Austen Authors October 17, 2016: A New Novella and a Giveaway

Please note that the giveaway mentioned in the title and body of this post is closed. 

I’m so excited to announce that I have a new novella coming out in a week or so! I’m always excited about new ones, of course, but I’m particularly happy with this one because it’s my first as a professional author. 🙂

Most of you know by now that I left the teaching profession this summer to write full time. I also bought a beautiful old house, so I moved at the same time that I made a career change. All that combined to give me a massive case of writer’s block, which made me question my decision to leave education. But, as this had not been a spur-of-the-moment decision, I made it all a matter of prayer, and following a needed kick in the pants from Rose and some help from Leenie to plan a strategy, I was able to finish the story I began writing back in June. What a relief! 🙂

The story’s premise is that Mary Bennet meets Darcy first, and decides that he is perfect for Elizabeth. At first, it seems that the path to love is quick and easy, but then something happens that threatens their happily ever after. Never fear, though…I am not one to leave Our Dear Couple hanging or alone forever (that’s way too much like real life and who wants that in their leisure reading??) so it is resolved pretty quickly.

Enjoy this short excerpt from The Essence of Love, and when you are finished, you can read the details of the giveaway.

~~~***~~~

At that moment, they arrived at the drawing room, where their aunt and uncle awaited them. Before they had a chance to settle into seats, the butler, Mr. Clarke, stepped into the room and announced the visitors.

“Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy and Miss Georgiana Darcy.”

“Mr. Darcy, Miss Darcy, welcome! Come in, come in.” Lord Watts greatly enjoyed being a host and was eager to get the evening underway.

“Thank you for inviting us, sir.” Mr. Darcy began, his attention focused on his host. “My sister and I have been eagerly awaiting this event.”

“Wonderful!” Lord Watts turned to his family. “The ladies have done nothing but chatter about it all day, as well.”

Darcy smiled as he, too, turned his attention to the ladies. He greeted his hostess and his sister’s friend, then noticed a new person standing beside Miss Bennet. He was struck by her sparkling, laughing eyes and the half-smile that graced her face. Not removing his gaze from her, he asked his host for an introduction.

“Certainly! This is another of my nieces, Mary’s older sister, Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Elizabeth, this is Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy.”

Darcy reached out to grasp Elizabeth’s hand. Bowing over it, he resisted the urge to kiss it, instead forcing himself to stand up but retaining the delicate hand in his grasp. “I am pleased to meet you, Miss Bennet.”

Elizabeth startled at the sound of his deep voice. She blushed, curtseying and returning his greeting. Her attention had been riveted by the tall, handsome man when he entered the room, and his warm touch made her heart race. For that reason, she made no move to pull her hand away, though she knew very well that she should.

~~~***~~~

I am giving away one ebook and one signed print copy of The Essence of Love. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post between now and 11:59 pm ET on October 23rd, and you will be entered.

PLEASE NOTE that the book is not due to publish until October 24th, so the ebook prize will not come to the winner until a couple days after that date, and the print copy will probably be a few days after that. Best wishes for a win!  

NOTE: The giveaway mentioned in this post is closed!

essence-love-burton-thumb

NOTE: The giveaway mentioned in this post is closed!

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