Wednesday 26 July 2017

When We Are Married by Caitlin Williams Blog Tour and Giveaway

When We Are Married by Caitlin Williams - Blog Tour
Today the blog tour for Caitlin Williams' new book, the 'Pride & Prejudice' variation, 'When We Are Married' stops by. I get to share my review with you, and there is a giveaway of an ebook of the story for a commenter on this post. Read on for more details!

Book Description

Two sisters, one man. Someone’s heart is about to get broken.

Elizabeth Bennet quickly realises she has misjudged Mr Darcy. In Kent, she learns first impressions are not always accurate. His proposal is disastrous, insulting even, but when she reads his letter her heart begins to thaw, and her objections and prejudices start to melt away. Elizabeth decides to offer Mr Darcy a sliver of hope, an apology, and a second chance.

Yet when he begins to call at Gracechurch Street, determined to become a better man and humbled by Elizabeth’s reproofs, he unwittingly stirs the romantic hopes of another lady altogether.

Jane Bennet is bereft and confused, rejected by Charles Bingley. She is fearful of becoming an old maid and eager to fall in love with the very first gentleman who takes notice of her. Mr Darcy just happens to be everything her mother has wanted for her; rich and handsome, the perfect suitor.

Through crowded, industrious Cheapside, to the elegant ballrooms of Mayfair, Mr Darcy chases Elizabeth Bennet, unaware that the quiet unassuming girl who smiles too much, is fully intent on chasing him.

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Book Cover: When We Are Married by Caitlin Williams
When We Are Married by Caitlin Williams - My Review

I have had the pleasure of having Caitlin Williams visit Babblings of a Bookworm previously, but I haven’t read either of her full-length novels yet (‘Ardently’ and ‘The Coming of Age of Elizabeth Bennet’). This is not due to any lack of desire to read them, as they have fantastic reviews, it’s purely down to my TBR mountain! I’ve only read a short story of hers, ‘Death of a Bachelor’ in ‘The Darcy Monologues’ and it was one of my favourite stories in an excellent anthology so I jumped at the chance to have a review copy for this blog tour.

‘When We Are Married’ explores a variation which is a new one on me. What if Elizabeth returns to Hunsford Parsonage, having read her explanatory letter from Mr Darcy, and she hasn’t missed his farewell visit? Here, aware of how unfairly she has misjudged him, Elizabeth takes the opportunity to apologise to him, which is reciprocated by Darcy. He says that he will call on Jane in town, which Elizabeth understands to mean that he will try and repair the breach he caused between Jane and Bingley. So, rather than part on bad terms in Kent, Darcy has hope and Elizabeth is frankly confused about what she wants, although she is not unwilling to see him again.

However, Darcy finds that the friend who was ‘so easily guided that his worth was invaluable’ has decided that this is the moment to be firm, and he refuses to accompany Darcy on his calls and renew his acquaintance with Jane.
‘Bingley laughed. “Darcy, you sought to protect me and now I have had time to consider. I see that you have been a most excellent friend to me in this respect.”
When Elizabeth reaches London she finds that Darcy has called on Jane, as promised, with the aim of making himself agreeable to Elizabeth’s beloved sister. However, his attentions have been received with quite a different spirit than intended. What if, instead of being the truly modest girl that canon Jane was, she believed Mrs Bennet’s view of her? That she was so beautiful that any man might want her. Coming up to the age of 23, Jane is getting close to being ‘on the shelf’. Having been let down by Mr Bingley, Jane has determined on finding herself an eligible husband... and Mr Darcy is extremely eligible! He seems very keen to call in Gracechurch Street too, which clearly shows Jane how he feels about her. He may not be somebody who Lizzy likes, but Jane can’t help but feel that he would make her a very suitable husband.  
‘For the first time in months, she felt alive, wanted, and admired.’
Sticky situation! A self-delusional Jane? This is an interesting idea for a variation and despite the sisters’ closeness Ms Williams gives plausible reasons for them not confiding their feelings to one another – one keeping her certainty of a new admirer a secret, and the other dealing with a change in feelings towards an individual and the following uncertainty of feeling. The version of Mr Darcy presented in this story is quite frankly adorable. He has a wonderful sense of humour:
“You will have to talk to me sometime. I am not garrulous. I have said more in the last five minutes that I did all of yesterday put together. I shall depend much on you for conversation, when we are married.”
Elizabeth’s head snapped around suddenly, her gaze met his, and he almost laughed as shock overcame her whole countenance, her eyes were impossibly wide, her mouth hung open.’
He has a wonderful way of teasing Elizabeth, and ‘when we are married’ becomes somewhat of a theme. I loved to see a romantic, teasing side to Darcy even as much as Elizabeth did!
“I need to go away to recover from the shock of finding you in masterful possession of a quality I had not previously ascribed to you.” 
“Dishonesty perhaps, or presumption?” 
“No sir, a well-developed wit.”

Obviously, with two sisters, as close as they are, both having feelings towards the same man, at some point there will be a collision of sorts. I am not in the habit of disliking Jane Bennet. Although in canon she is quite perfect, she is also quite likeable because she is so modest. Not so much here! Jane takes an interesting character journey in this book, one which I haven’t seen explored before and I’m not sure that I found all of that part of the story entirely likely, however, I was pleased to travel a different road, in the company of such a delicious rendition of Mr Darcy.  I found this to be a very enjoyable variation and one I would recommend. I would rate this as a five star read.

5 star read

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Buy Links
This book is available to buy now, on Amazon US, Amazon UK and elsewhere. It's available on Kindle Unlimited and you can also add it on Goodreads.

Author Caitlin Williams
Author Biography

Caitlin Williams is the author of two novels, Ardently and the best-selling The Coming of Age of Elizabeth Bennet, both based on the characters from Pride and Prejudice. She’s a lifelong Austen devotee and lover of all things regency.

Originally from South London, Caitlin spent thirteen years as a detective in the Metropolitan Police, but is currently on a break from Scotland Yard so she can spend more time at home with her two children and write.


Book Cover: When We Are Married by Caitlin Williams
Giveaway Time!

Caitlin is kindly giving away an ebook of 'When We Are Married' to a commenter here, open internationally. To enter, just leave a comment on this post by the end of the day on Tuesday 1 August, ensuring that you leave a way for me to contact you.

Thank you so much to Caitlin for the giveaway, and for Claudine of Just Jane 1813 for arranging this mini blog tour! Please visit the other stops on the tour, listed below.

Blog Tour: When We Are Married by Caitlin Williams
Blog Tour Schedule

July 21 Austenesque Reviews / Guest Post Launch & Giveaway
July 22 Of Pens & Pages / Book Review & Giveaway
July 23 Just Jane 1813 / Book Review & Giveaway
July 24 More Agreeably Engaged /  Book Review & Giveaway
July 25 My Vices & Weaknesses / Excerpt Post & Giveaway
July 26 Babblings of a Bookworm / Book Review & Giveaway
July 27 From Pemberley to Milton / Book Review & Giveaway


51 comments:

  1. I've always passed Jane by in most stories but I really do enjoy when Jane is set up as a foil against Elizabeth. Or stories where Jane is is even slightly unlikable. Aside from the drama it creates, the change in character is just so much fun and she seems more interesting. I'll definitely enjoy this one!

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    1. It adds some spice to Jane doesn't it! I hope you enjoy the book when you read it :)

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  2. Thanks so much, Ceri. I'm thrilled you liked it and glad you could be part of the blog tour

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    1. I was very glad to take part in the blog tour Caitlin. All the best with the book :)

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  3. Glad to see that there is another story which also focuses on characters other than Darcy and Elizabeth

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    1. It's good to give the other characters a bit of page time, isn't it Vesper. We get to see some of the Colonel as well.

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  4. Glad to see you loved this story so much, Ceri! I'm really looking forward to reading it!

    newyorkgirl82(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Thanks Maria, best of luck in the giveaway. Thanks for stopping by and entering.

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    2. I hope you enjoy it too when you read it, Maria!

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  5. Sounds so I interesting.. It's being added to my TBR list! Would love a chance at the giveaway.

    Email:Sonya.Holt(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Thanks, best of luck in the giveaway. I hope you get to read it soon.

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    2. Hi there! Thanks for commenting and good luck in the giveaway :)

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  6. I am so glad you enjoyed this too! Tugs at the heartstrings and made me sigh in all the right places.

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    1. It made me sigh in all the Darcy places. I just loved him <3

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  7. Lovely review, Ceri. The tidbits you chose are delicious! I have this so please do not enter me.

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  8. Great review. I gave it 5 stars, although I did think of deducting one for it's being unputdownable. 3am is really too late to be going to sleep but I was in ' just one more chapter' mode!!! Please don't enter me in the draw and Caitlin - maybe a sequel?????

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    1. Glynis - I am so sorry about the sleep deprivation. Please don't deduct a star - I need all the ones I can get:)
      Thanks so much for stopping by and lovely to hear you enjoyed it so much.

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    2. Well luckily I started this at a good time of day, Glynis, because I read it all in one go and finished at a time that was still not naughty!

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  9. Exciting!!!! I can't wait to read it!

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    1. It was exciting to find a new concept for a variation. I hope you enjoy it too Missy!

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  10. I read and loved this book. 5 star review from me also. Read it.

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    1. I am glad you enjoyed it too, Sheila :)

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  11. Loving this blog tour! Can't wait to read!

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    1. Hi Becky, I hope you enjoy this when you read it too :)

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  12. I am of the same mindset as Glynis... I read it in one setting. I could not put it down and was up in the wee hours of the morning in order to finish it. OMG! I had the fuzzy head to prove it. I was worthless the rest of the day. I gave it 5-stars and loved it. Don't include me in the give-a-way. I just wanted to comment as I stalk you through your blog tour. Yeah... I'm a fangirl.

    In the future... you might put a caveat or warning on your books. I mean... this is possibly dangerous to one's health. LOL!! Love your work. Hope you have a blessed time in this launch and I wish you much success.

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    1. That's a good idea, Jeanne, a warning not to start the book too late in the day! It was a one session read for me too, but luckily I started early :)

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  13. I also gave it 5 stars in my own reading list. I just loved it! The suspens between the 2 sisters is untenable and the outcome grandiose! Please don't include me in the give away.

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    1. Hi Rosa. I was waiting in suspense for the truth to come out! Glad you enjoyed it too.

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  14. Thanks Ceri for your lovely review. :) I love stories with a bit different Jane.
    Congratulations. :)

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    1. Hi Kate, this was an usual Jane, one who believed in her mother's hype rather than the truly modest girl we are used to.

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  15. Hi Ceri,

    Must say that I loved your review!!

    And,like you,I'd be more than happy 'to travel a different road,in the company of such a delicious rendition of Mr Darcy'!
    In fact,I can't wait to make his aquaintance!!!

    Can just imagine how high the angstometer is in this tale,sister pitted against sister,both mired in misunderstandings,misconceptions and myriad other misfortunes!!

    I can well believe the others' comments regarding the sleep deprivation suffered as a result of simply having to find out what was going to happen next! I sufferered from this malady while reading The Coming of Age of E.Bennet!!!
    Sleep,I've come to suspect,is seriously overrated!!! ��

    Cheers for such a great review,Ceri. I enjoyed reading your thoughts and glad it merited 5*!
    Caitlin,best of luck with your new book!


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    1. Thank you Mary. I'd recommend starting this one early in the day so that your sleep doesn't suffer.

      The Darcy in this was so lovely. I was half in love with him myself :)

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  16. Loved the review! This sounds like a great read! I love dialogue with such wit and pacing. Thanks for a chance at winning.
    Nicole_a_baur(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Thanks Nicole. Good luck in the giveaway :)

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  17. Lovely review! I have to admit that my excitement to read this book is tempered by a bit of trepidation about the Jane story line. I do hope that everybody finds their happy ending. BTW, you need to push Coming of Age to the top of your TBR list. It is quite longer than many JAFFs but I simply could not put it down. teaguide dot net at gmail dot com

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    1. Thank you! Don't worry too much about the outcome, all will be well. I definitely need to read TCoAoEB but I don't know whether I should read Ardently first. My TBR list is full of such awesome stuff, I wish I had more time!

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  18. Thanks for a lovely review once more, Ceri. Humour and angst - sounds like the perfect package!

    I love the fact that there seem to be so many quotable pieces in this book!

    “I need to go away to recover from the shock of finding you in masterful possession of a quality I had not previously ascribed to you.”

    “Dishonesty perhaps, or presumption?”

    “No sir, a well-developed wit.”

    That one made me laugh out loud just now as I'm sitting at my computer. No one else in the house right now thank goodness, or I'd be answering questions!

    Like you Ceri, Ardently and The Coming of Age of Elizabeth Bennet are residing in my TBR pile that has gone beyond mountainous and is now the size of a small moon. I simply loved Death of a Bachelor in The Darcy Monologues (not finished the whole book yet but so far I've not been able to pick a favourite).

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    1. Glad you enjoyed the review Anji!

      I loved Death of a Bachelor in The Darcy Monologues too. I had 3 favourites in the anthology, and this was one of them :)

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  19. Ceri, great review! I did want to hit Bingley in the head and say "really, now you decide to develop a backbone?" I love all of Caitlin's writing! You should definitely read both sooner rather than later!

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    1. I know Dung, what inconvenient timing! Canon Darcy was very lucky that Bingley could be so easily directed to fix things.

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  20. Mr Darcy sounds adorable in this story. I love the way he teases Elizabeth. Thanks for the review and giveaway. jadseah4 (at) yahoo (dot) com

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    1. He's so adorable, I am used to seeing Elizabeth being cheeky but it was good to see Darcy being cheeky too!

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  21. Lovely review, Ceri. As Caitlin knows, I was reluctant to read the story, due to the potential angst LOL. However, I am glad I did - it was absolutely delicious! :-) Please do NOT count me in the giveaway, I already have the book.

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    1. Ah yes, Lory, I remember, you only like angst if you are the one writing it! As a fellow angst-weenie, I can certify that this is a safe read :)

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  22. Oh no, don't do this to Jane Bennet. It would be awful to find out that Darcy is actually courting her sister rather than her. And she will be disappointed twice and feel that Elizabeth has betrayed her. Hope there will be a happy ending for everyone involved.

    evangelineace2020(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Hi Luthien. I thought I would feel more sorry for Jane than I did. I felt most sorry for the fact that I felt it would damage the sisterly bond, because that's one of the lovely things that they have between them.

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  23. I read Ardently so I'd love to read this one.

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    1. Forgot my email: catbooks72@gmail.com

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    2. I still have that one on my TBR. So many books, so little time!

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  24. I've emailed the winner, but have had no reply as yet. If you are the winner and haven't received my email, please can you message me? Thank you :)

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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