Joana Starnes’ newest Pride and Prejudice variation, The Journey Home to Pemberley, was a treat from start to finish. She imagines what might have happened had Elizabeth reunited with Mr. Darcy following his disastrous Hunsford proposal while touring the Lake Country with her aunt and uncle Gardiner. Darcy is taking the long, scenic route to Pemberley as he tries to come to terms with Elizabeth’s refusal, and when he is injured during a storm, he ends up at the inn where Elizabeth and the Gardiners are taking refuge.
While their initial reunion is a little awkward but sweet and full of hope for the future, I knew it was too soon in the book for that to last. But what happened next gutted me. I hadn’t expected THAT, and I hadn’t realized I was so wrapped up in their newfound happiness until I had the rug pulled out from under me, much like our dear couple. I felt it to the core, but I’ve never been disappointed by Starnes before, so I kept reading through their pain and trusted there would be a reward in the end.
The Journey Home to Pemberley was a true page turner, full of romance, angst, and passion and twists and turns that I hadn’t anticipated. Starnes has a way of transporting readers into the story, and I truly felt like I was on the journey with Darcy and Elizabeth. Telling the story mainly through Elizabeth’s point of view provided some suspense, as I kept wondering what Darcy was thinking and feeling at that moment while I was feeling Elizabeth’s pain as she observed him. When they were reunited at the beginning, they both had confronted some hard truths about themselves, but Starnes had many more trials in store for them, and she does a fantastic job of showing how they were changed by their circumstances. The original characters, from Timms and Moll, the innkeeper and his wife, to Bella and Meg, the Monkford sisters, were delightful additions as well.
I’ve loved all of the books I’ve read by Starnes so far, and The Journey Home to Pemberley was no exception. I expected to love it like the others, but I didn’t expect to FEEL it as much as I did, and that, to me, is the sign of a great book and a great writer. I’m already eagerly anticipating what she has in store for us next!
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Buy on Amazon
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About the Author
Joana lives in the south of England with her family. Over the years, she has swapped several hats – physician, lecturer, clinical data analyst – but feels most comfortable in a bonnet. She has been living in Georgian England for decades in her imagination, and plans to continue in that vein till she lays hands on a time machine.
She is the author of eight Austen-inspired novels (From This Day Forward ~ The Darcys of Pemberley; The Subsequent Proposal; The Second Chance; The Falmouth Connection; The Unthinkable Triangle; Miss Darcy’s Companion; Mr Bennet’s Dutiful Daughter and The Darcy Legacy) and one of the contributors to the Quill Ink anthologies (The Darcy Monologues, Dangerous to Know, Rational Creatures and Yuletide). They are all available at Amazon in Kindle and paperback, and some in Audible too: Joana’s Amazon Page.
You can connect with Joana on: Facebook | Website | Twitter | Instagram | Austen Variations
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Giveaway
Joana is generously giving away 8 Kindle copies and a paperback of The Journey Home to Pemberley and a Jane Austen & Pride and Prejudice goodie bag as part of the blog tour. You must enter through this Rafflecopter link. Good luck!
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Joana’s books never disappoint! I can’t wait to read this one!
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Thanks, Pam, you’re so kind! I hope you’ll like this one too. Thanks for stopping by to read Anna’s awesome review and OMG, Anna, huge thanks! I’m absolutely speechless and SO happy it made you feel this way!! It means the world to me. Your beautiful review is too wonderful for words. Thank you!!!
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I had a feeling you would love this one after reading the excerpts. I love that you mention twists in there. 🙂
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Yep, there’s a twist or two, Sophia Rose 😉
Thanks for coming over to read Anna’s beautiful review! All the best and have a lovely weekend.
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I also have never read a book by Joana that I didn’t love. Based on your review this one looks like it won’t be an exception.
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I’m so glad you liked my other books, DarcyBennet! I do hope you’ll like this one too. Best of luck in the giveaway and thanks for putting your name in the hat 🙂
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I wonder if Jane and Bingley have an easier journey to their happy ending (if their is one for them)
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Bless them 🙂 There has to be a HEA for them too, Susan. Not sure if it’s a difficult journey for them, but it definitely is a long one. Long, long, long… 🙂 Thanks and all the best.
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I have read this twice already and loved it. Love Joana’s prose. She is one of my favorite authors.
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Thanks so much, Sheila, you’re ever so kind! I’m so happy you loved it!
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Don’t include me in the drawing. Thanks to Anna for hosting and to Joana for the generous giveaway. I Loved this story and read it as an ARC and I purchased my own copy. Good luck to all in the drawing. Blessings to Joana on the success of this new launch.
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Blessings to you too, Jeanne, and huge thanks for your wonderful words! Much, much appreciated!
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Thanks so much for featuring Joana’s book on the blog tour. I love all of her books and bought this one as soon as it came out.
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Thanks so much, Jen! Best of luck with the delicious ‘Peanut Butter’ and lots of inspiration for many more!
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Hah, you’re such a tease! “But what happened next gutted me. I hadn’t expected THAT”. Not even the tiniest hint of what it could be. Well, I guess there’s only one way to find out…..
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Thanks for stopping by to read Anna’s review, Ginna! I hope you’ll like to find out what was that about. Huge thanks again for the fabulous review, Anna! I’m so happy you liked the book [and that a few things took you by surprise :)) ].
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OK, this review makes me want to read this! Gutted you?! OMG what is it!!!
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I do hope you’ll like it, Serena! Thanks for reading Anna’s wonderful review.
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Loved your review! Sounds like Joana had you and our couple high on a cloud and before anyone knew it, an epic storm blew you all off course! Can’t wait to read this one!
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I’m so glad you’re looking forward to it, Carole. Thank you, and have a lovely and joyful autumn!
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Thanks for the fair warning, I won’t feel too comfortable too early while reading this book. After all it’s Joana’s. 😉
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LOL Kate. Indeed 😀 😀 . Plain sailing from the start? Hmmm, that wouldn’t sound like me 😉 . I’m glad you’ll be on your guard now. Best of luck in the giveaway and I hope you’ll like the story.
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Thank you for featuring this book and for giving everyone an opportunity to win.
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Thank *you* for taking part, Mystica, and thanks again, Anna, for this exquisite review!!
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Thank you for the heart felt review. I, too, have loved all of Joana’s books, but I am now curious about what happened!
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That’s so beautifully said, Eva! Heartfelt review – that’s how I felt about it too. Huge thanks, Anna!
I’m so glad it intrigued you, Eva, and I hope you’ll enjoy finding out what the story is about. Best of luck in the giveaway and thanks for taking part.
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A must read! Joana never disappoints! Wonderful post!
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I can tell Joana’s new novel is full of suspense for our dear couple. I really enjoyed your thoughtful review, Anna. All the reviews I read praise The Journey Home to Pemberley so congratulations, Joana!
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