Monday, March 25, 2013

Cassandra Grafton Interview, Excerpt, and Giveaway!!


Dear readers, I am excited to bring you a new Austenesque author, Ms. Cassandra Grafton. Cassie fell in love with Mr. Darcy at the tender age of 15 when Pride & Prejudice was a set book for her English Lit examination and feels like they have been going steady ever since! Having dabbled in attempts at writing for many years, she finally took the plunge in 2006 to write some P&P inspired short stories for an online community of writers who have since all become friends. The next natural step seemed to be a full-length story, and A Fair Prospect was born.  

Ms. Grafton has been gracious enough to answer some interview questions about her and her debut novel, A Fair Prospect.

Welcome, Cassie! It’s so nice to have you on the blog and get to know you and your work a little better. I thought that since you are a new Austenesque author, you would like to tell readers a little about yourself and your writing journey.

Thank you, Jakki, and thank you also for inviting me to your blog!

My only hobby as a child was reading, and when I was engrossed in a book, nothing could penetrate my world – I was oblivious to everything going on around me, much to the amusement of my family. This love of reading inspired an interest in trying my hand at some stories of my own. I started writing in my teens but never completed anything (though I still have these poor attempts locked away somewhere!) Then life took over, and I became a wife and mother, and although I still dreamed of being a writer one day, I never applied myself enough to get beyond the opening chapters of any story.

Then, in 2002 we moved to the USA for five years, and I suddenly had time on my hands! I discovered an online fan fiction community and started to co-write short stories with a fellow member, and thanks to her support, these were the first pieces of writing I ever completed. It was a small step then to discovering the online Jane Austen communities, where, in 2006, I ventured into writing short stories on my own. It was other forum members asking me if I planned to write a full-length story that inspired me to have a go!
   
What gave you the idea for the premise for A Fair Prospect?

I wanted to write a truly romantic story, one that would touch people’s hearts and that was very much about the characters and their journey.

Initially, I was inspired by the proposal in the rain that takes place in the 2005 film. That scene ends with Darcy walking away and Elizabeth remaining behind, and I wondered what would happen if he came back? As a result, A Fair Prospect opens with the first proposal and that is precisely what happens!

I know that some fans can be divided over how Darcy is portrayed on film, but I have a definite soft spot for both Colin Firth and Matthew MacFadyen, and I believe both of them have influenced my version of Darcy in this story in different ways. Although when I was originally writing it, Matthew’s Darcy was very much in mind, since finishing the story I have worked hard on it to try and leave interpretation open to the reader, and so I now hope that A Fair Prospect can be read by anyone who loves Pride & Prejudice, be it a fan of the book or one of the many TV/film adaptations.

Aside from this, two other things inspired the story. Firstly, how might you see someone differently if you had an unexpected innocent, but physical, encounter with them – how might it influence your thoughts about that person (something I have personal experience of, for it is what turned my husband from being just an old friend into my partner for life).

This led me to thinking about the restrictions on physical touch back in the Regency era – how might it affect Elizabeth Bennet’s thoughts about the man if something, albeit innocent, happened that opened her eyes to Darcy in a physical way? This feeds the opening scenes of my story and introduces a theme that runs through all three volumes: can there be so much awareness in a man's touch?

Secondly, I have always wondered about those months in Pride & Prejudice when Elizabeth and Darcy did not meet. From April to August they were on their own separate paths, but I wanted them to continue in each other’s company throughout all the awkwardness of the aftermath of the failed proposal, to see where this might take them, bearing in mind Elizabeth’s seeing Darcy through new eyes.

From the blub, I see that Mr. Darcy has a bit of competition. Personally, I love a jealous Darcy! I’m dying to know a bit about Mr. Nicholas Harington.

Nicholas Harington and Elizabeth have known each other all their lives – he is the Godson of Mrs. Gardiner (she was at school with his mother and they remain very close friends). He is the middle son of three, and he and Elizabeth have developed a very close friendship over the years, for they are very alike. It is his request for Elizabeth to come to London earlier than planned and to make some stay with her aunt and uncle that precipitates her following Darcy to town a day after he and the Colonel leave Rosings.

A Fair Prospect Volume 1: Disappointed Hopes is currently available, can you tell readers when volumes 2 & 3 will be published?

Volume II: Darcy’s Dilemma will be available in May, and Volume III: Desperate Measures will be out in the summer.


From the publisher:
Nursing his wounds after his rejection by Miss Elizabeth Bennet, Fitzwilliam Darcy returns to London a devastated and humbled man. The lady, meanwhile, is battling the unprecedented feelings stirred by having endured an innocent but intimate encounter with the gentleman in the aftermath of his proposal. Soon on her way to Town herself for an unanticipated stay, she is comforted by the presence of an old family friend, one Nicholas Harington – the son of a wealthy family whose position in society rivals that of the Darcys of Pemberley. Circumstance soon throws Darcy back into the company of Elizabeth, much to their mutual consternation, and also introduces him to Harington who has emerged as a potential suitor for Elizabeth’s hand, a union that is viewed as a fair prospect by all – except, perhaps, Darcy himself.

A Fair Prospect Excerpt:
 Preoccupied as she was, it was a moment before Elizabeth realised she was no longer alone and, with a gasp, she found herself face to face once more with the source of her displeasure.

“Mr Darcy!”
Forcing himself to execute a bow, Darcy ignored her outraged tone and launched into speech.
“Be not alarmed, Madam. I have no desire to continue our discourse. I am come merely to escort you back to the parsonage; you cannot walk in conditions such as these.”
“Really, Sir? Is that so?”
He was unsurprised at the indignation in her tone. Yet despite her lack of regard for his conduct, when presented  with the curricle and thus the means to remove her safely home and dry, he had been unable to do anything but rein in his own humiliation and anger and return to do just that.
As the older brother and guardian of a young teenage woman, Darcy knew full well how to stand his ground, and he met the challenging look in her eye with one of his own. Yet before he could respond, she spoke again.
“And how do you propose to escort me, that I might have no need of the power of walking?”
“I have a curricle waiting at the end of the path, Madam. I must insist upon your accompanying me. This storm shows no sign of abating.”
"And pray who are you, to determine what I may and may not do?”
Darcy was cold and wet, almost to the point of numbness. It went without saying that she must be experiencing something similar, if not worse, for her garments were hardly proof against the rain that was even now making its presence duly felt. If he was not so very angry, he was certain he would feel something – frustration, despair even – but this was no time for such indulgence.
“Your response, Madam, whilst not unexpected, does you no favour.”
“How so, Sir?”
“What do you gain from refusing to return to the warmth and security of the parsonage in such a swift and easy manner?”
“I retain the freedom to choose the manner and timing of my return, without recourse to one such as yourself!”
Part of him wished he could leave her there but Darcy knew he would regret it later, and he said in a biting voice: “If you will not accompany me willingly, then you leave me no choice. I shall remove you to the curricle myself!”
He was in no fit state to acknowledge his triumph as, for the first time in their acquaintance, he appeared to have robbed Elizabeth Bennet of the power of speech. She glared fiercely at him, a blush staining her damp cheeks, her mouth slightly open.
Then, she bit out, “You would not dare, Sir!”
Darcy let out a bitter laugh. “Do not tempt me, Madam. I am in no humour for games.”
Pursing her lips, she threw him one more glance full of fire, then stormed past him down the path at a rapid pace.
Within moments, they were both installed under the raised hood of the curricle, and Darcy guided the horses up a bank in the direction of Hunsford parsonage. The journey progressed in a powerful silence; the only sounds were the soft thud of hooves against the sodden earth and the staccato raps of the rain on the leather hood.
He focused his gaze on the horses, his fierce desire to look at Elizabeth countered by the disparagement he might perceive on her countenance. Impatiently, he flicked the reins. Despite his endeavour, it was impossible not to be conscious of her beside him. The sodden fabric of her coat was so close to his own equally saturated leg that every lurch of the conveyance threatened a touch he was ill-equipped to contend with. Thus it was with no little relief that he determined the low wall that formed the boundary to the parsonage’s garden, and soon he halted the curricle and vaulted from his seat with almost indecent haste.
Hardly pausing to draw breath, he made his way round to the other side. Despite her ill opinion of him, he could not allow her to descend from such a height without assistance, yet it was no surprise when he fetched up in front of her to see that she was poised upon the edge of her seat, clearly intending to dismount unaided.
She met his look with a glare, raising her chin as their eyes locked. Resolutely, Darcy held out his hand, his intention apparent, struggling to contain the flash of anger that flared when he detected the look of disbelief that briefly crossed her features.
The fury Elizabeth had felt during her earlier confrontation with Mr Darcy vied with her annoyance at being obliged to accept a place in his conveyance. There had, for a fleeting moment, been a look in his eye back there that had persuaded her she had pushed him as far as it was wise to go and that his proclaimed intent to pick her up and bodily throw her into the curricle was no idle threat.
Yet here she was, safely returned to the sanctuary of the parsonage, blissfully empty of its sycophantic incumbent for a few hours, and certainly drier than the gentleman in front of her, who was currently being drenched anew by the treacherous onslaught of a fresh downpour, whilst she remained protected by the large hood of the curricle.
Elizabeth refused to acknowledge his outstretched hand. Agitated as she was by their angry confrontation and by his insistence on seeing her safely home, she remained in no mood to give him credit for his gesture and in no humour to accept it.
Refusing to break eye contact, she fixed him with a glacial look as she stood up and took the prideful step that must preface a fall. Her foot slipped on the wet footboard, and she fell forward with nothing to grasp onto but the shoulders of the one man she least wished to encounter.
As the full weight of Elizabeth’s body struck him, Darcy took a step backwards. His arms had reflexively caught her, but as the speed of her fall propelled her forward into his unintentional embrace, he found himself clasping her to his body, her hands tightly gripping his shoulders and her eyes wide with surprise mere inches from his own.



***Giveaway Time***
Now, the moment you all have been waiting for!! In celebration of releasing her first novel, Cassandra Grafton is giving away 2 copies of A Fair Prospect (print or any format of eBook ~ winner’s choice)! To enter, simply comment on this interview telling us what intrigues you about this book or ask Cassandra a question about her debut novel.Please leave your email address so I know how to contact the winner. For extra entries, tweet about the giveaway and follow Cassandra Grafton on Twitter. Please comment that you have done these things. OPEN INTERNATIONALLY!!
Giveaway ends April 1! Good Luck!!

Connect with Cassandra Grafton
Read It Now!

66 comments:

  1. A very interesting storyline. I´m like Jakki - I love the prospect of a jealous Darcy. Good for him to know that he´s not the only man ;).

    Cassandra, I love your writing journey as it gives hope to people like me - having written little stories from a young age, but never attempting to write a real full story. I have this goal on my mind to once in my life write a story for children. At least I want to try it, and if I fail know that I have tried!


    I´d like to ask one question that came to mind: How long did it take you from the beginning of A Fair Prospect until its publication now?

    I tweeted https://twitter.com/Kaewink/status/316162511244251136

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    1. Hi Katrin! Oh, I think you would make a fabulous children's author! Hurry up and finish that thesis so you can begin your journey as a children's author! :) And like you said, you will never know until you try! ;)

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    2. Hello!

      I definitely echo Jakki's words - never give up, make it happen!

      I am a little embarrassed to answer your question! I actually started to write A Fair Prospect in the summer of 2006, and I didn't finish it until the summer of 2010. It turned into a very long story (though I did also have a break in the middle due to some ill health).

      I've spent the time since then tinkering away at it, editing and editing, trying to polish it. I was a bit scared about putting it out there for general consumption, so I suspect there has been an element of procrastination too! Even edited, it still takes up three volumes, but nonetheless I hope very much that readers will enjoy it.

      Thank you so much for asking the question!

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  2. There are many things about this book that I have read here that intrigue me already! I am fascinated with the idea of Harington as a potential suitor, I love that Elizabeth in her stubbornness lost her footing and fell into Darcy's embrace, when she didn't even want to touch his hand and last but not least, the display of Darcy's true character by insisting on helping Elizabeth even though he was still smarting from the words of her refusal of his marriage proposal! What a scene that is and thank you, Cassandra for sharing it with us, here.

    I enjoyed reading about your path to writing! I am glad you decided to publish. Congratulations and I hope you have much success.

    Don't enter me in the drawing, Jakki, as I already own this book and am very anxious to read it! I will tweet anyway!

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    1. I agree, Janet. There are many things about this book that make it sound so interesting! I am anxious to delve into this story and find out what happens next!
      Thanks so much for stopping by! :)

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    2. Hi Janet!

      Thank you for commenting. I do hope that you enjoy the first volume when you get chance to read it, and I am pleased that you are intrigued!

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  3. Cassandra and I became quick friends on the Internet, and I am pleased to see how her story has progressed.
    I never posted on the fan fiction sites so I am often do not recognize stories others have read, but I appreciate a good story when I read it.
    Congratulations, Cassandra. This reads like a winner!
    regina [at] rjeffers [dot] com

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    1. Hi Regina! This does sound like a great story, doesn't it?
      Thanks for entering the giveaway. Best of luck! :)

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    2. Hi Regina!

      Thank you for commenting. It has been a pleasure to meet you and thank you for the kind words.

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  4. OOOOH, this sounds so good! I can't wait to find out what happens after the accidental embrace. Love the idea of jealous Darcy and that they will not be separated after the awful proposal. I will definitely add this to my wish list.

    Felicia

    felicialso @gmail. com

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    1. These are all things that intrigue me about the book too, Felicia. I like the idea that Darcy and Elizabeth will not be separated after Hunsford. That is one path not too many authors take, so I find it interesting when they do.
      Good luck in the giveaway! :)

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    2. Thank you for commenting, Felicia (love your name!)

      I hope you emjoy the story when you read it!

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  5. I am in agreement with the other posters that a potential rival for Elizabeh's heart is a great twist. Cannot wait to read how Darcy reacts to how Elizabeth responds to Harington's attentions.

    raquel36m (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Thanks so much for commenting, Raquel.

      I do hope you enjoy the story.

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    2. I hope you enjoy the story, Raquel! Good luck in the giveaway! :)

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  6. I am excited to read your book to find out how Darcy handles a rival for Elizabeth's attention. :-). I'm at that time of my life that I shall take a deep breath and start writing a children book. You inspired me to take my first step.

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    1. Go for it, Ruby!!! You have nothing to lose and everything to gain from it, it's such a rewarding - if lengthy - process. :D

      Thank you for commenting!

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  7. This excerpt makes me want more! It's always nice to hear of new good P&P variations!

    arjanne.boneschanscher (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Thank you, Arjanne. I do hope that you enjoy the story as it unfolds.

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    2. Hi Arjanne. I always get excited when I hear of a new P&P variation. I hope you enjoy this one! Thanks for entering the giveaway.

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  8. Well funnily enough I noticed this book on Amazon earlier, it has excellent reviews already on the UK site. I was curious as to the extent of the physical contact but your excerpt has answered that so I have another question which is to ask whether all parts of the story are already written?

    Thanks for the giveaway.

    Frawli1978 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Hi Ceri

      Thank you for commenting!

      In answer to your question, yes, the whole story is complete. It was originally written as one long story, but it was too many words to put into one book, hence the three volumes.

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    2. *waving* Hi Ceri! I like your question. That is precisely why I have not read volume 1 yet: I have no patience for cliffhangers. My curiosity much prefers reading series books all at once. Even though Cassie has written all 3 volumes, I am waiting until they are all published to read them. ;)
      Good luck in the giveaway!

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  9. I like the excerpt! Definitely makes me want to read more. It says a lot that Darcy would go back to help her. They're both so stubborn - I love it. As for rivals I find that, almost always, I really like the other man who's interested in Lizzy but when there's a lady into Darcy, I hate the lady immediately! I'm intrigued how being so close to Darcy physically would make her consider him in a different way, as she probably wouldn't have much opportunity for close contact with a young handsome man (who also happens to be in love with her).

    Congratulations on seeing your writing through to the end and publishing. Does part I end on a cliffhanger?

    Tweeted & I'm a twitter follower @jaffobsession
    https://mobile.twitter.com/jaffobsession/status/316289007824801792

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    1. Hi Monica!

      Thank you for commenting! There isn't too much of a cliffie in Vol I but I think that is made up for by the one in Vol II ;)

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    2. Oh, I agree with you, Monica. I much prefer it when there is another man vying for Lizzy's attention than a lady competing for Darcy. Yes, I hate her immediately too! ;)
      Thanks for the tweet, and good luck in the giveaway! It is your lucky month after all! ;)

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  10. So happy to read this interview and I hope more fans of Jane Austen fan fiction get to discover what a wonderful book you have written - and your first novel, to boot! I already own this book (and finished it over the past weekend), so no need to enter me in the contest. Save the books for another lucky reader. Just add me to the list of fans who cannot wait to see what you have in store for us with Volumes II and III! Volume I was beautifully done and left me wanting much more of your Darcy - no matter who might have inspired him, he is swoonworthy! ;)

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    1. Hi Tara! Thank you so much for all your support. I hope you enjoyed the tweaked opening to the story and that you also like the new material in Vol III when we get there!

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    2. Thanks for stopping by, Tara. So glad to hear you enjoyed the book! :)

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  11. Jakki, a wonderful interview as always!!
    And, Cassie, the premise of your book is just fascinating! I truly enjoyed the excerpt (particularly the romantic tension between Elizabeth and Darcy), and I know the idea of another suitor will add delicious conflict to the storyline ;).
    Huge congrats on the release of your first novel!

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Marilyn! Hope you are staying warm. It has been unseasonably cold here. I am looking forward to reading the "delicious conflict" Harington brings! :)

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    2. It's been unseasonably cold here too and it's snowing again this morning!

      Hi Marilyn, thank you so much for commenting. I really appreciate it. :D

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  12. congrats to Cassandra!!

    already added to my WishList!!!

    how many more books are we to expect from you?!?!?!?!

    thank you for the giveaway!!!

    cyn209 at juno dot com

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    1. Hi Cyn! Thanks for entering the giveaway! Hope you get to read the book and enjoy it! It does sound great! Best of luck! :)

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    2. Hi Cyn

      This story has three volumes which will be out shortly. I am however already well progressed with my next story which I hope will be ready by the end of the year.

      Thank you for commenting.

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  13. I don't need to be entered in the giveaway as I also already have this book -- and have already finished it! Just wanted to add my congrats to Cassie and confirm to anyone else still on the fence (though how anyone could be defies me) that if you enjoy JAFF, especially where the original Austen characters are wonderfully maintained/retained even as they take different paths -- then this is definitely a novel you will love. I have my 'trigger finger' poised already to click on the purchase of Volume II - I hope it won't get a cramp before May!

    Again, kudos Cassandra -- well deserved! And a 'lucky you' to the fortunate commenter who wins a copy --

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    1. Glad you enjoyed the book, Tess. I'm looking forward to reading it myself! :)

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    2. Hi Tess! Lovely to see you here! Thank you for the support, much appreciated!

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  14. Congrats Cassie on your debut! I love the idea of giving Darcy a rival and that the rival is a worthy one too. Thanks for sharing the excerpt!

    Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.
    sophiarose1816 at gmail dot com

    Tweeted:
    https://twitter.com/sophiarose1816/status/316325448894275584

    following Cassandra now as sophiarose1816

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    1. You said it perfectly, Sophia Rose-- It's not just that Elizabeth has a suitor (we have seen sorry excuses for that like Mr. Collins) but a worthy one! I am very excited to read more about Harington and seeing how Darcy handles the situation!
      Thanks! Good luck in the giveaway!! :)

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    2. Thank you Sophia Rose. I am a real novice on Twitter and on a steep learning curve! I'm hoping I'm managing the re-tweets okay but the rest is a bit of a mystery just now!

      Thank you for commenting and good luck in the giveaway.

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  15. The tantalising excerpt feed my longing on finding out what happen next. Don't just left it hanging there, I like to know Darcy's and Lizzy's response. Then there is the question of a suitor for Lizzy's hand.

    evangelineace2020(at)yahoo(dot)com
    Blog: http://forloveofausten.blogspot.com/2013/03/austenesque-book-giveaways-for-25-31.html

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    1. Hi Luthien!

      Thank you for commenting and good luck in the giveaway.
      :D

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    2. All the points you mention does make one want to pick up this book sooner than later, huh, Luthien? I hope you get to read it soon and enjoy it!
      Best of luck in the giveaway! :)

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  16. Oh my! What an exhilarating scene! I love how you brought an unexpected physical encounter to their relationship, it will be interesting to see how both are impacted by that incident! And it looks like Darcy's got some competition! Even more exciting! Congrats on your new release, Cassandra! And great interview ladies! Thank you!

    I follow Cassandra!

    And I'm tweeting about it right now! https://twitter.com/Austenesque/status/316508326169047042

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    1. Hi Meredith.

      Thank you for commenting and tweeting! Much appreciated! :D

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    2. Seeing how both are impacted by the incident is one thing I am looking forward to discovering too, Meredith. :)
      Thanks for stopping by! Good luck in the giveaway!! :)

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  17. Ohhh, this sounds so good! I need to find out what happens after Darcy and Elizabeth fall into each others arms. I also love the idea of another suitor. Congratulations on your new book, Cassandra. Thanks for the giveaway!!=)
    I'm following Cassandra on twitter!
    kellik115(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Hi Kelli! Yes, the idea of another suitor makes the story all the more intriguing! Hope you enjoy the book!
      Good luck in the giveaway!:)

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  18. Hi Kelli

    Pleased to hear you are intrigued! Good luck with the giveaway!

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  19. So happy to see Cassandra's book reviewed here. I read the original version and fell in love with her writing. I've been hoping ever since then to see it published. No need to enter me in the contest as I've already ordered my copy. Congrats again, Cassandra!

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    1. Wow! Thanks for such wonderful praise, Jan! So glad to hear you enjoyed the story even before Cassandra tweaked it! I cannot wait to read it myself! :) Thanks so much for stopping by, Jan! :)

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  20. Thank you Jan! You have always been such a support to me.

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  21. I am intrigued! (This is not a giveaway entry! I am going to order my copy right now for holiday!)
    I just wanted to check, this is a clean romance interpretation of pride and prejudice? It sounds it :)
    This is a great way to take the story!! I rarely read Jane Austen fan fiction as some of it can be awful and ruin the original and a lot out there is just authors sexual fantasies about the couple... Which isn't for Me. Anyhow! This looks wonderful and all the reviews are great and so I cannot wait to read it (I just wanted to check!)

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    1. Thank you for gracing my humble blog with your presence, Mrs. Darcy! ;) I enjoy it when an author is able to create tension between Darcy and Elizabeth without all the sex. I believe that can show the strength of a writer.
      I hope you find A Fair Prospect to your liking! :)

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  22. Good morning, Mrs Darcy!

    Yes, you are correct in your assumption, this is a clean re- telling! Thank you for commenting!

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    1. haha yes! Well I blog about Jane Austen and my favourite novel is Pride and Prejudice so I thought it was appropriate :) It was also my nickname at school last year! My real, boring name is Sophie :)

      Brilliant! I have ordered the novel and I can't wait to read, and for the others to come out - i hate cliffhangers!! haha well thank you for responding and I hope you didn't mind my question :)

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    2. Questions are very welcome!!

      Sorry about the three volume thing, but it will soon all be out there :D

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  23. This looks exactly like my kind of read. Great blog! Thanks for having this contest.

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    1. Thank you for commenting and good luck with the draw!

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  24. Congratulations on the publication of your book! What a marvelous beginning. Feisty Lizzy and Determined Darcy.

    Gayle / S.C.Mema
    scmema at yahoo dot com

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  25. Hi Gayle - thanks for commenting, and entering! Good luck!

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  26. First off, I must say that I love the cover!!

    I love both recent versions of P&P, Colin v. Matthew. But I'm most drawn to Matthew. I enjoyed his portrayal of Darcy because I got more sense of shyness, which I loved.

    After reading your interview here I'm really looking forward to reading the book. I can't wait to see how Elizabeth is struggling with her thoughts on Darcy. I think we would all be like that if we were in that same scene in the 2005 movie. That was intense.

    I'm looking forward to a jealous Darcy too! Love it when he has a little competition.

    Congratulations on your new book, Cassie!!

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  27. Thank you, Steph! Good luck in the draw and I'm so glad you liked the cover!

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  28. Congratulations, Ruby Chun and Meredith!! Please email me at jakki36 AT yahoo DOT com to claim your prize!
    And thank you, Cassie, for the wonderful interview, delightful excerpt, and amazing giveaway! :)
    Thanks everyone who left comments! I hope you each have an opportunity to read A Fair Prospect!

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  29. I came across vol 1 on amazon by chance and I was hooked. I loved it so much I read it in two days (staying up until the wee small hours as I couldn't stop) I then got volume 2 and I tried to space my reading of it out, but alas, it was too good and again two days later I have come to the end. Part of me cannot WAIT until the last enstallment, the other half doesn't want to read it beause that will be the end of the story and I'll miss your version on the characters a great deal. Well done and thank you for writing this beautiful story.
    Nicola

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