Thursday, 11 April 2019

Be More Jane by Sophie Andrews - Excerpt and Giveaway

Today I'm pleased to be welcoming a new author to the blog. Although Be More Jane is Sophie Andrews' first book, many of you will be aware of her, as a blogger over at Laughing With Lizzie, and the creator of the Laughing with Lizzie Facebook page. Sophie is a very keen Janeite and she has created a gorgeous book, with illustrations from the very talented Jane Odiwe, who is a wonderful artist in addition to being a talented author. Let's have a look at the blurb to get a flavour of what Sophie's book is about, and then I will hand over to her for a guest post, excerpt, and a chance for you to win a copy of the book!

Book Description

Book cover: Be More Jane by Sophie Andrews
Are you more Marianne than Elinor, Lydia rather than Lizzy? Be More Jane will teach you to address life with more sense and less prejudice, taking useful lessons from the novels and letters of Jane Austen, one of the world’s best-loved writers. Times may change, but many of our problems remain the same. Sophie Andrews, a young Janeite, knows from personal experience that in times of trouble, or just on matters of friendship, family, and love, answers are to be found in the pages of Miss Austen’s novels.

Guest Post from Sophie Andrews and Excerpt from Be More Jane

Thank you so much, Ceri, for welcoming me to your blog. I am excited to be sharing an extract from my new book with your readers today. The extract I have chosen is from the chapter entitled 'Be More Lizzy'. Elizabeth Bennet has always been a huge inspiration for me, not to mention my blog persona as well. I find her such an admirable character.

* * *
Be More Lizzy

“I dearly love a laugh.”
(Pride and Prejudice)

Elizabeth “Lizzy” Bennet is one of the most well known, admired, and popular of Jane Austen’s heroines. Witty, independent, intelligent, loyal, and a loving daughter and sister, she is perhaps the character most closely linked in the reader’s mind to Jane Austen herself. Since my first introduction to Lizzy, when I was just 16, she has been my inspiration. She has been my blog persona for a number of years and, from her, I have picked up invaluable tips on how to be more of a “Lizzy” in my own life.

Life can be tough, so try to make it fun and enjoyable more of the time. Lizzy herself declares, “follies and nonsense, whims and inconsistencies do divert me, I own, and I laugh at them whenever I can” and we should do the same. Lizzy always searches for the funny side to any situation, which is a sensible approach to life, for laughing is proven to be good for us. In today’s challenging world, where we are faced with negativity on a daily basis, it is essential to find joy in as much as we can, to keep us smiling.

Lady Catherine confronts Lizzy
“You have widely mistaken my character, if you think I can be worked on by such persuasions as these.”

These are Lizzy’s defiant words during her clash with Lady Catherine de Bourgh, after rumors reach her ladyship of an engagement between Lizzy and her nephew, Mr Darcy. Elizabeth is a wonderful example of someone who knows her own mind and will not be persuaded to do anything she does not believe in. She is even strong enough to stand up to Lady Catherine, a formidable character, of far superior rank in society—no mean feat! Lizzy is someone who will always fight her own corner but is not afraid to support others when needed. She shows real courage and commendable strength of character, particularly for a woman in the Regency era. We can follow in her footsteps, be true to what we know is right, and stand up for our beliefs.

These are the two principal lessons to be learned from our inspirational heroine, and they are two that have particularly helped me.

Lizzy walking to Netherfield
"six inches deep in mud"!
But it also seems to me that occasionally walking through a muddy field, as Lizzy famously does, might not be such a bad idea when seeking to impress! And perhaps she knows a trick or two when, out of curiosity, she unexpectedly goes visiting a rich man’s house and estate and successfully wins his love (and his fortune!).

BE MORE LIZZY
Seek out the fun in life.
Stand up for what you believe in.
Don’t worry about getting a bit of mud on your shoes!

* * *

This is just one of many topics I touch on in the book, and I have  also had a little extra fun along the way, by writing 'vignettes' as some of Austen's most beloved, often comic, characters - who mistakenly believe they have their own sensible advice to share!  I do hope you all enjoy my new book, 'Be More Jane'.  And thank you again for letting me stop by.

* * *

About the Author

Sophie Andrews
(photo by Brian Hubbard)
Sophie Andrews is a founder member of the Jane Austen Pineapple Appreciation Society, and organises events such as picnics, balls and house parties for her fellow Austenites. Sophie started her blog, Laughing with Lizzie, in 2012, aged 16, after studying Pride and Prejudice at school. She has been attending Austen-themed events since then, and was featured in the BBC documentary “My Friend Jane” which focused on the fun and friendship she has found with her fellow Janeites. She lives in Berkshire and has over 100 different editions of Pride and Prejudice on her bookshelves.

Contact Links:

Laughing with Lizzie Facebook page / Laughing with Lizzie Instagram page / Laughing with Lizzie Twitter page

Book cover: Be More Jane by Sophie AndrewsBuy Links:

Be More Jane is available to buy now!

Amazon.com / Amazon.co.uk / Goodreads

Giveaway Time!

CICO books are very kindly giving away a copy of the book at each of the blog stops (there's a list below). The giveaway is open to readers in the US, Canada and Europe. To enter, just leave a comment on this blog post by the end of the day on Friday 19 April. You can leave contact details here, such as a twitter name or email address to be notified if you are the winner, but if you'd rather not publish this info, then follow comments on the post, and I will pop in a comment once the winner's name is selected.

Thank you so much to CICO books and to Sophie Andrews for visiting Babblings of a Bookworm with this beautiful book!


Be More Jane Blog Tour Schedule

Be More Jane Tour Schedule

April 8          Regency History / Q&A & Giveaway
April 9          Diary of an Eccentric / Book review & Giveaway
April 10        More Agreeably Engaged / Book review & Giveaway
April 11        Babblings of a Bookworm / Excerpt & Giveaway
April 12        My Love for Jane Austen /Guest Post & Giveaway
April 14        My Jane Austen Book Club /Book review & Giveaway
April 15        So Little Time / Guest Post & Giveaway
April 16        Austenesque Reviews / Book review & Giveaway


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33 comments:

  1. Riana Everly12 April 2019 at 02:34

    This is delightful! And what beautiful artwork. Congrats, Sophie and Jane Odiwe, on this lovely looking book.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lizzie17 April 2019 at 11:59

      Thank you. Lizzie has always been such an inspiration to me, hence becoming my blog persona for a long time. Good luck!

      Delete
    2. Ceri19 April 2019 at 13:05

      Isn't it gorgeous! I am lucky enough to have a copy of this book and it's just as lovely in real life.

      Delete
  2. Jane Odiwe12 April 2019 at 10:34

    Thank you for your kind words!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lizzie17 April 2019 at 11:59

      They are deserved. <3

      Delete
    2. Ceri19 April 2019 at 13:08

      Thanks for stopping by,Jane. The words are absolutely deserved, you are a very talented lady, I wish I had a tiny fraction of your creativity!

      Delete
  3. J. W. Garrett12 April 2019 at 13:39

    I caught myself one day thinking I sounded like Mrs. Bennet. It was such a shock that I immediately tried to mend my ways. In looking back over my life [you do that at a certain age] I saw my actions and behavior were much in line with Lydia. Dang! I think Austen is a most excellent character study and we can find a bit of Austen's characters with each of us. I would love a copy and that is a most beautiful cover. Congratulations on the launch of this and I wish you much success. To Jane Odiwe... fabulous work. I think a book of your art work with Austen quotes would be just the thing. You could showcase all the classics and... and... there I go. Oh well. Sorry. Not sorry. I would still like something like that. Think about it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lizzie17 April 2019 at 12:00

      What lovely words. thank you! She really is such a wonderful judge of character and observer of human nature - and don't worry, Mrs Bennet is misunderstood I feel! Good luck in the giveaway :)

      Delete
    2. Ceri19 April 2019 at 13:10

      Hey there Jeanne. I am very fond of Mrs Bennet and as I age I am beginning to see her view more and more :)

      Delete
  4. Sophia Rose12 April 2019 at 13:48

    It's a lovely book and even better it makes one think. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lizzie17 April 2019 at 12:01

      I hope it does. Austen has always made me think :)

      Delete
    2. Ceri19 April 2019 at 13:11

      Hi Sophia! So glad you like the book. I think there is a lot to be learned from Austen as she gives us so much to reflect on.

      Delete
  5. J "Joy" Dawn King12 April 2019 at 18:13

    The artwork shown is absolutely lovely. Whenever I see something of Jane's, I immediately feel serenity. She has a gift.

    Best wishes to you, Sophie, for a successful launch. This is an awesome project.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lizzie17 April 2019 at 12:01

      She is very talented, I agree. They are so classic and beautiful. and thank you!

      Delete
    2. Ceri19 April 2019 at 13:12

      Hi Joy! Isn't the artwork fantastic. Thanks for visiting to give your support and good wishes for Sophie :)

      Delete
  6. Reader !14 April 2019 at 00:51

    Absolutely delightful! And I'm so impressed Sophie created her blog not only at 16 but after school study of P&P! That usually kills any interest in a book !!
    Well Done 😊

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lizzie17 April 2019 at 12:02

      Thank you. I don't know … it just completely caught something in my and I was hooked from then, no going back! I never saw a chance to write a book coming though!

      Delete
    2. Ceri19 April 2019 at 13:15

      Hi Reader! I'm glad you enjoyed the post.

      I have heard that studying books can turn you right off them, but luckily I have personally never found that to be the case, and it can be a wonderful introduction to a story you might not otherwise have picked up.

      Delete
  7. dstoutholcomb14 April 2019 at 04:21

    This:

    BE MORE LIZZY
    Seek out the fun in life.
    Stand up for what you believe in.
    Don’t worry about getting a bit of mud on your shoes!


    denise

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lizzie17 April 2019 at 12:03

      hehehe thank you. I have enjoyed doing the little sum ups at the end of each chapter!

      Delete
    2. Ceri19 April 2019 at 13:16

      Absolutely, Denise, it's wonderful advice!

      Delete
  8. Lizzie17 April 2019 at 12:04

    Thank you so much for joining my tour. :) I hope you enjoyed my extract, and I hope you enjoy the rest of the book too! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ceri19 April 2019 at 13:16

      Thank you so much for the opportunity to join the tour, Sophie. I wish you all the very best with this gorgeous book!

      Delete
  9. schilds18 April 2019 at 02:11

    This book is absolutely beautiful. I would love to win a copy.
    saganchilds(a)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. Dung19 April 2019 at 15:33

    Congrats on your first publication debut!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ceri19 April 2019 at 23:51

      Thanks Dung! I can't imagine how exciting it must be to become a published author :)

      Delete
  11. RS19 April 2019 at 15:52

    Such a delightful collection of advice and insight. Congratulations on your first book, Sophie!

    ReplyDelete
  12. monkee19 April 2019 at 22:46

    Congrats on your first book, Sophie!! It is quite endearing!!
    Sharon Legg

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ceri19 April 2019 at 23:51

      It's a really lovely book. Thanks for stopping by to comment.

      Delete
  13. Ceri25 April 2019 at 00:25

    The winner has been selected... http://babblingsofabookworm.blogspot.com/2019/04/winner-be-more-jane-by-sophie-andrews.html

    ReplyDelete

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