Monday 24 June 2019

Taking Another Chance by Brenda Webb - Excerpt and Giveaway

Book cover: Taking Another Chance by Brenda Webb
I'm very happy to tell you that today I'm welcoming Brenda Webb back to the blog. Brenda has visited many times and is always a lovely guest. She has a new Pride & Prejudice- inspired book out, Taking Another Chance, which has quite a bit of a time gap for our dear couple, where they are apart. Brenda is here with an excerpt, and she's brought a giveaway too. I'll share the blurb with you, and then hand over to Brenda.

Book Description

Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet have suffered profound heartache in the fourteen years since parting in Lambton when word of Lydia’s folly reached her family.

At the age of forty, Darcy is now a widower raising a teenage daughter, whilst Elizabeth, a spinster, has spent the intervening years in service.

Unexpectedly thrown into each other’s company by circumstances not of their making, has time stood still when it comes to matters of the heart?

Can their timeless love survive the newest obstacles to happiness?

Excerpt from Taking Another Chance with introduction from the author, Brenda Webb

Ceri, thank you so much for allowing me to visit and share an excerpt of my newest book TAKING ANOTHER CHANCE. I always enjoy visiting with you and your readers and giving away copies of my tales.

As a way of introduction to this story, I have always wanted to write a story where an older Darcy and Elizabeth find each other again and TAKING ANOTHER CHANCE is the result. The blurb above sets the stage for the story; however, for those who hate stories where Darcy is married to someone before Elizabeth, allow me to hint that the marriage began with deception and was of short duration.

Those who read my books know that I never have ODC in love with anyone but each other. After all, Some Loves Are Meant To Be!

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Matlock Manor
The ball

As William made his way down the magnificent grand staircase, it occurred to him that under Isabelle’s watch nothing at Matlock Manor was done conservatively, especially soirĂ©es such as this one. The ball was scheduled to begin in less than an hour, and not only were pots and vases of flowers and greenery occupying every available space, vines and cut flowers had been woven through the rails of the staircase and placed atop every doorway. In addition, the candles in every chandelier in the house were lit, whilst numerous candelabra had been scattered throughout the house, lighting all the recesses not reached by the chandeliers.

Though pleased for his cousin, William was secretly glad Pemberley’s furnishings were less ostentatious, for Matlock Manor reminded him too much of Rosings Park under Lady Catherine’s reign. That woman had died three years to the day after his marriage to Lady Cornelia, with the estate passing to his cousin Anne.

Anne had survived her mother by a mere two years, during which time Lord Matlock helped her run Rosings Park with the aid of a steward. After Anne died there were no de Bourghs alive to inherit, so the estate passed to Lord Matlock. After his death it became part of the family holdings and the steward continued to manage it under William’s watchful eye because Viscount Sele, the new Lord Matlock, showed no interest in doing so. William hoped that once Richard became more comfortable managing Matlock Manor, he could pass part of that responsibility on to his cousin.

As these thoughts were going through his head, William was oblivious to the fact that Lady Parker was waiting to accost him in the foyer. The minute she heard his boots on the marble floor, she swept out of the nearest parlour as though she had no idea he was there.

“Mr. Darcy,” the blonde-haired beauty purred as she floated towards him. “It seems we are the only ones dressed for the ball. And how handsome you look, too!”

William could not deny that Lady Parker was beautiful, and tonight she looked even more so, wearing a teal-coloured, silk damask gown with a delicate, gold-sequined net overlay. The gown’s sleeves were fashioned off-the-shoulder, and the bodice was cut so low that, for a brief moment, William found himself pondering what could be holding it up.

He quickly recovered. “That is not true. I was just talking with your sister and Richard, and they are both fully dressed.”

Ignoring his curt reply, Lady Parker walked over to weave her arm through his, lifted her chin and batted her eyelashes. “What a shame you cannot dance. I would love to be your partner tonight.”

“It is not that I cannot; it is that I choose not to. I will not chance ruining an unsuspecting partner’s foot should I misstep.”

“I am willing to take my chances,” she said brazenly.

“I am sorry, but I am resolute on the matter.”

“I could refuse to dance and keep you company.”

“Since my cousin is hosting this ball for your benefit, do you not think that would be inconsiderate?”

Suddenly, Lady Matlock called from the landing, “Darcy, Richard needs to speak with you right away. He is in his dressing room.”

Whilst Isabelle disappeared as quickly as she had come, William feigned disappointment. “Duty calls. Please excuse me.”

Cursing under her breath as William started back up the stairs, Lady Parker walked on to the ballroom.
~~~*~~~

Elizabeth had come downstairs to fetch flowers from the conservatory in the hope that having flowers for their hair might coax a smile from Lady Marianne and Lady Marjorie, who were disappointed at not being allowed to attend the ball. Instead, they were to stand in the receiving line to greet the guests and then retire. Having found the perfect rose buds, Elizabeth was unable to go up the rear stairs because footmen were carrying a table down them; thus, she hurried towards the grand staircase. Stumbling upon Lady Parker’s ambush of William, she barely managed to stop before rounding the corner into the foyer. Holding her breath, she listened as he successfully parried each of Lady Parker’s advances, which reminded her of a similar scene involving Caroline Bingley years ago.

Covering her mouth to keep from laughing, she thought, Poor man! After all this time, you are still being pursued by the ladies.

As soon as the foyer emptied, Elizabeth rushed up the stairs, praying that she could present the flowers to the girls without encountering William. That was not to be, however, for the instant she pinned two white rosebuds at the back of Marianne’s head, William knocked on his daughter’s dressing room door.

“Come!” Marianne called and William walked in. Elizabeth froze.

“Would you excuse us, please?” he asked.

“Of course,” Elizabeth replied.

Picking up the pink rosebuds she had selected for Marjorie, she hurried into the hall and proceeded straight to that young woman’s dressing room. Cautiously laying her ear against the door and hearing nothing, Elizabeth tried the handle. The door opened, and she slipped inside to find Marjorie alone and weeping.

“Whatever is the matter, my dear?”

“Papa treats me like a child!”

“You may feel that way now, but once you have a daughter of your own, you will understand.”

Whilst drying her eyes on a lace-trimmed handkerchief, Marjorie retorted, “How can you possibly know that? You have no children.”

Elizabeth’s expression became wistful. “I once witnessed the downfall of a young lady who followed her own counsel. Believe me, the outcome was dreadful, not only for her but for her family as well. You should thank God every day that your father cares enough to limit what you do until you are mature enough to handle the responsibility that comes with making your own decisions.”

Marjorie’s brows furrowed. “Is this woman the reason you are in service?”

Surprised at Marjorie’s intuition, Elizabeth replied, “I am in service because I chose to be.” Changing the subject, she held up the pink rosebuds. “I found these in the conservatory and thought they would look beautiful in your hair tonight.”

Marjorie’s face brightened. “They are lovely. Will you pin them in?”

“Of course.”

~~~*~~~

This makes me a bit sad, but I am taking heart in Brenda's comment that she guarantees me a Darcy and Elizabeth happy ever after!

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Author Brenda Webb
Author Bio - from Brenda's Amazon.com Author Page

Before my obsession with all things Jane Austen, I worked as an administrative assistant to the president of a CPA firm. No longer working, I enjoy spending time with my family and indulging my love of storytelling.

Born on a farm in Cullman, Alabama, I proudly admit to being a country girl, and after years of living in the city, I finally achieved my dream of moving back to the country. My husband and I now reside on a three acre mini-farm, sporting chickens and numerous rescued dogs and cats.

Always a voracious reader, I rediscovered Jane Austen books after watching the 2005 Pride and Prejudice movie. Searching for everything relating to Miss Austen, I eventually stumbled into the world of Jane Austen Fan Fiction. After reading many of other people's stories, I decided to try my hand at writing a tale that kept coming to mind and began posting that story on online in 2009.

By November of 2010, I started my own forum, DarcyandLizzy.com, and many readers followed me to this site. Several of my friends insisted that I publish, and in April 2011, Fitzwilliam Darcy an Honourable Man became available.

I have since published the following novels: Mr. Darcy's Forbidden Love, Darcy and Elizabeth, A Most Unlikely Couple, Darcy and Elizabeth - A Promise Kept, Passages - A Pemberley Tale and Proof Of Love - A Pemberley Tale. I also published a novella - A Twist of Fate.

I post all my stories on the forum before I publish them and, just to set the record straight, any similarity between the names in my books and those of television or movie characters is purely coincidental. I have never watched soap operas and I watch little TV/movies other than BBC productions and those relating to the 1800s. In addition to the characters that belong to Jane Austen, my character's names come entirely from my imagination.

Anyone is welcome to join the forum and read my stories and an array of stories by a number of talented JAFF writers. Just register at www.darcyandlizzy.com/forum.

Buy Links

Taking Another Chance is available to buy now, both in ebook and paperback - Amazon UK / Amazon US / Amazon Canada / Add to Goodreads Shelf


Giveaway Time

Book cover: Taking Another Chance by Brenda Webb
Brenda is very generously giving away 4 ebooks of Taking Another Chance. This giveaway is open to people who can accept ebook gifts from Amazon.com. To enter, just leave a comment on this blog post by the end of the day on Sunday, 1 July. You can also earn an additional entry by tweeting about this giveaway. To ensure your tweet entry is counted please tag me, @frawli1978 in the tweet. You can only earn one additional giveaway entry through tweeting :)

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76 comments:

  1. I love your books Brenda and a guarantee that there’s a HEA for Darcy and Elizabeth. Can’t wait to read your newest release! Congrats!

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    1. A D&E HEA is a must for me too, Dung.

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  2. I bought this book as soon as it was published and absolutely loved it. Yes Darcy had been married but not really by choice and certainly it wasn’t a long or loving marriage.
    Lady Parker is on a par with Caroline Bingley - over inflated sense of her own charms and mistakenly thinking she can succeed in being the next Mrs Darcy.
    I’m not giving away any spoilers but obviously Darcy and Elizabeth do end up together (well that’s a given right Brenda?)
    I would highly recommend this book but please don’t enter me in the giveaway ��

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    1. Glad to hear such praise of the book, Glynis. Thanks for commenting :)

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  3. Hi Ceri! Thanks for sharing Brenda's new book here. I already have this book and can re-assure you that a beautiful HEA is in the making. Happy Reading JAFF friends!

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  4. Thank you Dung and Glynis for taking the time to comment and for your kind words Glynis. I would like to point out that 'somehow' one line in the excerpt got changed by the posting gremilins as it is not in the book. The following line is not correct on the excerpt above: “It is not that I cannot; it is that I choose not to. I will not chance ruining an unsuspecting partner’s foot should I misstep.” Just had to point that out because I have OCD. :)

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    1. I'm afraid that was my fault, Brenda. But we got it fixed very quickly after you spotted it so I hope that most visitors to this post saw the correct version that matches the book :)

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  5. It was a lovely excerpt! A fourteen year separation for Darcy and Elizabeth will make the HEA that much sweeter. Thank you for sharing, Ceri and Brenda!

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    1. A fourteen year separation is sad, but like you say, the sadness will make the conclusion that much sweeter.

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  6. I love this book, it is so good and I have already bought it to add to my collection of Brenda's books.

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    1. So glad that you love the book Carmalee. I love it when you find an author who is a must-read :)

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  7. First of all, thank you Ceri for sharing this! I have already bought and read this book and it is very enjoyable. Sweet, with a hint of pathos, but definitely a happy feeling story.

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    1. Hi Elaine. Such lovely praise of the book, thank you for sharing your thoughts!

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  8. This story makes you want to believe in destiny and that true life ve will always win out!
    Thanks for sharing

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    1. I think that is one of the most attractive aspects of JAFF, the thought that there is destiny and true love <3

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  9. Thanks for sharing this excerpt with us, Brenda. There aren't that many stories out there featuring a more mature Darcy and Elizabeth, so it's going to be fascinating to see how this one pans out. I guess something prevented him from either carrying out his search for Lydia, or that it was unsuccessful. Even though I'm in the UK, I have found a way to accept ebook gifts from Amazon.com, so please would you put my name in the giveaway hat?

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    1. Of course Anji, you're in for the giveaway draw :)

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  10. Not sure what to make of marjorie character

    Congratulations on your new book!!

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    1. That's the thing with an excerpt, it's hard to judge isn't it!

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  11. This is such a neat story with a mature Darcy whose post Lydia/Wickham life included as many challenges as Elizabeth's and the couple had both opponents as well as supporters. I loved this story.

    Peggy aka gabbycat

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  12. I would love to read your book. I know it will be one wild ride. Thank you for the giveaway.

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  13. Congratulations on this newest book. Intriguing excerpt.

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    1. Thanks Patty, glad you enjoyed the excerpt.

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  14. The concept is an intriguing one and the excerpt has me hooked. I need to read more! Haha :)

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    1. Well that was the idea, Amber, get you hooked in to wanting more of the story. Good to know it worked! :)

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  15. Congratulations on your new book!

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  16. Another wonderful read from a great author and of course the very important HEA for ODC! I enjoyed reading it on DarcyandLizzy.com and have added it to my must buy list. I'm sure it's going to be very popular and a great success. Thank you for the opportunity of a giveaway :)

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  17. Congratulations on another great book!

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  18. What a generous thought to offer this book. Thank you for the chance to win it. I love the humor and am drawn in by the sorrow and Elizabeth's courage in moving ahead with her life.

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    1. Brenda is very generous, Diana. I agree that the sorrow and courage bring something additional to the story.

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  19. I tried to reply yesterday but my browser would not cooperate. Sigh. I would like to thank all of you who have come over to comment and to encourage me. I am so proud that those of you who have read the book appear to liked it. That's a good start. Wishing everyone who would like a copy good luck in the drawing. :)

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by, Brenda!

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  20. Carole in Canada25 June 2019 at 15:23

    Now this is interesting...it didn't seem as if Darcy recognized Elizabeth. Now I wonder what trouble Lady Parker has up her sleeve for Darcy. Congratulations on another intriguing premise!

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    1. I wondered about that too Carole, did he recognise her and not acknowledge it? Hmm.

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  21. Congratulations on the launch and success of this book, Brenda. I have it on my wish-list and am looking forward to reading it. Thanks for the generous giveaway. Also, thanks to Ceri for hosting.

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    1. Hi J.W. Thanks for stopping by and good luck in the giveaway.

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  22. Congrats on the release of this book. Thank you for the giveaway. I also tweeted, and I believe I did what was needed to tag you:)

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    1. Thanks, Darcybennett. I checked Twitter and have included the bonus giveaway entries :)

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  23. I can see why you might worry after being gripped by that excerpt, Ceri. :) Looks like another good one for Brenda.

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    1. Yes, it does look good. Thanks for commenting, Sophia!

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  24. I can't wait to read this one! I enjoy books that bring D&E together in a little different way.

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    1. Hi Leah. It's nice to have a change every now and then isn't it :)

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  25. What a lovely excerpt! I am quite curious to see how it all works out. I always love your books, Brenda!

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    1. Glad you enjoyed the excerpt Susanne!

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  26. I am thrilled at the number who have come over to tell me your thoughts on the excerpt and get in the drawing to win copies. Carole in Canada I do want to assure you that "Darcy did indeed recognize Lizzy." :)

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  27. I have loved all Brenda's books. I look forward to reading this one also. The beginning is melancholy but we know that a HEA is guaranteed. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Yes, guaranteed HEA is required for me to start reading something with a melancholy beginning! I hope you enjoy the book when you read it, Sheila!

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  28. Brenda, I am registered at www.darcyandlizzy.com/forum but have not received notices of your story chapters being posted. How can I make sure I get notice? I thought I had clicked on "fav author" and "follow author" but since I don't get notices something must have failed.

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    1. Sheila, I'm sorry you missed notices. Sometimes the forum updates and favorites get unchecked. In general, we are not sure why folks don't always get their notices. Maybe Brenda has a better answer. Anyway, maybe you will be one of the winners and then you can read it straight through. Good luck! Jen Red ♫

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  29. I do enjoy her stories so will definitely read this even if I don't win it. I already have someone lined up who wants to borrow it from me. (She lends me books also.) I did go to the forum and tried to hunt a story so I could again mark it as a favorite author and as wanting to follow the author but had no luck finding one of her stories to do so.

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  30. What a great excerpt Brenda. I love your scenes of Darcy being accosted by ladies. That love started with Fitzwillam Darcy Honorable Man, with Richard as his protector. I still laugh when I think of this scene. I have missed your book on D&L, but at least I'll have a pleasure to read it whole, not in installments. The scene was sad, but at least we know that Lizzy and Darcy's daughter are on good terms. I hope it won't change when Elizabeth may become her stepmother. Congratulations on the new release.

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    1. I hope you enjoy the story when you read it, KateB, and enjoy Darcy's discomfort in being accosted by the ladies :)

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  31. Love you this excerpt from your new book Brenda! Looking forward to reading the entire book soon!!!

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  32. I really enjoy Brenda´s writing; especially loved "A Most Unlikely Couple" and "An Honourable Man". I am ready for "Taking Another Chance". Congrats!

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    1. I hope this book will become another favourite for you, Anna.

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  33. This book was a surprise for me. It showed another facet of Brenda. I recommend it to readers who complain about Brenda’s super-angst levels (she’s the master in that, isn’t she?)
    Of course there is a villainess you love to hate --you want to put her in a closet and yell at her every time Life treats you badly-- and all the familiar P&P characters.
    I wish it a good sail!
    Congratulations on the giveaway, Ceri, (please don’t include me in the giveaway as I have a copy) and the release, Brenda.
    Alexandra Rivers

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    1. Thanks so much for the comment, Alexandra. I'm glad you enjoyed the book.

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  34. I so love all of your books Brenda, and this one promises to be just as great as your others. I am really loving this trope of separation of a number of year for ODC and then a reunion when they are more mature. The opportunity for angst but even more joy to be had is so compelling. Best always, Brenda. Good luck on this new launch.

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  35. Wow! So many of you have commented since I was busy with doctor visits and such that I am completely surprised at the number. Thanks everyone for taking time to come over and show your support. You will never know how much that means to me, along with all your kind words. I did want to say that I was trying something new with this book (shout out to Alexandra) and praying my regular readers would enjoy it. Just wanted to focus entirely on Darcy and Lizzy in this one. :) Hugs to you all.

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    1. I love hosting you, Brenda, as you always bring such nice commenters with you. Such lovely supportive comments which must be enjoyable for you to read :)

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  36. I am definitely intrigued by the premise of this P&P variation and the excerpt was helpful to establish where Darcy and Elizabeth are right now. I'm just confused about who Lady Parker is. Is she related to Lady Matlock? And I thought Lord Matlock is an earl, a rung higher than a viscount. Since I didn't follow the story in the forum, it would be good if you can give me and others a heads up on who is who before the excerpt, Brenda.

    And thank you too for the giveaway. Please enter me Ceri, as I can receive Amazon Kindle e-book.

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    1. Do you know, the identity of Lady Parker didn't even occur to me, she's just an obstacle to be cleared in the journey to HEA!

      Good luck in the giveaway, Luthien :)

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  37. I apologize for not giving you a heads up Luthien84. Truthfully, I am been really busy and did not think to do that and, besides, I figured those intrigued enough would buy the book and find out. :) Lady Parker is Lady Matlock's sister. The reference to Viscount Sele is about Richard's older brother, who took over as earl for a short time before his death, when Richard gained the title. It's all in the book. :)

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  38. The winners have been posted! Thanks all who stopped by and commented:

    http://babblingsofabookworm.blogspot.com/2019/07/winners-of-taking-another-chance-by.html

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  39. We've had to choose another 2 winners, details here: http://babblingsofabookworm.blogspot.com/2019/07/winners-of-taking-another-chance-by.html

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If you're not logged in to Google please leave your name in your comment or it will post as anonymous. Thanks! - Ceri