Blog Tour Opening by author Amy D'Orazio
Maria Grazia, thank you so much for being hosting my “coming-out” party for The Best Part of Love! I hope that everyone will enjoy this book as much as I enjoyed writing it.
The story started with a simple
premise — what if Elizabeth Bennet wasn’t what she seemed? What if Darcy came
to know her as the country maiden of limited means and poor connexions … and
then discovered she was something entirely different?
There have been some excellent books
by very talented authors who have explored this theme, but it was in developing
the backstory of how and why Elizabeth, a.k.a Lady Courtenay came to be
(secretly) wealthy and titled that my story really began. I spent many happy
days researching ancient plots, conspiracies and all manner of intrigue to come
up with the rest of it.
The story incorporates many of our
favorite characters from “fanon”
including Lord and Lady Matlock, Darcy’s aunt and uncle, who happen to be
intimate friends of Lady Courtenay. Lady Matlock as you will see below hopes to
arrange a match between her favorite young countess and her nephew — but alas,
Darcy’s behavior in Hertfordshire has come back to haunt him.
Amy
About the Book
Avoiding the truth does not change the truth
When Fitzwilliam Darcy meets Miss Elizabeth Bennet he has no
idea that she — that indeed, the entire town of Meryton — harbors a secret.
Miss Elizabeth, a simply country girl from a humble estate, manages to capture
first his fascination and then his heart without him ever knowing the truth of
her past.
When she meets Darcy, Elizabeth had spent the two years prior
hiding from the men who killed her beloved first husband. Feeling herself
destroyed by love, Elizabeth has no intention of loving again, certainly not
with the haughty man who could do nothing but offend her in Hertfordshire.
In London, Elizabeth surprises herself by finding in Darcy a
friend; even greater is her surprise to find herself gradually coming to love
him and even accepting an offer of marriage from him. Newly married, they are
just beginning to settle into their happily ever after when a condemned man on
his way to the gallows divulges a shattering truth, a secret that contradicts
everything Elizabeth thought she knew about the tragic circumstances of her
first marriage. Against the advice of everyone who loves her, including Darcy,
Elizabeth begins to ask questions. But will what they learn destroy them both?
About the Author
She has two daughters
who are devoted to sports which require long practices and began writing her
own stories as a way to pass the time she spent sitting in the lobbies of
various gyms and studios. She is a firm believer that all stories should have
long looks, stolen kisses and happily ever afters. Like her favorite heroine,
she dearly loves a laugh and considers herself an excellent walker.
Instagram:
amydorazio
Read an excerpt
“Very handsome, indeed,” Elizabeth
agreed without enthusiasm.
“You heard, I suppose, of his estate
in Derbyshire? It is quite grand.”
“Ten thousand a year. Yes, I know. It
was often mentioned in Hertfordshire, as you might imagine.” The two ladies
shared an awkward chuckle.
“He practically raised his sister.”
“She was very sweet.”
Lady Matlock paused, studying
Elizabeth for a moment. “I think the two of you — ”
“Absolutely not,” Elizabeth said
firmly. “Do not waste another thought on it.”
Lady Matlock regarded her with dismay.
“But why?”
“Forgive me, but your nephew is — ” Elizabeth
stopped herself. “Mr. Darcy and I are not friends. Let us leave it at that.”
“Did something happen last night?”
“No, Mr. Darcy was gentlemanly enough
last night.”
“Did something occur in Hertfordshire
that has coloured your opinion of him?”
Elizabeth shook her head. “It hardly
signifies. He made his opinion of me and my character known in the autumn, so
any overture he makes towards friendship now can only be seen for what it is — false,
and based solely on my name and station. It is one thing to enter into an
arranged match with a man who I can at least hope has some affection for me,
but it is quite another to marry one who I know disdains me and settles
with me only for fortune.”
Lady Matlock frowned, her
disappointment plain. “I do not understand.”
“You said yourself that he had not
mentioned meeting me in Hertfordshire. Would it surprise you to know that, not
only did I meet him, but I also resided at Netherfield with their party for
nearly a week? It was the most uncomfortable, awkward week of my entire life,
made bearable only by the fact that I knew my dear sister, who had fallen ill,
needed my assistance — assistance she would not have received from either of
those sisters of Mr. Bingley.”
Lady Matlock nodded. “Those two would
not spare a glass of water to one dying of thirst on their doorstep. But what
did Darcy do?”
Elizabeth sighed. “He insulted me at
an assembly, he accused me of having a liaison with a footman — Jervis, by the
by — and we argued constantly. He lurked about, following me into halls and
eavesdropping on my conversations as though he expected to catch me in some
mischief. It was clear he thought little of my character; and that, I cannot
abide. Regardless of what title or fortune you might put upon me or take away
from me, I am a lady.”
“He is not always easy in a society
unknown to him, perhaps — ”
“It is one thing to be uneasy,” Elizabeth
retorted, “and another to be rude, disagreeable, and haughty. He recommended
himself to no one, least of all me. Forgive me, madam. You have been nothing
but good and kind to me, far more than was ever required, and I feel your
solicitude keenly. However, this match cannot be made. I am resolved to have no
part with that odious man.”
Lady Matlock released her breath in a
huff of disappointment. “If that is how you feel, I would not try to persuade
you otherwise.”
“Thank you.” Elizabeth gave her a
slight smile. “Let us speak on other things then, shall we?”
Terms
and Conditions
Readers may enter the drawing by tweeting once a day and daily
commenting on a blog post that has a giveaway attached for the tour. Entrants should
provide the name of the blog where they commented (which will be verified).
Tweet and comment once daily to earn extra entries.
Each winner will be randomly selected by Rafflecopter. Paperback or
ebook format will be randomly selected for each winner as well.
**NOTE: Paperback copies are available for continental US winners!
Ebook copies are available for all winners, including international winners! If
more international winners are randomly chosen than the 4 allotted ebooks, then
that will decrease the number of paperbacks. 8 books will be given away to 8
different winners.**
6 Jan My Jane Austen Book Club; Guest Post, Excerpt, Giveaway
7 Jan Just Jane 1813; Review
8 Jan Babblings of a Bookworm; Vignette, Giveaway
9 Jan Every Savage Can Dance; Guest Post,
Excerpt, Giveaway
10 Jan Tomorrow
is Another Day; Review
11 Jan Savvy Verse & Wit; Character Interview, Giveaway
12 Jan Half
Agony, Half Hope; Review
13 Jan Austenesque Reviews; Vignette, Giveaway
14 Jan Darcyholic
Diversions; Author Interview,
Giveaway
15 Jan Delighted Reader; Review
16 Jan From
Pemberley to Milton; Review
17 Jan A Covent Garden
Gilflurt’s Guide to Life; Guest
Post
18 Jan Obsessed with Mr. Darcy; Review
19 Jan My
Kids Led Me Back to Pride & Prejudice; Vignette, Giveaway
20 Jan Diary
of an Eccentric; Review
21 Jan More
Agreeably Engaged; Vignette, Giveaway
27 comments:
Great excerpt! Darcy always manages to mess up this part, doesn't he? :D Congrats to Amy and best wishes for your new release. Thanks, Maria!
Enjoyed the excerpt - The Darcy we all know
Always happy to find new authors to add to my list! ;)
I love this story, and I'm so happy it is being published! I'm checking amazon daily... :)
I loved this scene and Elizabeth's firm resolve to not get to know Darcy any better. I love stories where he has to work extra hard and this one is amazing! Congratulations Amy, on your first published story. JAFF readers have a huge treat waiting for them!
Wow, what a fun idea! Can't wait to read this book. Thanks for sharing!
Congratulations! Great read. Best wishes on the blog tour.
Hi Amy! Congratulations on the release of your first book! The first of many, I hope! I simple adore this story and can't wait to read it again, now as a real book! I wish you all the success!! :)
Thanks for the giveaway!
Great premise. I've never read a variation like this so I hope to read it soon:)
Great excerpt! This sounds like an interesting and original premise. I'd love to win a copy! Thanks for the opportunity!
Pam
Giving Elizabeth Bennet a mysterious past is an interesting twist on the old plot. I look forward to reading this novel!
Looking forward to this ♡
Love it when authors include Darcy's Fitzwilliam family in stories! It's always a lovely surprise to see what spin to the family dynamic they add.
I've heard such good things about this story and it's author from my friends who've read her works on the fan fiction forums. I've certainly not come across this scenario before. Elizabeth with a secret to hide sounds most intriguing and it certainly looks as though Darcy is playing true to form. As Priscilla says, the Fitzwilliam family do add lovely dynamic to plots when they're written sympathetically and the fact that Elizabeth knows them independently of Darcy also adds a new wrinkle. Looking forward to following this tour very much.
Good luck with the launch and congratulations on your debut as a published author Amy.
Oh! What an excerpt!!
Just enticing enough to wonder how Darcy will work his magic on an Elizabeth who is firmly and determinedly set against him!!
Love it!!
Best of luck with your book,Amy! Am so looking forward to reading it.
Great idea for a story and lovely excerpt. I've read a couple of Amy's stories online, and I adore her writing and imagination. I've been waiting for this release since the cover reveal.
Congratulations on publishing your first book, Amy. Thanks for the giveaway.
This sounds wonderful. Congrats to Amy! I wish you lots success!!!!
Love that excerpt! Poor Darcy will need to work extra hard to win her affections especially now that she has a title. Congrats on your new release!
Looks interesting. Have to add to my to read list
I like the versions where one or both come together after a marriage. I think they come to the relationship with so much more understanding and personal growth.
I am intrigued with this variation. Looking forward to reading it. Congratulations on release!
I loved this part in the book, but then, I loved the whole book! Thanks Maria, for being a part of this blog tour and introducing Amy and her first release! I hope everyone will enjoy reading the story as much as I did.
Sounds like a great premise! Can't wait to read it. Thanks for the giveaway chance, even if I'm not lucky enough to win in the giveaway, this sounds like a book I'll be getting! Congrats on the new release!
Oooh, I love this summary. Sounds like an exciting way to keep Elizabeth mysterious!
Dianna
Its so wonderful to see so many comments about The Best Part of Love! My deepest thanks to all of you! :) -- Amy
This is now on the top of my TBR pile!
Cara Maria Grazia,
dopo anni dalla chiusura del blog cultural-letterario Cipria e Merletti torno con un nuovo blog, in parte simile nell'intento ma completamente rinnovato...e bilingue inglese/italiano.
Spero verrai a dare un'occhiata nelle prossime settimane!
Irene del blog "Leafing Life"
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