Sunday, March 30, 2014

Pride and Persistence by Jeanna Ellsworth and giveaway!


I am very excited and honoured to be reviewer number one for Jeanna Ellsworth's newly published book, Pride and Persistence!  I read her first story, Mr Darcy's Promise (review here), quite a few months ago and it was brilliant and so I have been looking forward to the next story from this author for a long time!

"Undaunted by a threatening storm, Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley insists he must deliver his letter to Miss Elizabeth Bennet–– then tragedy strikes. Riddled with guilt, Elizabeth comes to the aid of the comatose Mr. Darcy and stays by his side until he regains consciousness. She soon learns that although Mr. Darcy has awoken, he has not returned to himself. And with no memory of his first disastrous proposal, he has concluded that there is nothing he wants more than to propose to Miss Elizabeth.  This humorous journey of love leaves one asking, does persistence pacify prejudice? Can Elizabeth see the real gentleman behind the injury, a man who persists in professing his love to her every chance he gets? In this Regency variation of Jane Austen’s beloved Pride and Prejudice, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet both learn the value of persistence."

If you would like to find out a little more about the author as well as the latest story, then have a look at my interview with her from a few days ago here.

My first reaction after finishing the story: brilliant! This was an amusing, yet romantic, journey to love for Darcy and Elizabeth, under very different, and difficult, circumstances.  The premise of the book intrigued me as I had not come across a story involving memory loss resulting in multiple marriage proposals before!

There is so much I could, and wish to, say about this book but I do want to give anything away, so you shall just have to read the story for yourself.

I shall mention a few things, however, to wet your appetite...

If you are anything like me with Pride and Prejudice variations, you want the most important people in the story, Darcy and Elizabeth, to have centre stage for most of the book. If this is the case, then read this book. Darcy and Elizabeth have plenty of screen time - or rather page time - due to the nature of Darcy's injuries confining him to one room, one room which Elizabeth is very rarely not in.  The relationship between the two of them is very unique and most certainly far from conventional, or proper; Darcy struggles with a broken ankle and memory problems and Elizabeth seems to be the only one who can calm Darcy in his confused state. As Elizabeth feels rather responsible for the accident, she refuses to leave his side and does all she can to help his recovery, even if it means enduring a  marriage proposal and declaration of love every day!  Seeing how Elizabeth's opinion and view of Darcy changes as she sees him for who he truly is, his real character becoming more evident and clear in his confused state, is touching. We are also able to see the more caring and compassionate side to Elizabeth's nature. It is possible to learn so much more about someone when the rules of propriety are abandoned due to extraordinary circumstances!

As well as having a very different relationship with Darcy, Elizabeth also has interesting relationships with other secondary characters in the story. A few favourites of those for me would be with Colonel Fitzwilliam, and two new additions; Madeline, the nurse in charge of Darcy's care, and Mrs Wilkinson, the Collins's cook.

The Colonel is a wonderful character, as he generally is expected to be! He plays an interesting role in the story and even turns his hand to match-making! The bond of trust and the sense of openness which he and Elizabeth build throughout the story is sweet, as well as results in some rather amusing situations!

Madeleine is a very caring lady who comes to know Elizabeth very well due to the amount of time she spends in the sick room with Madeline, thanks to the positive effect only Elizabeth seems to be able to have on Darcy. Madeline also begins to entertain thoughts about the true nature of the relationship between these two young people before her...

Mrs Wilkinson was a favourite of mine. She becomes, in a way, the mother Elizabeth never had, as she is able to confide in her very easily, and in turn, Mrs Wilkinson has some very beneficial advice for Elizabeth. They share a very special relationship, regardless of the fact that her skills as a cook are sadly lacking! 

You will find Lady Catherine to have a very interesting and interfering role in the story, as you would expect, but you also learn the truth about her past ,which, I can assure you, you will not be expecting!

You will also find Mr Collins to be a very silly character and this story will provide you with some... lasting images, let's just say. Mr Bennet, too, brings his share of the humour to the story, however with Mr Bennet you will be laughing with him, rather than at him as you with Mr Collins.

Something which I loved about this author's first story was the use of metaphors and symbolism throughout the story. There were similar metaphors to be found in this second story, thanks to Colonel Fitzwilliam in this one. The Colonel's metaphor of the 'storm' is a very clever metaphor and it is extremely important for Elizabeth and her relationship with Mr Darcy - but I shall not ruin it for you! I loved how the metaphor is slowly explained, little by little, throughout the story. The clever use of symbolism and metaphoric language is one of my favourite aspects to this author's style of writing.

I have often remarked on the humour in this story, however it is also a very romantic story (whilst staying completely clean, which is how I like my stories to be.) While Darcy continually forgetting the fact that he has already proposed to Elizabeth, multiple times, is amusing to read (at times during his confused state I just wanted to hug him he was so sweet!) it is also very touching to see how his proposals are improving each time, making it harder and harder for Elizabeth to refuse him.

However you can be assured that it all works out eventually! Something I particularly enjoyed in Mr Darcy's Promise was that the understanding was reached between Darcy and Lizzy before the last page of the book, as is the case with many stories. I like to read about the occasional stolen kiss and the intimate and open conversations between the pair once the majority of the obstacles have been overcome.  So, of course, I was thrilled to find that this was also the case for this second story; it was not 'they kiss, they marry, the end', all on the last page!

As well as this, there is a delightful epilogue, set not long after the conclusion of the story (which I much prefer to skipping to years and years later) and never has an epilogue made me smile so much! All loose ends and the futures of the characters we have come to love are tied up in a very neat, satisfactory and perfectly appropriate way considering all the events of the story - I defy anyone not to smile and sigh with contentment whilst reading the concluding pages of this wonderful story! Who doesn't love a happy ending?

Read chapter one of Pride and Persistence here, as well as find out about her other stories due to be published soon here.

A thoroughly enjoyable read, particularly when you need a good book to cheer you up, and it is the perfect book for curling up with after a trying day at work; brilliantly funny and wonderfully romantic which will leave you feeling perfectly content and with a huge grin on your face - well I did anyway!
 
**GIVEAWAY - ends Friday, April 4th**

In celebration of the release, the lovely Jeanna is offering 1 paperback copy (US only) and 1 ebook copy (international) of her story.

To enter, leave a comment below and the two winners shall be picked randomly.
Please leave your email address and state whether you will be entering for the paperback or the ebook. I will then pass on the winners email addresses to Jeanna who will be in touch.

This will only be a short giveaway - I'm going on holiday! - and so it will end Friday, April 4th!

Good luck, and thank you again to Jeanna for offering this giveaway! And good luck with the book!

Your affectionate friend,
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53 comments:

  1. Oh how I love Pride and Prejudice inspired books. This one sounds wonderful....centered around Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth, clean, a peek in on the other beloved characters. I know I would love a paperback copy of this book. Thx for the giveaway opportunity.
    Liglesias3 [at] gmail [dot] com

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    1. I love fan fiction as well, especially pride and prejudice inspired books! Good luck!

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  2. I read this when It was being posted on A Happy Assembly and it stuck in the memory, such a unique variation, so many of them blend into each other, but memory loss and multiple proposals?! I'd love to see how the finished version differs. Please can I enter for the ebook version? Frawli1978 (at) gmail (dot) com

    Thanks for the giveaway, and enjoy your holiday!

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    1. I know they can blend together when you read so many, but this is so unique! Good luck!

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  3. I've never been interested in variations of Pride & Prejudice, but this one sounds wonderful!
    I would love to be able to win a paperback copy of this book! My e-mail address is MKMissy01@gmail.com.
    Thank you so much for the opportunity!

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    1. Oh variations are worth checking out! I didn't think I would like them but I am now hooked! This would be a good starting point! Good luck!

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  4. Having enjoyed reading Jeanna's Darcy's Promise, I look forward to reading this

    meikleblog at gmail dot com

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    1. Mr Darcy's Promise was brilliant also. Good luck!

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  5. Poor Mr Darcy! I can't imagine he in a bed with a diseases!
    I would like the ebook and my e-mail is LorenDushku@gmail.com
    Thank you for the opportunity! And happy holyday!

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    1. Yes he is very sweet and vulnerable! Good luck and thanks re holiday! :D

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  6. Mmhh... I'm very curious about Lady Catherine!!
    Here is my e-mail: 8zeronove4@excite.it (ebook)
    Bye!

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    1. Lady Catherine is very interesting in this story! Good luck!

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  7. This book has a plot interesting; I had read in AHA, and I enjoyed so much it. I am sure the edition end will be the best.
    The cover is precious, and I would want to know who is the designer? It is a good job.
    I am glad to win a copy e-book ;) My email is warmisunquc(arroba)gmail(dot)com
    Thank you for the opportunity of win a copy.

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    1. It is a great story! I don't know the cover artist but her work is amazing! I will ask Jeanna for you. Good luck!

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    2. The cover is an original painting by artist Rebecca Watkins and the graph is design artist is Kara Watkins of Idio Design. Both are reasonably priced and great to work with. If you want their contact info then message me on facebook (author's page is Jeanna Ellsworth) or Email me at jeanna.ellsworth (at) yahoo.com. So glad you like it!

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  8. Not only is the cover is brilliant, the story too is very interesting. I like that you state the things that you love about the book, Mrs Darcy. Thanks for the giveaway, Jeanna. Please enter me for the e-book as I'm international.

    evangelineace2020(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. The cover is lovely and the story inside is just as lovely! And thank you for your comments. I am glad you enjoy my style of reviewing. Good luck!

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  9. You do make it sound appealing, I'll definitely be adding it to my 'to read' list, and winning a copy would be even better.

    I'm in the UK so I'm entering for the e-book copy. My e-mail address is Louisexff@gmail.com

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    1. Definitely worth adding to your to-read list! Good luck!

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  10. I really want to read this! I am in the USA, entering for the paperback copy.My email address is dramaqueen4ever96@gmail.com

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  11. I love everything Jane! :-) I have all of the books and all of the movie versions of ALL her books... Just finished reading Death at Pemberley, looking forward to purchasing the movie.. also purchased Lost In Austen.. another brilliant re-working... Now reading Death at Netherfield.... ingenius.... I would LOVE the paperback... I prefer "books" over technology.. My email is marytarpinian@yahoo.com

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    1. I need to read Death at Pemberley as I loved the mini series! Good luck!

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  12. This is such an intriguing book I just have to have a bash at the giveaway!
    Thanks, Jeanna and Sophie, I'm so looking forward to reading this!

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    1. Yes definitely worth a read! Good luck Joana :D

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  13. Thanks for the give-away opportunity. Excellent review! Just when I think all of the ideas surrounding Jane Austen 'fan-fic' have been exhausted here comes another totally unique twist!

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    1. Thank you! I thought I was coming to the end but then this one comes along - very unique! Good luck!

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  14. Thanks for this great opportunity. I'm so excited!
    I would love to win the paperback book.
    rosebudsinjune at gmail dot com

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  15. Thanks for offering this giveaway! The book looks really interesting! I am entering for the paperback book.
    My email is professionalbookworm418 (at) gmail (dot) com.

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  16. This sounds so exciting! I loved the first book by Jeanna and I am looking forward to this one :) Multiple marriage proposals?? Can't wait!
    Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy. I'm international.
    newyorkgirl82(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. I am so pleased you liked the first one and you will love this one as well, if not more! Good luck!

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  17. Lovely post. This books sounds wonderful and I cannot wait to get my hands on it! Thanks for the giveaway! I would love to win the paperback!!:)
    kellik115(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  18. I would LOVE to read the paperback!! :D flutterbug95@gmail.com

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  19. These have all been so fun to read!Thank you Sophie for the review, it was so amazing. It truly made my day! What kind things you all have said. Good luck on the giveaway and thank you all for participating and commenting! There is a Facebook page for Pride and Persistence as well as my author's page, Jeanna Ellsworth. Make sure to like both pages for any future chances of winning the book from other blogs if you do not win on this one! This is the best part of writing: seeing the reaction from the readers. Thanks again for commenting! I wish all of you could win!

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    1. You are welcome! Thank YOU for the wonderful book! :D

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  20. Oh i read this on A Happy Assembly. Loved it then. Would love to get a ecopy though. carterkristina2 (at) gmail (dot) com. Thanks!

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    1. I am glad you enjoyed the unedited version! Good luck!

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  21. Sounds fun! I am entering for the paperback, but would take the e-book, too!

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  22. Patricia Finnegan3 April 2014 at 13:03

    the cover is gorgeous!

    I am entering for either of them. I have a nook

    patkf2007@hotmail.com

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  23. This sounds fun! I too am hooked on variations after I swore I would never read one.

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    1. I know! I never thought I would read and enjoy variations! But I do! Good luck!

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  24. I bought Mr Darcy's promise this week! Great review Soph, I read about this story months ago but for the life of me couldn't track down where I had read about it, so glad I have found it and it is finished and published. Thank you Jeanna & Soph for the giveaway! If I win, Ebook for me please tamaraausten77(at)gmail.com

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    1. Enjoy Mr Darcy's Promise! It was also brilliant! And thank you :) I am glad you have been able to find it again as well! Good luck!

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  25. Thank you all for commenting! AND Thank you Sophie! It was such a great review! I have really enjoyed reading these comments and I feel how excited everyone is! I wish you could all win. Good luck!

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    1. You are welcome Jeanna! Thank you for the giveaway, but more importantly, the story itself! I am just going to go and do the draw!

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  26. I read this when it was on AHA, and Jeanna took some feedback there that I know will make this even better! She's the Queen of metaphors, and the variations on the multiple proposals, as well as the progress of Elizabeth's awareness, make this a nice story. Plus the cover is more than awesome. I make the German pancake every so often, too, Jeanna!
    suzanlauder at gmail dot com

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    1. The Queen of Metaphors - that she is! Good luck!

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