That is me and my friends in last year’s New Year party.
I think I look happy, but in truth, the last few years had been particularly difficult for me with the passing away of very close family and friends, so when 2015 started I could only hope it would be better than the previous years.
Now that we are reaching its end, I can honestly say that it was incredibly better!
I’ve started the year with a promotion that made me Team Leader, which proved to be a true challenge, but also very rewarding; I finally made my dream trip to the West Coast of the USA; and created From Pemberley to Milton!
The creation of this blog was definitely one of the reasons why it was such a remarkable year!
From Pemberley to Milton allowed me to enter a community that in my opinion can be defined by 2 things incredibly important to me: respect for one another and love for literature, in particular JAFF, of course.
I got to know wonderful writers, bloggers and readers that have been nothing but welcoming and supportive. I came to know people who have welcomed me into this world, who encourage me to keep going, who motivate me and keep suggesting me amazing new books to read.
I’ve found a community where I can finally talk about one of my favorite subjects and be understood, where I can share my opinions, but also learn from other people’s opinions. A community that is willing to share, that has opened my eyes to other types of literature, and that keeps pushing me to try different things.
I do not believe I have the words to express how blessed I feel to be a part of this wonderful world, so I can only say a simple thank you!
Thank you for all the love, opinions, and support each and every one of you has given me.
2015 was truly remarkable and I hope that, along with all of you, 2016 will be even better!
It will be a pleasure to continue reading and reviewing JAFF, welcoming authors and discuss all topics with all my readers. I hope you are willing to accompany me in this journey next year 🙂
Until then, a Happy New Year!
From Pemberley to Milton 
What a terrific, uplifting post Rita! Yes, life certainly has its ups and downs… Reading and sharing and discussing JAFF has been an incredible experience for me as well, especially through the bumps in the road. I’m so glad we’ve become friends and I look forward to connecting with you in 2016! Happy New Year!!
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Thank you Claudine! True, JAFF is a wonderful refuge from life’s difficulties and it has helped me a lot. It’s a safe and happy place I can always go to.
I’m very happy to have met you and become your friend 🙂 I’m sure we will continue to talk of our love for books, Darcy and Elizabeth in 2016 🙂 Justjane1813 has become one of my favorite places to visit 😉
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Happy New Year Rita. I’m so glad 2015 was better for you. I love all the books about Darcy and Elizabeth and really enjoy all the posts by different authors and getting to have my say. Thank you 😊
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Thank you Glynis! I always love to hear other readers opinion on books, so I hope to hear your say a lot in 2016 🙂 Thank you for coming to FPTM, and a Happy New Year!
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So glad your year was way better than before. I enjoyed meeting you and sharing book thoughts, Rita. You are a bright star in the JAFF community and I look forward to continuing the shares of books and thoughts.
Happy New Year!
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Thank you so much Sophia! I’m very happy to have met you and to have been able to discuss JAFF with you 🙂 I hope 2016 brings us more discussions and more stories like North for the New Year 😉
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So happy you created your blog, my friend! This community is amazing and it is so wonderful to find friends across the world who share the same love you do! I look forward to seeing your reads and adventures for this upcoming year! Wishing you all the best in 2016!
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Thank you so much Meredith! Yours was an essential incentive :)And of course, you are an example to follow! I hope we can discuss many, many books in the upcoming year 🙂 We may have an ocean separating us, but we have the love for JAFF uniting us 🙂
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Rita, how can I not love your blog when I adore Pride & Prejudice and North & South (in particular – Mr. Darcy and John Thornton – SWOON!!!) I deeply appreciate your positive approach to each post on this site. Best wishes for a wonderful 2016.
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Thank you Joy !
They are both incredibly dashing aren’t they? I still cannot decide which one I love the most 🙂
I’m truly glad and honoured you like my blog 🙂
I hope to see you a lot in 2016
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Rita, this lovely post reminds me of my first year on AHA, posting a story in a whole new genre and feeling the welcome. The friends I have made in the JAFF world are cherished. Thank you and may 2016 be just as happy!
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Thank you Linda! This is really a welcoming community, and I’m incredibly happy to be a part of it! I’m looking forward to all the Austen discussions we will have in 2016 🙂
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As Linda said, your thoughtful post reminds me of the first year (2002) I discovered Austen websites and found a home at Republic of Pemberley, Derbyshire Writers Guild, and eventually several others. Little did I know how much this sharing of our love for Austen would change my life! Your blog is a lovely place, and I wish the very best for you in 2016, Rita!
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Thank you so much Jan! It means a lot to me to know you think FPTM is a lovely place 🙂
I am very happy to have found this community. People are incredibly nice and welcoming, and it is always such a joy to find kindred spirits 🙂
All the best for you in 2016 as well, and thank you once more for your kind words 🙂
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…and 2016 is going to be even better! Cheers!
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I’m sure it will Christina 😉 And now I know I have something to wait for next Spring 🙂
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Thanks for your great new blog and for all the happy times, Rita, it’s such a pleasure to have met you in the JAFF world! I hope we can meet face to face one day, we’re not that far 🙂
Wonderful to hear 2015 was so much better than you were hoping it would be. Here’s to a wonderful 2016, hugs and all the very best!
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Thank you for all your support Joana!
You were the first author to bring a blog tour to From Pemberley to Milton and I could not have been more honoured at the time! Your constant support is much appreciated and never forgotten.
I’m sure we will meet face to face in 2016! My trip to the UK has been postponed, but it will happen 🙂 It would give me much joy to meet you there. Of course, in the meantime, you are welcome to visit Portugal and maybe get inspired to find a wife for Col. Fitzwilliam in this part of the continent 😉
I hope you also have a wonderful 2016!
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