Good Afternoon everyone,
Abigail Reynolds is one of the first JAFF authors I’ve ever read and she remains one of the names that immidiatly comes to my mind when I’m discussing this literary genre. She has written around 20 books that shaped the evolution of Pride and Prejudice variations and is now releasing another book which promises to do the same. Today it is the release of Mr. Darcy’s Enchantment and I am incredibly happy and honoured to be doing its launch release post here at From Pemberley to Milton.
I’ve read Conceal & Concealment this year and it became one of my favorite reads this year so I’m really eager to start reading Abigail Reynolds newest release!
Mr. Darcy’s Enchantment has gone live a few minutes ago and it is now available not only in paperback but also on ebook format at Amazon.com. You can also read it for FREE at Kindle Unlimited.
If you want to know more about this book please read the guest post that Ms. Reynolds brought to us today where she explains how this book came to life and what you can expect from it. You should also read the book blurb, it may surprise you if you haven’t heard anything about this book before.
I would like to thank all of you for visiting today and also give a very special thank you to Ms. Reynolds for stopping by. It is an honor to receive you here 🙂
I’m so excited to be launching Mr. Darcy’s Enchantment! Writing a Pride & Prejudice variation with magic has been in my mind for years, a sort of tribute to the line, “Darcy had never been so bewitched by any woman as he was by her. He really believed, that were it not for the inferiority of her connections, he should be in some danger.” But though it was tempting to write a Darcy who was truly bewitched, I kept running up against the idea that he and Elizabeth would both feel that casting spells on people was wrong. That was the genesis of one of the themes in Mr. Darcy’s Enchantment: the conflict between good magic, as practiced by mages who put spells on things, and evil magic, where sorcerers put spells on people to control their behavior.
My muse is apparently a sorceress, since she kept controlling my behavior by introducing unplanned subplots, each creating new complications, and each bringing Elizabeth and Darcy closer to a true understanding. Since there are a lot of obstacles in their way, it became a very long book, despite keeping the main focus on Darcy and Elizabeth all the time. It’s much longer than any of my other books, long enough that I debated whether to split it into two or even three books. There were a lot of practical arguments in favor of splitting it, but it finally came down to personal preference. I don’t like being taken away from a story as it moves from one book to another, so I decided to keep it as one very long book. It’s divided into five parts for those who like to take a break.
I do have to give one word of warning based on feedback from my betas. If you decide to start reading Part 5 close to bedtime, you may be up half the night! 😊
I hope you’ll give Mr. Darcy’s Enchantment a try. It’s a different approach, but it’s still a Pride & Prejudice variation at heart. Even my beta readers who told me they didn’t like fantasy ended up liking it a lot. But since many Austenesque readers aren’t particularly familiar with fantasy, I posted the entire first part of the book so that you could try it before you buy it. Here’s a link to the first post: http://www.pemberleyvariations.com/2018/11/05/coming-soon-mr-darcys-enchantment/
Big thanks to Rita for hosting today’s launch and helping me celebrate!
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In a Regency England where magic and faeries are real…
Fitzwilliam Darcy is a powerful magician who controls fire, water, and wind. What he cannot control is his growing feelings for Miss Elizabeth Bennet. But Darcy is also sworn to uphold the laws which forbid women to use magic, and Elizabeth knows it.
Elizabeth’s sentiments towards Darcy are quite different. She detests his arrogance, and she fears he will expose her use of forbidden magic. He is the last man in the world she would choose to help her on a difficult and dangerous task.
But when a magical war looms between the land of Faerie and their world, a Lord of Faerie demands that Darcy and Elizabeth serve together as his emissaries to make peace with the other mortals. That mission throws them into the middle of a chaotic power struggle between magicians whose power dwarfs their own, and everything Elizabeth has ever believed about her family, her friends, and her enemies will be called into question.
This magical variation of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice makes the land of Faerie as real as Regency London and Rosings Park, as bestselling author Abigail Reynolds presents new challenges for Darcy and Elizabeth in her longest and most enchanting story to date.
Abigail Reynolds may be a nationally bestselling author and a physician, but she can’t follow a straight line with a ruler. Originally from upstate New York, she studied Russian and theater at Bryn Mawr College and marine biology at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole. After a stint in performing arts administration, she decided to attend medical school, and took up writing as a hobby during her years as a physician in private practice.
A life-long lover of Jane Austen’s novels, Abigail began writing variations on Pride & Prejudice in 2001, then expanded her repertoire to include a series of novels set on her beloved Cape Cod. Her most recent releases are Conceit & Concealment, the national bestsellers Alone with Mr. Darcy and Mr. Darcy’s Noble Connections, and Mr. Darcy’s Journey. Her books have been translated into five languages. A lifetime member of JASNA, she lives on Cape Cod with her husband, her son and a menagerie of animals. Her hobbies do not include sleeping or cleaning her house.
You can contact Abigail through the following social media:
Website: http://www.pemberleyvariations.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abigail.reynolds1
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/abigailreynoldswriter/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/abigailreynolds
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/559634.Abigail_Reynolds
Abigail Reynolds would like to celebrate the release of Mr. Darcy’s Enchantment by giving away for 4 Christmas ornaments – 2 with art by Jane Odiwe and a set of Darcy and Elizabeth figurines – a P&P tote bag, and an e-book copy.
The Christmas ornaments, figurines and tote bag are for US residents only, but she would also like to include international readers in the giveaway, so the e-book copy is also available for international readers.
Comment on this post until the 5th of December to be included in the giveaway, and let us know what you thought about this very different premise! We are very curious to know all your opinions 🙂
Good Luck everyone!
I’m not a reader of fantasy, but I’m very willing to give this book a chance. After all, Abigail wrote it! I’ve been a HUGE fan of hers since her first book, and I know how wonderful her stories are. Congrats on your latest, Abigail! And thanks for such an awesome giveaway!
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Thanks, Pam, and I’m so glad you’re willing to give this particular fantasy a try. I did my best to make it as accessible as possible to non-fantasy readers, and so far, everyone’s been happy!
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This does sound truly enchanting. Looking forward to reading it.
Please do not enter me, Rita. 🙂
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It is certainly a different take on Pride And Prejudice but I think it only adds to the “magic” that is Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. I have long been a fan of Abigail Reynolds and I know it will be great.I love the artwork of Jane Odiwe!
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Isn’t Jane’s artwork wonderful? She really manages to catch the feeling of being in an Austen book. Thanks for giving the ‘magic’ a go! 🙂
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As a fan of Jane Austen and the fantasy genre, I am very excited about this premise. Thank you so much for the giveaway!
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I found that in some ways Austen + fantasy was a natural combination. When we read stories about the Regency, there’s often an element of real-life fantasy just from the historical aspect, and people who lived in the Regency wouldn’t have been surprised to discover that magic was real or that gnomes and elves were inhabiting their gardens. It’s fun to think about.
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Although a book of fantasy is not my first choice in genre, I have loved all of Abigail Reynold’s books so I know that I shall not be disappointed in this one. I remember the cover reveal. I commend Abigail to having one long book rather than breaking it into two or three separate books. I often will not purchase a book knowing that I will need to purchase more in the series just to know what happens. Congratulations on your new book and the giveaway.
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Thank you! It was a tough decision about whether to release it in one volume or not, especially since the main argument for it was just that I like it better that way. 😉 And thanks for taking a chance with Mr. Darcy’s Enchantment!
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It will be amazing to read something so different from such an amazing author!! Can’t wait to give it a go!
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Thanks, Jenny! It’s exciting to look at our favorite characters from a new slant. 🙂
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Thanks to Rita for hosting. Congratulations to Abigail on the launch of this work. I’ve read previous posts on how you chose that fantastic cover. Well done. It makes me tingle looking at it as it seems to contain a bit of magic itself. I can’t wait to read this story. I love a Darcy large-and-in-charge. Sorry. He is magical to start with and to them imbue him with actual magic… just puts the icing on the cake. Again, blessings on the launch of this work and much luck to those in the drawing. Thank you for the generous giveaway.
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Thanks for your support! I just adore this cover, and I’m not usually one to wax enthusiastic about my covers. I agree about Darcy being magical!
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I’ve been reading the excerpts from this book and am definitely hooked. So much so that I pre ordered it and received it today. Now I just have to finish the book I am reading then I can start. Thanks for the warning about part 5 Abigail now if only I can convince myself to listen……………
Thank you for sharing this Rita and thanks for the giveaway but please don’t enter me as I live in the UK and I already have the ebook.
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Glynis, no one ever listens to my warnings! But hey, I’ve lost plenty of sleep to books I can’t put down, and it hasn’t been the end of the world. 😉 Thanks for pre-ordering!
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I have read all of Abigail’s books and love the Lord of the Ring series which means I am sure I will love this venture into a world such as that. I just borrowed it from KU but please do enter me in the chance to win one of the lovely gifts offered to a lucky person who comments. Thanks. I have read the first chapters of this book which were posted on her blog so I do know what I am getting into. Congratulations on this publication, Abigail.
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Thank you, Sheila. I hope you have fun with it!
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I generally don’t read fantasy, but I am a huge P&P variation fan so I will definitely read this one, especially one by you as I love all your books.
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Thanks for having faith in my writing and giving it a try! There’s still plenty of Darcy and Elizabeth to love in it. 🙂
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I am a huge fan of Abigail Reynolds. Very few can match her level of expertise in the P&P genre. Her books are always well written and edited, with stories that keep me hooked. I too, am not a fan of fantasy, but will give this one a go. Thanks for publishing another wonderful book.
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I’m honored! Maybe I should hire you to promote my books. 😉 I appreciate your faith in trying this one out.
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Love it already reading it on my kindle. If I win please send me a paperback . Gail M Frisby
307 S Bluebird Dr
Natchez,Ms 39120 usa
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So glad you’re loving it! 🙂
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Thank You, I really like the P&P story lines with Magic…I have also enjoyed other authors who have put magic,fairy, and dragons into there story too. I have read the free chapters of this book.and now have the whole book to read. I’m sure I will enjoy finishing the book….please..I the story continues beyond just the one book.
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I’ve only read one other P&P story with magic, an unpublished one that I really enjoyed. I have a couple of epilogue-like scenes that I may eventually post online, but I’m not sure there’s much room for a sequel to this. It really is a trilogy tied up in one very long book!
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I’m reading Abigail’s new book now and it’s so good. I’m so glad you released early. Having fun!
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So glad you’re enjoying it!
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I guess for the giveaway I would be interested in the tote bag. Jen
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Like you, Rita, Abigail’s books are some of the earliest JAFF I started reading! I read ‘Conceit & Concealment’ this year too and absolutely loved it. The premise was definitely unique, just like this one! I look forward to reading this! Thank you for a chance at the giveaway!
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I have a soft spot for people who read Conceit & Concealment. The alternate history aspect seems to have put a lot of readers off it, so I really appreciate those who braved Napoleon to read it!
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Congratulations on the release of this enchanting premise! Thank you for the chance to win a copy or one of these other delightful gifts 🙂
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Thanks, Virginia!
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I’m intrigued! I wouldn’t normally read something like this, but D&E and Abigail Reynolds…I can’t refuse! Thanks for the giveaway!
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Thanks, Anna! It means a lot when a reader is willing to try reading something different on faith. 🙂
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I just finished the book last night and in a word it was magical!! There were so many twists and turns that I didn’t expect. It was truly a page turner that I had a really hard time putting down when I had to. I love not only how you portray Elizabeth and Darcy, but the Matlock family is also such a joy to read about. Some traits you write about seem to follow them from book to book and that makes me smile, such as lady Matlock who always seems to know the perfect fix. The faerie fit so well into the story and I loved the additional “relationships.” I know u will understand what I mean as i dont want to post any spoilers. I also loved that bit in part 5, it was a dream come true. Another perfect book Abigail!
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Jen, you made my day! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, esp that bit in Part 5. I told you you’d be keeping good company! It’s been so hard to describe this book without giving away the “relationships.” but I really want people to be surprised. I was, since I’d planned for George Wickham to be the prince! I like it better this way, though. 🙂
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oh for sure! I’m so glad you didn’t do that to Wickham since I never want to see that rascal have any privileges. I’m sure it will still be a bit but I eagerly anticipate your next installment. In the meantime I’m just gonna have to go reread some of your others while I wait for the audible. 🙂
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Congratulations Abigail! I have all your books and love them all. I am excited to be currently reading Mr Darcy’s Enchantment. It is starting off brilliantly! Looking forward to reading this book and many more from you.
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Thanks, Vee! So glad you’re enjoying the early parts. 🙂
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Oh my!
I read Mr. Darcy’s Noble Connections this year and loved it.
Add fantasy type story to Abigail’s writing and I’m in reader heaven, cannot wait to get my hands on this book!
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Glad to hear you enjoyed Noble Connections! I had a lot of fun writing that one. Diamond hairpins forever!
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This sounds great! Fantasy was my first love. I can’t wait to read this! Also, thank you for the opportunity to win such lovely prizes.
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Nice to hear that there are fantasy lovers among the Austenesque readers! Hope you enjoy it. 🙂
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I have loved all your books and looking forward to reading this book… and I have been a fan of fairies since I was a preschooler… and besides my wonderful Gus, the Mr. Darcy of the cat world or my heart… has a cameo… Can’t wait to read his bit to him.
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Abigail Reynolds is my first JAFF author, too. All her books are amazing and I am sure she did a wonderful work in this magical variation, which of course would not be missed by me!! I am an international reader.
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Thanks, Chiara, for the kind words about my books! I hope you enjoy this one, too.
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Im sooooo sad i read it so quickly!!!
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I know the feeling from when I finish books I’ve really enjoyed! That’s why end up re-reading so many of them.
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Beautiful cover! Congrats on your latest release, I’m looking forward to reading it! I’m glad you decided to keep the story altogether rather than breaking it into a series.
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Thank you! I’m very glad I decided to keep it in one book. Given how much trouble readers are having putting it down, I think they’d be baying for my blood if they had to wait for a second book. 😉
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This sounds like a great book that I look forward to reading. I also loved the cover!
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Thanks, Chelsea!
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Not being a fantasy fan, I had to be convinced to give this a go. But now I’m convinced!
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Happy dance! I really hope more people who aren’t fantasy fans will give this one a chance because I think you’ll like it. Thanks for taking the risk!
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I have read most if not all of your other books. This one sounds intriguing!
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I hope you’ll give it a try!
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My favorite Austen-adaptation author + one of my other favorite genres = SUPER EXCITED to read this!
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I have all your books and thanks for the chance to win this one!!
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Abigail Reynolds was one of the first I’ve read and still one of my favorites to read and reread! I can’t wait to read this one, too!
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I cannot even express how much I want to read this!!! I am a HUGE fantasy fan as well as historical fiction and JAFF, so this is like the perfect book for me, and I know I will enjoy it thoroughly 🙂 And she said it was long, so YESSSSSS!!!! More Elizabeth and Darcy and faeries please 🙂 I love this cover too, the moment I saw it on the post I was like “click”. Good luck with the book Abigail and thank you for the giveaway! Merry Christmas everyone 🙂
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Congrats on the publication of Mr. Darcy’s Enchantment, Abigail. I am not a reader of fantasy stories but if it is based on any Jane Austen’s novel, I’ll definitely read it. The same goes for other genre like YA. Because it’s Jane Austen retelling, I am more open. Please enter me for the e-book as I’m international. Thank you.
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Looking forward to reading this!
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This sounds fascinating!
denise
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I read this book on KU and I couldn’t put it down. Big mistake to pick it up during a work week! I loved every second and I wanted more when it was done! congrats. I can’t wait to own a copy of this one!!
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When I first started reading P & P variations, I stayed away from fantasy type stories. But I read one about vampire Darcy and I just fell in love. Since then no matter what type… if EB and FD are in the story. I read them. This was surprising when I saw this the first time coz of the genre. I had followed Ms Reynolds stories, so definitely reading this.
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