

Before we get to the actual reveal of the cover, Jan is going to talk to us about some similarities in creating a book cover and writing a book. Jan, it's all yours.



THE CHILD

Thank you, Janet, for not only hosting the cover reveal of my new book, but for designing the cover. I’m very happy with it, and I loved working on the project with you.

Creating a book cover and creating the book itself have several things in common.

As an author, I find plot is the first hurdle. Naturally, the overall focus of all my books is Darcy and Elizabeth’s love story―how they fall in love, overcome obstacles, and find their way to a happy conclusion. The obstacle is the sticky point. In my last book, A Peculiar Connection, Elizabeth struggled with the assumption that she was an illegitimate child. Evidently, the idea of scandal still hovered somewhere in my subconscious when the scheme for The Child began to take form. I knew I wanted to do something I had not attempted before―write a story from Darcy’s point of view―and I wanted to begin years after Elizabeth refused his offer of marriage at Hunsford. I wanted the difference in status between Darcy and Elizabeth to be even more pronounced than it was in Austen’s original Pride and Prejudice. Adding a child to the mix produced the necessary wrinkle.

When Janet and I began to discuss ideas for the cover, I sent her a portrait of a child. That, and the story were my sole contributions. As she always does, Janet went through the book and marked scenes that might be pertinent for the front and back covers. Since I like oil paintings, she began her search for appropriate nineteenth century art.

In 2011, I posted The Child online on a couple of Austen-based websites. Although it was well received, I wasn’t satisfied with it. I found writing from a male viewpoint difficult, and I wanted to change parts of the book. I really did not intend to publish it. During the past seven years, however, readers have continued to ask about the story and strongly encouraged me to release it. Last year, Meryton Press agreed to publish it in early 2018. Thus, I began rewriting parts, omitting some passages, and creating new scenes.

In the same vein, Janet tried several different approaches when designing the cover. She found the right art work of the child and played with it until she had a pleasing format. She selected the background and lightened it until the flowers could be seen. St. George’s Church played an interesting part in the plot, and a lovely painting of the building existed. Janet worked her magic on the print until it turned out just right. She also found other paintings we could possibly use―a hut hidden in the woods, men on horseback obviously searching, and a woman lying in the snow―all reflecting significant scenes in the story. Janet made various drafts using these works of art. Although we ended up using only two paintings, I enjoyed seeing the choices she created. Her beautiful finds made me wish I was writing an illustrated book!




 









Our final product contains a story I’m happy to send out into the world all wrapped up in a beautiful book with simple but elegant front and back covers. I hope you enjoy The Child.




Now for the cover reveal of The Child...



Thank you Meryton Press and Jan Hahn for allowing me the privilege of working on the cover
and working with you again, Jan. It was a pleasure, as always. Readers, what do you think?


Isn't this child beautiful? She has such a sweet little face and lovely hair. Although, I must admit, much like her relationship with Darcy in part of the book, we had a similar beginning.
I'll leave it to you to figure out what that might be when you read the book. :) 

Thanks to you, Claudine Pepe, and to Meryton Press, for giving me the opportunity to host
the cover reveal for The Child and Jan Hahn. This one is special for many reasons.

We hope you love the cover that encases a lovelier book within.

The blurb will give you a bit more information about the story inside. Enjoy.

Blurb: 

Will Darcy ever grow to love a child he never wanted?

In Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Fitzwilliam Darcy’s proposal to Elizabeth Bennet at Hunsford is disastrous. In Jan Hahn’s The Child, Darcy flees England soon afterward, striving to overcome his longing for her. Upon his return two years later―while standing on the steps of St. George’s Church in Hanover Square―he spies the very woman he has vowed to forget. But who is the child holding her hand?

Darcy soon discovers that Elizabeth and her family are suffering the effects of a devastating scandal. His efforts to help the woman he still loves only worsen her family’s plight. His misguided pride entangles him in a web of falsehood, fateful alliances, and danger.

Will Elizabeth be able to forgive Darcy for his good intentions gone awry? And what effect will the child have on Darcy’s hopes to win Elizabeth’s love?


Author Bio:

Award-winning writer Jan Hahn is the author of five 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, A Peculiar Connection, and The Child. The anthology, The Darcy Monologues, contains her short story entitled Without Affection. 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.’

Jan is a member of JASNA, lives in Texas, has five children and a gaggle of grandchildren.

Giveaway:

We hope you enjoyed today's cover reveal for The Child and learning a bit more about Jan and her creative thoughts when writing this book. We had a great time with the pictures and design that wrap it up. I agree, Jan. An illustrated book would have been fun! 

Claudine Pepe is hosting a giveaway for the cover reveal. She is giving away one eBook of The Child to be gifted at the time of the book's release around the 16th of March. The giveaway is international and will end at 11:59 PM on the 14th of March. Good luck to all. Please share your thoughts and some love in the comments below. If you want a chance at the giveaway, leave me your contact information, unless you know that I already have it! If in doubt, leave it again. Thanks to each of you for stopping by. Please feel free to share about the cover reveal on social media. 

Meryton Press has a nice surprise for you and has given me the honor to announce it with this post. In conjunction with the cover reveal and release of Jan Hahn's The Child, Meryton Press is having a special sale on two of Jan's other books, An Arranged Marriage and The Journey. What a great time to get these eBooks if you do not own them. 


The sale dates are as follows:

March 8-14; An Arranged Marriage will be $1.99
March 15-21; The Journey will be $1.99



Isn't this great news! Thank you Meryton Press for this sale. These are the first two published books by Jan Hahn and if you haven't read them, I encourage you to get them and dive in. I highly recommend both. They are two of my all time favorites. I've lost count on how many times I've read An Arranged Marriage, and I've read The Journey almost as many times. Great books! Don't you just love these banners too! They look so fresh and make me feel like spring is around the corner! An Arranged Marriage is on sale now and The Journey sale starts on the 15th!

86 comments:

  1. The child on the cover looks like a little cherub! Cannot wait to own this book!

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    1. Doesn't she, Amy! It's a lovely painting. Thanks for stopping by. I can't wait to own it either! I love Jan's books.

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    2. Thanks, Amy! Isn't that a cute baby! Nothing like plump little cheeks. Makes me want to squeeze them.

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  2. Gorgeous cover! Congratulations Jan! I look forward to another great story!

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  3. I think this is my favorite of all your covers, Janet. Well done to both of you. I’m beyond excited Jan is releasing this story. I can’t wait.

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    1. Janet did a beautiful job! I really love this cover, too, Joy, maybe because I get all 'granny-like' at the sight of a child. Thanks for your comments.

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    2. Thank you, Joy! That is quite a compliment. I'm so excited about this book being released too.

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  4. Lovely cover! I seem to be among the few who have never read it, but I know your writing will not disappoint, Jan! I can't wait to pick it up, I know I'm in for a treat. Janet, breathtaking work, as always ;-)

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    1. Thank you, Nicole! I hope you enjoy the book. Aren't we lucky to have Janet to design our covers? I agree - she truly does some breathtaking work.

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    2. Oh my ladies! You have me blushing! I think I'm the lucky one to get to read your books and have the fun of designing a jacket to go around the good stories inside!

      Nicole, you will love the book!

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    3. I know I will! And yes, Jan, we are very lucky. Blush all you want, Janet, you know it's true <3. This book is going on top of my pile with such high recommendations!

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  5. Beautiful cover! How could Darcy not love that cherub? I love this story and am so happy Jan is publishing it.

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    1. Thanks, Jan! I agree - the child in the picture looks like an angel.

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    2. I'm so happy she is too, Jan. Thanks for visiting and commenting.

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  6. What a beautiful cover. It is so fascinating to learn how a cover is chosen. The search and history is interesting to the story it portraits. This child is so fascinating. You could imagine her laying on your chest listening to her breathing and stroking her curly hair and watching her give you a smile that could bring you to tears. It really is breathtaking. I am excited to read this story. Your other stories have been read again and again and always a must read when recommending stories to others. So excited!!!

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    1. Thank you so much, Shelley! You are so kind. I really appreciate it.

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    2. Thank you, Shelley. I loved reading your imaginings of this child.

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  7. I have all of Jan's books and am very much looking forward to her latest! Beautiful cover, Janet, as always.

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    1. Thank you! Janet does such lovely work.

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    2. Thank you, Regina! (and Jan) I know you will love this book!

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  8. What a gorgeous child. I love the curly hair. I wonder if the child is Elizabeth's or maybe one of her sisters.
    I look forward to seeing more of this book and congratulations on such a beautiful cover.

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    1. Ah, Glynis, I can see your wheels turning. Thanks for your comments!

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    2. You are having some good thoughts, Glynis. I'll be anxious to hear what you think when you find out about the child! Thank you for popping in.

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  9. I remember reading this story and can't wait to see how you've changed the story. Lovely cover. I have a weakness for children. Best wishes with your new release.

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    1. I'm so glad you stopped by Jen. Isn't this child a beauty!

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  10. I share your weakness, Jen, especially when children are sleeping. Thank you for stopping by!

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  11. jwgarrett13@hotmail.comMarch 8, 2018 at 2:30 PM

    Thanks to Meryton Press for the sale price. I grabbed one and will the other when it goes on sale. That way I can grab both and not hit my book fund too hard. Woohoo!! I love the cover and look forward to reading it.

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    1. That's great that you got An Arranged Marriage! I think you will love it. It is one of my favorites! Good luck with winning The Child. Glad to hear you love the cover! :)

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  12. I haven’t read any of this story yet so I too am very curious as to who’s child it is!! I loved The Journey and A peculiar connection, and look forward to reading your others!! Thanks for sharing!

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    1. So glad to hear you're curious, Claire. Thank you for your kind comments!

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    2. I hope you get a chance to read Jan's other books soon. Thanks for commenting.

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  13. I'm not normally someone who goes all gooey over babies or their pictures but this one is a real cutie. Another outstanding cover from Janet!

    I'm not sure if I've got all of Jan's books but thanks for the sale prices I'll definitely take advantage if I'm missing one or both and the offer is on in the UK.

    Now who is the child's mother? My guess is Lydia. If the action of this book takes place two years after Hunsford and Darcy was out of the country, then he wouldn't have been around to effect Lydia's marriage to Wickham. In which case, that marriage probably never took place but Lydia ended up pregnant. Definitely reason for a scandal!

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    1. Thanks, Anji. She is a cutie, I agree, and portrays a cutie in the book too. If you don't have these first two books, this is the perfect time to get two great reads! I like the thought process you mention! Good luck!

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    2. Thanks, Anji! I love this baby's curls and pink cheeks, and I love the background Janet found. Who is the child's mother? That question just about drives Darcy mad!

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  14. What a darling child/painting and overall gorgeous cover! I too am intrigued and have my suspicions...Congratulations Jan on your new book and congratulations Janet on another beautiful cover!

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    1. I am glad you stopped by, Carole, and happy you like the cover. Ahh, the intrigue and suspicion. Who is this child? Good luck in the giveaway.

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    2. Thank you so much, Carole! So glad you stopped by Janet's blog today.

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  15. Janet, you always have more most exquisite covers with perfect color tones. I have learned a lot through your blogs about the creation of a cover. The child looks so very angelic. I wonder whose curls those are? I am sure that Darcy jumps to the wrong conclusion and thinks the child is Elizabeth's but I highly doubt it. What did those least favorite characters of mine (Lydia and Wickham) do? I have also read An Arranged Marriage and The Journey many times, and I am thrilled that Jan Hahn has a new book. If one doesn't own these books, take advantage of the sale! evamedmonds(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Thank you so much for the compliment, Eva. I appreciate your comment so much. The child does look angelic doesn't she with just a tiny hint of impertinence. It's good to know I am not the only one who has read those two books numerous times! :) Good luck in the giveaway. I like your questions you have from looking at the child's painting! :)

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    2. I agree, Eva! Janet picks such lovely colors that I leave the color choice up to her. She's so much better at it than I am. I liked reading your suspicions. Thanks so much for your kind comments.

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  16. The cover is gorgeous! I love the other pictures as well. I can’t wait to read the story and figure out what they mean... Congratulations, on the upcoming release! I love all your other novels as well!

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    1. Thanks, Dung Vu. I think the extra pictures will come to mind when you read the story. I loved all three of them but they just didn't seem to fit with the other two on the cover. I hope you will get to read and enjoy this new novel soon! Thanks for stopping by.

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    2. Thank you! I'm so glad you like the cover, and I really appreciate your comments.

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  17. What a lovely cover!! I can't wait to read this story. Jan's previous books are among my favorites and I have reread them many times. I am sure this one will be wonderful as well! Thank you for the giveaway, ladies!
    My email address: danielaquadros (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. I'm glad you like the cover, Daniela. It's wonderful that Jan's books are among your favorites too. Good luck in the giveaway.

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  18. That is one cute child

    meikleblog(at)gmail(dot)com

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  19. In the last few years, I have come to really enjoy learning the story behind the book covers and its neat when authors and cover artists work together to make story and cover so cohesive and pertinent. That is an adorable cover and sounds like this poor little one is at the heart of things in the story. Can't wait.

    Thanks, Jan and Janet, for sharing!

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    1. I, too, enjoy the story behind book covers. I find it fascinating. I'll never be an artist, but I always wanted to be. Thanks so much for your comments, Sophia Rose!

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    2. It was great working with Jan again on her cover, Sophia Rose. I love hearing how covers come about too. Glad you like this one and I know you will love the book. Thanks for visiting.

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  20. Lovely cover. Interesting premise. I am very curious as to the parentage of this child. Looking forward to reading it. Congratulations on newest release. Thank you for giveaway and discounts on the otber two books.

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

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    2. Isn't the premise interesting? I think everyone is wondering about the parentage of this lovely child! :) Good luck in the giveaway. Maybe you will get to find out sooner rather than later.

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  21. The cover alone would make me want to read the book! Well done Janet! And I love anything Jan writes, so it is on my list to read.

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    1. What a neat thing to say, Brenda! Thank you! I'm with you. I love anything Jan writes too. :) I'm so glad you visited.

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  22. Sounds like another great story from Jan! Looking forward to owning this one :)

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    1. It is good, Karen. I hope you can read it soon.

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  23. Beautiful cover, Janet! Jan, I've always loved your writing. The Journey captivated me years ago, and it remains one of my very favorite stories. Good luck with The Child.

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    1. Thank you, Robin. I love The Journey too. A sequel would be nice, wouldn't it! :) I'm so glad you visited today.

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  24. Lovely cover. I am very intrigued by the premise and like Mr. Darcy would really like to know whose child this is. I look forward to finding out more.

    jadseah4(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. That's the big question, isn't it? Now if the book would just hurry up and release. lol Good luck in winning it!

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  25. What a beautiful portrait in the cover! And the plot sounds very intriguing. I will be waiting for it to be published.

    tgruy (at) netscape (dot) net

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    1. It is a beautiful portrait, Teresita. I think you will love the plot. Thanks for stopping by.

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  26. A cover is so important to enticing readers to choose a book, and this one is a winner. Congratulations to Jan and Janet!

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    1. Thank you, Suzan. I'm glad you dropped by and commented.

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  27. What a charming cover! I love the blue print and the child is so endearing!! I remember hearing readers mention The Child way back when I was just discovering An Arranged Marriage and The Journey! I'm so glad it is being published! I cannot wait to read it! Congrats on your upcoming release, Jan! And thank you to Janet for sharing this beautiful cover reveal!!

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    1. Thank you, Meredith. I'm so pleased that you came by for a visit. I'm glad this one is being published too. I hope you get to read it soon.

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  28. Hello Janet! I really like Jan Hahn's new book cover, it makes me think about Second impressions' cover. This last was also made by you?
    It would be great to have both near on a shelf with this beautiful babies pictures!

    I want to thank Jan for making this post, I love discover more and more details about a book!

    My thanks also to Claudine for hosting a giveaway, my email is LorenDushku@gmail.com

    Good luck everyone!

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    1. Second Impressions had a beautiful child on the cover too, didn't it. I didn't do the cover for Second Impressions, only this one. I like your idea of having both books side by side. That would be neat.

      Thanks for coming by, Loren.

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  29. Congratulations on the cover, it's beautiful. I am so looking forward to The Child - I never read it online as many people did - so it is all new to me. Can't wait:-)

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    1. You are in for a treat, Jenetta. Thank you for stopping by.

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  30. What a lovely cover, the babe looks absolutely adorable.
    Have been searching for this book a while now and I am so happy it is being released. Cannot wait to read it.

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    1. Isn't she an adorable child! I do hope you get to read the book soon. Thank you for commenting and good luck.

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  31. Such an adorable cherub face! Gorgeous, gorgeous cover! Huge congrats, Janet! It tugs at every heartstring before we've even opened the book, and with such a premise, from Jan Hahn's masterful pen, the journey is going to be amazing. THANKS, JAN!! I can't wait to read it!!

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    1. Doesn't this little princess have an adorable cherub face, but almost with a hint of mischief! Thanks Joana, and thank you for stopping by and commenting. The story inside is amazing as you would imagine. Good luck, Joana.

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  32. Hi Janet,

    Please forgive my lateness in dropping by,I've gone off on a tangent with other books and took a break from JAFF.

    May I applaud your beautiful eye catching and enticing cover? Such an adorable child, whose story begs to be read!

    I'm presuming here that the child is Lydia's and that Lizzy is her main caregiver and adopted mother...? Did Lydia die in childbirth or is she unable to love Wickham's child??
    Not sure how Darcy will react when the child's history is revealed but this is definitely a new and fresh angle worth exploring...a interesting wrinkle worth ironing out!

    I didn't read this story when it was posted in the past but I wish you every success with it,Jan. Perhaps,in this instance,an exception should be made and we should judge the book by its cover,guaranteeing us a most heartwarming and endearing read.



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    1. Hi Mary! I'm so glad you stopped. It is never too late.

      Thank you for the kind comment about the cover. Yes, the child is adorable. I love your presumptions, too! The book is excellent. I hope you will feel up to reading this P&P variation soon.

      Thanks again, for stopping by. I've missed you and your comments. :)

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  33. I know it's too late but I would like to say that the cover is lovely to look at, Janet. The painting of the baby featured on the front cover is so serene and peaceful. I cannot wait to find out more about Jan's book in the upcoming blog tour.

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    1. You made it in time, Sylvia. It's not quite midnight here. I'm glad that you like the cover. Isn't the baby beautiful! I know you will enjoy Jan's blog tour. I'm looking forward to it, too!

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