Today I have a real treat for you, my dear readers! Rose Fairbanks is releasing her next Pride and Prejudice variation on March 29 (possibly sooner) — click here to preorder — and I will be revealing the cover right here, right now. And she is generously sharing an excerpt and a giveaway with you as well!
Before I show you the beautiful cover for The Secrets of Pemberley, here is the blurb:
To the world, Fitzwilliam Darcy has it all. He’s the young master to one of the kingdom’s oldest and wealthiest Norman families. Through his mother, he is related to a powerful line of earls. Beneath the perfect façade lies the truth: he’s the product of his mother’s affair and the heir George Darcy never wanted.
At twenty-eight, Darcy has fought hard to put to rest the pains of the past and earn his place in Society. But can he resist the allure of ending his loneliness with the unsuitable woman who has tugged at his heartstrings? Will he tell her his secret and if he does, will she keep it? Or will someone else from the past destroy everything Darcy has worked for?
Doesn’t that sound intriguing? And here is the cover that seems to capture the book so well:
And the entire print cover:
Wow! The mask hints at some secrecy, and the statute on the back cover has a vulnerability about it that just tears at my heart! I’m dying to read the book, and I’m sure many of you are as well. In the meantime, here is an excerpt to whet your appetite:
“You have done this, Anne, and I will never forgive you.”
A large, stern man hovered over Fitzwilliam Darcy’s sobbing mother. Her cries awoke the boy of eight from his night time slumber in the small Scottish cottage where he and his mother shared a room. The only light was a lantern in the man’s hand. Outside the open window, the world remained quiet except for the sound of horses snorting and stamping impatiently. A coachman attempted to calm them.
“But do not take him away from me! Do not take my boy!”
Fitzwilliam attempted to hide behind his mother who now sat on his bed.
“You have taken mine!” the man roared. “Have you no words of regret on the passing of your firstborn? My son! My heir! He needed his mother — but no, you were here.”
Lady Anne Darcy remained mute and continued her sobs. Her son peered curiously at the angry man. Mother had another child? He had a brother?
“Do not fret,” the man glared and had no sympathy for the tears he saw. “I kept your affair a secret, and he has my name. He will be accepted.”
“But he will not be loved!” Lady Anne sobbed anew, and she hugged Fitzwilliam.
“You should have thought of that before you played the harlot.”
“If you would allow me to come with you,” she pleaded.
“Absolutely not. You will remain here for your “health.” Now, pass the boy over.”
The man looked at the Fitzwilliam. He looked strange, unfamiliar and in clothing that showed no signs of wear. Mother had always said one day his father would come for him one day, but looking at this man, Fitzwilliam did not want to go.
“No, anything but that please,” Mother cried.
Large hands tried to snatch Fitzwilliam’s arm, and she threw herself in front of the child. He darted to the other side of the room.
“Anne,” George said in a warning tone. “The law is on my side.”
He sounded angry, and Fitzwilliam flinched at the voice, but his mother did not cower. Either Mother was very brave, or perhaps there was no reason to fear violence from the man.
“Allow me to say goodbye,” Mother pleaded.
At last, the towering man relented.
“Fitzwilliam, my darling son,” Mother choked out and embraced him.
He wrapped his hands tightly around her waist and pressed his head to her chest. “Mama, please do not send me away. Do not make me go with that man.” Tears streaked down his face, and he trembled in fear. Other than Cook and the maid, he had seldom known other people. He was even too shy to greet the minister they saw every Sunday.
“He is your father,” Mama said.
The man snorted, and Fitzwilliam lifted his head.
Mother turned her head to face Father. “What else is there to tell him, George?”
“Disguise of every sort is my abhorrence,” he said through gritted teeth. “Am I not lying enough as it is?”
“Please,” Mother asked as her chin trembled and tears fell down her cheeks. “Please.”
“Blast it. You always knew how to get your way,” Father whispered. “I will tell him when he is old enough.”
Fitzwilliam felt relief in his mother’s frame, and she exhaled the breath she had been holding.
“Thank you.”
Turning back to her son, she ran comforting hands over his hair and face. “Now, you will go with your Papa and learn everything you can about running a big estate. So many people will look up to you and will count on you. Do you think you can do that?”
Fitzwilliam shook his head.
“Our son was never afraid of anything,” Father said sadly. “Did you ever wonder?”
Pain and anguish flooded Mother’s eyes, and she squeezed them shut. Upon opening, determination filled them.
“You can do this! I know you can! Do you remember the name of the estate?”
“Pember…Pemberley?”
“Yes! See how smart you are already?”
Fitzwilliam did not care about praise at this moment. Why did he have to leave Mother behind? “When will I see you again?”
“Do not worry about that,” she answered with a quavering voice. “I must remain here and get healthy.”
Mother often said they lived here because of her health. She never seemed ill to him, only sad. However, he would never wish to hurt her. “Must I go?”
“Yes, it is your duty to be the heir of Pemberley.” She pulled him into a crushing hug. “Now, never forget how I love you. No one will ever love you as your mother.”
“Boy, it is time,” Father called.
After another minute, Mother released him and gave him a kiss on each cheek. He reluctantly walked to his father’s side.
“I am pleased to meet you, Father,” he said.
George Darcy harrumphed and left the sparse room. Fitzwilliam cast a parting look at his mother, who tried to smile and waved goodbye. Then, he trailed down the stairs and maintained silence until they were in the carriage. As they pulled away from the cottage which been his only home, Fitzwilliam cried.
How heartbreaking! I really need to know what happens next!
If you’re as curious as I am, Rose is generously offering two lucky readers the chance to win The Secrets of Pemberley: one ebook, open to readers internationally, and one print copy, U.S. only. To enter, please leave a comment with your email address and whether you are entering for the print copy or the ebook. This giveaway will close on Tuesday, January 16, 2018. The winners will be chosen randomly and announced in the comments section of this post. Good luck!
Thank you, Rose, for being my guest today, and congratulations on your upcoming release!
Oh I just need to read the book after that excerpt!! Thx for the giveaway!
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Yes! I’m dying to know what happens next!
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So happy to hear you’re hooked! Best of luck!
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Loved the excerpt but a bit nervous about the angst level this book will have. Thank you for offering the giveaway. I prefer ebook but hard copy would be OK as well.
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It’s definitely my most angsty book, I think. Good luck!
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Looking forward to read this book
nicoleb_christoph @ yahoo . com
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Glad to hear it. Good luck!
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I would take either print or ebook! Doesn’t matter, I had the pleasure of reading a little bit of Rose’s writing and I am very excited for this book! Totally new take on Mr Darcy – I wonder how he will take his fate in this book? Erika Messer, hopefuldelights1 (at) yahoo (dot) com
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So is their an older brother and rightful heir who should inherit?
(ebook)
meikleblog(at)gmail(dot)com
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There was but he died. Good luck!
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I read this excerpt and now want to read more. If I win: odara7rox(at)rcn(dot)com – e-book, please.
Thanks for the chance.
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Thanks, best of luck!
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Wow! I mean… just wow!! I’d love a copy of whatever you want to send. Since international winners can only receive the ebook.. a paperback would be fine. I love the cover. A mask is always mysterious. But, who is Darcy’s biological father? That is a question… and will he appear later? I wonder about Georgiana… will there be a Georgiana in this story? The wounded younger sister was such a pivotal point in canon and pushed the story of Wickham and his grievance with Darcy. jwgarrett13[at]hotmail[dot]com
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I changed my mind on the cover several different times but in the end the idea that Darcy is hiding behind a mask really won out. I actually think that of most stories with Darcy but especially with this one! There is a Georgiana and who Darcy’s real father is quite the mystery.
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That is quite an excerpt. I am very curious to see how this plays out. Thank you for the giveaway. Cherringtonmb at sbcglobal dot net. (US) ebook or print would be wonderful!
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Best of luck!
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Intriguing cover😍, loved it and the angel in the back… Love the premises too.
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Thanks! Originally, I thought about using the angel as the front cover but decided on the mask. I couldn’t give it up though so I put it on the back! Good luck!
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I read the excerpt and I love the premise. Intriguinged. I am looking forward to reading this.
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I think you’ll love it! Best of luck!
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Heartbreaking on all counts…for Fitzwilliam and for the child left behind at Pemberley! The cover says it all…a child weeping and the mystery behind the mask…gorgeous! Oh the angst!!! Looking forward to reading this one!!!
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I’m glad you like the cover! The angel was almost the front cover but then I decided on the idea of a mask instead. Best of luck!
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Sure seems like this book is going where no JAFF has gone before! Nice cover, gut-wrenching excerpt, and awesome giveaway. Thanks, Rose and Anna! I’d love to win the e-book. dmsbrown54@yahoo.com
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I’m not a big believer in needing to have an utterly original premise to have a good book and yet, I think I often do something off the beaten track. I think you’ll enjoy the finished product. Good luck!
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I definitely need to read this book!
Poor Darcy, always having to carry around that secret, and the weight it confers. I hope that the book gives us more information, from before this point in the excerpt.
I am interested in the e-copy. Ginna Say What at gmail dot com
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Doesn’t it just make you curious to know what happens to poor Darcy and how his family got in this pickle? There’s not more information before, these are the opening lines unless editing changes it, but there is more information throughout the book to avoid info dumping. Best of luck!
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Wow. I’ve never thought of the Darcy parents with this personality type. Would be interesting to read. Also curious to know if he gets a younger sister to dote upon. Either ebook or hard copy is fine.
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I’ve read a few others where the Darcys have been unfaithful to each other. Linda Wells and J. Dawn King have books with it but this is the first time I’ve heard of Darcy being illegitimate. Yes, he does get Georgiana but their relationship is far different. Good luck!
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I’ve already read this excerpt and am totally devastated already for Darcy. I have to say that I really want to read it but am worried the angst levels may be too much for me. Rose assured me I can cope with it so I will give it a go.
I’m in the UK so not eligible for a paperback and also unable to download from Amazon due to their new policy ‘re foreigners to the US therefore please don’t enter me in the giveaway. (Unless they have had a sudden change of heart!)
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I’m happy you’re interested in it anyway, Glynis. Although I have entered it in Kindle Unlimited so it will not be for sale on other vendors for the first 90 days after releasing, I can make a file compatible with other devices which I think you could download. I’ve never heard of it being a problem before.
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Whaaaat? Who is the father?!
booksforlife01
at gmail
dot com
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I know! When this scene came to me, I just had to push aside everything else I was working on to see what happened next! Good luck!
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This is such an interesting premise and I’m intrigued to know the circumstances where Anne would have an affair. I would prefer ebook but would be fine with hard copy. Thanks for the chance to win. jadseah4 (at) yahoo (dot) com
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A lot of high society wives had affairs after they had the heir. We shall learn more about Lady Anne and George Darcy and what kind of people they were. Best of luck!
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Fascinating – can’t wait to read the book. Would love to have the paperback version. Thanks for sharing.
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Happy to hear you’re loving it. Good luck!
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Anna,
Oh,my! What an intriguing premise! Must say I’ve never read anything like this before,Darcy cast as the heir although Darcy blood does not run through his veins….I’m presuming, the ‘true’ heir must have died,leaving Darcy to take up the reins.
I feel sorry for him as I’m assuming that his parent’s marriage must have been one of convenience rather than a love match.
Perhaps she met the love of her life and as a result gave birth to Darcy.
Yes,I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what happens to Darcy,to finding out who his biological father is and what becomes of his future happiness with Lizzy.
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Yes, the firstborn recently died and yes, the Darcy marriage was convenience and not particularly happy but not particularly awful. More will be revealed in the story. Best of luck!
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Hi! I really like the statue, do you know if it is part of a monument or is the attraction of a city?
Can I participate for the international giveaway? My e-mail is LorenDushku@gmail.com
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I bought it as a stock photo. The title was in German and translates to “Angels in mourning” so I presume it must be from a cemetery and probably a German one. I don’t think it’s very unique, I’ve seen other ones like it in various cities in the US. Good luck!
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Rose you did it again with getting my curiosity piqued. I would love to have a printed copy of this book. Either way Love this story line and can’t wait to read it.
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Yay! I know you’ll love it. Best of luck!
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I read this excerpt last night. It’s excellent! Please enter me in the giveaway for a print copy of the book. I will add this giveaway to my blog’s sidebar.
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Happy to hear you’re so intrigued. Best of luck!
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It is certainly a different beginning. How will it all play out? Curiosity is peeked.
Either book or ebook is fine.
Pattyedmisson at gmail dot com
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I try to surprise readers so hopefully, you’ll think there are a few surprising twists along the way. Good luck!
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I can’t wait to read it. I would be honored to receive the print copy or book.
Susanswayze@yahoo.com
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Hearing things like that make me excited to finish! Good luck!
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Oh my goodness. Heartbreaking. Want to read….NOW!
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Yes, it’s so very sad for him but in the end, love triumphs beautifully. Best of luck!
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A fascinating premise, can’t wait to read the book. Since I’m in Canada, please enter me in the draw for an e-book.
suzannesakaluk@gmail.com
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Good luck!
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Wow, what an excerpt! I can’t wait to read the whole story. Thanks for the chance to win a copy! Ebook or paperback…either is fine with me. 😄
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I think you’ll love it! Good luck!
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[…] What do you think of the cover? Check out the giveaway on Diary of an Eccentric. […]
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Read the first 2 chapters on her website. This is a total departure for Darcy! I can feel the intrigue already and cannot wait to read more! Who else knows the secret I wonder! I would love to win a digital copy! Thank you for the opportunity!
theardentreader@aol.com
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Thanks for reading and supporting the story! Best of luck!
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Oh, this book sounds just wonderful! It is such an unusual premise. I hope we learn who Darcy’s natural father is. I live in the USA. Thank you for the excerpt and giveaway. evamedmonds(at)gmail(dot)com
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Darcy’s father is revealed in the book and I think it will surprise everyone. Good luck!
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Who is Darcy’s biological father? And what happened next? I’m dying to know as the excerpt is very intriguing. An e-book for me if I win because I’m international. Thank you, Rose.
evangelineace2020(at)yahoo(dot)com
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So many questions are posed in this that just have to be answered! Who is Darcy’s biological father? What are the circumstances of Lady Anne’s “affair” with said gentleman (assuming he is one!)?
I’ve not previously come across anything like this scenario before and it looks as though there’s lots of “angst potential”. Bring it on!
Love the cover, too, by the way. Although, and this isn’t any sort of criticism just my sci-fi geek showing, the cherub on the back cover reminds me of the Weeping Angels from Doctor Who. So I’m rather glad Rose chose the mask for the front or I’d be afraid to blink when I was looking at it. (For those that don’t understand, look up the Doctor Who episode “Blink”.)
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Just realised I forgot something!
amgmardee (at) hotmail (dot) com
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Wow! What an excerpt! This is different from anything I have ever read and I am totally hooked. I can’t wait to read more of this story. Thanks, Anna and Rose!
I love the cover, Rose. Yours are always lovely and this one is intriguing, both front and back! (Anji, now I have to look up the Doctor Who episode you mentioned!)
I’m so curious who the gentleman is and why Lady Anne had an ‘affair’. Is Fitzwilliam really his or? So many questions that need answers! 🙂
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my email address jbtaylor12 at gmail dot com Thanks for the giveaway opportunity. I would love the paperback but would be happy with either should I be a winner. 🙂
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I’m going to have to snag this one for myself.
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I’ll add you to the drawing. I’ve been so busy that it hasn’t happened yet, so all commenters will be included!
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Thank you all for taking the time to check out Rose’s new book! Sorry that it’s taken me so long to choose the winners. Life has just been so busy; I’m sure you all know what that’s like.
I put everyone’s names into the list randomizer, and Loren Dushku was chosen as the international ebook winner and BeckyC was chosen for the print copy. Please check your emails. Congrats and happy reading!
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Congratulations to the winners. Enjoy.
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Responded to email! Thank you so much! Congrats to Loren.
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Thank you!
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