Tuesdays are special days in the book world. They are the designated release days in publishing—and today is the debut of Austenesque author Shannon Winslow’s latest novel, Miss Georgiana Darcy of Pemberley.
I am very pleased to welcome Shannon to Austenprose today in celebration of the release and official opening of her blog tour sponsored by her publisher Heather Ridge Arts. Miss Georgiana Darcy of Pemberley is a new Austenesque novel told from the point of view of its eponymous heroine. The story parallels Winslow’s best-selling The Darcys of Pemberley.
Shannon has generously offered a guest blog sharing her inspiration to write her new novel—and to add to the festivities—we will be offering an amazing selection of giveaway prizes. Just leave a comment following this blog post to enter. The contest details are listed below. Good luck to all.
Please join us in welcoming Shannon Winslow:
Thank you, Laurel Ann, for generously offering to host the launch of my new novel! I’m very excited to be here at Austenprose again and to share with your readers my inspiration for writing Miss Georgiana Darcy of Pemberley.
After spending a very satisfying year in the world of Persuasion, researching and writing The Persuasion of Miss Jane Austen, I felt a strong pull to return to my first love: Pride and Prejudice. But what could I write about it? I had two sequels already, and with all the lose ends tied neatly up in bows by the end of the second (Return to Longbourn), I didn’t immediately see any opening for a third. So I was considering a variation instead when the idea hit me; I could write a variation of my own popular novel – The Darcys of Pemberley – this time from Georgiana’s point of view!
In The Darcys of Pemberley (my first Pride and Prejudice sequel), I told the story primarily through Elizabeth’s eyes and focused more than anything else on her relationship with her intriguing husband during their early married life. But there was a third Darcy represented in the title: Miss Georgiana. The tale of her courtship played only a secondary role in the book, however, and I sometimes worried I had shortchanged her by making it so.
I suppose, when I first wrote the book, I could have switched back and forth between the two Darcy ladies’ points of view, to give Georgiana more space on the page. Many modern authors skillfully do that kind of thing. Jane Austen never did, however, and her example was my model for The Darcys of Pemberley.
But four years later, I was still thinking there might be more to Georgiana’s side of the story that deserved to be told, and still wondering what I should do about it. Simmering on the back burner, I had the idea that I might eventually attempt a second edition – longer this time, to accommodate an expansion of Georgiana’s part.
Then I happened to remember a pair of novels by Julia Quinn that I had read and enjoyed a few years earlier: The Lost Duke of Wyndham and Mr. Cavendish, I Presume. It was essentially the same storyline in both books, just told from the widely divergent viewpoints of the two gentlemen involved. One filled in the hidden thoughts and the “off-camera” scenes of the other. What’s more, it worked beautifully! Each novel stood well on its own merit, but together they made a fuller, more complete story.
There was my answer, I realized, both for what to write next and for how to do better justice to Georgiana’s character. Instead of planning a second edition of The Darcys of Pemberley, therefore, I decided to write this new novel from her point of view, as a companion piece.
So I set about exploring for the rest of the story, poking through Georgiana’s mind for what she’d been thinking and doing all those times she’d been out of our sight before. What childhood trauma contributed most to shaping her character? Were Darcy and Elizabeth the perfect guardians and surrogate parents in her opinion, or not so much? Under Georgiana’s calm exterior, was there a dangerous storm of discontent brewing? And what secret ambition had she not revealed even to her closest friend?
Turns out I was right; there was a lot more to Georgiana’s story worth knowing!
Miss Georgiana Darcy of Pemberley can certainly be appreciated on its own. But for those who have already read The Darcys of Pemberley, perhaps a few years ago now, this companion novel will feel like a visit home with old friends who have new tales to tell. You’ll find fresh views of Darcy and Elizabeth along with a few flashbacks to Pride and Prejudice as well.
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Miss Georgiana better through this book. I hope you will too!
Thank you again Shannon for visiting with us today. Best wishes with your new book!
AUTHOR BIO
Shannon Winslow specializes in writing fiction for the fans of Jane Austen. Her popular debut novel, The Darcys of Pemberley, immediately established her place in the genre, being particularly praised for authentic Austenesque style and faithfulness to the original characters. Since that bright beginning, the author has followed with two more Pride and Prejudice sequels (Return to Longbourn and Miss Georgiana Darcy of Pemberley), a stand-alone Austen-style story (For Myself Alone), and a novel starring Jane Austen herself (The Persuasion of Miss Jane Austen). With no shortage of inspiration, Winslow promises more romance and happy endings to come.
Her two sons now grown, Shannon Winslow lives with her husband in the log home they built in the countryside south of Seattle, where she writes and paints in her studio facing Mt. Rainier.
Learn more at Shannon’s website/blog (www.shannonwinslow.com). Follow her on Twitter as @JaneAustenSays, and on Facebook.
Thank you for joining in the celebration of the release of Miss Georgiana Darcy of Pemberley. Please visit other stops along the blog tour in July and August, 2015, where you will find additional guest blogs by Shannon Winslow, book reviews and giveaway chances.
TOUR SCHEDULE
- July 21 – Austenprose
- July 22 – Austen Variations
- July 28 – So Little Time… So Much to Read
- July 31 – My Jane Austen Book Club
- Aug 04 – Faith, Hope, and Cherry Tea
- Aug 11 – More Agreeably Engaged
- Aug 19 – Austenesque Reviews
- Aug 24 – The Book Rat
Miss Georgiana Darcy of Pemberley, by Shannon Winslow
Heather Ridge Arts (2015)
Trade paperback & eBook (280) pages
ISBN: 978-0989025911
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads
- Read an exclusive excerpt of Miss Georgiana Darcy of Pemberley
- Read our review of The Darcy’s of Pemberley
- Read our review of For Myself Alone
- Read our review of Return to Longbourn
- Read our review of The Persuasion of Miss Jane Austen
Cover image courtesy of Heather Ridge Arts © 2015, text Shannon Winslow © 2015, Austenprose.com
I can’t single out just the one character from my beloved Pride and Prejudice. All of the characters have their roles to play out to make this book so special.
I’m looking forward to catching up with all of Shannon Winslow’s books.
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What intrigues me about Miss Georgiana Darcy of Pemberley will be finding out how she truly views her brother and sister-in-law. I’d love to know if she really thought they were suitable guardians, and if she was indeed content with her life. I’ve always liked Georgiana as a character, and would appreciate learning more about her in Ms. Winslow’s new book.
Congratulations Shannon Winslow on the launch of your new book.
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Pick out a favourite character? – difficult, but probably the Colonel. Interested to find out what the thoughts of Miss Darcy are – has she really recovered from Wickham, what does she think of the Bennets
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A favorite P&P character? tough question. I have multiple answers and at one point or another almost all could be “favorites” : for most comic it is usually Mr Collins, for most outgoing – Lydia, for the relative I would prefer NOT to have – definitely Lady Catherine, for one I would like to see happier – Anne, the one I would like to have at a dinner party and by my side in a fight- the Colonel!
I do look forward to hearing Georgiana’s thoughts in the new book!
Thanks for the interesting question and the giveaway.
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You will definitely find at least one of your wishes fulfilled in this book, Theresa!
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My favorite character in P&P would have to be Elizabeth. I love her energy, her wit, and her love for her family.
Thanks for such a wonderful giveaway!
Pam
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Congratulations, Shannon! I have read and enjoyed all of Ms. Winslow’s books, and appreciate her gentle and faithful rendition of all of our favorite characters in P&P. My favorite has to be Elizabeth Bennett… ALWAYS!! But I do love her friend Charlotte and sweet Georgiana as well so will enjoy getting to know her better.
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Congratulations to Shannon and thank you for the generous give away including international shipment for all items
I am intrigued by this new book – I want to find out more about Wickham and Georgiana plus more on Georgiana and her brother Fitzwilliam Darcy and Georgiana and Elizabeth and the rest of the Bennet family.
What about Mrs Annesley and how she gets on with the Darcy family. The there is Mr and Mrs Gardiner and their enjoyment of both Pemberley and getting to know all the Darcy family and the relationships to be explored.
In short I am looking forward to reading this book and long to get reading.
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Another Mrs. Annesley fan? I’ll admit, Ann, that at first she didn’t even make a mention in this book. But then at least two of my beta readers asked, “But what about Mrs. Annesley?” I had no idea she was such a popular character! Perhaps I’ll have to write HER story next. Haha!
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I love the idea of giving Georgiana her own story–a past, dreams, desires, loves, hopes–all those things we see realized in Elizabeth, I hope we can find for sweet Georgiana!
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Congratulations Shannon on your release! I can’t wait to read Georgiana story.
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This is an exciting idea for a new Austenesque novel. Congratulations to you, Shannon, and thank you for the giveaway.
Elizabeth is my favorite of all Jane Austen’s
creations and I am anxious to see her
through Georgiana’s eyes!
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Elizabeth is my favorite character. I have two obstinate, headstrong girls myself.
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While I of course adore Elizabeth, I also love her father, Mr. Bennet — quick-witted, smart, and a loving father, even if he stands in the shadow of his obnoxious wife. I could imagine having a pint with him and rolling our eyes over the antics of his ditzy female relatives, while debating politics and philosophy.
I’ve not read much Austen fanfiction, but I have always been really intrigued with Georgiana, and wanted to see her story continued!
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Most everyone will say that Elizabeth Bennett is their favorite and she is mine also. There are many things about her I really like. But their are other characters in the book that run a close second!! Mr. Bingly, Georgianna, Lydia are all interesting in their own ways. Any one of them could have more written about them. An interesting book might be about the relationship of Lydia and Wickham and their marriage. I recently saw Death comes to Pemberly and enjoyed it very much.
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Elizabeth is my favorite, hands down. Thank you for the lovely giveaway!
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Hello! I just love Mr Darcy! Though, I must admit I am looking forward to a fresh perspective of the story of Pride and Prejudice (it.) from a fresh voice via a new romance. As the author, I have always thought there is more to Georgiana’s story!
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Elizabeth is my favorite character. Thanks for this wonderful giveaway.
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Elizabeth is also my favourite character of Pride and Prejudice. I have often wondered about Giorgiana and wondered how she felt if she was not lonely without the company of her brother.
I have very much enjoyed other books of Shannon so I am looking forward to explore this new book from the viewpoint of Giorgiana. Congratulations Shannon.
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I am intrigued by the insights we can get on Georgiana through this novel. As it was said earlier, we don’t know Much about her. i would like to see her interaction with her sister-in-law (Lizzy).
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Hello, thank You for the giveaway.
I am suite intrigued by insights we will have in this novel on Georgiana. And I also want to see her relationship with Lizzy evolve.
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Congratulation for the release & the blog tour for Miss Georgiana Darcy of Pemberley :)
Thank’s for this excerpt , sounds great & I love the cover !!!
My favorite character is Lizzie
Thank you for this amazing giveaway :)
Miette
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I am excited to read this new book as I enjoyed the first book so much! I’m pleased to be entered into the contest!
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My favorite Pride and Prejudice character is Elizabeth Bennet, of course!
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I read The Darcys of Pemberley and I loved it, so I think it’s a wonderful idea to make Georgiana tell the story from her point of view. I can’t wait!
I don’t know what is my favourite character from Pride and Prejudice, every time I read it, it seems different to me, every character is unique, but I like very much Charles and Jane, they are sweet and good without being boring.
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Tough choice! I think I will go with Mr. Darcy. He is always taking responsibility for everything and taking care of everyone and so in need of someone taking care of him.
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My favorite Character in Pride and Prejudice is Jane because I love the way she sees the world. I wish I could be so cheerful and calm all the time. I’ve always wanted a more indepth view of the other characters.
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If I don’t win, can I buy a copy of the grand prize? It’s gorgeous!!!
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You’re the second person to ask that, Claudine! Perhaps I’ll have to start a sideline selling art prints. :)
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I have always loved Mary. I think she is the dark horse. The misunderstood sister. I love her piano fetish and awkwardness.
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In that case, Patti, be sure to read my “Return to Longbourn.” It’s really Mary’s book!
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Now I want a block of time to re-read the two books together. I wonder how many, if any, of the viewpoints will coincide vis’a’vis remind me of a Regency version of the game of telephone.
Shannon’s book provide not only a good story but an in-depth reading experience–my favorite kind of entertainment. Thank you so much for past and future P&P books.
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Congrats Shannon!! I am so excited for your new release and eagerly await to read it and add this lovely book to my collection of your books. I love all your covers and this one is especially lovely.
As for my favorite character, it’s a toss up between Lizzie and Darcy but in the end, I would have to choose Darcy. He is strong, independent and slightly arrogant, but when push comes to shove, he will always do what he can for those he loves. And this love includes anything for Lizzie, even without hope for her love in return. Just for her happiness, is the reason he acts. That devotion is endearing to say the least.
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I’m starting to take up quite a bit of space on your bookshelf, Liz, aren’t I? And a little bit on your wall as well. I feel very honored!
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I love adaptations to Pride and Prejudice, as its my favorite book! I think my favorite character has to be Lizzie!
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You would think that since Pride & Prejudice is my favorite book, it would be easy to pick a favorite character, but this is tough. Mr. Darcy is the guy we all want to marry, Elizabeth is the witty woman we want to be. Georgiana has intrigued me as I wondered how she viewed herself, how she related to Elizabeth, if she was secretly in love with Colonel Fitzwilliam. Can’t wait to read this!
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It has to be elizabeth..such a strong woman,knows her own mind..and she gets her mr darcy :-) we all want one of those!
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Elizabeth is my favourite. I love her witty mind. I’d like to have her patience with silly people. Though her sister Jane is better at that.
I just loved The Persuasion of Miss Jane Austen. I offered the book to my best friend. Thankfully, she loves Jane’s books too. This new novel is on my wishlist ;)
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So glad to hear you’re a fan of The Persuasion of Miss Jane Austen, and that you’re recommending it to friends. Thank you! It’s less popular than my P&P books, but I think it’s quite possibly my best. :D
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Persuasion is one of my Jane Austen favorites! And your book is still on my wish list. :( haven’t got it yet.
As far as Pride and Prejudice, and my favorite character, I vary back and forth between Elizabeth, Darcy and Col. Fitzwilliam. I’ve got a few unfavorites, too, but realize they are necessary evils for there to be a story.
Congratulations on the release of your new book, and thank you for this generous giveaway!
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My favorite character in P&P has changed over the years, and would now be Darcy – maybe from reading variations. Would love to see the story from Georgiana’s perspective – great choice and great prizes! Thank you!
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Elizabeth Bennet is my favorite character. She is smart, witty, and can analyze her own mistakes in determining the characters of others.
I have read “The Darcys of Pemberly” and thoroughly enjoyed the writing. I am looking forward to Ms. Winslow”s latest book! Congratulations!
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I just LOVED the first three books and can’t wait to read this one! I appreciated that the variations kept the characters true to the way that Austen wrote them while exploring new ideas. Anything less would not do for Georgianna. :-)
Please just enter me for the eBook, I am living in the Dominican Republic. Thanks!
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I love that you LOVED three of my books, Danielle! But now I’m dying of curiosity as to which one you missed, since I have four out before this one. Haha!
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My favorite P&P character besides the obvious D&E is Colonel Fitzwilliam. I love seeing variations where he plays a larger role. I am thrilled to see another release from you! Congratulations and thank you for the generous giveaway!
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What intrigues me is that the Julia Quinn books (The Lost Duke of Wyndham and Mr. Cavendish, I Presume) are the only other set of books I can think of that I have read that are written with that type of plotting and format-and I loved them. I also think that Georgiana is a great spin-off character. This sounds like such a great idea and book.
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Much though I love Georgiana I have to say that Elizabeth will always be my favorite.
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Congratulations on your new release, Shannon. I hope you will continue to write more Austenesque stories and published them.
My favourite character from P&P is Elizabeth Bennet. I aspire to be like her – intelligent and witty but not the bad traits such as prejudice and judgemental of people.
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Congratulations Shannon on the launch of your new book. I look forward to reading it. Colonel Fitzwilliam is one of my favorite characters of P&P. He’s just like me, as he can relate easy to conversations with strangers. For example…I’m a city girl (born & raised) and I married a guy , born and raised on a working farm. Talk about opposites! When he took me to Minnesota to meet his family, they thought I was quite different as I conversed with everyone. There was no shyness about me! His uncle said I was “a keeper.”
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That’s a real gift, Diane. I’m better now, but I started out as shy as Georgiana!
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I would have to say that my favorite character in Pride and Prejudice is Mr. Darcy, the reason being that my husband is so much like the character. He speaks very little, is often misunderstood and hates social situations…..
Congratulations on the release and thank you for the generous give away. I can’t wait to read this book!
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I think Elizabeth is my favorite character, but as others have said I love them all in different ways.
I am looking forward to seeing what you think Georgiana was really thinking about our heroes.
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I’ve always identified with Georgiana—that’s why I’m so interested to read Miss Georgiana Darcy of Pemberley! I love the cover art on your books; it’s lovely and captures the setting so well.
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Congratulations on the release. I will be reading this as I have read all your other books and enjoyed them so. And I did read the chapters you posted so got a flavor of the story.
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As much as I hate to be predictable, I have to go with Lizzie. But a close second and third are Georgiana and the Gardiners. Looking forward to digging deeper into Georgiana’s perspectives!
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This is definitely on my TBR pile. I was so excited when it showed up on my Kindle. The anticipation is high, but I’m in the middle of another book right now. Sigh!!!
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Looking forward to reading this!
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It’s impossible to pick just one favorite character, they all intrigue me, and I dearly love reading variations of their individual stories. It’s easier to pick my least favorite character, hands down it’s Lady Catherine. I would surely detest having her as a relative!!
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Everyone favors Elizabeth, however, I have a wrench to throw into it all, It is hard to pick but Colonel Fitzwilliam is loved and one of my favorites for his dedication to the Darcys and second of all to his humor in all things bringing Darcy out of some terrible moods. Also, I put Darcy up there with the Colonel for his dedication to his family and friends and his love and devotion Lizzy.
I have read you novels and appreciate the giveaway. I do have all except for Miss Georgianna Darcy of Pemberley in book form.
Thank you for all you do to make our reading pleasureable.
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As you can guess, Col. Fitzwilliam features prominently in this book too. I see him as a man fiercely dedicated to family, despite his outwardly cavalier attitude. And I think his friendship is very important for offsetting Darcy’s tendency to dark moods, just as you have described.
Thank you for your support, MaryAnn!
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oooh!! how did I almost miss this giveaway…..
please count me in for it!!!!
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I have enjoyed your previous books, and look forward to reading this one.
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I don’t know if I have just one favorite character… Both Darcy and Elizabeth are my favorite. It’s the reason I continue to read so many fan fiction stories about them. Just can’t seem to get enough.
Thank you for the wonderful giveaways!
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What an interesting approach to a new novel! I have always loved hearing the story from different characters’ perspectives (my introduction to JAFF came via Pamela Aiden’s An Assembly Such As This; I could not wait to get my hands on the second and third volumes of the trilogy!), so your approach really intrigues me. Best of luck with the new release!
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If I had to choose a favorite character, it would be Elizabeth. I’m intrigued by the prospect of getting inside Georgiana’s head. I love when authors put the secondary characters at the forefront. Thanks for the giveaway!
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I find it so very interesting that you chose Georgiana. I always thought myself that there was much more here concerning this character. Can’t wait to read the book! Good luck, great post.
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What intrigues me about this is that its from the point of view from Georgiana. Shes one of my favorite characters since I can relate to her alot.
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My favorite character is Lizzy Bennet. I have always always been intrigued by Georgiana and I can’t wait to read her story. I love your books!
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I’m not original in selecting Lizzy as my favorite, in part because we know the most about her. Some of my other favorite variations, however, focus on Col. F.
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Mr. Darcy is my favorite character, but I also like Elizabeth and Georgiana. I have one of Shannon’s books.
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