Friday 6 January 2017

BLOG TOUR & GIVEAWAY - AMY D'ORAZIO, THE BEST PART OF LOVE


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 

Amy D’Orazio is a former breast cancer researcher and current stay at home mom who is addicted to Austen and Starbucks in about equal measures. While she adores Mr. Darcy, she is married to Mr. Bingley and their Pemberley is in Pittsburgh PA.

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. 

Contact Info: Website      Goodreads Author Page    Facebook: Amy D’Orazio  Twitter   
Instagram: amydorazio 
Pinterest   

Read an excerpt
“Concerning the matter of your marriage, my dear…” Lady Matlock smiled hopefully. “My nephew Darcy is a very handsome man”
“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?” 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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.**
Blog Tour Schedule
  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
16 Jan From Pemberley to Milton; Review  
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:

Karen M Cox said...

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!

Vesper said...

Enjoyed the excerpt - The Darcy we all know

Maria said...

Always happy to find new authors to add to my list! ;)

Unknown said...

I love this story, and I'm so happy it is being published! I'm checking amazon daily... :)

Just Jane 1813 said...

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!

Laura Capio said...

Wow, what a fun idea! Can't wait to read this book. Thanks for sharing!

Christina Boyd said...

Congratulations! Great read. Best wishes on the blog tour.

Daniela Quadros said...

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!

darcybennett said...

Great premise. I've never read a variation like this so I hope to read it soon:)

Pam Hunter said...

Great excerpt! This sounds like an interesting and original premise. I'd love to win a copy! Thanks for the opportunity!

Pam

Vicki H said...

Giving Elizabeth Bennet a mysterious past is an interesting twist on the old plot. I look forward to reading this novel!

Nicole Barton Sasser said...

Looking forward to this ♡

Unknown said...

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.

Anji said...

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.

Mary said...

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.

KateB said...

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.

Sonja said...

This sounds wonderful. Congrats to Amy! I wish you lots success!!!!

Dung said...

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!

alp said...

Looks interesting. Have to add to my to read list

Danielle said...

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.

Patty said...

I am intrigued with this variation. Looking forward to reading it. Congratulations on release!

Janet T said...

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.

ColleenL said...

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!

SavingsInSeconds said...

Oooh, I love this summary. Sounds like an exciting way to keep Elizabeth mysterious!
Dianna

Amy DOrazio said...

Its so wonderful to see so many comments about The Best Part of Love! My deepest thanks to all of you! :) -- Amy

Patricia Finnegan said...

This is now on the top of my TBR pile!

M. said...

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"