Blog Tour: A Fine Stout Love by Renée Beyea - giveaway!

I am thrilled today to be part of the blog tour for the lovely Renée Beyea's release, A Fine Stout Love. My thanks must also go to Jakki of Leatherbound Reviews for asking me to be part of this tour.

Discover what happens when Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy meet fancy and fantasy in this novella-length ensemble of Regency stories.

- What if two inexplicable trails of words led to the Meryton churchyard on the same blustery morning?

- What if Darcy stumbled across suggestive lines of verse following Elizabeth’s stay at Netherfield?

- What if a rumored engagement so thoroughly shocked Lady Catherine that she could not interfere?

- What if Elizabeth learned the last man she would ever marry was the only man she could marry?

- What if every Bennet family member read the love poem Darcy intended only for his bride?

With all the intimacy and lyricism of a chamber concert, these five whimsical shorts will inspire the heart, prompt a smile, and entice readers to many happy returns.

Thank you, Sophie, for hosting me at Laughing with Lizzie and participating in the blog tour for A Fine Stout Love and Other Stories. Each excerpt stop on the tour features an excerpt from a different story. Today’s comes from “Neither Slumber Nor Sleep,” the third story in the collection. Darcy has been prevented from returning to Longbourn to make his second proposal, but an unlikely series of events are set in motion when a weary Elizabeth seeks respite in a London church. Enjoy!

***

Soft footfalls stirred Elizabeth from her repose. Mary must have come to check on her, since she doubted having slept long enough for Jane to complete her shopping and return. And Kitty had never measured up to the stealth of her pet name.

An impish idea flitted through Elizabeth’s mind, and she bit back a smile. Yes, she did dare. Years had passed since they played such a childish game, but the very unexpectedness could only make it more effective. Besides, Mary would benefit from a healthy bout of laughter.

The footsteps continued. One quiet heel click followed by another until, coming even with her pew, they halted.

Elizabeth waited in perfect stillness, forcing herself to feign sleep and heighten the suspense until she could delay no longer.

“The bed’s mine,” she exclaimed, opening her eyes and thrusting her hands in the air all at once.

Her observer leapt backwards and collided with the opposite pew. Black clad arms and legs wheeled like a windmill. Unable to regain his footing, the man capsized, and she was regaled with his upturned soles.

“Oh, I am so sorry, sir.” Elizabeth jumped up and crossed the aisle, already framing her apologies to the rector. “Are you hurt?”

The dark eyes of none other than Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy stared at her from his recumbent position on the pew bench. He shoved himself to his elbows. “Miss Bennet!”

She curtseyed but did not know where to look. If the heat in her cheeks was any indication, all her blood must have rushed to her face. Of every possible manner in which she might have encountered him, why must she succumb to a juvenile whim at such a moment?

“Forgive me for not greeting you properly,” he said, “but I find myself momentarily indisposed.”

She forced herself to look at him. His pose was so undignified, reclining with knees elevated over the pew’s end, that were she not overwhelmed by mortification, guilt and shock, she might have laughed. “Er… May I assist you?”

He considered her for a moment and smiled, but did not accept her outstretched hand. His legs found the floor in a smooth motion and he stood. Her eyes followed his face until she was forced to angle her head back. She had forgotten precisely how tall he was. Or how handsome.

“I did not realize you were in Town, sir. Mr. Bingley said you were keeping Christmas in Kent this year.”

“Yes,” he smiled, “we did and are only recently arrived. I did not wish Anne to be alone for her first Christmas without her mother, and she was not strong enough to travel here.”

“How very thoughtful,” Elizabeth said, struck by the fondness and consideration with which Darcy mentioned Miss de Bourgh. Why had it never occurred to her that more than cousinly concern might have kept him in Kent? “May I extend belated condolences for your aunt’s death?”

“Thank you.” He gestured to the pew she recently vacated, clearly wishing an end to the prior subject. “I was making every effort to tread softly and not disrupt your prayers, but...”

“Oh, I was not praying. I mean, I was praying before, but just then I was—” How could she explain?

“Lying in wait for unsuspecting churchgoers?”

“No. Yes. For my sister anyway, you see—” She laughed despite her embarrassment. “I only meant to surprise her with a very silly game we devised in our girlhood.”

“That will not do at all.” He shook his head. “I require a better explanation for being compelled to such an indignity.”

She could not decide if he was humored or offended. “In which case I am afraid I must disappoint you, sir, as a better explanation does not exist.”

“Come, Miss Bennet, you may at least acquaint me with the particulars of how this game is played.”

“If you wish, but it is of no consequence.”

The corners of his eyes creased. “Your resistance has aroused my curiosity.”

AUTHOR BIO

Renée Beyea holds an undergraduate writing degree from Taylor University and a Master of Divinity from Fuller Seminary. She serves as full-time wife, mother to two sons, and ministry partner with her husband, an Anglican priest and chaplain. Her free time is devoted to crafting stories and composing poetry that delight the senses and touch the soul.

AUTHOR CONTACT and SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

·         Email: renee.beyea@gmail.com

·         Website: www.reneebeyea.com

·         Facebook: www.facebook.com/reneebeyea

·         Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27147359-a-fine-stout-love-and-other-stories?from_search=true&search_version=service

GIVEAWAY!!!

8 books up for grabs - including up to 4 paperback - open internationally! Follow the below link to enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My thanks again goes to Renée for this fun excerpt! My thanks also to Jakki for setting up this tour.

I wish Renée all the best with this release as well as any stories in the future!

Your affectionate friend,