Monday, June 23, 2014

Joy King: Guest Post - with giveaway!



Today I have the pleasure of welcoming the lovely Joy King to my blog. Joy has recently had her first story, A Father's Sins, published and she is going to tell us a bit more about the story, particularly how the love-to-hate character Miss Bingley plays a part in the story!
Joy has also provided me with a VERY generous giveaway (details to follow at the end) - you really don't want to miss this one!
Throughout the post you will notice a variety of pictures which Joy tells me she used as inspiration when writing - some are just the various Caroline's from adaptations, but some, as you will see, are not!
 
"How do Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet overcome the consequences of poor decisions made by their fathers when Darcy and Elizabeth were young?
In A Father's Sins, Mr. George Darcy, father of an illegitimate child raised by his steward, Mr. Wickham, agreed with his wife, Anne, that the firstborn son of their marriage would be heir to Pemberley. However, Mr. Darcy loved his eldest son, George Wickham, and indulged him by bringing him to Pemberley to live after the death of his wife. His heir, Fitzwilliam Darcy, paid a heavy price for this decision.

Mr. Thomas Bennet, an educated gentleman and father of five daughters, favored his second born, Elizabeth. Unexpectedly, his wife gave birth to a son and heir. Mr. Bennet, at the persistent urging of his wife, chose not to have his youngest children vaccinated for smallpox. When the plague hit Longbourn it devastated their family. Elizabeth paid the heaviest price for this decision of her father.

What happens when Darcy and Elizabeth meet? Will they be able to overcome the consequences of the choices their fathers made? When George Wickham, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Mr. William Collins, and the Fitzwilliam family arrive in Meryton, how will that impact their growing attraction? How does the same decision by Mr. Bennet influence the relationship between Jane Bennet and Mr. Bingley? Will love have a chance?"
 
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Sophie, thank you so much for your invitation to your blog. When I am stressed, harried, overworked, under pressure, I love to browse your blog, Laughing With Lizzie. The photos make me chuckle, sigh, and swoon. Definitely a mood changer!

You are most welcome, Joy. I am very glad to hear my blog can help brighten your day! First, are you Joy or Dawn or J. Dawn?

I am just Joy. If my Mom is angry with me, though, I am Joy Dawn (spoken very quickly and with much force).

I would like your opinion on a matter of global interest. Why do you think we love to scorn Miss Caroline Bingley?

The importance of a bad woman in a good book is first found in the Bible. Eve must have been temptation incarnate to have Adam do something to displease his God over a piece of fruit. Since then, it appears that, whatever the medium, readers and viewers love to have someone to scorn or blame. This is typically a character that stands in stark contrast to the hero or heroine. In Pride and Prejudice we have George Wickham and Caroline Bingley. They are both a delight to develop and I thoroughly enjoy the many different variations of their characters in the many adaptations of the novel.

So tell me about Miss Caroline Bingley in ‘A Father’s Sins’, please.

In my book, Caroline Bingley is ambitiously seeking to attach herself to the Darcys to elevate her own standing in society. She comes off as comical in her efforts to achieve her goal. In fact, here is an excerpt from my book where she decides to compromise Mr. Darcy so that he is forced to offer her marriage. They are at Netherfield Park. The next day, all occupants of the estate are planning to permanently remove themselves for their homes in London. Please enjoy the following:



“My, my, cousins, but this room is busy at this hour of the night.” It did not surprise the Colonel that Darcy could not sleep. Too much was riding on the events that would unfold in the morning. He was, however, surprised to see Georgiana. “Poppet, what are you doing awake at this hour?”

“Apparently, like you, I was unable to sleep and it is just as well. We are about to partake in a real life drama. William is the intended victim and you and I shall be the witnesses to the crime.”

“What is this you are speaking of?” The Colonel was puzzled.

Before Darcy could enter the conversation, Georgiana spoke again. “Richard, tonight Miss Caroline Bingley is going to try to trap William into marriage. We need to have a plan of action, a strategy. Something like you would use in the military.” Darcy could tell that his young sister was getting some sinister delight in these circumstances.

“Into battle we shall go!” The Colonel could not hide his pleasure at watching his usually composed cousin facing down a hungry predator.

“Richard! You shall wake the house.” Darcy reprimanded him.

“Hush, please, both of you. Your voices are deep and loud and we do not want to discourage Miss Bingley from coming into the library. This is just too, too fun.”

“Georgie!” Both men exclaimed at the same time.

“Oh, come on you two. This is better than what the gothic novels, that I am not supposed to read, contain. Now, hush!” she whispered. Like a general on a campaign, she positioned them where she felt best; her and the Colonel sitting in the high-backed chairs with their backs to the library door, where they would be invisible to anyone entering, and Darcy standing at the fireplace. The three cousins had just gotten into position when the door handle moved for the third time since Darcy had entered the room. The door slowly opened and the flicker of a candle  approached.

Spying Darcy, Miss Bingley assumed they were alone. “Mr. Darcy, were you unable to sleep? Is there anything that I could do to see to your comfort? Might I, perhaps, get you something warm to drink from the kitchen?”

“I thank you, Miss Bingley, however, it is inappropriate for us to be in the room together so late at night. I shall retire immediately to my room.” He started to move past her to the door.

“No!” Caroline Bingley was not going to allow her last opportunity to pass without accomplishing her goal. Quickly, she placed the candle on a table and undid the belt on her robe, pulling the front open and sliding it off onto the floor. Darcy quickly turned his back to her when he realized her intentions.

“Miss Bingley!” He was horrified and amused at the same time. Realizing how affronted she would be if she only was aware of his feelings, he steeled himself not to chuckle. This was not working out well for Miss Caroline Bingley. There were two witnesses that she was unaware of being in the room, and her own housekeeper had kindly and effectively warned him in advance. “Please, dress yourself. As much as I would dislike seeing you in such a state, I am confident that my cousin and sister would dislike it even more. Now, dress yourself.” He repeated when he heard no sound of movement, nor any rustling of fabric.

“Mr. Darcy, what have your cousin or sister to do with us? You are a reasonable man. Surely, you know how deep my love is for you and how I long to be your wife. Our marriage would unite our families and you, then, could call your best friend brother. There are so many advantages for us to wed. Please, Mr. Darcy,…” she paused before she could say another word as the noise of the turning of the library door handle sounded once again. This time, it was not a hesitant turning, but one of force. Mrs. Hurst charged into the room.

“Ah, ha!” she exclaimed. “Mr. Darcy, you have compromised my sister and will have to wed.” The only thing in her vision was Mr. Darcy and Miss Bingley, both standing with their backs to her. She could clearly see her sister’s form, silhouetted in the firelight. Had Mr. Darcy but turned around, he could have seen the same.

Suddenly, from the chairs to the right of Mr. Darcy, came laughter. At this, Caroline Bingley was moved to action and she quickly recovered her robe and wrapped it around herself, not even taking time to put her arms in the sleeves. Colonel Fitzwilliam and Georgiana rose from their chairs and faced the Bingley sisters at the same time that Darcy turned to confront them.

“Miss Bingley, Mrs. Hurst, what is the meaning of this?” Darcy asked, though he knew the answer. He had to admire Miss Bingley for her attempts at an explanation as her own sister spit and sputtered at seeing Georgiana and the Colonel.

“Oh, Mr. Darcy, I was unaware you were here. I had been dreaming of reading a book from this very library and must have walked in my sleep. However did I end up here?” She blinked her eyes rapidly as if she were just awakening from a deep sleep.

At this, the Colonel and Georgiana only laughed louder. Georgiana was overcome by such a fit of mirth that tears poured from her eyes and she ended up tipping over onto her cousin, Richard. It was obvious that Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst completely missed the comic aspect of this spectacle. Realizing that he would get no help from his relatives, Darcy walked around Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst to open the library door and yell for a footman. When the man responded, he asked him to retrieve Mr. Bingley and Mr. Hurst directly and escort them to the library. Bingley would have to deal with his sister as Mr. Hurst would have to deal with his wife.
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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What a most amusing except! Thank you for posting that. Caroline really did make a fool of herself! Now I really cannot wait to read A Father's Sins! (I will be reading it very soon so watch for my review!) 
 
 
**GIVEAWAY - ends Friday, 4th July **

Joy has provided me with a very, very generous giveaway!  One lucky winner will receive a £50 gift card for the Jane Austen Gift Shop  ! Yes - £50! This giveaway is open internationally. 

To enter, leave a comment below and the winner will be picked randomly.

Please leave your email address. If you are the lucky winner, I will pass on your email to Joy who will be in touch.

Good luck!


Thank you again to Joy for this great post and for the most generous giveaway! I wish you all the best with this story as well as any future ones!


Your affectionate friend,
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109 comments:

  1. Staciel (stinelutts@]msn.com)23 June 2014 at 14:49

    That sounds like a good read!

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    1. I hope you get a chance to read 'A Father's Sins'. Best wishes for the giveaway. We had to come up with something that truly is international. Who wouldn't like some of the goodies the Gift Shop offers!

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    2. Joy has been so generous! Good luck!

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  2. I just bought this book yesterday and it's very high on my TBR list. carterkristina2 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Tina, I am tickled pink and smiling at yesterday's purchase. Two thumbs up!!! Best wishes for the giveaway and let me know what you think of my story. Reviews are food for an author's soul.

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    2. I hope you enjoy it! Good luck!

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  3. Sounds like a fun read! I hope I win the giveaway! nic.clawson (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Nicole, it was certainly fun to write. I hope you get a chance soon. Hope you are successful in the giveaway.

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    2. Joy has been so generous! Good luck!

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  4. Is a great book that I read and am encouraging all to buy the book if you don't win and read it. I thoroughly enjoyed it! Hope you do to once you have read it and agree with me!

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    1. Good morning, MaryAnn. Thank you so much for commenting. I was hoping you would stop by. Isn't this a great giveaway? I would LOVE to win myself. Best wishes!!!

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    2. I would love to win this! And I can't wait to read the book! Good luck!

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  5. I enjoyed this book very much and am looking forward to the next installment! (renjenram@yahoo.com)

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    1. I am so happy that you liked 'A Father's Sins'. So, if you were chosen as the giveaway winner, what would be first on your list? Also, who do you picture as Caroline Bingley when you read Jane Austen or any of the variations? Thanks for stopping by.

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    2. I am glad you enjoyed it! I can't wait! Good luck!

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  6. Melanie Crosgrove23 June 2014 at 18:02

    I'm in the middle of the book. My mom and I both have enjoyed these well-defined characters. (mjc218@gmail.com)

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    1. Keep reading, Melanie. I would love to know what you thought. Best of wishes for the giveaway. Have you stopped by the Jane Austen Gift Shop site to create a wish list? Also, who is your Caroline Bingley? Best wishes to you and thanks for dropping by.

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    2. I am glad you are enjoying it! Good luck!

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  7. I love Austin adaptations this one sounds like a winner

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    1. SacredBliss, I love Austen adaptations and variations too. Look how much we already have in common! I hope you get a chance to read 'A Father's Sins' soon. There will be a review posted on this site in the near future and I am giving away three eBook copies. So, please, check back in. In the meantime, best of wishes for the gift card.

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    2. I am about to start the book so keep watching for the review! Good luck!

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  8. it sounds like a great adaption :D
    cookiesmasher5@yahoo.com

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    1. Karin, thanks so much for commenting. I did enjoy telling the story and the compromise scene was particularly appealing if you realized how many antics Colonel Fitzwilliam got involved in that led to humor. I LOVED the whole Fitzwilliam family as well as Georgiana. I would like them as friends in real life, I think.

      Best wishes for the giveaway.

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  9. It's a good thing that Netherfield's housekeeper warned Darcy to be prepared for Caroline's attempts as I'm sure if he does not know, then he'll be in a very difficult position. What a good laugh to be had.

    evangelineace2020(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. I am delighted that you stopped by and left a comment. You are correct, it was a very good thing that Mr. Darcy had been warned. Poor Miss Bingley - she tried so hard, didn't she?

      Best wishes for the giveaway.

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    2. Bless her... she tried her hardest! Good luck!

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  10. I would love to read this wonderful book! Definitely going to read it!

    dramaqueen4ever96@gmail.com

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    1. Ok, Lydia, I have to start by saying that I love your email name. How cool is that!!! I do hope you get an opportunity to read 'A Father's Sins' and that you will feel free to let me know your thoughts. It's a different take on some familiar characters. Best of wishes for the drawing. It's a great prize.

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    2. I really hope you read it! Good luck!

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  11. Loved this post, ladies! The excerpt was hilarious, and I loved the collection of various vicious Miss Bingleys :) - and also the parallel with Cruella and Malificent. Very fitting!

    Please don't enter me in the giveaway, I just wanted to pop by to say how much I enjoyed this post! 'A Father's Sins' is so tantalising! I downloaded it a few days ago and I can't wait to read it!

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    1. Joana, I couldn't pass on the Disney villains. Just like Caroline Bingley, they get what is coming to them in the end, don't they? Thanks for popping by and hope you enjoy the book.

      So sorry, Joana, but you are officially entered. This gift card is just too, too lovely to pass up. I've ordered from the gift shop before and they have awesome goodies.

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    2. Oh you should enter Joana! I would if I was allowed to haha! Enjoy the book - I can't wait!

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  12. The more extracts of this I read, the more I like it, Joy. This particular one is definitely one of those "laugh out loud" moments.

    I always see and hear Anna Chancellor as Caroline Bingley in any version of P & P that I read. She played that role so well.

    I had a look at the Jane Austen Centre gift shop a few weeks ago and had to stop as there was so much in the way of tempting goodies on offer. My problem would be spending "only" £50!!!

    angmardee (at) hotmail (dot) com

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    1. Thank you, Anji, for your comments. I, too, picture Anna Chancellor as Miss Bingley. However, the 2005 version was also excellent. Her haughty demeanor was perfect, wasn't it?

      Just for fun I put my wishes into a cart for the gift shop and would not allow myself to look at the total until I was done. Shocking!!!! I closed the web page before I 'accidently' hit a button that would have done serious damage to my credit card and probably caused a end to a 34 year marriage. Wishing you the best in the giveaway.

      Note: Sophie is going to do a giveaway of 3 eBooks when she posts her review. Isn't she wonderful? That's not rhetorical. Yes, she most certainly is.

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    2. Bad grammar - sorry! I meant 'caused AN end to a 34 year marriage'. I need an editor to post!!!

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    3. Happens to me all the time, Joy. I'll check for typos, hit the submit button and then notice another one when it's too late, especially when I'm using the virtual keyboard on this iPad.

      Btw, I just created a Wish List at the Jane Austen Centre. You don't want to know what the total was! I do have my eye on a box set of the six complete novels that would be covered by the gift card should I be lucky enough to win, with a little left over for a couple of little trinkets. Fingers crossed!

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    4. I could easily spend over that amount in the wonderful shop!

      I see 1995 Caroline as well - she was just perfect!

      Good luck!

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  13. Whenever I read an extract it brings me back to wanting to reread this book, Joy. It was a very enjoyable read. I couldn't put it down and was disappointed when it was finished. This excerpt had me chuckling again. :-) The shop looks interesting and I agree with Anji that I'd have difficulty spending just 50 pounds.
    skamper25 (at) gmail (dot) com

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  14. Deborah, I have complete confidence in you. I am just tickled that you liked my story. Hope you are successful with the giveaway so that you can struggle with making good choices. Chuckle!

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  15. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Such a great read. I just checked out the Jane Austen shop...it looks so charming! The giveaway is definitely very generous, so many cute things to buy!

    whitney.jones14@gmail.com

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    1. Whitney, I am so pleased that you read it. Isn't the gift shop wonderful? Too many cute things to choose from. Best of wishes in the giveaway and thanks for stopping by.

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    2. People are making me so excited! I am going away for a week on sunday - cue lots of reading time! Good luck!

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  16. I love Pride and Prejudice and enjoy seeing the writing that it still inspires today. lmgaskin1@gmail.com

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    1. I love Pride and Prejudice too. I hadn't read it until almost three years ago even though I had seen the mini-series from 1995 with Colin Firth and the 2005 movie with Matthew Macfadyen. These variations are a delight to me as they keep the characters alive. Plus, it's a great group of writers.

      Hope you do well in the giveaway.

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    2. I love variations! Good luck!

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  17. Characters that appear good but inside are evil and anti-heroes (which are both good and evil) are always fascinating; Caroline reminds me of a more wicked version of Scarlett O'Hara from Gone with the Wind! Interesting adaptation/vtralies@gmail.com

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    1. A wicked Scarlett O'Hara? I like how your imagination works, Rose! I am going to have to ponder that one for a bit, I think. Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting and I wish you success with the giveaway. In fact, I wish I was going to win!

      If you get an opportunity to read A Father's Sins, I hope you will please review on either Amazon or Goodreads. It's a gift to an author when that happens.

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    2. hahaha what an interesting thought! Good luck!

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  18. Just bought this, as I'm a HUGE P&P fan and really look forward to starting it! Will review as soon as I am finished :)

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    1. Margaret, thank you so much. My smile is so huge that I look ridiculous! Please let me know what you think and thanks for stopping by. Thanks also for the tweets about the giveaway. Best of wishes to you for success.

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    2. I am as excited as you! :) good luck!

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  19. Hello!! I've already read "A father's sins" and Caroline is very funny. She is the type of character that is necessary to find a novel interesting and entertaining!!
    Thank you for the book and the giveaway!

    (p.s. the image with Maleficent and the Evil Queen is adorable!!!!)

    8zeronove4@excite.it

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    1. Yes, Maleficent is awesome! I couldn't resist sharing the excerpt about Caroline trying to compromise Darcy. She has to be admired for trying so hard, doesn't she? Thanks so much for dropping by and I am so happy you liked my book and left a review. Ciao!

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    2. Perfect comparisons! Good luck!

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  20. I have to get this book.The scene with Miss Bingley trying to trap Darcy was so funny.Georgiana was so excited for the mission.

    I will have to add this book to my TBR list.

    Nicole D.
    betta_grl@hotmail.com is my email

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    1. I do hope you get to read this. I love Georgiana and the Matlock's. They are characters that I would like to meet for real. In my mind Colonel Fitzwilliam looks like Gerard Butler. How about you? Thank you for your comment and I wish you success with the giveaway.

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    2. It was brilliant wasn't it!? Good luck!

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  21. This was suggested to me from a friend and I did not regret it!

    -celinebrice1@aol.com

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    1. Hello Celine. I am happy that your friend passed this on to you and that you entered the giveaway with your comment. Glad you stopped by!

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  22. Sign me up! Why are there so many books still on my TBR list? I must get moving.

    okmackrory (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. I completely understand the TBR challenge, KaraLynne. In fact, I believe that your book is nicely settled on mine. So little time! Thanks you for stopping by and leaving a comment. Best of wishes for the giveaway.

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    2. my to read list is miles long... good LUCK!

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  23. Thanks for the great post, Joy and Sophie! =) I was quite entertained by the excerpt from A Father's Sins. Ha! Poor Caroline! *hehe* Thanks for sharing. And thanks for the giveaway!
    jakki36 at yahoo dot com

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    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    2. Can I even type this morning? Apparently not! Please see below, Jakki.

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    3. Thanks Jakki! I can't wait to read this! Good luck!

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  24. Doesn't Sophie do a great job? I am tickled that you enjoyed the 'perils of Caroline'. I hope you get a chance to read "A Father's Sins" before long. The Jane Austen Gift Shop is a huge temptation for me that I usually have to make myself stay away. Of course, SOMEBODY had to peruse the shop for purely research purposes to decide if the gift card was appropriate. He-he!

    Wishing you success with the giveaway, Jakki.

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  25. Great post! I love the excerpt as I loved this part of the book! It was such a fun and perfect way of dealing with Caroline and Louisa. The book was a fabulous read and I look forward to reading Joy's next books when they are available.

    Thank you for such a lovely giveaway opportunity. I too, have a hard time staying away from The Jane Austen Gift Shop. There are so many marvelous items there that tempt me. :) I bet it was tough deciding the gift card was appropriate!

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    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    2. Forgot my email address! UGH! You would think I would know better, huh!

      jbtaylor12 at gmail dot com

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    3. Thanks for stopping by and good luck! the gift shop is wonderful and Joy has been so kind!

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  26. Janet, I am happy you were able to pause your busy life long enough to comment. Sophie reminded me that not everyone can use an Amazon.com card in the country they are living in. When I saw that the gift shop would ship worldwide it became the perfect choice. Hope you do well in the giveaway. Who couldn't use a little more Jane Austen in their life and home!

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  27. I have read this book two times and am looking forward to more. Thank you for the opportunity to win such a prize. I have daughters that would be more than willing to help me use it if I won. jatunmama at yahoo dot com

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    1. Thank you so much for stopping by and I hope you get a chance to wrestle your daughters for the gift card if you are chosen. Thank you for your kind words about my story.

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    2. Glad you enjoyed it! Good luck!

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  28. I have read this novel and I enjoyed how develops !!!
    Thanks for the opportunity you gave us.
    My email address: chiarapiccirilla (at) hotmail (doc)it

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    1. I must have done something wrong as I replied but it didn't show up. I think that is a guarantee that as soon as I hit post on this reply - poof - both will appear.

      Chiara, your comment made me smile. It feels great to hear from readers. The gift card is such a small price when I think of how priceless it is to hear from you and others. Yes, it is priceless! Gracia!

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    2. I confused my Spanish with Italian. How about grazie!!!

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    3. Glad you enjoyed it! Good luck!

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  29. I just finished this book and I must say at first I wasn't sure about Thomas Bennets role in this, Mr. Darcy's role isn't that hard to imagine. However, WOW !!! The characters, although a little different, were still very well thought out. No matter what the best part is Darcy and Elizabeth getting together and the wonderful feeling of forgiveness.

    Wonderful J. Dawn King, can we do either a prequel or sequel?? I would love to see a prequel, just how did Thomas Bennet get so cruel to his sweet Lizzy. What drove him. What say you J. Dawn???

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    1. Lyz - Mr. Bennet turned out to be a bit of a mystery but I hope that the message of the power of grief came through. In the sequel, Mr. Bingley: A P & P Variation, our dear Mr. Bennet struggles with his conscience as he is confronted by his eldest daughter's changing attitudes and developing fortitude. It's not yet finished so I do not know how it will turn out, however, he plays but a small role. Then I'm on to Colonel Fitzwilliam, who is the resident bad boy - in a very mischievous sort of way. Sigh! So much to type.

      My sincerest thanks for your comments and opinions. Please feel free to share at either Amazon or Goodreads. Reviews are a writers best reward. (Like dark chocolate!)

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    2. you are both intriguing me so much! Good luck!

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  30. I loved this excerpt! It was so hilarious!! I pity Caroline, poor thing :) I think she is perfectly capable of such an action! Thank you so much Joy for sharing it with us :) And thank you for the wonderful giveaway! You're so generous :)

    newyorkgirl82(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. I'm so pleased that you liked the botched compromise. In reading the original Pride and Prejudice I never sensed that Caroline Bingley had true affection for Fitzwilliam Darcy. Did you? She seemed so ambitious and greedy to me. And just plain mean-spirited. Maybe I should have given Sophie a picture of Ursula the Sea Witch from the Little Mermaid to post as well.

      So glad you stopped by and commented. I feel that you are generous in spending your time to do that. Why not a gift card!

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    2. Affection? no! Fortune hunter!
      Joy has been so generous! Good luck!

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  31. Such a fantastic prize! You are so generous, Joy. I am sure the winner will have no trouble spending that!

    I'm at Frawli1978 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Ceri, let's hope there is a win in your future and you can shop your heart out.

      To be completely honest, the response to my book has far exceeded my expectations and dreams. Why not share. I will not get rich from it or quit my day job (if I had one), but I feel the opinions of those that use their hard earned money to buy my book or take the time to enter in hopes of winning a copy is without price. So, even though I wish I could enter and win, someone will that has stopped by this blog. Isn't that exciting? Considering that most of the comments are mine the odds of winning are really pretty good at this point. This ends a week from tomorrow and then someone gets to SHOP! Yeah!

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    2. Joy has been so generous! Good luck! I want to enter myself!

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  32. This book sounds really cool, I think it is fascinating that you focus in on the effects that the fathers have!
    (smileyface101girl(at) gmail (dot) come)

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    1. I hope you get to read it soon, Marian, and see for yourself how I dealt with Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bennet's decision and how those decisions affected their children. The story certainly had some frustrating and heartbreaking parts but there is a happily-ever-after in the end, always a good idea with a Jane Austen variation. Parents sure can be hard on their children, can't they?

      Thank you for stopping by and reading the excerpt. Best wishes with the giveaway.

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    2. It sounds so interesting doesn't it!? Good luck!

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  33. I have already read this and have to say I love books with morals to the story good entertainment should not just entertain but make us introspect and your book qualifies I found I was speed reading it to find out what was going to happen that I almost made myself dizzy. You had a lot happen in a single book!challenging to pull off. I'm so glad the internet can connect people a hemisphere away.

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    1. Jeanna, you made me chuckle. Fast paced was right! The next one isn't so melodramatic. It is a learning process, isn't it? I get asked a lot if the problem with the fathers and dealing with grief is personal. Of course it is. I have 57 years of imperfection to draw on. Almost 58. Because the message of forgiveness and empathy was so important to my story, I drew on the source that never fails - Bible principles. I didn't want to blow it!

      Thanks so much for stopping by and for your encouragement. Best wishes on the giveaway. Have you checked out the shop? It's AWESOME!!!

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    2. It sounds very fast paced! I can't wait! Good luck!

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  34. Thanks for this awesome giveaway!
    celeste_257@hotmail.com

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    1. It is an awesome giveaway isn't it? I think the winner will have a great time in this shop. Who do you think of when Caroline Bingley is mentioned?

      Thanks for stopping by.

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    2. It is so generous! Good luck!

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  35. I have this book and cannot wait to read it! There just aren't enough hours in the day (or night, if you stay up reading like me) Thank you for the generous giveaway Joy :) tamaraausten77(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Tamara, I can only guess at how busy you are so thank you for spending some of it here. Best wishes for the giveaway.

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    2. I know exactly what you mean! Good luck!!

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  36. I am so excited for this after reading the excerpt!

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    1. patkf2007 (at) hotmail (dot) com

      patkf2007@hotmail.com

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    2. I do hope you get a chance to read A Father's Sins. Thank you for stopping by and entering the giveaway. It ends tonight. Yeah!

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  37. Sophie, this has been a wonderful experience and you are an outstanding hostess. Today is the final day to enter. The winner will be chosen tomorrow. Thank you for your invitation to be a part of Laughing With Lizzie.

    To all who commented - if I counted correctly (math is NOT my strong point) you have a 1 in 33 chance to win. That's pretty good odds. However, to make the odds a bit better - I'm thinking I should add a second place £25 gift card for another commenter. What do you think, Sophie? Can we do this?

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    1. I have really loved hosting you and I will be posting my review very very soon - the book was BRILLIANT! I am entering the names into the selector as we speak :)

      And a 2nd prize as well?! You are so kind!

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"I cannot speak well enough to be unintelligible," therefore I would dearly love for you to comment and let me know what you think!

Thank you for stopping by Laughing With Lizzie and I hope you will take the time to visit again before too long!