Sunday, October 6, 2019

Jane Austen Complimentary Award






Editorial Review:

Gianna Thomas admirably reminds readers her novella Elizabeth’s Choice is a sequel. In that regard it is a perfectly independent story. 

Fitzwilliam Darcy, and Elizabeth Darcy, née Bennett, have declared their marital vows. Mr. Darcy has therefore arranged a surprise honeymoon trip to Ireland. It is made obvious Elizabeth’s beauty and allure has transformed the brooding brusque mannered Mr. Darcy from a stiff upper lip man into a lustful bed romper. On balance, it is a honeymoon tale and Elizabeth in the bedroom is Mr. Darcy’s hot property. It must be said the author’s research into Irish history is impeccable. Ireland comes alive in the narrative, and Elizabeth’s inquisitive mind naturally demands more knowledge. Several characters enlighten Elizabeth to Irish history, and never let it be said the Irish are short on the Blarney. There is much-a-do in this novella with Wickham and Denny portrayed as villains apiece, which does run contrary to Austen’s Pride & Prejudice.   We have to remember Mr. Darcy purchased a captaincy for Wickham in the regular army. Denny remained in the Militia. The two men went their separate ways. Wickham was dispatched to Newcastle, and Denny to the South Coast.   Vital facts like that in P&P are important for authors of Jane Austen Fan Fiction novels. Authenticity must ring true for the coveted Jane Austen Award, whereas, the Complimentary Award allows for deviance from original context in variations, rewrites, and sequels. We are therefore pleased to award the Jane Austen Complimentary to Gianna Thomas for Elizabeth’s Choice.

The book's back cover blurb:

Although 'Elizabeth’s Choice' is the long-awaited sequel to 'Darcy Chooses – The Complete Novel,' it can be read as a standalone novella.

On their wedding trip, blissfully married Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy are threatened when an old enemy appears. Will they survive the encounter, or will it leave a memory that will forever scar the heart?

Fitzwilliam Darcy, the hero of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, has made Miss Elizabeth Bennet his own as she has become his wife, much to the delight of both. In this sweet Regency romance, finding joy with her and true happiness that he hasn’t had in years, Darcy’s life is complete. And his wife is more than pleased to be Mrs. Elizabeth Darcy with the one she admires above all men.

Embarking on their honeymoon to Ireland, the two will draw ever closer as they find more in common as tourists in a country with a history and heritage as rich as that of England. Darcy strengthens the bond with old friends as Elizabeth makes new friends that will enrich her life while learning more about those who inhabit the Emerald Isle.

But danger follows closely as the newlyweds head back home to Pemberley. The question is ‘will they ever arrive?’